| Chevy Silverado HD heavy-duty pickups are about real work and serious play. The 2500-series is often used like a car and charged with pulling the boat or trailer on weekends, while the 3500 usually sees hauling and pulling duty on a routine basis and tows fifth-wheel RVs and six-horse trailers. With a trailer of 5,000 pounds or less, or infrequent carriage of building materials, you'd be better served with a Silverado 1500. But for those who need it, the Silverado HD models are the only heavy-duty pickups with independent front suspensions on four-wheel-drive units, for better ride and steering than the competition. The 6.0-liter gas V8 is among the strongest standard engines, while the 6.6-liter Duramax is the most powerful diesel. And the standard six-speed automatic one-ups the competition. The Silverado is well finished, inside and out. After a mid-2007 debut for the new Chevy Silverado HD, the 2009 models get some minor yet worthwhile upgrades. These include a rearview camera system for longer-cab models, electronic stability control on more models, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic reporting, and OnStar 8.0 with turn-by-turn navigation and destination download. A choice of interiors is available, with different dashboards rather than merely varied finishes. You can have it sweep-out simple, or served up with heated leather, navigation, and an expensive-looking opaque shade for the moonroof. Regular cabs are roomy enough for three, extended cabs are ideal for younger families and have a thoughtful new rear door design, while the crew cab is suitable for four or five big athletes or pony-sized dogs. The Silverado HD is the most car-like of big pickups, whether referring to interior appearance or driving feel. Yet it carries and tows as well as other heavy-duty pickups. With close to 100 derivatives in cab/box/trim/drive choices and option sheets to fill many pages, there should be an example to fit your tastes and requirements. |