Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT1 Regular Cab

Though "HD" has become common parlance, rest assured that the HD part of "Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD" does not in fact involve plasma or LCD TVs. In this case we're talking the old-fashioned meaning of HD: "Heavy Duty." As Chevy's 3/4-ton full-size pickup, the 2500HD is a true workhorse meant for big-league power, towing and hauling capabilities.

Although previously the name of a trim level on the old C/K pickup, "Silverado" became Chevy's full-size truck name in 1999. "HD," meanwhile, was applied in 2001 for heavy-duty versions of the regular-strength 2500. (Previously, HD had also been a trim level rather than a dedicated model.) Sound confusing? Well it is, and it all makes for a convoluted model history that rivals that of Dark Ages French royalty. Even for 2007, there were two 2500HDs on sale: an all-new redesigned model and the previous-generation 2500HD, which was being sold as the "Classic."

While the radically improved interiors that appeared for the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD enhance the big pickups' desirability, it will always be this truck's durability and tremendous hauling and towing abilities that have kept generations of Chevy loyalists coming back to the gold bowtie. For an intermediate heavy-duty pickup, it's hard to go wrong with the Silverado 2500HD.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The current Silverado 2500HD is much improved over the past version in terms of cabin materials and build quality. Where there was once an abundance of lackluster design, hard plastic and uneven panel gaps there's now richly grained upholstery, softer materials and precise fitments.

The 2500HD is available in regular-, extended- or crew-cab designs, with a long or short wheelbase and with rear- or four-wheel drive. The extended and crew-cab body styles are offered in four trim levels: Work Truck, LT1, LT2 and the top-line LTZ. The regular cabin can only be had in Work Truck and LT1 trims.

Standard on all Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD pickups is a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 353 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The burly Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque is optional. Its standard Allison six-speed automatic is well-suited for towing and hauling large loads.

We placed the last-generation Silverado heavy-duty on top of its Ford and Dodge competitors in a comparison test and have no reason to doubt a similar outcome today. In our experience, the Silverado is now more competent, refined and easier to drive. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate what heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) the Silverado 2500HD is a solid decision.

Past Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The previous-generation Silverado 2500HD was sold from 2001-'06 and lived on for one additional year as the "Classic." There was a heavy-duty package available for the light-duty Silverado 2500 in 1999 and 2000. That light-duty 3/4-ton has been discontinued.

In terms of updates, there were changes made to exterior and interior styling for 2003, with further exterior tweaks for 2005. These trucks came in standard, Work Truck (after 2003), LS and LT trim levels. The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 that made 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. There were two optional engines: an 8.1-liter gasoline V8 producing 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel producing 300 hp and 520 lb-ft.

This diesel was upgraded in 2006 for more power (360 hp and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque), more refinement and fewer emissions. These engines carried over for the Classic. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with the 6.0-liter V8, with a four-speed automatic optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and the 6.6-liter diesel came with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic (which became a six-speed for 2006).

As with the current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, we were always impressed by this generation's powerful engine lineup and substantial towing and hauling abilities. It was a reasonably comfortable truck for everyday use, but don't expect the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the three available engines will provide swift acceleration and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is probably the best choice for those who tow heavy loads -- especially the more powerful 2006 Duramax. Our principal beef concerns the shoddy interior design, materials and build quality. Chevy improved it gradually during its lifespan, but it was never quite up to snuff.

The previous generation of Chevrolet heavy-duty pickups ran from 1988-2000 and were simply known by their number nomenclature -- 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (1-ton). In keeping with tradition, one could choose either rear-wheel drive (indicated by a "C", e.g. "C2500") or four-wheel drive (indicated by a "K"). Trim levels for these C/K2500 trucks include the base Cheyenne and top-line Silverado, which later changed to base and LS for 1999. Strengths of these trucks include strong, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and materials within the cabin.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.