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2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Review
Chevrolet's full-size pickup returns from its 1999 redesign in half-ton 1500-series models and light-duty 3/4-ton 2500s with regular or extended cabs, 2- or 4-wheel drive, and base, LS or LT trim. GMC's Sierra offers a similar lineup. Heavy-duty 2500s still use the older C/K design for 2000. This report covers Silverado 2500s.

The big news is an optional left-side rear door for extendeds to supplement their standard right-side door. Both cab styles offer flush-fender Fleetside cargo boxes of 6.5 and 8.1 feet. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. GM's exclusive adjustable ride control option offers two levels of shock absorber firmness to suit road or load.

A 5.3-liter V8 is standard for 2500s with gross vehicle weights of 7200-8600 pounds, but retuning tacks on 15 horsepower this year. A 6.0-liter V-8 remains optional for those models and standard with GVWs over 8600 pounds. Both engines team with manual or automatic transmission, the latter with a Tow/Haul mode that reduces shifting under heavy loads. Silverado's AutoTrac is the only 4-wheel-drive on a full-size pickup that can be used on dry pavement, engaging the front axle when rear-wheel slip is detected. It can also be locked in 4WD. Maximum tow capacities are 11,000 pounds for 4x2s and 10,500 for 4x4s.

Among lesser changes for 2000 are a standard self-dimming inside mirror for LS and LT models and programmable power door locks for LTs. A factory-fit bed tonneau cover is a new option.
Competition
With the advent of crossover vehicles the segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility.
News
Today's big-truck lineups are so broad and complex that manufacturers just aren't able to redesign and start producing all variations at once. That's why Chevy introduced its 2000 Silverado in only the most popular light-duty models. Now that that's done, new-design heavy-duty ?- and one-ton models will roll out for 2001. Also on deck is a 4-door Crew Cab body style for all Silverado chassis, a reply to Ford's 2001 F-150 SuperCrew.

In addition, the '01 Silverado line will feature a new 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 to replace the elderly 6.5-liter unit. A joint project between General Motors and Isuzu, the Duramax features four valves per cylinder instead of two and direct instead of indirect fuel injection, both of which should increase fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. With direct injection, fuel is squirted into the cylinders instead of being mixed with air in a pre-chamber.

Further out is the prospect of optional 4-wheel steering to make these big rigs easier to park. Several Japanese cars offered 4WS about a decade ago, but the idea found little buyer acceptance, partly because of its high price. But 4WS makes a lot of sense for large pickups and sport-utility vehicles, and CONSUMER GUIDE magazine recently got a look at General Motors' new Quadrasteer system. It works well, providing a much tighter turning circle and consequently easier parking.

Just when Quadrasteer might be available is a bit hazy now, GM saying only that the feature could arrive in two years time. Industry insiders tip that GMC, the company's "premium truck" brand, would offer it before Chevrolet, and probably on big pickups rather than full-size SUVs. Still, where GMC leads, Chevy trucks usually follow, so Silverados might well be available with Quadrasteer by 2004.
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy
Instruments/controls Ride
Optional full-time 4WD
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
5 6 4.9

We like the 5.3-liter V8 best, but the 4.8 handles most light-duty chores just fine. The automatic's Tow/Haul mode and Sierra's optional adjustable suspension are welcome features, however, since 70 percent of big-pickup buyers haul or tow at some point.
Fuel Economy

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
1 2 1.7

Fuel economy isn't so fine. We averaged just 13.6 mpg with an automatic 5.3-liter extended-cab 4x4.
Ride Quality

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
4 4 3.4

Ride quality is good for a big pickup, but the usual empty-bed tail jitter can occur over bumps--especially on 2500 and Heavy Duty models. Pickups with the optional electronic suspension are less prone to this jittery ride.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
4 4 3.4

Brakes offer a firm feel and progressive pedal action, while steering is precise despite too much power assist.
Quietness

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
4 5 4.4

Road, wind, and engine noise are not objectionable.
Controls

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
5 7 6.6

Sierra follows Silverado with gauges and controls that are best in class for design, feel, and location. We also like the engine-hour meter that supplements the usual mileage odometer.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
7 5 8

All models have roomy and supportive front seats with handy integrated safety belts that are always comfortably positioned. However, drivers with thick forearms will have trouble squeezing between the door panel and seat to reach the adjustment controls.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
0 5 2.4

GM's big extendeds also soundly trouce rivals for rear leg clearance and boast a contoured rear bench seat with reclined backrest that provides almost sedanlike comfort.
Cargo Room

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
1 6 3.4

GMC (Chevy too) has finally caught up with Ford and Dodge in the extended-cab "door race", and its doors not only open wide but have robust exterior pull handles instead of slip-prone flippers. A standard spare-tire lock is another plus.
Value within Class

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
5 8 6.6

Though a step behind the rival F-250 in some ways, the Silverado and Sierra 2500s win a Best Buy nod for their attractive blend of performance, comfort, design, utility, and pricing.
Total Score

