Chevrolet Silverado 2500

The Silverado's Origins

The Silverado name belongs to one of the most popular and best-selling truck lines in the U.S. Nearly identical to the GMC Sierra, it merely differs from its sibling in being the more standard type of the two, compared to the more upscale Sierra. Even their history is similar, with both beginning as trim levels in 1975.  The Silverado was the namesake for a high-end luxury trim package for Chevy's C/K pickup line, and it remained a trim until 1999 when the first Silverado model was introduced. That very same year, the Silverado won the Motor Trend "Truck of the Year" award. Much of the Silverado's success in keeping loyal customers derives from its ability to offer such a wide array of customizable features, making it a more malleable truck to fit any person's needs.

The 2500's Development

The 2500 label has represented a three-quarter-ton truck for Chevy since 1988. Formerly known as the C20, the new nomenclature would stick when Silverado separated itself from the C/K line and became its own model. It debuted in 1999 with a two-door or three-door option and a 5.3L V8 engine that could run at 270 horsepower. It offered a regular or extended cab and three trim levels: Silverado-Base, LT, and LS. A year later, the four-door model would be introduced.

A heavy-duty (HD) version was released in 2001 that ranged between a 6.0 and 8.1L Vortec V8 or a 6.6L Duramax that came with an intercooled, turbocharged diesel engine. While the lighter 2500 version continued to be an upgraded version from the 1500, it was no match for the strongly desired HD. The best the 2500 could offer was a 6.0L Vortec V8, and the working class preferred a stronger and more durable truck so there was less of a need to have a light-duty version. After a five-year stint, the popular 2500HD replaced the lighter Silverado 2500, and no regular duty Silverado 2500 model has been manufactured since 2004. Still, the 2500 was the first step to creating a stronger truck, and whether it's an HD or regular model, the 2500 continues to excel both on and off the road.