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2001 Chevrolet Silverado HD Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2001 Chevrolet Silverado HD Review
Redesigned Silverado HD series replaces old C/K models, follows styling lead of lighter-duty Silverado 1500/2500. This report covers mainstay 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 pickups, though chassis-cab and chassis cutaway models are also offered.

Both HD Silverado series are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Optional on 2500 is General Motors' Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement.; optional on 3500 is an electric-shift transfer case. Both series come in choice of regular cab, an extended cab with rear-hinged back half-doors, and a Crew Cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and Crew cab include a three-person rear bench. HD 3500s come only with an eight-foot cargo box ; 2500s offer a 6.5-foot box as well. All 3500s have dual rear wheels on each side.

All models have standard dual dashboard airbags, ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes; some offer GM's OnStar assistance system. Base engine is a 6.0-liter V8. Optional are a new 8.1-liter V8 and new 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. Base engine teams with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode. The two larger engines have a new 6-speed manual or newly optional Allison 5-speed automatic with Engine Grade Braking, an electronic feature that makes an automatic downshift when descending steep slopes. Payload and tow ratings are claimed to be best in class. Silverado HD is similar to GMC Sierra HD.
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. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.
News
Introduction of the HD line completes the update of Chevy's big-pickup fleet to the "GMT800" platform introduced with 2000-model half-ton Silverados. No major design changes are expected for the next few years, but sources say most, perhaps all 2003 Silverados will be facelfted to resemble Chevy's aggressively styled 2002 Avalanche pickup.

GM will also apparently offer an optional 4-wheel steering system in its big pickups, though when and in what models is unclear at the moment. Developed by Delphi Automotive Systems, the former GM parts division recently spun off into a separate company, this Quadrasteer system turns the rear wheels in parallel with the fronts at higher speeds and in the opposite direction at low speeds so as to tighten the turning radius for easier parking. Several Japanese makers offered 4-wheel-steer cars in the late '80s and early '90s, but dropped them in the face of underwhelming sales.
2001 Chevrolet Silverado HD Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Fuel economy
Towing/Hauling (V8s) Ride
Optional full-time 4WD Noise (diesel)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 3.9

Adequate with base 6.0-liter V8, but new 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel are noticeably stronger and the most powerful gas/diesel engines in the class--a competitive advantage for those who frequently haul heavy loads. Six-speed manual transmission standard with 8.1 V8 and turbodiesel has 1st gear positioned in and down from normal pattern, leaving 2nd where 1st is normally located--which takes getting used to.
Fuel Economy

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 2

On a test 2500 Crew Cab with the new Duramax diesel and automatic we averaged 14.2 mpg in all city driving. A 3500 Crew Cab with same powertrain averaged 13.7.
Ride Quality

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 3.2

Trucky, to be sure, with considerable bouncing with an empty bed, but not bruising over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 3

Too big and ponderous to be sporty, but there's little body lean in turns. Brakes suffer a somewhat spongy feel, but stop the truck with little fanfare.
Quietness

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
2 3.5

Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. GM's diesel engine is a bit quieter than Ford's--and far quieter than Dodge's--but still intrudes almost all the time.
Controls

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 6

Clear gauges, convenient controls--except for the wiper switch, which is awkwardly combined with the turn signal lever.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
9 7.7

Plenty of room, with comfortable seats. Ample seat travel even in regular cabs. High step-up, so entry/exit a chore.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 3.7

With sufficient leg space and a nicely reclined seatback, extended cabs offer best-in-class room and comfort, with true three-adult seating. Crew cabs have even more space, rivaling Ford's version. In all, high step-up hinders entry/exit.
Cargo Room

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 4.1

Rear seat in extended cab folds up to create a good amount of storage space, though it lacks some of the features of competitors. Behind-seat room in regular cab beats Ford, trails Dodge.
Value within Class

