2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 in Chattanooga, TN - $17,997

Built for hard work -- designed for total enjoyment. This sophisticated brawn from Chevrolet is a truck on a mission -- the ultimate carriage of payload and passengers -- in almost any terrain. Designed to handle the most demanding jobs, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup receives a new hood and grille design for 2005.

Two brawny gasoline V8 engines -- Vortec 6000 and Vortec 8100 -- provide the base muscle while a turbocharged, intercooled, direct-injection diesel V8 motor is available for the really nasty stuff. Developed in conjunction with Isuzu, the Duramax 6600 is a high tech wonder of strength and durability.

Commercial truck buyers also have a selection of gearboxes to transfer torque to the ground. Standard choices include a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission. A heavy-duty six-speed manual gearbox is a no-charge option while an Allison five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is offered for $2,295. ($1,200 for LT).

The Silverado 3500 is available in regular, extended and crew cab body styles and two- or four-wheel drive configurations. The Silverado 3500 is offered in Work Truck, Base, LS and LT trim levels. All models feature an eight-foot long cargo bed.

On the road, the Silverado 3500, equipped with the Vortec 8100 V8, delivers a smooth, continuous band of useable power. Shifts are carlike and the powertrain is very willing, reacting immediately to slight changes in driver inputs. Solid, responsive and impeccably mannered, the big Chevrolet pickup is easy to handle and control at speed.

The Silverado 3500 starts with a modular, sectional frame featuring a hydroformed steel front frame and a stamped rear C-section frame. This construction provides outstanding strength and precise dimensional control as the ideal platform for rugged daily use and a smooth ride.

Suspension hardware includes the standard long and short arm independent front torsion bar suspension with semi-elliptic two-stage multi-leaf rear springs at the rear. The result is a smooth ride, impressive durability, good on-center feel and predictable stability whether the truck is loaded or unloaded.

Inside the cabin, a well designed instrument panel greets the driver. Outward visibility is excellent, with a full complement of analog gauges -- speedometer, fuel, oil pressure, water and transmission oil temp. A driver information center is standard. The message center reports on the status of up to 27 functions with a one-line 22 character LCD display.

The 40/20/40 front seating layout is very comfortable. A 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. Rear seat passengers in extended and crew cab models enjoy plenty of leg room and comfortable seating. Cupholders galore throughout the cabin and retained accessory power make the Silverado 3500 a very hospitable place to work or relax.

Quick vehicle stats

3500 Regular cab/long box

Wheelbase: 133.0; overall length: 222.1; width: 79.7; height: 76.7 (2WD), 76.7 (4WD).

3500 Extended cab/long box

Wheelbase: 157.5; overall length: 246.6; width: 79.7; height: 76.3 (2WD), 76.7 (4WD).

3500 Crew cab/long box

Wheelbase: 167.0; overall length: 256.2; width: 79.7; height: 76.3 (2WD), 76.7 (4WD), measurement in inches.

Engine: Vortec 6000 6.0L V8 (LQ4) -- 300 hp at 4,400 rpm; 360 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; Vortec 8100 8.1L V8 (L18) -- 330 hp at 4,200 rpm; 450 lbs-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm; Duramax 6600 6.6L V8 (LB7) -- 310 hp at 3,000 rpm; 520 lbs-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Vortec engines use regular unleaded. Duramax requires diesel fuel.

Transmission: New Venture Gear 3500 (MW3) five-speed manual, ZF S6-650 (ML6) six-speed manual, Hydra-Matic 4L80-E 4-speed automatic, Allison 1000 (M74) five-speed automatic.

Payload capacity: 5,054 lbs.

Towing capacity: 16,700 lbs., with fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch and 3.73 axle.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, daytime running lamps, automatic headlamp control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and dynamic rear proportioning, heavy duty limited slip rear axle, full-size spare tire and front tow hooks. LS adds alarm system, automatic power door locks and remote keyless entry. LT adds OnStar communications system and front fog lights.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup truck starts from $29,130 for a Silverado 3500 Regular Cab Work Truck up to $40,515 for the LT Crew Cab 4WD model. Destination charges add $850.

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