When it's all said & done: Clean up the job site
You work hard. You want your truck to do the same—but not necessarily feel like it. Whether you’re headed for the construction site, the dairy farm or the equipment business to put in your own hard day, this Silverado will put a shine in your day. And yet, it is expensive. $7,000 plus for an engine is steep, but with Duramax's half-million mile life span reputation, this engine could last 30 years. Now that's only about $230 per year. Not so bad.
Other than the briefly choppy, unladen ride on streets not the smoothest, this Silverado proved to be very comfortable and well mannered. Best of all, given the size and weight of this truck with its large diesel engine, we were pleased with everything from front to back—and in-between. Sure, we’d always like to see higher fuel mileage, but we do think this engine returned satisfying numbers in relation to the power it produces. And we are thrilled that GM just announced they will be embracing higher levels of biodiesel—namely B20—in their newest model trucks.
Yes, just start ‘er up with that slick remote, and you’re set for a productive day. (Christine thought Scott used it every chance he got just to listen to that comforting faint diesel click.) It’ll make your job easier by turning the AC on during the dog days of summer or get it heating that frozen cabin when old man winter is calling. All in all, it's a satisfying work-a-day ride.
Good job, GM. We think your hard-working tradition is paving the way to take an even stronger stance in biofuels. Now, what’s next on the to-do list?
Pros:
- tremendous power
- good fuel economy
- stout Allison transmission
Cons:
- very firm unladen ride with an unsettling shimmy and shake, depending upon road conditions
- light interior not our personal fave
- wheel wells cavernous for 17-inch wheels
Details and Specs:
Technical Features: 6.6L Duramax Diesel, Allison 6-speed automatic transmission, GVW rating – 9,200 lbs., rear axle ratio – 3.73, locking rear differential, electronic shift transfer case
Safety Features: 4-wheel ABS, driver and right front passenger air bags, OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation upgrade available
Interior Features: leather appointed seating, electric sliding sunroof and rear window, XM Satellite radio, remote keyless entry, 2LT Convenience package, 60/40 split rear seating, Driver Information Center
Exterior Features: 17-inch aluminum wheels, LT265/75R17 all-terrain tires, cargo management system
Page One: Initial Impressions, Look & Feel, Fuel-ability and Enviro-meter
Photos from the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel LT
