2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | Review | Buying Guide
Designed for some serious work applications, it’s a good idea to research the Silverado 2500 before you actually go out and purchase one. At ¾-ton and with a serious dose of strength, the 2500 is not a pickup you buy for weekend drives.
If you do decide to make the plunge and buy a Silverado, the next step is deciding on the body style. For 2005, the Silverado 2500 series comes in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles. Regular cabs have two doors and seat two or three. Extended cabs have rear-hinged back doors; crew cabs have four full doors. Both can seat up to six.
New for 2005 are a number of improvements aimed at upping the already impressive performance level of these snarling pickups. A new 3.23 rear axle ratio is standard on 2WD models, while a more powerful 145-amp alternator is standard on all models for 2005.
Under the Hood
While the 1500 series has a number of engines spread across its broad lineup of models, the 2500 series has just one for all types. But not surprisingly, it is big and powerful, perfect for the strain under which people will undoubtedly put the Silverado 2500.
That engine is a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 model, and it can produce 300 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It can be mated to two transmission types: 5-speed heavy-duty manual or 4-speed automatic.
For 2005, the revolutionary Quadrasteer system is available on 2500 crew cab models. At low speeds, it enables the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels for excellent maneuverability. In fact, the turning diameter of 2500 models with Quadrasteer is reduced 21 percent, from 49.6 feet to 37.4 feet.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Attached to the three body styles are two different cargo beds. Regular cabs get an 8.1-ft Fleetside long box, while extendeds and crew cabs have a 6.5-ft Fleetside short box. All of them, no matter what the configuration, are tough as nails.
Even though it’s mostly a work truck, the 2005 Silverado still provides a nice list of creature comforts, particularly with the crew cab. From available Bose sound systems to a Panasonic DVD passenger entertainment system, there’s something for everyone. These systems (except the base fleet radio) feature the next-generation Radio Data System, and can interface with services such as the optional XM Satellite Radio
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