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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab

Overview

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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

Building on the well-received Tahoe, Suburban and lighter-duty 1500 pickups, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD series brings increased capabilities, refined interiors and enhanced drivability. And, in a nod to Ford's Super Duty line, there's more to differentiate this newest heavy-duty truck from its lighter-duty sibling.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether purchasing for commercial construction, agriculture or recreational towing, if your needs are truly "heavy-duty" you'll likely find those needs met with the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD, which offers all of the virtues, with few of the vices, normally associated with a "heavy-duty" truck.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD's principal mission is to haul or tow big and heavy things. If you don't need this sort of vehicle and its "heavy-duty" attributes, you'll probably be happier with something not quite so robust.

What's New for 2009

Changes for 2009 include OnStar 8.0 which allows for Bluetooth capability and Turn-by-Turn navigation with Destination Download on vehicles equipped with the DVD navigation screen. A new rearview camera system is available on Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, and vehicle stability enhancement is added to the 2500 HD trucks with single rear wheels.

Driving the Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab

Driving Impressions Given the number of drivetrain, cab and chassis variations in the Silverado lineup, it's difficult to provide one set of observations regarding drivability. However, everything Chevy's engineering team did to...

enhance the driving experience has worked. A more rigid frame, in combination with a widened track and retuned suspensions (Z85, standard on 2WD and 4WD models; and Z71, the optional Off-Road suspension), supplies the needed capability without imposing the typical vices of a heavy-duty platform. The ride is composed, handling stable and steering accurate with good on-center feel. With the 6.0-liter gasoline V8, performance might be described as "almost recreational." The Duramax does what diesels do, pulling a lot of load (up to 13,000 lbs.) in an authoritative manner.

Favorite Features

Six-Speed Automatic
This transmission has two overdrive gears to provide relaxed cruising with lower engine speeds and a first gear that's intended to enhance off-the-line response. Of importance to those towing is both Driver Shift Control (tap up and down) and standard Tow/Haul Mode. Though some may wish for an available manual transmission, the six-speed automatic's overall excellence might cure you from wanting to shift your own gears.

Gen IV 6.0L V8 (Gasoline)
For sheer day-in, day-out driving pleasure the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 is terrific, offering extraordinary response for a vehicle this large.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab Details

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab photo

Interior

With the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD there are two available interiors. The version standard in the WT (base-model Work Truck) and LT trims is all about functionality, with an instrument panel focused on ergonomic ease, door panels offering larger door pulls and handles, a specific center console and two glove boxes. The "luxury" interior of the LTZ offers a driving environment straight out of a Tahoe or Suburban. With a distinct instrument design, large center console and other specific trim elements the end result is decidedly upscale.

Exterior

"Prettied up" might be a kiss-of-death descriptive for a heavy-duty pickup, but it will work for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD. The Chevy exterior was all-new for 2007 and builds on those themes established by the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The grille is wide and tall and is flanked by large, reflector-optic headlamps. Corner lights wrap into the flared front fenders, which complement the bulge atop the Silverado's hood, and there is a sleek profile by virtue of the 57-degree windshield angle. Functionally, there are large "grab-style" door handles (for ease of operation while wearing work gloves), doors extend over the rocker panels and, on Extended Cab models, the rear doors open 170 degrees.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For truck-oriented capability, few things beat power; Chevy's standard 6.0-liter Gen IV V8 delivers 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, and a new six-speed automatic transmission meshes perfectly with the engine's capability. Standard safety features include seat-belt pretensioners, tire-pressure monitoring and OnStar.

Optional Equipment

For many, selecting the diesel is a no-brainer; Chevy's Duramax turbo-diesel provides loads of power and is a lot quieter and smoother than diesels of the past, plus fleet models are now B20 biodiesel capable. Those carrying lots of random cargo might better organize it with GM's cargo management system, those living in excessively cold or warm climates will benefit from remote starting on certain trim levels and those wishing to be entertained will enjoy an enhanced DVD system and CD/MP3 audio. Finally, people who worry about getting lost should opt for the available touch-screen navigation system.

