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2006 Chevrolet Silverado HD Full Review
Date Published: 10/24/07
2006 Chevrolet Silverado HD Review
Silverado HD is largely unchanged for 2006, awaiting a redesigned version due in calendar 2007. These pickup trucks are the heavy-duty versions of the Silverado 1500. It comes in 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 versions 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 Silverado HD models 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 LT2 and LT3 models, optional on others. All models have standard dual dashboard airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Side-curtain airbags are not offered.

Base engine is a 6.0-liter V8. Optional are an 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. The Duramax has been revised this year and offers 310 hp with manual transmission and 360 hp with automatic. 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 automatic that's been given an extra gear for a total of six and offers 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. For 2006, 2005HD models get grille and hood to match 3500 models, previously, 2500HD featured front-end styling that aped the 1500s. Silverado HD is similar to 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 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Sources say redesigned versions of these Silverados (and comparable GMC Sierras) will appear as 2007 models, not '08s as earlier reported. However they're tagged, the big rigs will move to the basic "GMT900" large-truck architecture introduced with GM's 2007 full-size SUVs.
2006 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 4.8

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 4.1

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 4.5

Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. Diesel engine noise intrudes only under full throttle, and newly available 6-speed automatic reduces engine noise at highway speeds.
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 5

With sufficient leg space and a nicely reclined seatback, extended cabs adult-sized room and comfort, with true three-across 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. Behind-seat room in regular cab beats Ford, trails Dodge.
Value within Class

