Overview & Reviews

Though "HD" is a fixture in our digital-age parlance, rest assured that the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD does not, in fact, involve a television. In this case we're talking about the old-fashioned meaning of HD: "Heavy Duty." The Silverado 2500HD is a true workhorse meant for big-league towing and hauling tasks, even if the latest model does offer an HD-quality 8-inch touchscreen.

Indeed, the current-generation Silverado 2500HD has easily the nicest interior yet. For years, Chevy trucks were rebuked for their lackluster cabins filled with hard plastics and poor fit and finish, but this criticism now only applies to earlier 2500HD models. Nonetheless, it will always be this truck's durability and tremendous workaday capabilities that keep generations of Chevy loyalists coming back to the gold bowtie. For an intermediate heavy-duty pickup, new or used, it's hard to go wrong with the Silverado 2500HD.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The current Silverado 2500HD has been redesigned for the 2015 model year. It borrows its vastly improved interior from the latest Silverado 1500; similarly, its numerous new features and revised exterior styling are inspired by its lighter-duty sibling. Like the previous 2500HD, the current model is available in regular-, extended- or crew cab body styles, with a long or short cargo box and rear- or four-wheel drive. Note that the extended cab is now known as the "double cab" and employs four conventional doors (like a smaller crew cab) rather than the former reverse-opening rear doors.

The powertrain options carry over from the previous generation, meaning a 6.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque comes standard. As before, a "bi-fuel" option allows this V8 to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), with CNG output dropping to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft. Either way, a six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting. The available diesel engine is the familiar 6.6-liter Duramax V8 (397 hp, 765 lb-ft), paired with an exclusive Allison six-speed automatic.

The double and crew cab body styles are offered in three trim levels -- Work Truck, LT and LTZ -- while the regular cab can only be had in Work Truck and LT trims. In terms of standard equipment, the Work Truck gets a few unprecedented perks, such as cloth upholstery, cruise control and an audio system with a 4.2-inch color display and USB connectivity. It also continues to provide basics like a front bench seat, steel wheels, a tilt-only steering wheel and air-conditioning. The LT adds alloy wheels, tinted glass, heated power mirrors, an "EZ-Lift and Lower" tailgate, OnStar, MyLink smartphone integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio. The LTZ boasts larger wheels, foglights, extended chrome trim, an automatic locking rear differential, a power-sliding rear window, towing preparation, leather upholstery (with optional power front bucket seats), heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera and an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen.

As usual, some of the fancier standard features can be added to lower trims as options. Other extras include power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio and the Z71 Off-Road package with special suspension components. A new offering is the High Country package, which emulates high-end rival models with saddle-brown leather and basically every premium feature in the order guide. The 2500HD also gains high-tech safety options like lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert.

With its carryover engines, the latest Silverado 2500HD offers only incremental progress on the towing and hauling fronts. Of course, the previous model was already an absolute beast, so it makes sense that Chevy would focus on other areas. In particular, the interior is a revolutionary improvement -- even the Work Truck dashboard looks respectable now, while the LTZ's leather trim and 8-inch touchscreen would do a luxury SUV proud. We used to bag on the 2500HD for its chintzy cabin, but now it's fully competitive in this respect. We also like the new double cab with its four normal doors; it's a "Why didn't they think of that before?" kind of idea. Throw in the epic, time-tested Duramax diesel, and you've got an all-around winner that's hard to beat. Things change quickly in this segment, though, so be sure to keep tabs on the latest from Ford and Ram as well.

Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Models
The previous-generation Silverado 2500HD was produced for the 2007-'14 model years with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 initially rated at 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 made 365 hp and 660 lb-ft. The gas V8 inched up to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft for 2010; meanwhile, the Duramax was overhauled for 2011 with 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. All 2500HD models of this generation were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the diesel got a stronger one (not that the standard unit was exactly a weakling) with manual shift control.

For 2013 and '14 only, buyers could add a bi-fuel option that allows the 6.0-liter V8 to run on either gasoline or CNG. When operating with CNG, power output drops to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.

This Silverado 2500HD offered three different cab designs -- regular, extended and crew -- until 2014, when the extended cab was dropped. The extended cab utilized a traditional "clamshell" design with reverse-opening rear doors. There were three trim levels: Work Truck, LT and LTZ. The Work Truck started with basics like manual accessories and vinyl seating, though air-conditioning was also made standard as of 2011. The LT added luxuries like chrome exterior trim, alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, cloth upholstery and upgraded audio, with optional dual-zone automatic climate control and front bucket seats. The fancy LTZ threw in the LT's standard and optional features plus leather upholstery, Bose audio, keyless entry and ignition, an upgraded dashboard, heated power front seats and rear audio controls. Options included a rear-seat entertainment system, a sunroof, a navigation system and the Z71 Off-Road package.

In an Edmunds.com comparison test of heavy-duty pickups, the mechanically identical GMC Sierra HD of this generation came out on top against its Dodge and Ford competitors. Though we found its cabin less inviting than the others, the recently revised frame, suspension and diesel engine proved hard to beat. As such, a used Silverado 2500HD from this era makes for a great used truck. Its capabilities remain formidable, and depreciation can deliver one to your driveway for a fraction of what it cost new.

Even though its appearance remained largely unchanged, this 2500HD saw some significant changes during its run. The 2011 model received a stronger, fully boxed frame, beefier suspension components and additional electronic aids, so that's something to keep in mind when looking at previous years. As noted above, the engines were also updated along the way. Other changes were minor, including an optional rearview camera for 2009 and hard-drive-based functionality for the navigation system in 2011.

