2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review discusses the king of the mountain.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review

The 3500HD is the ultimate heavy duty variant of the Silverado/Sierra. While technically, the Silverado and the Sierra didn't debut until 1999, GM's truck heritage stretches back all the way to the '60s. Able to tow over 16,000 pounds, the 3500HD leads the industry in raw power. The Silverado was chosen as "North American Truck of the Year" for 2007.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is the crowning king of heavy duty. Able to tow monstrous loads, the 3500HD is fit for just about any job. It also has a surprisingly smooth ride for being such a tough truck. If you're trying to decide between the Silverado and the Sierra, they're essentially the same except for their exteriors. However, the Sierra's Denali trim offers a level of luxury that is unavailable with the Chevy.

What's New For 2007:

The 3500HD is all-new for 2007. The standard engine is a 6.0-L, 353-hp V8. Also available is a 6.6-L turbodiesel with 365 horsepower. Build quality has been improved, and the interior is more comfortable than ever.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power data is not yet available. The prior generation had issues with wheel slip, vehicle shake, and popping transmissions. It was recalled fourteen times, which actually isn't bad for an American pickup truck. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The 3500HD hasn't been rated, but the 1500 earned perfect government frontal crash ratings. No other data is available. Anti-lock brakes and tire-pressure monitoring come standard. A safety package adds parking assist and adjustable pedals.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ High payload capacity
+ Monstrous towing capability
+ Surprisingly smooth ride

Cons
- Lacks in safety features
- Unproven reliability
- Low gas mileage

Head-To-Head Competition:

The 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty. costs almost $3,000 less, but it lacks standard 4WD, navigation, and has 50 less hp. The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 costs about $3,000 less and includes a CD player and air conditioning standard. However, it has far less payload capacity, engine power, and lacks 4WD. The Nissan Titan, at about $700 more, comes with more amenities like a CD changer and air conditioning, but isn't nearly as powerful, has far less payload capacity, and lacks AWD.

What Others Are Saying:

"HD means heavy-duty-heroic payloads and towing. GM's new HDs have plenty of both: a max gross combined weight rating of 18,500 pounds, a trailering max of 13,000 pounds. The 2007 big-job trucks also offer new gasoline and turbo-diesel V-8 engines, and a new six-speed automatic." - Car and Driver

"If you want the capability of a big pickup with the least sensation of driving a big pickup, the Sierra HD deserves consideration. In a world run amuck for ever-larger trailers and powerplants, it's a sensible alternative for anyone who needs to haul stuff but doesn't want a special driver's license to do it." - New York Times

"Almost as impressive as the improved powertrains, the interiors are upgraded from the previous generation." - Truck Trend

Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - Email to a friend

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