2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 in Antigo, WI - $11,900

Built for hard work -- designed for total enjoyment. That statement best illustrates my experience with the newest members of the Chevrolet truck lineup. More power, best-in-class capabilities, durability and improved efficiency move the bar up for customer satisfaction and performance.

Available in base, LS and LT trim -- the Silverado 2500 HD comes in a wide variety of configurations -- regular, extended or crew cab; five wheelbases (from 133 to 167 inches) and two/four-wheel drive. Buyers opting for the upscale LT trim level can choose to have their truck equipped from the factory with OnStar -- the automaker's Global Positioning System and cellular telephone communications system.

New and vastly improved engines are some of the major news topics for 2001. Consumers can choose from the following: the base 5300 5.3L Vortec V-8, the powerful all new 6000 6.0L and 8100 8.1L V-8 gasoline engines or the house moving Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo diesel. Gearbox choices are just as varied with a New Venture Gear five-speed, heavy-duty manual with deep low and overdrive standard.

The 4L80-E heavy-duty four-speed automatic is a $1,095 option. Heavy-duty truck buyers that opt for the Duramax 6600 or Vortec 8100 engines have the added availability of the German built ZF S6-650 six-speed manual transmission or the robust Allison 1000 five-speed automatic. Unique features like grade-braking speed control and tow/haul switch with the Allison automatic are coupled with heavy-duty gearboxes that are more robust in every way.

On the road, the big block Vortex 8100 V-8 mated to the five-speed Allison automatic delivers a smooth, continuous band of useable power. Shifts are carlike and the powertrain is very willing, reacting immediately to slight changes in drive inputs. A modular, sectional frame with outstanding strength, reduced weight and precise dimensional control provides the ideal platform for rugged daily use and a smooth ride.

A long and short arm independent front torsion bar suspension is standard with semi-elliptic multi-leaf rear springs that operate in two stages in the rear. The result is a smoother ride, greater durability, more on-center feel and better stability whether the truck is loaded or unloaded.

Inside the cabin, a full complement of analog gauges greet the driver -- speedometer, fuel, oil pressure, water and transmission oil temp and a digital message center. The message center includes the following warning messages: system malfunction, transmission overheat, low fuel, low coolant, security, oil level, oil temp, oil pressure and oil change. Outward visibility is excellent.

A 40/20/40 seating setup is very comfortable. The center armrest yields a large storage area with the ability to hold an 8 1/2 by 11 inch pad of paper on the underside of the storage cover. There are three dash mounted powerpoints to support a variety of electrical devices. Two good-sized cupholders and retained accessory power make the inside of this cab a very hospitable place to work.

By the numbers

Engine performance numbers are as follow: Vortec 5300 5.3L -- 270 hp at 5,200 rpm and 320 lb/ft of torque at 3,200 rpm; Vortec 6000 6.0L -- 300 hp at 4400 rpm and 370 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; Vortec 8100 8.1L -- 340 hp at 4,200 rpm and 455 lb/ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. The Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo diesel delivers 300 hp at 3,100 rpm and 520 lb/ft of torque at 1,800 rpm.

The gasoline engines use regular unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are clearly marked. The vehicle height of the four-wheel drive models may prove a challenge for short drivers.

Properly equipped, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD has a maximum payload of 3,779 pounds and with a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch has a maximum trailer capacity of 15,900 pounds.

Standard safety/security features include: power four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, daytime running lights, dual front airbags and Passlock theft deterrent system. LS models add keyless entry with content theft alarm and programmable door locks. LT models add OnStar system and fog lamps.

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD pickup truck begins at $21,469 for the regular cab, long wheelbase two-wheel drive model up to $36,017 for the LT Crew Cab four-wheel drive model with OnStar. (Editor's note: Chevrolet does offer a light-duty 2500 model that starts at $21,079.) Destination charge adds $690. Dealers are reporting a growing number of these awesome pickups in inventory, so selecting one should not be a problem.

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