2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD Road Test

Our road test for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD help you decide if a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD is right for you.

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	5

Adequate with the 6.0-liter V8, but noticeably stronger with 8.1 V8 or 6.6 turbodiesel. Six-speed manual transmission positions 1st gear at the lower left of shift gate and 2nd where 1st normally is. This takes getting used to, though 1st is typically used only when hauling heavy loads and most big-rig buyers order automatic anyway.

Fuel Economy

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	2.5

Test 2500 Crew Cab with automatic and 300-hp turbodiesel averaged 14.2 mpg in all-city driving. A 3500 Crew Cab with same powertrain averaged 13.7. The 360-hp Duramax may return slightly better averages. Expect 10 mpg or less with gas V8s, for which Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	4.4

Predictably trucky, but ride comfort tops among heavy-duty pickups. As usual, rough roads can cause bouncing with an empty bed, but all models cope well in most conditions.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	3.5

Easy enough to drive except in tight confines, and body lean not excessive in turns. Brakes have somewhat spongy pedal feel, but stops are sure, reasonably swift, undramatic.

Quietness

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
2	4.9

Wind and road noise surprisingly subdued. Diesel engine intrudes only under full throttle--and then not much. Even better, latest Duramax is virtually free of the clatter, shake and smoke traditionally associated with diesels.

Controls

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	6.3

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 offer best-in-class room and comfort, with true three-adult seating. Crew cabs have even more space to rival similar Fords, but not jumbo Dodge MegaCab models. High step-up hinders entry/exit.

Cargo Room

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	5.2

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	6.4

They may be old, but these big rigs still offer much to like, especially their strong engines, high hauling limits, and comfortable rear-seat accommodations. Though the redesigned versions are improved in many areas, the Classic HDs are priced to move in this final year, a plus for buyers on a budget.

Total Score