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2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD Review
Silverado Classic HD is the heavy-duty version of the Silverado Classic 1500. The name Classic denotes a basic design that dates from 1999 and is making its final appearance for 2007. GMC, Chevrolet's sister division, sells near-identical Sierra Classics. All these trucks are sold alongside redesigned versions also designated as '07 models.

Essentially unchanged from 2006, Silverado Classic HDs come in 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 series. Trim levels are WT (Work Truck), LT, and top-line LS. Three cab types are available: 2-dr regular cab, a 4-dr extended cab with rear access 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. Extendeds and crews include a three-person rear bench. Regulars come with an 8-foot "long" cargo box. Extendeds and crews also offer a 6.5-foot "short" bed. Dual rear wheels are available, as are chassis-cab and chassis-cutaway models.

All Classic HD pickups are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that includes low range gearing but cannot be used on dry pavement. 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 gasoline V8 with 300 hp. A 330-hp 8.1-liter gas V8 is optional. Also available is a 6.6-liter "Duramax" turbodiesel V8 that returns from a 2006 update with 360 hp, up 60. The base V8 teams with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode. The two larger engines offer a 6-speed manual or an 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.
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 the brawniest Silverados (and GMC Sierras) arrive in January 2007 as early '08 offerings. They share the basic GMT900 big-truck architecture with the new-wave light-duty models now reaching dealers.
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2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 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 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

