2004 Chevrolet Silverado LT 2500 HD

Silverado HD pickups boast a most powerful engine lineup?your choice of a 300-hp 6.0L Vortec V-8, a 340-hp 8.1L big-block Vortec V-8, or the widely acclaimed 300-hp 6.6L Duramax diesel V-8.

GM's OnStar communications and security system, standard on Silverado LT, provides access to live, personalized service and emergency assistance at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, plus available hands-free personal calling and other services. If you subscribe to that level of service, OnStar operators will even read emails to you. Uplevel Silverados feature outside mirrors with power-tilt glass, left-side electrochromatic (self-dimming) glass, power folding and heating, puddle lights, turn signal indicators and an optional memory feature. An available power-adjustable camper mirror can be extended to a vehicle width of as much as 106 inches.


Safety enhancements include a passenger airbag sensing system that automatically assesses whether the occupant is an adult or a child based on weight and belt system tension. If these measurements are typical for a child, the airbag is disabled. A passenger-side deactivation switch is also standard on regular and extended-cab models.


The Silverado catalog offers a wide selection of 3/4- and one-ton pickups, including 2500HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 Series (one-ton) regular cabs, four-door extended cabs, crew cabs and chassis cabs. Three-quarter-ton models offer Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) as high as 9,200 lbs. and payloads up to 3,964 lbs., while the one-tons go to 11,400 lbs. GVWR and 5,753 lbs. payload. Silverado HD 4WD chassis cabs stretch GVWR to 12,000 lbs. and payload to 6,089 lbs., and extended cabs boast the industry's largest rear-door openings. HD models are trailer-ready with standard handling and trailering packages, the latter providing a weight-distributing hitch platform, 8-wire trailer harness with mounted connector and a jumper harness with a plug-in for the electric trailer brake controller. Both the 8.1-liter V-8 and the Duramax diesel can tow up to 12,000 lbs. with a maximum 22,000-lb. gross combined weight rating (GCWR). With a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch, trailering capability increases to 15,800 lbs. The standard 4-wheel disc brakes feature 4-wheel ABS and GM's powerful Hydro-Boost brake-apply system.


While diesel engines are not our preference due to their noise (try sneaking up on someone, or coming home late at night) and the nature of the fuel, but—considering its performance, economy and relative civility compared to past offerings—this Isuzu-built Duramax is a peach. Also, like all brawny heavy-duty trucks, the Silverado HD rides a little rough when unloaded, the price you pay for its high ultimate payload and towing capabilities. Beyond that and a couple of minor complaints (the extended cab's front seats don't flip forward for easier access to the reasonably roomy rear seat, and the center dash vent wouldn't close on our tester—there's little not to like. All things considered, it's no surprise that Chevy's highly capable and versatile Silverado is GM's most popular nameplate and an industry top seller. (www.chevrolet.com)