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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  Piece of Crap - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By chevy guy - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I had this pickup of about a month then it broke down. I had to have it towed and repaired. Found out that the engine was messed up. Thats the last time that I buy a chevy!

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  No oil pressure when driven 30 miles - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By paul - November 21 - 8:26 am

  I have a 2004 3500 4 wheel drive ex cab. I like the truck very much. I have had it about 1 year now. I have a problem and no will answer without charging me for the answer or suggestions. It is a 6.6 diesel the oil pressure is about 70 pounds when I start it up drive about 30 miles it goes to zero but no engine noise. It has 86,000 miles on it Paul, thanks for listening to me

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  3500 DURAMAX DIESEL dually 4x4 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Nemecek - June 30 - 5:13 pm

  after having Dodge diesel for couple years, this new Chevy truck has huge power when used to tow boat or move building materials, but is very friendly inside with a lot of every day features to make anybody happy.

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  This is a tow beast! - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Jim - December 16 - 2:16 pm

  Purchased this vehicle specifically to tow our ToyHauler (07 Weekend Warrior 32 foot long travel trailer). Fully loaded it weighs about 11,000 lbs. We travel in the west, so mountain driving is the norm. I am pleased with the towing ability and ride comfort this vehicle affords. While deciding which vehicle to buy, I researched other brands and kept coming back to this one over and over again. It basically sold itself.

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  3500 Duramax CrewCab 4WD - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By T.D. Ball - June 15 - 9:16 am

  Without a doubt the best truck I have ever owned. The more I drive it, the better I like it. Fuel ecomony is 18-24 highway . In town is 16-18. High headwind, tall hills and foot to the floor bring mileage way down. Not lacking power for anything I do. Quiet, smooth and comfortable. Normal conversation at any highway speed is not a problem.

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  the exterior is terrible - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Tod bryant - February 18 - 2:00 am

  the front end of this truck is awful hard to clean yet not very appealing the ford is so much better. a different front bumper would help. cheap looking wheels typical for a chevy. The rugged looks seems to be missing the powerful durmax is way over priced and doesnt offer has much horse power or torgue as the ford or dodge. interior is yet maybe a little behind the time. the dash looks the same as it always has you chevy owners know what im talking about it to plain and some spice would help check the new f-150 or dodge. The price WOW! the ford is lower priced by thousands. the ford is stronger built more powerful and better looking.

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  Chevrolet C3500 evaluation - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Bill Riordan - September 5 - 3:50 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle, equipped with 6.6L Duramax diesel engine and Allison five speed automatic transmission. Have gotten 16 miles per gallon on highway trip, driving at the posted speed limit (70+).

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  Good Work Truck - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Sean - June 19 - 12:30 pm

  Ive driven this truck almost exclusively on gravel and dirt roads in Iraq. This truck has plenty of torque and loads of hp. It has an awesome exhaust note. The Iraqi army is also using these trucks to supplement their HMMWVs. Rear seat could use some more leg room, its hard to get out of the back.

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  Great truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By LB - March 31 - 9:46 am

  I drive this truck as my primary vehicle. It has plenty of power when towing less then 12000 pounds or so. IFS front suspension is much softer then earlier 3500s. It has a decent ride for a one ton. The 6 speed manual trans. is a lot of fun. First gear is very low and will get even the heaviest trailers rolling. Quiet inside the cab. Radio controls on the steering wheel are very nice to have. 4WD works easily and always locks in fast. Steaeo is nice for a truck. Good fuel economy. About 19 MPG highway (bobtail), and 17 MPG city. You could improve those numbers by staying off the throttle a bit. Brakes are very heavy duty. Worn less then 50% at 86000 miles. Nice truck.

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  Another GM lemon - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Matt Bell - March 5 - 4:50 pm

  Has electrical problems. Intermittantly wont start. Also has transmission problems when slowed down under heavy load, I lose gears. Appears the torque converter runs away. GM cant fix electrical problem. I filed and was awarded a lemon law buy back. GM is miserable to deal with and has been dragging their feet every step of the way. Would not recommend any Chevrolet truck to anyone. Personally will never purchase another one. I am already out $6000.00+ and still waiting for GM to buy the vehicle back from me per the arbitrators decision.