2005 Duramax-A Very Nice Truck

The truck has the LS package with Allison automatic transmission, cloth power bucket seats, power heated outside rear mirrors that extend out for towing, dual climate controls, center console/armrest, electronic 4-wheel drive engagement, auto dimming rear view mirror, complimentary XM satellite radio subscription, A/C, P/S, P/B, P/W, cruise, outside thermometer, compass and adjustable tilt steering wheel. This truck did not come with the optional OnStar package. The box contains hooks for straps when carrying large loads. Truck has ABS 4 wheel disc brakes.

My truck averages 20 mpg. Fuel consumption in summer is 21-22 mpg and 18-19 mpg in winter. I traded in my 10 year old Ford F-150 and Chevrolet gave me the best deal for the truck and my trade-in. I looked very hard at the Ford Powerstroke diesels but Chevrolet gave me the best price for all the features the Silverado had versus the Fords.

I must be blessed, since I have not had any serious issues with this truck. My biggest complaint is the turbocharger design on the Duramax: The air intake makes a sharp 90 degree bend before entering the turbocharger. I plan to rectify this situation with an aftermarket turbocharger kit but only after the extended warranty runs out. Where I live, diesel fuel is running almost 50 cents per gallon higher than regular unleaded gasoline.

I've put over 31,000 miles on this truck without any mechanical issues. I have no engine or transmission oil leaks that I keep hearing so much about. The diesel engine always starts well in cold weather. I've never had to plug in the engine heater. At 55 mph, the engine is as quiet as a gasoline engine without the characteristic "rattle" that is customary with a diesel engine. The cab interior is quiet and road noise is very low. At speeds below 20 miles per hour, the throttle control will make the engine surge occasionally.

The power bucket seats are very comfortable; even for driving long distances. Visibility is fair to good with the standard cab.

The truck body sits quite high above the frame due to the profile of the Allison transmission, almost requiring step platforms under the cab doors. All of the controls are within easy reach. The stereo audio sound quality is OK. A minor annoyance inherent to most vehicles nowadays, and the Silverado is no exception, is that water will drip onto the power window controls if the windows are cracked open when it's raining.

Brake performance is very good. There's no squeaks or rattles in the cab and the truck feels very tight. Steering is responsive. The rear end is light and with the Duramax's low end torque, the rear wheels will break traction, causing the truck to fishtail on ice & snow in 2WD. Electronic transfer from 2WD to 4WD is seamless. There's no 4WD icon on the instrument panel, just a small amber light on the 4WD button notifying the driver of 4WD status, so you have to look to see if you are in 4WD. The instruments on the dash are clearly visible and well illuminated during night driving.

This is the best truck I have owned to date. Even my wife loves to drive it. As discriminating as she is, that's saying something.