Overview & Reviews
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has long been the monster hauler in the Silverado lineup. Serving as the go-to vehicle for towing and hauling huge loads across America, a 3500 "dually" is a truck that many people consider essential for tugging a Boston Whaler or the family's fifth-wheel Coachmen.
Although Chevrolet has used the "Silverado" name as a trim level on its old C/K pickup, it didn't decide to make it an official full-size truck name until 1999. Even then, it wasn't applied to the 3500 until Chevy's heavy-duty pickup trucks were completely redesigned a couple of years later. (Further information about the current-generation 3500, the 3500HD, is available here.)
While the Silverado 3500 could have benefited from better interior materials, its durability and tremendous hauling and towing abilities have kept generations of Chevy loyalists coming back to the gold bowtie. For shoppers interested in a used heavy-duty pickup that can take on just about any towing or hauling task, the Chevy Silverado 3500 is a solid choice.
Most Recent Chevrolet Silverado 3500
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 was sold from 2001-'06 and lived for one final year in 2007 as the "3500 Classic." These trucks came in standard, LS and LT trim levels. Changes to this truck were minimal during its run. There were updates made to exterior styling and the interior for 2003, while a Work Truck trim was added for 2004. Further exterior tweaks were made for 2005. For 2006, there were three variations of the LT trim level. The 3500 was initially available only with dual rear wheels until the 2004 model year, when a regular rear axle version debuted.
The standard engine on the Chevy Silverado 3500 was a 6.0-liter V8 that made 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet 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 and refinement and fewer emissions. It was rated at 360 hp and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque. 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 being optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and the diesel engines came with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. (It became a six-speed for 2006.)
As is the case with the current 3500HD, 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 (for a huge truck) and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is probably the best choice for those who tow heavy loads -- especially if it's the updated version. Our principal beef with the Silverado 3500 concerned the shoddy interior design, materials and build quality. Chevy improved it gradually during its lifespan, but it was never quite up to snuff.
Past Chevrolet Silverado 3500 models
The previous-generation 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. "C3500") or four-wheel drive (indicated by a "K"). Trim levels for these C/K3500 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.
User Reviews:
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A lot of truck for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By Kyle Rodrigue - June 14 - 10:00 amDuramax diesel is worth the option price!
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brilliant - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By RED DRAGON 07 - April 28 - 2:00 amthis truck is the best thing i have ever drove in my life. it can pull anything, it is faster than dodge or ford, and it is more comfortable than any other truck
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Awesome Chevy Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By jamie - April 24 - 8:16 amFar and above out tows, pulls, performs, and has better fuel mileage than all my friends non GM cars.Three of my friends continuiously ask to borrow my Chevy to pull thier large loads, especially on long trips for the comfort and many options not on their trucks.
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Good truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By doug - December 28 - 3:50 pmI have had all three brands of trucks. This one hauls and rides the best. As far as reliability, I have been more than pleased. GM hit the right cue when putting this truck together. Duramax/Allison, best combination. I tow a 44 ft trailer @ 26000lbs and get 10-11.5 mpg. I will be hard pressed to go back to a different brand. Great work GM!
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2002 3500 SILVERADO - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By evy - December 8 - 2:00 amWhat an improvement over my 98. This Duramax engine and Allison trans really make a trailer puller, and so nice to drive.
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Awsome Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By Travis Hendew - November 26 - 10:00 amI like my truck.
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Very Happy Aussie - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By Billydriving - October 29 - 5:36 pmPurchased with 7000 miles on clock to tow my 33 ft.Fifth Wheel touring USA for eventual shipping to Australia for touring Australia with fifth wheel also shipped home. Extremely happy with incredible power from 8.1 L/Allison. Great ride even on our sub-standard roads. I cannot complain about 7 mpg towing over 10000 lbs. Love this truck!! Big size a problem in city driving/parking but excellent in purpose truck was bought for-towing.
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My Review of my 3500 Chevrolet - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By Andy Graves - September 10 - 1:56 amMy 3500 is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. If I hadnt bought this vehicle then I would be out of a job. When I looked at the price on my truck, I thought I would never find the vehicle I wanted. When I finally found my truck I thought I was going to faint. The salesrepresentative I spoke with was very understanding about my money problems. He gave me a good deal.
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Silverado 3500DRRW - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By greasemonkey - June 27 - 9:56 amGreat vehicle, I have not had any problems at all so far. Regular routine maintenance. Will pull anything I give it. Duramax is the way to go.
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Gutless Fuel Hog - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
By Loyal Stutzman - March 19 - 4:20 pm4.5 MPG loaded, 12 MPG empty! Duramax with Allison automatic transmision is a joke! Low power, worse fuel economy! This was by far the worst value for my money since I started buying vehicles in 1986! Will soon be selling this pile of junk for a more powerful, economical gas rig! I loved Chevy trucks until I bought this hunk of junk. You cant even start up an incline loaded without using low range 4X4! Forget quick take-off! Imagine 25 MPH uphill in the Rockies for miles and miles! Yes, I bought it brand new, had it dealer serviced right on schedule, all the updates they had, etc. and still no performance!