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 6.7

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 50.5
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2006 Chevrolet Silverado HD Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 2500HD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $21,825 $19,970 $875
2WD 3500 Work regular cab SRW, long bed $23,185 $21,214 $875
4WD 2500HD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $24,605 $22,514 $875
4WD 3500 Work regular cab SRW, long bed $26,710 $24,440 $875
4WD 3500 Work regular cab DRW, long bed $26,465 $24,215 $875
2WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $24,515 $22,431 $875
2WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $24,810 $22,701 $875
2WD 3500 Work extended cab SRW, long bed $26,475 $24,225 $875
2WD 3500 Work extended cab DRW, long bed $26,040 $23,827 $875
4WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $27,250 $24,934 $875
4WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $27,545 $25,204 $875
4WD 3500 Work extended cab SRW, long bed $29,255 $26,768 $875
4WD 3500 Work extended cab DRW, long bed $29,060 $26,590 $875
2WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $26,510 $24,257 $875
2WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $26,800 $24,522 $875
2WD 3500 Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $28,715 $26,274 $875
2WD 3500 Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $28,035 $25,652 $875
4WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $29,490 $26,983 $875
4WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,780 $27,249 $875
4WD 3500 Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,495 $28,818 $875
4WD 3500 Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $31,050 $28,411 $875
2WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $23,615 $21,608 $875
2WD 3500 LS regular cab SRW, long bed $24,110 $22,061 $875
4WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $26,395 $24,151 $875
4WD 3500 LS regular cab SRW, long bed $27,740 $25,382 $875
4WD 3500 LS regular cab DRW, long bed $27,545 $25,204 $875
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $25,915 $23,712 $875
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $26,210 $23,982 $875
2WD 3500 LS extended cab SRW, long bed $29,165 $26,686 $875
2WD 3500 LS extended cab SRW, long bed $27,500 $26,686 $875
2WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $27,125 $24,819 $875
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $28,645 $26,210 $875
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $28,940 $26,480 $875
4WD 3500 LS extended cab SRW, long bed $30,280 $27,706 $875
4WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $30,140 $27,578 $875
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $27,905 $25,533 $875
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $28,200 $25,803 $875
2WD 3500 LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,740 $27,212 $875
2WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $29,120 $26,645 $875
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $30,885 $28,260 $875
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,175 $28,525 $875
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,520 $29,756 $875
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $32,140 $29,408 $875
2WD 2500HD LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $24,580 $22,491 $875
2WD 3500 LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $25,480 $23,314 $875
4WD 2500HD LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $27,580 $25,236 $875
4WD 3500 LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $28,980 $26,517 $875
4WD 3500 LT1 regular cab DRW, long bed $28,730 $26,288 $875
2WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, short bed $27,230 $24,915 $875
2WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $27,525 $25,185 $875
2WD 3500 LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $29,025 $26,558 $875
2WD 3500 LT1 extended cab DRW, long bed $28,455 $26,036 $875
4WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, short bed $30,015 $27,464 $875
4WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $30,310 $27,734 $875
4WD 3500 LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $31,710 $29,015 $875
4WD 3500 LT1 extended cab DRW, long bed $31,505 $28,827 $875
2WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $29,150 $26,672 $875
2WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,445 $26,942 $875
2WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,140 $28,493 $875
2WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $30,385 $27,802 $875
4WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,130 $29,399 $875
4WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,425 $29,669 $875
4WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,825 $30,950 $875
4WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $33,400 $30,561 $875
2WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, short bed $29,985 $27,436 $875
2WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $30,280 $27,706 $875
2WD 3500 LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $30,895 $28,269 $875
2WD 3500 LT2 extended cab DRW, long bed $31,240 $28,585 $875
4WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, short bed $32,925 $30,126 $875
4WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $33,215 $30,392 $875
4WD 3500 LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $33,585 $30,730 $875
4WD 3500 LT2 extended cab DRW, long bed $34,445 $31,517 $875
2WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,060 $29,335 $875
2WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,355 $29,605 $875
2WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,170 $30,351 $875
2WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $33,330 $30,497 $875
4WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $35,200 $32,208 $875
4WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,495 $32,478 $875
4WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,855 $32,807 $875
4WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $36,500 $33,398 $875
2WD 2500HD LT3 extended cab SRW, short bed $31,875 $29,166 $875
2WD 2500HD LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $32,165 $29,431 $875
2WD 3500 LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $32,375 $29,623 $875
2WD 3500 LT3 extended cab DRW, long bed $32,720 $29,939 $875
4WD 2500 LT3 extended cab SRW, short bed $34,810 $31,851 $875
4WD 2500 LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $35,100 $32,117 $875
4WD 3500 LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $35,065 $32,084 $875
4WD 3500 LT3 extended cab DRW, long bed $35,925 $32,871 $875
2WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $33,950 $31,064 $875
2WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,240 $31,330 $875
2WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,650 $31,705 $875
2WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab DRW, short bed $34,810 $31,851 $875
4WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $37,085 $33,933 $875
4WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,380 $34,203 $875
4WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,335 $34,162 $875
4WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $37,980 $34,752 $875
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Silverado HD $4750 cash back or 0%-1.9% financing. Customer 10/31/07
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, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front 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, Fleetside bed, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, LT245/75R16E tires (2500), LT265/75R16 on/off-road tires (3500 SRW), LT215/85R16D tires (3500 DRW), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LS adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, rear defogger.
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.
LT1 adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, LT265/75R16 on/off-road tires (3500 SRW).
LT2 adds to LT1:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, Bose sound system, rear radio controls (Crew Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case.
LT3 adds to LT2:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated 10-way power front seats, driver-side automatic day/night passenger-side tilt-down mirrors w/mirror-mounted turn-signals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Heavy-Duty Power Pkg.
2500 Work/LS/LT1
$8,650
$6,574
2500 LT2/LT3
$7,555
$5,742
3500 Work/LS/LT1 DRW
$8,650
$6,574
3500 LT2/LT3 DRW
$7,555
$5,742
3500 SRW Work/LS/LT1
$7,230
$5,495
6.6-liter turbodiesel 360-horsepower V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential. NA 2WD 3500 regular cab.
OnStar Plus Pkg.
LT1, LT2
$1,145
$951
LT3
$1,020
$847
OnStar assistance system w/one year service, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), steering-wheel radio controls.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD
$310
$257
4WD w/Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg.
$285
$237
Forward lamp wiring harness, heavy-duty alternator and electrical connections, skid plates. NA w/automatic climate controls. LT2, LT3 require dual-zone manual climate controls.
Heavy Duty Trailering Equipment
LS, LT1, LT2, LT3, Work
$255
$212
w/6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine
$230
$191
Trailer hitch platform, 7-wire harness, high capacity air cleaner, transmission oil cooler.
Powertrain
8.1-liter V8 engine
LS, LT1, LT2, LT3, Work
$950
$789
Requires 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission.
6.6-liter turbodiesel 300-horsepower V8 engine
LS, LT1, Work
$5,310
$4,407
Includes engine-block heater. Requires 6-speed manual transmission. NA LT2, LT3.
6.6-liter turbodiesel 360-horsepower V8 engine
LS, LT1, LT2, LT3, Work
$6,030
$4,583
Includes engine-block heater. Requires 6-speed automatic transmission.
6-speed manual transmission
Work, Base, LS, LT1
$0
$0
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel 300-horsepower V8. NA 3500 SRW.
4-speed automatic transmission
Work, Base, LS, LT1
$1,095
$909
NA w/8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. Std. 3500 SRW.
6-speed automatic transmission
Work, Base, LS, LT1
$2,295
$1,905
LT2, LT3, 3500 SRW
$1,200
$996
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel 360-horsepower V8.
Limited-slip rear differential
LS, LT1, LT2, Work
$325
$270
Std. 3500 SRW.
Electronic transfer case
4WD LT1
$195
$162
Requires automatic transmission.
Special axle ratio
2500
$0
$0
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
LT1, LT2, LT3
$695
$577
Includes one-year service.
Rear-seat entertainment system
LT2/LT3 Crew Cab
$1,295
$1,075
Air conditioning delete
Work (credit)
$-870
$-722
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
LT1
$195
$162
NA regular cab.
Dual-zone manual climate controls
LT2/LT3 (credit)
$-195
$-162
Requires Snow Plow Prep.
Power sunroof
LT1, LT2, LT3
$795
$660
NA regular cab.
Cruise control
Work
$240
$199
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$255
$212
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT2
$300
$249
LT1
$
$
Includes Bose sound system.
Satellite radio
LT1, LT2, LT3
$325
$270
Requires monthly fee.
Steering-wheel radio controls
LT1, LT2
$125
$104
Power folding mirrors
LT1
$213
$177
Includes turn-signal indicators, driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid. Std. LT2, LT3.
Heated power camper mirrors
LT1, LT2
$238
$198
LT
$55
$46
Includes power extending arms, turn-signal indicators.
Camper mirrors
Work, LS
$70
$58
Power door locks
LS
$162
$134
Vinyl upholstery
LS, LT1 (credit)
$-285
$-237
Cloth upholstery
Work
$0
$0
Custom cloth upholstery
Work
$285
$237
Leather upholstery
LT1 extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,040
$863
LT2
$800
$664
Includes 6-way power driver seat.
6-way power driver seat
LT1
$240
$199
Under-seat storage
extended cab, Crew Cab
$295
$245
Carpet delete
LT1 (credit)
$-100
$-83
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
LS, LT1, LT2, LT3, Work
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