2006 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Overview

2006 Chevrolet Silverado HD 

  • MSRP: $21,825 - $37,980
  • Invoice: $19,970 - $34,752
CG Rating

51

out of 100

View Another Vehicle

Pros

  • Instruments/controls
  • Towing/Hauling
  • Passenger room

Cons

  • Fuel economy
  • Ride
  • Noise (diesel)

Vehicle Highlights

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.

Advertisement

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category 2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Rating Large Pickup Truck Average Rating
Acceleration 3 4.8
Fuel Economy 3 2.3
Ride Quality 3 4.1
Steering/Handling/Braking 3 3.4
Quietness 2 4.5
Controls 7 6.5
Details
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 9 8.3
Room/Comfort (rear) 7 5
Cargo Room 7 4.9
Value within Class 7 6.7
Total Score: 51 50.5

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car
Advertisement

Locate a dealer

Sell Your Car

Advertisement