2500 2WD reg. cab, 5.3 2500HD 4WD ext. cab, 6.0 Class Average
36 52 44.8
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
35
Average Score
44
High Score
61
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/18/1999
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base regular cab long bed, 5.3 $20,885 $18,274 $690
2WD heavy-duty Base regular cab long bed, 6.0 $20,489 $17,928 $690
4WD heavy-duty Base regular cab long bed, 6.0 $23,589 $20,640 $690
2WD Base extended cab short bed, 5.3 $23,035 $20,156 $690
2WD heavy-duty Base extended cab long bed, 6.0 $22,939 $20,072 $690
4WD heavy-duty Base extended cab short bed, 6.0 $25,739 $22,522 $690
4WD heavy-duty Base extended cab long bed, 6.0 $26,039 $22,784 $690
2WD LS regular cab long bed, 5.3 $23,657 $20,700 $690
2WD heavy-duty LS regular cab long bed, 6.0 $23,261 $20,353 $690
4WD heavy-duty LS regular cab long bed, 6.0 $26,361 $23,066 $690
2WD LS extended cab short bed, 5.3 $25,807 $22,581 $690
2WD heavy-duty LS extended cab long bed, 6.0 $25,711 $22,497 $690
4WD heavy-duty LS extended cab short bed, 6.0 $28,511 $24,947 $690
4WD heavy-duty LS extended cab long bed, 6.0 $28,811 $25,210 $690
2WD LT extended cab short bed, 5.3 $28,662 $25,079 $690
2WD heavy-duty LT extended cab long bed, 6.0 $29,660 $25,953 $690
4WD heavy-duty LT extended cab short bed, 6.0 $32,835 $28,731 $690
4WD heavy-duty LT extended cab long bed, 6.0 $33,135 $28,993 $690
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine (2500), 6.0-liter V8 engine (2500 HD), 5-speed manual transmission (2500 HD) or 4-speed automatic transmission (2500).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, third door (extended cab), vinyl split bench seat, rear bench seat (extended cab), cupholders, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, engine hour meter, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo box light, intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Dual outside mirrors, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper, 7-lead trailer harness.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, LT225/75R16D tires (2500), LT245/75R16E tires (2500 HD), 4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LS adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player, cloth reclining 40/20/40 split bench seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, overhead console, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Heavy-duty air cleaner (2500 HD), chrome steel wheels (2500), 4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LT extended cab adds to LS:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 6-way power front seats w/driver seat memory, floor console, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror w/compass and outside temperature indicator, rear defogger, heated power mirrors, deep-tinted glass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: full-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Exterior Appearance Pkg.
Base
$625
$538
Chrome grille, chrome rear step bumper, bodyside moldings, chrome steel wheels.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD, 2WD 2500 HD
$325
$280
2500
$285
$245
ordered w/Trailering Pkg.
$190
$163
Heavy-duty cooling, heavy-duty alternator. NA LT.
Trailering Pkg.
w/6.0-liter engine
$325
$280
w/5.3-liter engine
$285
$245
Trailer hitch platform, engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler. Requires automatic transmission.
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine
2500
$335
$305
Requires Trailering Pkg. Includes heavy-duty air cleaner.
5-speed manual transmission
2500 (credit)
$-995
$-856
Requires 6.0-liter engine.
4-speed automatic transmission
2500 HD Base/LS
$1,095
$942
Locking differential
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$285
$245
Autotrac full-time 4WD
4WD LS
$375
$323
Comfort and Convenience Features
Fourth door
extended cab
$330
$289
Air conditioning
Base
$825
$710
AM/FM/cassette
Base regular cab
$170
$146
Base extended cab
$150
$129
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS extended cab
$100
$86
Cellular telephone pre-wiring
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$50
$43
Cloth upholstery
Base, LS
$0
$0
Leather upholstery
LS extended cab
$1,480
$1,273
Includes dual 6-way power seats. Requires automatic transmission.
Bucket seats
LS
$425
$366
Dual 6-way power seats
LS extended cab
$480
$413
Power door locks
Base
$162
$139
Rear defogger
Base, LS
$175
$151
NA w/sliding rear window. Base requires air conditioning.
Automatic day/night mirror
LS
$175
$151
Includes compass, outside temperature indicator.
Heated power mirrors
LS
$42
$36
Requires rear defogger.
Carpeting
Base
$100
$80
Includes floormats
Cruise control
Base
$240
$206
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
LS
$140
$120
Chrome rear bumper
Base
$100
$86
Camper mirrors
Base
$60
$52
LS, LT (credit)
$-38
$-32
Deep-tinted glass
Base/LS regular cab
$50
$43
Base/LS extended cab
$107
$92
Sliding rear window
Base, LS
$125
$108
Tonneau cover
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$240
$206
Two-tone paint
LS
$250
$215
Camper wiring provisions
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$25
$22
Engine block heater
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$35
$30
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
High capacity air cleaner
2500
$25
$22
Auxiliary battery
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$135
$116
Engine oil cooler
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$135
$116
Requires 6.0-liter engine.
Front tow hooks
2WD
$38
$33
Skid plates
4WD
$95
$82
Firm Ride Suspension
Base, LS, LT extended cab
$95
$82
Includes heavy-duty shock absorbers. 2WD requires LT 245/75R16 tires.
Alloy wheels
2500 LS
$110
$95
LT245/75R16E tires
2500
$280
$241
LT245/75R16E on-off road tires
2500
$225
$194
2500 HD
$55
$47
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 reg. cab long bed Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 ext. cab short bed Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 ext. cab long bed
Wheelbase, in. 133.0 143.5 157.5
Overall Length, in. 222.0 227.5 246.7
Overall Width, in. 78.5 78.5 78.5
Overall Height, in. 73.7 74.0 74.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4586 4766 5318
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 2614 2436 3287
Fuel Capacity, gals. 34.0 26.0 34.0
Seating Capacity 3 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 41.0 41.0 41.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. -- 38.4 38.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 33.7 33.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 5.3 /325 6.0 /365
Horsepower @ rpm. 285 @ 5200 300 @ 4800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 325 @ 4000 355 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 16/20 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 reg. cab long bed Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 ext. cab short bed Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 ext. cab long bed
Front Impact, Driver NA 3 NA
Front Impact, Passenger NA 4 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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