The Good
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 boasts impressive performance, especially with its potent V8 engines, offering substantial towing and hauling capabilities for practical buyers. Its redesigned interior provides enhanced comfort and a more refined ride, appealing to those seeking a better daily driving experience. The robust chassis contributes to its reputation for reliability, while the updated styling presents a more modern and muscular design. Despite being a heavy-duty truck, its value proposition remains strong due to its durability and long service life. It provides emotional satisfaction through its powerful presence and the ability to tackle demanding tasks, combined with the practical benefits of a dependable workhorse.
The Bad
While robust, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has known weaknesses to watch out for. Common issues include rust problems on the body and frame, especially in salt-belt regions. Electrical glitches, particularly with the instrument cluster and wiring harnesses, can occur. Brake line corrosion is a significant concern, often leading to failure. The active fuel management (AFM) system on certain gasoline engines can cause excessive oil consumption and lifter issues. Additionally, early models of the 6L90 transmission can exhibit some shifting eccentricities. Owners should thoroughly inspect for these issues during a pre-purchase inspection.
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500: Quick Overview
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, part of the GMT900 generation, offered formidable powertrain options designed for heavy-duty work.
- Engine Options:
- 6.0L Vortec V8 (LY6): This gasoline engine was a popular choice, known for its strong output and durability.
- 6.6L Duramax LMM V8 Turbodiesel: The legendary Duramax diesel was the premium option, highly sought after for its immense torque and towing prowess.
- Horsepower:
- 6.0L Vortec V8: Approximately 353 horsepower at 5400 rpm.
- 6.6L Duramax LMM V8 Turbodiesel: Approximately 365 horsepower at 3200 rpm.
- Torque:
- 6.0L Vortec V8: Approximately 373 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.
- 6.6L Duramax LMM V8 Turbodiesel: An impressive 660 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm.
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates, Varies greatly by configuration and use):
- 6.0L Vortec V8: Generally around 13-14 MPG combined (city/highway) for 2WD models. Heavy-duty trucks are not typically rated by EPA for fuel economy.
- 6.6L Duramax LMM V8 Turbodiesel: Real-world estimates often range from 15-18 MPG combined, though specific EPA ratings were not provided for HD trucks.
- 0-60 MPH Times:
- 6.0L Vortec V8: Approximately 8-9 seconds, depending on configuration.
- 6.6L Duramax LMM V8 Turbodiesel: Approximately 7-8 seconds, impressive for a heavy-duty truck.
- Towing Capacity (Maximum):
- 6.0L Vortec V8: Up to approximately 10,500 - 13,000 lbs, depending on cab style, drivetrain, and axle ratio.
- 6.6L Duramax LMM V8 Turbodiesel: Up to approximately 13,000 - 15,000 lbs (conventional towing) and higher for fifth-wheel/gooseneck applications (up to 16,700 lbs in some configurations), depending on cab style, drivetrain, and axle ratio.
- Trim-Level Features:
- WT (Work Truck): Basic vinyl seats, rubberized flooring, manual windows/locks, AM/FM radio. Designed for utility and durability.
- LT: Adds cloth upholstery, power windows/locks, CD player, keyless entry, chrome exterior accents, and available upgrades like dual-zone climate control.
- LTZ: The top-tier trim, featuring leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, Bose premium audio, steering wheel audio controls, OnStar, larger alloy wheels, body-color bumpers, and more advanced interior amenities.
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Specifications
Vehicle History Report
What Problems Does the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Have?
Another common problem revolves around the instrument cluster. Gauges can fail, stick, or provide inaccurate readings, particularly the speedometer and fuel gauge. This often requires replacement or repair of the entire cluster. Electrical issues are also prevalent, including problems with power windows, door locks, and wiring harnesses that can suffer from corrosion or chafing.
For trucks equipped with the 6.0L Vortec gasoline engine, specifically those with Active Fuel Management (AFM), excessive oil consumption and subsequent lifter failure are known issues. The AFM system deactivates cylinders to save fuel, but this can lead to sludge buildup and premature wear of the lifters and camshaft. Solutions often involve AFM delete kits or extensive engine work.
The 6L90 automatic transmission, while generally robust, can sometimes exhibit rough or erratic shifting in earlier models, though many issues were resolved with software updates or minor component replacements. Exhaust manifold bolts breaking, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking sounds, are also common, particularly on the gasoline engines.
