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Chevrolet Silverado HD - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado HD ranks 1 out of 3 Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Silverado HD, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD is a great choice for those who need a solid work truck or tow vehicle.  If you have the cash and the inclination to spend on options, the Silverado HD can be downright luxurious.

Edmunds says the Silverado HD "possesses the heavy-duty work truck capabilities required in this pickup class, but its refined cabin, comfy ride and reassuring handling make it a top choice," and most reviewers agree. While few people need the incredible hauling and towing capabilities of a heavy-duty truck, those who do will find the 2010 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty a very livable work companion. Not only does the Silverado HD have strong towing and hauling capabilities, it also has a comfortable ride, easy-to-live-with handling and an interior that can be equipped like a luxury SUV. 

While it might seem that the Silverado HD is an obvious choice, shoppers should also take a look at the newly redesigned Ford Super Duty Trucks and the new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty. All three trucks start at about the same price, and all offer similar capabilities. However, the Dodge and Ford trucks offer some options that the Silverado HD doesn't have.  The Super Duty trucks can be equipped with Ford's tool management system in in-truck computer, which can track and print invoices. Both systems are handy tools for contractors.  The Dodge Ram HD was just redesigned for 2010, and reviewers haven't tested it yet.  However, they hope that some options, like in-bed storage compartments or Dodge's MyGig hard drive entertainment system make it to the HD Ram. Suffice to say, while the Silverado HD is an excellent choice, smart shoppers will check out what other makers are offering.

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty comes either as a 2500 or 3500 model, and each model is available in WT, LT, and LTZ trims. The truck comes standard with a 6.0 liter V8 gasoline engine mated to a six speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission or a 6.6 liter V8 Duramax Diesel engine mated to an Allison 1000 series six-speed automatic transmission.  Both 2500 and 3500 models are available in two- or four-wheel drive, as well as regular, extended and crew cabs.  Silverado 3500 models are available as single- or dual-rear wheel models.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD was last redesigned in 2007. For 2010, little has changed, though a USB port in the center console is now standard. The port allows music from portable devices to be player through the Silverado HD's stereo. The port can also charge some handheld devices. 

If you're interested in a Silverado HD, check out our Chevy Deals page, where we've done the research to get you the best deal.

• "GM's newest big rigs retain the many assets of previous models while improving on performance, refinement, cabin comfort, and build quality. The result is an appealing blend of car-like civility and work-truck brawn, bolstered by numerous class-exclusive features such as all-surface 4WD. In all, a must-see for anyone shopping heavy-duty pickups." -- Consumer Guide
• "A highly specialized tool. This is a mighty workhorse for those whose towing and hauling needs are so heavy that even a 2500 just won't cut it." -- Edmunds
• "A Silverado 1500 won our last pickup comparo, and the HD version is more rugged but just as refined, so it too is at the top of its class -- Car and Driver
• "It's a solid partner for work, play or just traveling." -- Orlando Sentinel

 

Silverado-HD Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

Reviewers are generally pleased with the performance of the Silverado Heavy Duty.  Car and Driver says, "On the road, we found GM's new heavy hitters to be very, very comfortable and, considering their three-ton curb weights, reasonably fun to drive."  Other reviewers report that either available engine is strong, and that both 2500 and 3500 models have no trouble towing. Read More

Silverado-HD Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado HD comes with regular, extended and crew cabs.  Buyers who opt for the regular cab get an eight foot long bed; extended and crew cab buyers can choose between the eight-foot long bed and a six and a half foot short bed.  Few reviewers discuss the exterior, but exterior accessories, like bed rails and a cargo tie down system, as well as side rails, are available. Silverado 3500 buyers can also opt to have dual rear wheels. Read More

Silverado-HD Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Several reviewers say the interior of the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty is surprisingly nice.  The base WT trim is the most basic and work-oriented, while the top of the line LTZ trims are downright luxurious. Read More

Silverado-HD Safety - NA

Neither the federal government nor the insurance industry has crash-tested the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado HD.  Front airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control are all standard. Read More

Silverado-HD Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado HD reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty trucks come with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Read More