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2005 Chevrolet Silverado HD Full Review
Date Published: 10/03/07
2005 Chevrolet Silverado HD Review
Silverado HD is the heavy-duty version of the Silverado 1500, and it gets a new hood and grille design along with a more powerful diesel engine for 2005. The HD comes in 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 models and is intended for commercial use. Three cab types are available: regular cab, 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 models include a three-person rear bench. The regular cab comes with an 8-foot bed. Extended- and crew-cab models comes with either an 8-foot bed or a 6.5-foot bed. Chassis-cab and chassis cutaway models are also offered.

Both HD Silverado series are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. An electronic-shift transfer case is standard on 4WD LTs, optional on LSs. All models have standard dual dashboard airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Side-curtain airbags are not offered. The base engine is a 6.0-liter V8. Optional are an 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. The base engine teams with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode. The two larger engines have a 6-speed manual or optional Allison 5-speed automatic with Engine Grade Braking, an electronic feature that makes an automatic downshift when descending steep slopes. Options include satellite radio, OnStar assistance system, a rear-seat entertainment system for Crew Cabs, and power-extending camper mirrors. Silverado HD is similar to the GMC Sierra HD.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty ½-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider ¾- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Sources say these Silverados (and comparable GMC Sierras) won't be redesigned again until model-year 2008. Big-rig pickups change even less often than light-duty models, so don't expect much news until then.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado HD Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Fuel economy
Towing/Hauling Ride
Passenger room Noise (diesel)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 4.7

Adequate with base 6.0-liter V8, but 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel are noticeably stronger. 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--though 1st is typically used only when hauling heavy loads.
Fuel Economy

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 2.3

On a test 2500 Crew Cab with the Duramax diesel and automatic we averaged 14.2 mpg in all city driving. A 3500 Crew Cab with same powertrain averaged 13.7. Expect 10 mpg or less with gas V8s. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for gas engines.
Ride Quality

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 4

Trucky, to be sure, with considerable bouncing with an empty bed, but not bruising over bumps. Perhaps the best ride among heavy-duty trucks.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 3.4

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 4.3

Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. Diesel engine noise intrudes only under full throttle.
Controls

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 6.5

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 8.3

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 4.8

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 4.9

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

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 7.1

There's a lot to recommend these GM heavy-duty trucks, including strong engines, high hauling limits, comfortable rear-seat accommodations, and the availability of such features as a rear-seat entertainment system and GM's OnStar system. They are a Best Buy and should top the list of anyone shopping for a heavy-duty pickup.
Total Score

