Overview & Reviews

Next time you hear someone refer to the "Sierra Nevada Mountains," please direct them to your state's Department of Redundancy Department. The folks at DORD will immediately inform them that Sierra is, in fact, Spanish for mountains -- it's no different from saying Rio Grande River, ATM Machine or Los Angeles Angels.

Thankfully, the GMC Sierra 3500 made plenty of sense as a heavy-duty pickup. As a near-identical twin to the Chevy Silverado, the Sierra 3500 was a sturdy workhorse thanks to upgrades over the regular 1500 model such as a more rugged frame, a stiffened suspension, more powerful engine choices and the availability of dual rear wheels. Although it certainly could have benefited from better interior materials, the GMC Sierra 3500's reputation for durability and tremendous hauling and towing capabilities made it a long-running favorite.

When GMC redesigned the Sierra 3500 for 2007, it changed the truck's name slightly to "3500HD". Information about that truck can be found here.

Used GMC Sierra 3500 Models
The last Sierra 3500 was sold from 2001-'06. GMC further extended the model's life by one year by calling it the 3500 Classic for 2007. Changes to this truck were minimal during its production run. Updates were made to exterior styling and the interior for 2003, with further exterior tweaks for 2005. These trucks initially came in SL, SLE and SLT trim levels, with the Work Truck added for 2004. That latter year also saw a regular rear axle become available to supplement the dual rear-wheel setup.

The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 that made 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. There were two optional engines: an 8.1-liter gasoline V8 producing 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel producing 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. This diesel was upgraded for 2006 with more power and refinement and fewer emissions -- it made 360 hp and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque. These engines carried over for the 2007 Classic. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with the 6.0-liter V8, with a four-speed automatic optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and turbodiesel engines came with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. (It became a six-speed for 2006.)

In reviews of the GMC Sierra 3500, we were always impressed by the truck's powerful engine lineup and substantial towing and hauling abilities. It was a reasonably comfortable truck for everyday use, but don't expect the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the three available engines will provide swift acceleration (for a full-size 1-ton truck, that is) and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is probably the best choice for those who tow heavy loads -- especially the more powerful 2006 Duramax. Our principal beef with the Sierra 3500 concerned the shoddy interior design, materials and build quality. GMC improved it gradually during its lifespan, but it was never quite up to snuff.

The previous-generation GMC Sierra 3500 heavy-duty pickup ran from 1988-'98 with a significant refresh for 1995. It was known as the Sierra 3500 Classic for 1999 and 2000. This 1-ton Sierra was powered by a series of V8 engines (including a diesel option), with enhancements made in 1994. New gasoline "Vortec" engines debuted for 1996, including a 7.4-liter V8 capable of 410 lb-ft of torque. The 6.5-liter turbodiesel was upgraded for 1998. Strengths of these trucks include strong, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and materials within the cabin.

User Reviews:

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  Duramax Power - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By BigIron - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I haul a 116" Lance Legend camper and pull a 8x12 trailer with it loaded with ATVs and a motorcycle and the truck does all I want it to. I traded a Powerstroke in and I am pleased that I did. Its quite and rides and handles a lot better then my old Ford. I am getting around 12mpg at freeway speeds with this load.

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  A Real Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By TOW MAN - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed all our expectations (except for the dealer who is mediocre). The cabin noise level is lower than most of the cars that I have owned in the last 15 years. Build quality is improved over the 95 GMC that I owned. I tow 10 to 13K pound loads on a daily basis. Hauling horses I routinely discuss trucks with other guys at horse events. I find that I can out haul them, get slightly better gas mileage and the TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP less than my Ford F350 friends (one of whom has sold his to buy a Chevy 3500). If you are looking for a real work rig, this is it.

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  WHAT CAN YOU SAY....? - 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Big Money - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Extremely Satisfied with Fllet Manager Diane Ford, Ironic working for GM with that Name. Excellent Truck! 230K MILES On the Last One and going for 430k On the Duramax/Allison Combonation.

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  2004 3500 Duramax 6.6 SLT DRW Crew Cab - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Pilot - April 9 - 9:00 am

  Ive had this truck for almost 4 years, and I have nothing but good to say. I have a 37 5th wheel, which when loaded is right at 16300 lbs and it pulls it great. Now Im not going to tell you that I dont know the 5th wheel is back there, but this truck is a joy to drive while pulling. Shell be paid for in a couple of months, and I plan to keep her for a long time.

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  Best of breed - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Crusty Codger - December 4 - 8:30 am

  Except for the cruise control switch that failed early on and the really poor tires that were provided I have had zero problems with my GMC 3500 long bed duramax allison crew cab dually that I purchased in 2005. My GMC has largely been used for hauling trailers, including my 35 foot fifth wheel, a car hauler and a 20 foot box trailer. The diesel never falters, even on fairly sharp inclines. And compared to Ford or Dodge the engine remains quite quiet.

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  A Truck that puts a smile on your face! - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By don lewis - September 3 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned this truck since 2006 and now have 56000 miles on it. The Duramax/Allison combo outshines the rest. I have hauled volleyball teams, 15000lbs 5th wheel up the Cascades, to work everyday and a multiple runs crosscounty and I smile everytime I start this truck up. Do I have complaints? One, the roof liner fit and finish leaves alot to be desired :( I have drove the rest and this is hands down the best. A Quiet diesel that can smoke the tires. I laugh when the Toyota boys try to pull something heavy up the mountains, they just dont have it. It will be the last truck I own.

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  Great truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 3500
  By N.E. TM RPR - May 11 - 8:23 am

  Bought this truck end of July. Installed Una-Goose ball hitch in bed and drive it every day. I have 29,000 plus miles and have no reason to take it to dealer yet. I do all my own general service. I have towed loads as heavy as 16,000 without any problems. Trans handles all loads with ease with the grade braking. Only problem is keeping speed down,lots of power and I find myself going too fast.

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  Great Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By rick - March 7 - 3:43 am

  Excellent drivability. This truck has more power than the comparable Ford or Dodge, better mileage, and is MUCH quieter! (Im a Dodge man) Mileage varies from 22 (cruise at 55mph, no load) to 12 (90mph with truck loaded and 14,000lb trailer). Plently of room in the cab and a full length bed too! Only problem with the truck is the moonroof has stuck open 3 times and lots of wind noise when open. The moonroof cover is designed more like a screen - the sun sure gets hot at an angle that directly shines on driver. The original tires had sidewall integrity problems at 55K. Goodyear great with warranty issues. The fuel gage takes a while to show that the tank is actually full (10min - 1hour).

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  Proffessional truck!!!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
  By truckinisfun - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the tramendous performance of my sierra at a ropping 325hp and 370foot lbs. of tourque.I also love the way it steers with my camper hooeked to the back,anyone who likes trucks should deffinetly at least check it out.

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  great vehical for towing over 14000 lbs - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By ace777777777 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i have 4000 miles on gmc3500lly 04 duramax allison crew cab dually, half of the miles is towing ,it gets 12 to 16 mpg, the motor and tranny handles the weight easily ,i have a bw gooseneck hitch to haul a 14000 dump trailor, sometimes going up and down 6% grades, the transmission downshifts automatically,its easy on the brakes when towing ,it dosent ride like a truck and its very quiet for a diesel its fun to drive and get lots of compliments on how the truck looks and when taking people for a ride in it they enjoy it ,i owned a dodge dikota a 2500 silverado and a heavy duty silverado 2500 and a heavy duty 3500 chevy chassis cab with a dump body i like the gmc 3500 the best