The preceding Silverado 2500HD was sold from 2001-'06 in configurations much like those of its successors. It lived on for one additional year in '07 as the "Classic." 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 650 lb-ft of torque), added 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 subsequent Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD models, we were impressed at the time by this generation's powerful engine lineup and substantial towing and hauling abilities. It was a reasonably comfortable truck for everyday use, but it predictably lacked the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the three available engines will provide capable acceleration and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is the best choice for those who tow heavy loads -- especially the more powerful Duramax from '06. Our principal beef concerned the subpar interior design, materials and build quality. Chevy improved it gradually during its lifespan, including notable updates for '03, but it was never quite up to snuff.

Prior to this, Chevrolet heavy-duty pickups ran from 1988-2000 and were simply known as the 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 included the base Cheyenne and top-line Silverado, which 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.

User Reviews:

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  TOO MUCH FUEL - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By STROKER - June 15 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THE TRUCK HATE THE FUEL ECONOMY.IM AVERAGING 10 MPG. THE WORST FUEL CONSUMING TRUCK IVE EVER OWNED

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  This truck is no good - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By marc - January 2 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned 9 new vehicles in my life with 4 of them purchased to use for a business. This truck is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I have never had so many different things wrong with one vehicle. Today was the last straw. 40,000 miles and the water pump is out. This vehicle has had electrical problems and still does, radio issues 5 different factory radios,it is on its 3rd exhaust system, tailgate latch issues, seat covers defective, seat belts wearing out and fraying, suspension issues in the front that a frame shop had to repair steering shaft had to be replaced the threshold on the rocker panel was broken and had to replaced. I am running out of room to name everthing

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  Just dont Know - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Eric - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Well I guess my roots run deep with GM. Got the truck used off a dealer lot with 90000 miles on it. While test driving the truck it performed and looked in excellent condition. The motor and tranny on this truck, as previous GM trucks Ive owned is stout and reliable. Now, As for every thing else well lets just leave it at that for now. Owned a 98 Gmc before this one and it was one of the best vehicles Ive owned, but in the recent years Ive heard and witness a lot of bad rap from GM and was skeptical of buying another. I guess it was the love for that bowtie.

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  2nd time, shame on me - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Troy - March 4 - 2:16 pm

  Cannot say enough about the power of the 6.6 Duramax, handles grades up and down quite well. The seats are very comfortable, both front and rear; with three kids, it had to be. Not nearly as impressed with the finish as this is the second new GM/Chevy product I have owned in the past 12 years and both were of far less quality finish than the competition. Fortunately for GM/Chevy, it was the heart, not the looks, Shame on GM/Chevy for their lack of quality control on the exterior finish.

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  2007 Silverado 2500 HD - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By 66elcamino - January 9 - 6:33 pm

  Very poor performance, Everytime brakes applied, transmission shifted into neutral, truck would then rev up and jerk when you accelerated. Drivers side power window made terrible squealing sound as it went up or down. The speed control was disgusting. Couldnt adjust from downhill to uphill fast enough and would kick-out. Ive had chevy trucks for 40+ years and lots of good ones, but this one was terrible. Chevy and the dealers didnt seem to care. Considering the cost of these trucks, they should be better

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  Nightmare - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By HarleyFXDL - October 28 - 8:50 pm

  I bought this truck used with 72k miles. It has the 8.1/Allison combo. Right from the start the windshield washer,horn,interior lights did not work. I noticed many electrical glitches coming and going. Now the trans is giving me troubles not to mention the piston slap. Chevy refuses to take responsibilty for any of the issues. I understand the truck has 78k now and is 7 yrs old, but this many problems should not occur this early. Had Fords my whole life and never had this many problems. I tried Chevy and the problems never stop coming. They dont offer enough space to list all that has gone wrong. Chevy step up or you will lose customers!

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  chevy lemon - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By mattl - October 6 - 2:00 am

  to many problems for a new vehicle in this day and age. the 2500 hd pick up truck that i purchased had a cracked oil pan, the rear end leaks, all door locks have fallen off on the inside of truck, leaf spring pads have fallen out, the left rear door on the crew cab does not open, and when it rains the truck jerks back and fourth like the transmission is going to fall out. chevy has had a very poor response to all the problems i had with this truck. Its one big lemon and its my problem because i purchased the truck. my company owns six other chevys trucks but this will most likely be my last purchase of a new chevy truck.

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  2500 HD wimpy truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By JELAY114 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is strong off the dealer lot. After a few miles it was nothing but problems. bad transfer case, 3 BCMs, wiring harnesses, fuel economy, now I have just found diesel in the crankcase...

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  Crew cab - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By rdouglas - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the smaller engine thiking that would be all I would need. If you are going to buy this truck get the bigger engine. With the small engine I am getting between 10 and 11 mpg. The short bed does not allow for a larger fuel tank so plan accordingly. Im getting rid of mine and buying a diesel.

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  3/4 Ton/HD 6.0L Eng. Problems. - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Matt Bell - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Has an engine tick which Gen Mtrs. says is piston slap. Misses when any loading such as going up even a slight hill. Local dealer has been working with GM engineers was told currently is no fix? Told Gen. Mtrs. knew of a "FEW" 6.0L engines that do this. Should not have released them if they knew there was a problem. currently trying to get vehicle repaired/replaced under "Lemon Law". Vehicle only has 4500MI. on it.