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
51 50.3
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2005 Chevrolet Silverado HD Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/11/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 2500HD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $24,405 $21,354 $850
4WD 2500HD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $27,255 $23,848 $850
4WD 3500 Work regular cab SRW, long bed $29,410 $25,734 $850
4WD 3500 Work regular cab DRW, long bed $29,155 $25,511 $850
2WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $27,105 $23,717 $850
2WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $27,405 $23,979 $850
2WD 3500 Work extended cab DRW, long bed $28,665 $25,082 $850
4WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $29,905 $26,167 $850
4WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $30,205 $26,249 $850
4WD 3500 Work extended cab SRW, long bed $31,960 $27,965 $850
4WD 3500 Work extended cab DRW, long bed $31,755 $27,786 $850
2WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $29,205 $25,554 $850
2WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,505 $25,817 $850
2WD 3500 Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $30,765 $26,919 $850
4WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,255 $28,223 $850
4WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,555 $28,486 $850
4WD 3500 Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,310 $30,021 $850
4WD 3500 Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $33,855 $29,623 $850
2WD 2500HD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $25,780 $22,558 $850
4WD 2500HD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $28,630 $25,051 $850
4WD 3500 Base regular cab SRW, long bed $30,005 $26,254 $850
4WD 3500 Base regular cab DRW, long bed $29,810 $26,084 $850
2WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, short bed $28,080 $24,570 $850
2WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $28,380 $24,833 $850
2WD 3500 Base extended cab DRW, long bed $29,320 $25,655 $850
4WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, short bed $30,880 $27,020 $850
4WD 2500HD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $31,180 $27,283 $850
2WD 3500 Base extended cab SRW, long bed $32,555 $28,486 $850
4WD 3500 Base extended cab DRW, long bed $32,410 $28,359 $850
2WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, short bed $30,180 $26,408 $850
2WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $30,480 $26,670 $850
2WD 3500 Base Crew Cab DRW, long bed $31,420 $27,493 $850
4WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, short bed $33,230 $29,076 $850
4WD 2500HD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,530 $29,339 $850
4WD 3500 Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,905 $30,542 $850
4WD 3500 Base Crew Cab DRW, long bed $34,510 $30,196 $850
2WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $27,155 $23,761 $850
4WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $30,225 $26,447 $850
4WD 3500 LS regular cab SRW, long bed $31,660 $27,703 $850
4WD 3500 LS regular cab DRW, long bed $31,405 $27,479 $850
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $29,755 $26,036 $850
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $30,055 $26,298 $850
2WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $31,055 $27,129 $850
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $32,605 $28,529 $850
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $32,905 $28,792 $850
4WD 3500 LS extended cab SRW, long bed $34,320 $30,048 $850
4WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $34,130 $29,864 $850
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $31,705 $27,742 $850
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,005 $28,004 $850
2WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $32,965 $28,844 $850
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $34,755 $30,411 $850
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,055 $30,673 $850
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $36,490 $31,929 $850
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $36,055 $31,548 $850
2WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, short bed $35,035 $30,656 $850
2WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, long bed $35,335 $30,918 $850
2WD 3500 LT extended cab DRW, long bed $35,900 $31,413 $850
4WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, short bed $38,040 $33,285 $850
4WD 2500HD LT extended cab SRW, long bed $38,340 $33,548 $850
4WD 3500 LT extended cab SRW, long bed $38,300 $33,513 $850
4WD 3500 LT extended cab DRW, long bed $39,180 $34,283 $850
2WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, short bed $37,220 $32,568 $850
2WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,520 $32,830 $850
2WD 3500 LT Cab DRW, long bed $38,100 $33,338 $850
4WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, short bed $40,430 $35,376 $850
4WD 2500HD LT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $40,730 $35,639 $850
4WD 3500 LT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $40,685 $35,599 $850
4WD 3500 LT Crew Cab DRW, long bed $41,345 $36,177 $850
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
Work
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic transmission (3500 SRW), limited-slip differential (3500 SRW).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, font split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (extended cab, Crew Cab), rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, intermittent wipers, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo-box light, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof marker lights (3500 DRW), Fleetside bed, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, LT245/75R16E tires (2500), LT215/85R16D tires (3500 DRW), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, LT265/75R16E on/off-road tires (3500 SRW).