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 7.5

There's a lot to recommend these GM heavy-duty trucks, including strong engines, high hauling limits, comfortable rear-seat accommodations, and availability of all-surface 4WD and features such as GM's OnStar system. They should top your list.
Total Score

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
51 44.6
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
31
Average Score
44
High Score
63
2001 Chevrolet Silverado HD Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/20/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 2500HD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $21,734 $19,017 $720
4WD 2500HD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $24,604 $21,529 $720
4WD 3500 Base regular cab DRW, long bed $26,104 $22,841 $720
2WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, short bed $24,239 $21,209 $720
2WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $24,514 $21,450 $720
2WD 3500 Base extended cab DRW, long bed $25,796 $22,572 $720
4WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, short bed $27,084 $23,699 $720
4WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $27,384 $23,961 $720
4WD 3500 Base extended cab DRW, long bed $28,919 $25,304 $720
2WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, short bed $25,639 $22,434 $720
2WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $25,939 $22,697 $720
2WD 3500 Base Crew Cab DRW, long bed $27,221 $23,818 $720
4WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, short bed $28,727 $25,136 $720
4WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,027 $25,394 $720
4WD 3500 Base Crew Cab DRW, long bed $30,344 $26,551 $720
2WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $24,411 $21,360 $72
4WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $27,281 $23,871 $720
4WD 3500 LS regular cab DRW, long bed $28,461 $24,903 $720
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $26,916 $23,552 $720
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $27,191 $23,792 $720
2WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $28,153 $24,634 $720
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $29,761 $26,041 $720
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $30,061 $26,303 $720
4WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $31,276 $27,367 $720
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $28,506 $24,943 $720
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $28,806 $25,205 $720
2WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $29,768 $26,047 $720
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $31,594 $27,645 $720
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,894 $27,907 $720
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $32,891 $28,780 $720
2WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, short bed $31,125 $27,234 $720
2WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, long bed $31,400 $27,475 $720
2WD 3500 LT extended cab DRW, long bed $32,278 $28,243 $720
4WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, short bed $34,165 $29,894 $720
4WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, long bed $34,465 $30,156 $720
4WD 3500 LT extended cab DRW, long bed $35,596 $31,147 $720
2WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,814 $28,712 $720
2WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,114 $28,975 $720
2WD 3500 LT Cab DRW, long bed $33,996 $29,720 $720
4WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, short bed $36,097 $31,585 $720
4WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $36,397 $31,847 $720
4WD 3500 LT Crew Cab DRW, long bed $37,284 $32,624 $720
Price note: SRW denotes single rear wheels; DRW denotes dual rear wheels.
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
6.0-liter V8, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, rear folding bench seat (extended cab), rear split folding bench seat (Crew Cab), rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, hour meter, intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo box lights, automatic headlights, rubber floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, dual outside mirrors, Fleetside bed, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
8-lead trailer harness, full-size spare tire, LT245/75R16E tires (2500HD), dual rear wheels (3500), LT215/85R16D tires (3500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LS adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, overhead console, map lights, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels (2500HD), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LT adds to LS:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 6-way power front seats w/driver seat memory, floor console, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Polished alloy wheels (2500HD), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Exterior Appearance Pkg.
2500HD Base
$480
$413