Several recalls have been issued over the years for the GMT900 platform, which includes the 2007 Silverado 2500. These have ranged from issues with the power steering system (loss of assist) to specific concerns with airbag inflators (Takata recall). Owners should always check the NHTSA website for open recalls by VIN to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed. Other recalls pertained to potential steering shaft issues, which could affect steering control, and problems with the driver's side electric window switch that could overheat. Long-term reliability is largely dependent on rigorous maintenance and proactive attention to these known issues.
How long will the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
For connectivity and assistance, OnStar was a prominent feature on many models, offering services like automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, hands-free calling, and stolen vehicle assistance. Rear-seat DVD entertainment systems were an optional luxury, particularly popular in Crew Cab configurations for families or long trips.
Driver-assistance features were less common compared to modern trucks. Basic cruise control was standard or optional on most trims. Rear parking assist (sensors) was an available option on higher trim levels, aiding in maneuvering this large vehicle. A rearview camera was not a factory option in 2007, but aftermarket solutions are common today.
Safety features were foundational for the Silverado 2500. Standard equipment included dual-stage frontal airbags for the driver and front passenger. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard across all models, enhancing stopping power and control, especially when towing or hauling. A robust high-strength steel frame provided significant passive safety. Stability control (StabiliTrak) was not standard on all heavy-duty models for 2007, but was often available or standard on specific configurations.
Crash-test ratings for heavy-duty pickups like the Silverado 2500 from the 2007 model year are not as comprehensive as for lighter-duty vehicles or modern trucks. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) did not typically perform full frontal or side-impact crash tests on 2500-series trucks at that time. However, the closely related Silverado 1500 (light-duty) generally performed well in its tests, often receiving 5-star ratings for frontal impact and good ratings for side impact, suggesting a strong underlying structure for the 2500 as well. Owners should rely on the robust build and standard safety features for protection.
What Colors Options are Available?
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Prices and Market Value
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Cost of Ownership
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Fuel Efficiency
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Compare to Other Vehicle?
- Performance:
The Silverado 2500's 6.6L Duramax LMM diesel was highly competitive, offering strong horsepower (365 hp) and torque (660 lb-ft), often regarded as one of the smoothest and quietest diesels. The Ford F-250, with its 6.0L Power Stroke diesel, initially had slightly more horsepower but was plagued by significant reliability issues, particularly with its EGR cooler and oil cooler. Ford later offered the 6.4L Power Stroke, which improved power but still had reliability concerns. The Ram 2500's 5.9L or later 6.7L Cummins diesel was a torque monster (especially the 6.7L with up to 650 lb-ft), renowned for its bulletproof inline-six durability, though it sometimes lagged in horsepower compared to GM and Ford diesels. The Silverado's 6.0L gasoline engine was competitive with Ford's 5.4L Triton V8 and Ram's 5.7L HEMI, though the HEMI often had a slight edge in raw power. - Features:
All three offered similar body styles and trim levels from basic work trucks to luxurious variants. The 2007 Silverado's interior received a significant update, often praised for its improved ergonomics, material quality, and quieter cabin compared to its rivals, particularly the Ford. Ram's interior was more spartan but functional. GM's OnStar system and available Bose audio were competitive. - Reliability:
The Duramax engine in the Silverado 2500 is generally considered highly reliable, often surpassing the Power Stroke of the same era, though perhaps not quite reaching the legendary status of the Cummins for sheer longevity without intervention. The gasoline Vortec 6.0L is also very durable. The Ford 6.0L Power Stroke was notoriously unreliable, while the Ram's Cummins was a benchmark for reliability. However, Ram trucks could suffer from other issues like front-end component wear. - Price:
New prices were largely comparable across the three, though specific options and trim levels would create variations. On the used market, Duramax-equipped Silverados and Cummins-equipped Rams tend to command a premium over Power Stroke F-250s due to their perceived reliability advantages.
Recommendations:
For maximum reliability and towing power, a 2007 Silverado 2500 with the Duramax diesel is an excellent choice, often offering a better balance of power, refinement, and fewer engine-specific issues than Ford's diesel from that period. Alternatively, a Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel is also a highly recommended alternative for its legendary engine durability. Ford F-250s from this era, especially with the 6.0L Power Stroke, are generally less recommended due to widespread reliability concerns, unless extensive "bulletproofing" modifications have been performed. For gasoline-powered trucks, the Silverado 2500's 6.0L is a solid, dependable choice comparable to or better than rivals' offerings.