Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT1 Regular Cab Shown

The "HD" part of Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD does not, in fact, indicate that this truck features crystal-clear wide-screen picture quality. If you did think this was some sort of high-definition Chevy truck, perhaps a smaller pickup is in order because anyone who needs big-league power, towing and hauling capabilities should already know that in the truck world, HD stands for Heavy Duty. And with stiffened suspensions, sturdier frames, powerful engine choices and available dual rear wheels, the 1-ton 3500HD Silverado is a true workhorse worthy of the letters HD.

The Silverado 3500HD is representative of the latest generation of Chevy's heavy-duty pickups. Previous to this, the truck was known just as the Silverado 3500, and before that, the C/K3500. Introduced for 2007, the Silverado 3500HD rides on a long wheelbase and is available with a regular or dual-rear-wheel axle. This "dually" body style is the monster hauler in the Silverado lineup and the go-to vehicle for towing and hauling huge loads all across America.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The current Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is much improved over the past 1-ton Silverado 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 3500HD is available in regular, extended or crew cab designs, with rear- or four-wheel drive, and with optional dual rear wheels. The extended and crew cab body styles are offered in four trim levels: Work Truck, LT1, LT2 and the more luxurious LTZ that features an upgraded cabin with the same higher-quality dashboard found in the Tahoe and Suburban. The regular cab can only be had in Work Truck and LT1 trims.

Standard on all Silverado 3500HD 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. The Duramax comes mated to an Allison six-speed automatic that is well-suited for towing and hauling large loads.

We placed the last-generation Silverado 3500 on top of its Ford and Dodge competitors in a comparison test and have no reason to doubt a similar outcome today. Based on our experiences with the redesigned 1500, 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 3500HD is a solid decision.

Past Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Models

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was all-new for 2007. It had previously been known simply as the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 since 2001. Prior to that, Chevy's full-size pickups had just a C or K designation, with rear-wheel-drive trucks being indicated by a "C" (e.g. "C3500") and four-wheel-drive trucks indicated by a "K."

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500HD MODEL YEAR*

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