Chrome grille and rear step bumper, bodyside moldings, chrome steel wheels.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD
$190
$163
Heavy-duty front spring, forward lamp wiring harness, heavy-duty alternator and electrical connections. Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8.
Heavy Duty Trailering Equipment
Base, LS, LT
$190
$163
Trailer hitch platform.
Powertrain
8.1-liter V8 engine
Base, LS, LT
$850
$731
Requires 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission.
6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine
Base, LS, LT
$4,810
$4,137
Includes engine block heater. Requires 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission.
6-speed manual transmission
Base, LS
$0
$0
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8.
4-speed automatic transmission
Base, LS
$1,095
$942
NA w/8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8.
5-speed automatic transmission
Base, LS
$2,295
$1,974
LT
$1,200
$1,032
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8.
Limited-slip rear differential
Base, LS, LT
$285
$245
Autotrac 4WD transfer case
4WD 2500HD LS
$195
$168
Requires automatic transmission.
Electric shift transfer case
3500 LS
$195
$168
Requires automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
Base
$825
$710
Automatic climate control
LT Crew Cab
$125
$108
Cruise control
Base
$240
$206
AM/FM/cassette
Base
$150
$129
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS extended cab/Crew Cab
$180
$155
Requires bucket seats. 4WD 2500HD requires Autotrac full-time 4WD. 4WD 3500 requires electric shift transfer case.
Rear defogger
Base, LS
$175
$151
Base requires air conditioning.
Power door locks
Base
$162
$139
Cloth upholstery
Base
$0
$0
Leather upholstery
LS extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,280
$1,101
Includes dual 6-way power front seats. Requires automatic transmission.
Leather upholstery and bucket seats
LS extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,705
$1,466
Includes dual 6-way power front seats, floor console. Requires automatic transmission.
6-way power front seats
LS regular cab
$480
$413
Bucket seats
LS
$905
$778
Includes dual 6-way power, floor console.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
LS
$175
$151
Includes compass, outside temperature indicator.
Heated power mirrors
LS
$42
$36
Requires rear defogger.
Carpeting
Base
$100
$86
Includes floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
Base, LS, LT
$35
$30
Chrome rear step bumper
Base
$100
$86
Camper and fifth wheel wiring provisions
Base, LS, LT
$25
$22
Tonneau cover
Base, LS, LT
$240
$206
Deep-tinted rear glass
regular cab
$50
$43
Base/LS extended cab
$107
$92
Base/LS Crew Cab
$180
$155
Base, LS require rear defogger.
Roof marker lights
Base, LS, LT
$55
$43
Fog lights
LS
$140
$120
Wide load mirrors
Base
$115
$99
Camper mirrors
Base
$70
$60
LS, LT (credit)
$-28
$-24
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
High capacity air cleaner
Base, LS, LT
$25
$22
Std. w/6.6-liter turbodiesel V8.
Auxiliary battery
Base, LS, LT
$135
$116
Front tow hooks
2WD
$38
$33
Skid plates
4WD
$95
$82
Polished alloy wheels
2500HD LS
$150
$129
LT215/85R16D on/off-road tires
3500
$77
$66
NA w/Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
LT215/85R16E on/off-road tires
3500
$77
$66
Requires Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
LT215/85R16E tires
3500
$0
$0
Requires Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
LT245/75R16E on/off-road tires
2500HD
$56
$48
2001 Chevrolet Silverado HD Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Silverado HD reg. cab long bed Chevrolet Silverado HD ext. cab short bed Chevrolet Silverado HD ext. cab long bed Chevrolet Silverado HD crew cab short bed Chevrolet Silverado HD crew cab long bed
Wheelbase, in. 133.0 143.4 157.5 153.0 167.0
Overall Length, in. 222.1 227.7 246.6 237.3 256.2
Overall Width, in. 79.7 79.7 79.7 79.7 79.7
Overall Height, in. 76.2 76.2 76.2 77.0 77.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 5171 5236 5523 5585 5737
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 4029 3964 3677 3615 3463
Fuel Capacity, gals. 34.0 26.0 34.0 26.0 34.0
Seating Capacity 3 6 6 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3 41.3 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. -- 38.4 38.4 39.0 39.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 33.7 33.7 39.1 39.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8 Turbodiesel ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 6.0 /365 8.1 /494 6.6 /403
Horsepower @ rpm. 325 @ 5000 340 @ 4200 300 @ 3100
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 370 @ 4000 455 @ 3200 520 @ 1800
Availability Standard Optional Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
     
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 HD reg. cab long bed Chevrolet Silverado HD ext. cab short bed Chevrolet Silverado HD ext. cab long bed Chevrolet Silverado HD crew cab short bed Chevrolet Silverado HD crew cab long bed
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