Under the Hood

Chevy offers two engine choices. Base power is the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 that delivers 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. Although the EPA doesn't provide a rating for vehicles in this category, past experience suggests GM gasoline engines deliver competitive fuel economy. For those wanting more, the 6.6-liter Duramax provides 365 horsepower and a remarkable 660 lb.-ft. of torque.

6.0 liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
380 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6 liter V8 Turbo Diesel
365 horsepower @ 3200 rpm
660 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 349 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.0/10

Never seen such poor mpg

By mikey (MI) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "pulls a 10,000 lb 5th wheel great!"

Cons: "Can,t pass a gas station 7 1/2 to 8 mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"21,000 only get 7 to 8 mpg pulling and 11 to 12 empty!! Rattles on bumpy rds. Been driving chevey trucks for 37 years never been so disappointed.Never considered another brand before this truck. DO NOT BUY A 6.0 CHEVY TRUCK."

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Very happy with truck.

By MX264 (WV) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Pleanty of Power; Great Reliability"

Cons: "Little bit stiff of a ride but its a 3/4 ton truck"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Truck has been very reliable; Duramax motor and Allison trans. has plenty of towing power. I averaged around 16-17 mpg highway miles. Overall, I'm happy with the truck. According to Kelley Blue Book it has really held its value."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Junk, wouldn't buy it again!

By Ed H (AL) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Horrible dealer service. Transmission is on frtiz. Dealer keeps saying they can fix the truck, but nothing they do works. I tell them to just give me a transmission or a new truck, but they now tell me my transmission is working just fine."

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Pretty decent truck.

By cowboy (OK) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Runs great."

Cons: "Bad mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I've recently bought a 2011 chevy 2500hd z71 4x4 extended cab gas engine. When I bought this truck it had approximately 68000 miles on it, it now has around 72000 miles on it. This truck gets approximately 15 mpg on the high side empty and 10 mpg pulling my 3 horse slant gooseneck. It pulls great the exhaust braking is useful. I would be very happy with this truck if I could get better mileage while towing. I'm afraid that if it doesn't get better mileage I will go to Dodge."

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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Amazing Truck with great towing capabilities!!

By Dubya (OH) on Tuesday, March 05, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: traded it in on a new 2013 model - My approximate mileage is 40,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "6.6 liter Diesel, Allison transmission, Powerful"

Cons: "DEF fuel, low mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought a 2007 2500 HD Crew Cab Diesel and towed my 33ft fifth wheel camper with ease. I loved it so much i just traded it in for a 2013 2500 HD Crew Cab Diesel last week. Don't get me wrong, it was painful to let "Big Red" go but the resale value was so good that when i went to the dealer for a minor recall notice, they made me an offer i couldn't refuse. I never had a single problem with my 2007 Diesel and if i can offer any advice to someone researching for a new truck, it would be to get the Diesel and the Allison Transmission if you can afford it. I tow my 5th wheel camper like it's not even behind me. The Allison transmission is amazing!! Don't get me wrong, the Duramax Diesel engine is no slouch either. Will i miss, "Big Red", who in herself was still just a baby with just over 40,000 miles on her? Absolutely! The fact that "Big Blue" now sits in my driveway makes it a lot easier to handle though. Time will tell if the 2013 model will hold up as well as my 2007 but i was so impressed with "Big Red" that i have no doubt this new truck will function just as well. One slight negative is this silly DEF fuel you have to add every 7,000 miles to a separate 10 gallon tank."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I would not buy a 2500 HD again

By Bill (NY) on Saturday, January 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "pulls just a little better that my 1/2 ton truck"

Cons: "Brakes down , very bad fuel mileage with 373 gears"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Today the truck was towed as it would not start. Being Sat I can not get it fixed as the dealership closes at 1.00pm on Sat. Fuel mileage is very bad. For new truck and the best getting 15 MPG is very bad and that is driving very carefull. If I hook my bass boat on you are looking at 10 MPG. Overall a very high price for the truck and the tires where junk that came on it."

6 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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See all 349 reviews