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
51 51.5
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
7
Average Score
51
High Score
64
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2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic HD Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 2500HD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $22,225 $20,336 $900
2WD 3500 Work regular cab SRW, long bed $23,585 $21,580 $900
4WD 2500HD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $24,955 $22,834 $900
4WD 3500 Work regular cab SRW, long bed $27,060 $24,760 $900
4WD 3500 Work regular cab DRW, long bed $26,815 $24,536 $900
2WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $24,915 $22,797 $900
2WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $25,210 $23,067 $900
2WD 3500 Work extended cab SRW, long bed $26,875 $24,591 $900
2WD 3500 Work extended cab DRW, long bed $26,440 $24,193 $900
4WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $27,600 $25,254 $900
4WD 2500HD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $27,895 $25,524 $900
4WD 3500 Work extended cab SRW, long bed $29,605 $27,089 $900
4WD 3500 Work extended cab DRW, long bed $29,410 $26,910 $900
2WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $26,910 $24,623 $900
2WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $27,200 $24,888 $900
2WD 3500 Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,115 $26,640 $900
2WD 3500 Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $28,435 $26,018 $900
4WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $29,840 $27,304 $900
4WD 2500HD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $30,130 $27,569 $900
4WD 3500 Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,845 $29,138 $900
4WD 3500 Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $31,400 $28,731 $900
2WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $24,015 $21,974 $900
2WD 3500 LS regular cab SRW, long bed $24,510 $22,427 $900
4WD 2500HD LS regular cab SRW, long bed $26,745 $24,472 $900
4WD 3500 LS regular cab SRW, long bed $28,090 $25,702 $900
4WD 3500 LS regular cab DRW, long bed $27,895 $25,524 $900
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $26,315 $24,078 $900
2WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $26,610 $24,348 $900
2WD 3500 LS extended cab SRW, long bed $27,900 $25,529 $900
2WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $27,525 $25,185 $900
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, short bed $28,995 $26,530 $900
4WD 2500HD LS extended cab SRW, long bed $29,290 $26,800 $900
4WD 3500 LS extended cab SRW, long bed $30,630 $28,026 $900
4WD 3500 LS extended cab DRW, long bed $30,490 $27,898 $900
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $28,300 $25,895 $900
2WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $28,600 $26,169 $900
2WD 3500 LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $30,140 $27,578 $900
2WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $29,520 $27,011 $900
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, short bed $31,235 $28,580 $900
4WD 2500HD LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,525 $28,845 $900
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,870 $30,076 $900
4WD 3500 LS Crew Cab DRW, long bed $32,490 $29,728 $900
2WD 2500HD LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $24,980 $22,857 $900
2WD 3500 LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $25,880 $23,680 $900
4WD 2500HD LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $27,930 $25,556 $900
4WD 3500 LT1 regular cab SRW, long bed $29,330 $26,837 $900
4WD 3500 LT1 regular cab DRW, long bed $29,080 $26,608 $900
2WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, short bed $27,630 $25,281 $900
2WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $27,925 $25,551 $900
2WD 3500 LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $29,425 $26,924 $900
2WD 3500 LT1 extended cab DRW, long bed $28,855 $26,402 $900
4WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, short bed $30,365 $27,784 $900
4WD 2500HD LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $30,660 $28,054 $900
4WD 3500 LT1 extended cab SRW, long bed $32,060 $29,335 $900
4WD 3500 LT1 extended cab DRW, long bed $31,855 $29,147 $900
2WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $29,550 $27,038 $900
2WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $29,845 $27,308 $900
2WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $31,540 $28,859 $900
2WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $30,785 $28,168 $900
4WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,480 $29,719 $900
4WD 2500HD LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,775 $29,989 $900
4WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,175 $31,270 $900
4WD 3500 LT1 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $33,750 $30,881 $900
2WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, short bed $30,460 $27,871 $900
2WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $30,755 $28,141 $900
2WD 3500 LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $31,420 $28,749 $900
2WD 3500 LT2 extended cab DRW, long bed $31,725 $29,028 $900
4WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, short bed $33,400 $30,561 $900
4WD 2500HD LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $33,690 $30,826 $900
4WD 3500 LT2 extended cab SRW, long bed $34,060 $31,165 $900
4WD 3500 LT2 extended cab DRW, long bed $34,920 $31,952 $900
2WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,545 $29,779 $900
2WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,840 $30,049 $900
2WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,695 $30,831 $900
2WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $33,815 $30,941 $900
4WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $35,675 $32,643 $900
4WD 2500HD LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,970 $32,913 $900
4WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $36,330 $33,242 $900
4WD 3500 LT2 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $36,975 $33,832 $900
2WD 2500HD LT3 extended cab SRW, short bed $32,225 $29,486 $900
2WD 2500HD LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $32,515 $29,751 $900
2WD 3500 LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $32,725 $29,943 $900
2WD 3500 LT3 extended cab DRW, long bed $33,070 $30,259 $900
4WD 2500 LT3 extended cab SRW, short bed $35,160 $32,171 $900
4WD 2500 LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $35,450 $32,437 $900
4WD 3500 LT3 extended cab SRW, long bed $35,415 $32,405 $900
4WD 3500 LT3 extended cab DRW, long bed $36,275 $33,192 $900
2WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $34,300 $31,385 $900
2WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,590 $31,650 $900
2WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,000 $32,025 $900
2WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab DRW, short bed $35,160 $32,171 $900
4WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, short bed $37,435 $34,253 $900
4WD 2500HD LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,730 $34,523 $900
4WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,685 $34,482 $900
4WD 3500 LT3 Crew Cab DRW, long bed $38,330 $35,072 $900
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 2500 HD Classic, 3500 Classic $5000 cash back or 0% financing. Customer 06/02/08
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, intermittent wipers, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo-box light, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, 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.
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.
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, 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, steering wheel radio controls , rear radio controls (Crew Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case, LT265/75R16E on/off-road tires (3500 SRW).
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.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
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/LS/LT1, 3500 Work/LS/LT1 DRW
$8,650
$6,514
2500 LT2/LT3, 3500 LT2/LT3 DRW
$7,405
$5,742
4WD 3500 regular cab/Crew Cab SRW, 3500 SRW extended cab
$7,230
$5,495
6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential. NA 2WD 3500 regular cab/Crew Cab SRW.
OnStar Pkg.
LT1
$1,019
$846
LT2, LT3
$894
$742
Includes one year service, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls (LT1).
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD
$310
$257
4WD w/Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg. or turbodiesel engine
$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. NA 3500 Crew Cab SRW.
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 automatic transmission. NA 2WD 3500 regular cab.
6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine
LS, LT1, LT2, LT3, Work
$6,030
$4,583
Includes engine-block heater. Requires 6-speed automatic transmission. NA 2WD 3500 regular cab.
4-speed automatic transmission
Work, 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, LS, LT1
$2,295
$1,905
LT2, LT3, 3500 SRW
$1,200
$996
Requires 8.1-liter V8 or 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. NA 2WD 3500 regular cab.
Limited-slip rear differential
LS, LT1, LT2, LT3, 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.
Power sunroof
LT2, LT3
$795
$660
Includes universal garage door opener.
DVD 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
4WD LT2/LT3 (credit)
$-195
$-162
Requires Snow Plow Prep.
Cruise control
Work
$240
$199
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$255
$212
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT1/LT2 extended cab/Crew Cab
$300
$249
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT1
$795
$660
Requires bucket seats. NA regular cab.
Bose sound system
LT1
$495
$411
Requires bucket seats. NA regular cab.
Satellite radio
LT1, LT2, LT3
$199
$165
Steering-wheel radio controls
LT1
$125
$104
Power folding mirrors
LT1, LT2
$213
$177
Includes turn-signal indicators, driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid. Std. LT3.
Heated power camper mirrors
LT1, LT2
$238
$198
LT3
$55
$46
Includes power extending arms, turn-signal indicators.
Camper mirrors
Work, LS
$70
$58
Power door locks
LS
$162
$135
Cloth upholstery
Work
$0
$0
Custom cloth upholstery
Work
$285
$237
Leather upholstery
LT1 extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,040
$863
LT2
$800
$664
LT1 includes 6-way power driver seat. LT1 requires automatic transmission.
6-way power driver seat
LT1
$240
$199
Under-seat storage
extended cab
$295
$245
Carpeting
LS
$100
$83
Includes floormats.
Carpet delete
LT1 (credit)
$-100
$-83