Base adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, LT265/75R16E on/off-road tires (3500 SRW).
LS adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, carpeting, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, LT265/75R16E on/off-road tires (3500 SRW).
LT adds to LS:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one year service, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power front seats w/driver-seat memory, floor console, mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirror, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, rear radio controls (Crew Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, alloy wheels (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case, LT265/75R16E on/off-road tires (3500 SRW).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Heavy-Duty Power Pkg.
2500 Work/Base/LS
$7,900
$6,794
2500 LT
$6,805
$5,852
3500 Work/Base/LS DRW
$7,900
$6,794
3500 LT DRW
$6,605
$5,860
3500 SRW
$6,510
$5,569
6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD
$310
$267
4WD w/Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg. or 6.6-liter Turbpdiesel V8
$285
$245
Forward lamp wiring harness, heavy-duty alternator and electrical connections, skid plates. NA w/automatic climate controls. LT requires dual-zone manual climate controls.
Heavy Duty Trailering Equipment
Base, LS, LT, Work
$235
$202
w/6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine
$210
$181
Trailer hitch platform, 7-wire harness, high capacity air cleaner, transmission oil cooler.
Powertrain
8.1-liter V8 engine
Base, LS, LT, Work
$950
$817
Requires 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission.
6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine
Base, LS, LT, Work
$5,310
$4,567
Includes engine-block heater. Requires 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission.
6-speed manual transmission
Work, Base, LS
$0
$0
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. NA 3500 SRW.
4-speed automatic transmission
Work, Base, LS
$1,095
$942
NA w/8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. Std. 3500 SRW.
5-speed automatic transmission
Work, Base, LS
$2,295
$1,974
LT, 3500 SRW
$1,200
$1,032
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8.
Limited-slip rear differential
Base, LS, LT, Work
$295
$254
Std. 3500 SRW.
Electronic transfer case
4WD LS
$195
$168
Requires automatic transmission.
Special axle ratio
2500
$0
$0
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
LS
$695
$598
Includes one-year service. Requires steering-wheel radio controls.
OnStar delete
LT (credit)
$-339
$-292
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
LS/LT Crew Cab
$1,295
$1,114
LS requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, bucket seats, and AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Air conditioning delete
Work (credit)
$-870
$-748
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
LS
$195
$168
NA regular cab.
Dual-zone manual climate controls
LT (credit)
$-195
$-168
Requires Snow Plow Prep.
Power sunroof
LS/LT extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,100
$946
LS requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, bucket seats.
Cruise control
Work
$240
$206
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$255
$219
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS
$100
$86
LS extended cab/Crew Cab w/bucket seats
$595
$512
LT (credit)
$-200
$-172
Includes Bose sound system w/bucket seats.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LS extended cab/Crew Cab
$795
$684
Includes Bose sound system. Requires bucket seats.
Satellite radio
LS, LT
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee.
Steering-wheel radio controls
LS
$125
$108
Rear defogger
Base
$175
$151
NA w/sliding rear window.
Power folding mirrors
LS
$213
$183
Includes turn-signal indicators, driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid. Std. LT.
Heated power camper mirrors
LS
$238
$205
LT
$55
$47
Includes power extending arms, turn-signal indicators.
Camper mirrors
Work, Base
$70
$60
Power door locks
Base regular cab/extended cab
$162
$139
Base Crew Cab
$229
$197
Cloth upholstery
Work, Base
$0
$0
Leather split bench seat
LS extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,040
$894
Includes 6-way power driver seat.
Bucket seats
LS Crew Cab
$1,035
$890
LS extended cab
$870
$748
Includes 6-way power driver seat, floor console, rear radio controls. Requires automatic transmission, AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. 4WD requires electronic transfer case.
Bucket seats w/leather upholstery
LS extended cab
$1,670
$1,436
LS Crew Cab
$1,835
$1,578
Includes 6-way power driver seat, floor console, rear radio controls. Requires automatic transmission, AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. 4WD requires electronic transfer case.
6-way power driver seat
LS
$240
$206
Under-seat storage
extended cab
$295
$254
Carpeting
Base
$100
$86
Includes floormats.
Carpet delete
LS (credit)
$-100
$-86
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base, LS, LT, Work
$35
$30
Grille cover
Base, LS, LT, Work
$55
$47
Requires 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine. Required in Alaska, Colo., Idaho, Maine, Mich., Minn., Mont., N.D., N.H., N.Y., S.D., Vt., Wis., Wyo.
2-tone paint
2500 extended cab
$350
$301
Camper and fifth wheel wiring provisions
Base, LS, LT, Work
$35
$30
Requires Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment.
Deep-tinted rear glass
regular cab
$50
$43
Work/Base/LS extended cab
$107
$92
Work/Base/LS Crew Cab
$180
$155
Sliding rear window
Work, Base
$175
$151
LS, LT
$0
$0
Work, Base, LS require deep-tinted rear glass. LS, LT deletes std. rear defogger.
Tubular side steps
regular cab
$389
$335
extended cab
$412
$354
Crew Cab
$435
$374
Chrome tubular side steps
regular cab
$425
$366
extended cab
$450
$387
Crew Cab
$495
$426
Painted rear bumper
Base
$0
$0
Chrome rear bumper