Overview & Reviews
GMC has long been a mainstay of American byways and highways. Originally used and respected by farmers, construction workers and small-business owners, GMC's hauler was a basic workhorse known for its reliability and longevity. More recent times have seen GMC's full-size truck adopt the name Sierra. And with a variety of body styles, powertrains and trim levels, the Sierra is as adept at serving as the weekday family car.
However, this is the 2500HD version we're talking about. Though "HD" has become a familiar pop-culture concept in recent years, rest assured that the HD part of GMC Sierra 2500HD does not, in fact, involve plasma or LCD TVs. In this case we're talking the old-fashioned meaning of HD: "Heavy Duty." As one of two GMC heavy-duty full-size pickups, the 2500HD is a true workhorse that adds big-league power, towing and hauling capabilities to its family-ready credentials.
Current GMC Sierra 2500HD
The GMC Sierra 2500HD is available in regular, extended or crew cab designs, with a long or short wheelbase, and with rear- or four-wheel drive. The extended and crew cab body styles are offered in four trim levels: Work Truck, SLE, SLT and top-of-the-line Denali. The regular cabin can only be had in Work Truck and SLE trims. Moving up through the ranks obviously adds more style and features, culminating in the top-shelf Denali.
Standard on all Sierra 2500HD pickups is a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The burly Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque is optional. Its standard Allison six-speed automatic is well suited to towing and hauling large loads.
In a recent comparison test, GM's heavy-duty trucks came out on top thanks to superior all-around performance. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate what heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) the GMC Sierra 2500HD would be a solid decision.
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD Models
The present-generation GMC Sierra 3500HD debuted for the 2007 model year. Originally, the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 produced 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.6-liter diesel V8 was good for 365 hp and 660 lb-ft. The gasoline engines' current output arrived for 2010.
More changes occurred for 2011 when the Sierra received an all-new frame along with new suspension components (for greater towing capacity and a smoother ride), a more potent turbodiesel engine cranking out 397 hp and 765 lb-ft (previously 365 hp and 660 lb-ft) and the debut of the ultra-plush Denali trim level.
The previous-generation Sierra 2500HD was sold from 2001-'06 and lived on one more year as the "Classic" for 2007. There was a heavy-duty package available for the light-duty Sierra 2500 in 1999 and 2000. That light-duty Sierra 2500 has been discontinued. In terms of updates, there were changes made to the exterior and interior styling for 2003, with further exterior tweaks for 2005. These trucks came in Work Truck (after '03), SL, SLE and SLT trim levels.
The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 that made 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. There were two optional engines: an 8.1-liter gasoline V8 producing 340 hp and 455 lb-ft and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel producing 300 hp and 520 lb-ft. This diesel was upgraded in 2006 for 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 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 diesel engines came with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic (which became a six-speed for 2006).
As with the current GMC Sierra 2500HD, we were always impressed by this generation'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 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 concerns 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 2500 ran from 1988-'98 with a significant refresh for 1995. It was known as the Sierra 2500 Classic for 1999 and 2000. Strengths of these pickup trucks include strong, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and materials within the cabin.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 219.00-
2500HD 4x4 6.0L - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By joel - March 10 - 9:36 amI really love this truck. I call it "big truck". I dont like the gas mileage, aprox 13 mpg but what could I expect. It definilety has the pulling power, and the acceleration that I would want. I drove a couple of F-250s and I just didnt like the ride quality as much as I do this truck. Im very happy with this truck
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Best GMC I have owned - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Great truck, Rich - February 16 - 8:26 pmEnd of year clearance when I bought it. I got a good deal. I use it for work and hauling a 5th wheel camper. You hardly know you have the camper behind it. It is a pleasure to drive and with nearly 90k miles it is rattle free and quiet. The long bed makes towing a pleasure. The 4 wheel disks brakes are3 greatpaired with the ABS, I still have more than half the pads left, my other car is a Ford ambulance, Ill take the GMC any day over the Ford, Dodge is noisy and only has short beds with the crew cab. Im planing on a new GMC soon with a few more bells and whistles.
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2007 GMC - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Ken - January 20 - 3:00 pmGreat truck! The Duramax towed my 31ft Airstream on a 5000 mile trip without any problems. The truck was very stable and had lots of power to spare in all situations. Gas mileage was around 12.5 mpg towing and 17 alone. I hope for better mileage after the diesel gets broken in. I expected at least some problem to show up on the brand new truck but am pleased to say everything is working perfectly.
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SLT 2500HD 4WD XCAB SB 8.1L ALLISON 5SPD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By M HILL - January 11 - 2:00 amThis is one awesome truck. We are appreciative of the creature comforts, all around visibilty, safety/security features and OnStar. I pull a 30 foot 5th wheel, (about 11000 pounds) and have been very impressed with the trucks ability and ease of maneuverability. I regret I didnt wait for a DuraMax, but Im getting along fine without it.
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Too Much - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By JailDoc - January 7 - 2:00 amThe 8.1L, Allison Trans, this vehicle is beyond awesome, lousy milage but that is what was expected. Pull or tow anything, fast as hell, acceleration is neck snaping, stable anywhere you take it. So far no problems like my last GMC (ABS pump went out), the dealer is lousy, cant trust a thing they say. Time will tell.
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Keep Looking - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Ken - January 3 - 6:20 pmI have the Duramax/Allison combination. It is a very sloppy running engine. Sloppy in that it is not efficient at burning the $3 plus/gallon fuel it takes to run her. She smokes and run your finger on the inside of the tailpipe and youll see what I mean. My guess is that in the hoursepower wars, GM spared no expense in trying to get ahead of the competition. They should have left the 0-60 nad quarter mile bragging rights to a more appropriate vehicle like the Camaro or Corvette. Im looking for a new owner for this one.
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Pleased - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Gary - December 30 - 6:36 amWe enjoy our 2500K HD Diesel powered truck except the cloth seats (front) are not comfortable on long runs. We are of average weight and find ourselves having to stop frequently. The seat become flat and loose cushion after being seated for short lengths of time. Order leather bucket if you can.
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Is it Montana tough? - 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By awenaw - December 25 - 9:19 amJust bought a 2014 GMC 2500 Duramax with z71 off road package 3 weeks ago, currently has a little over 2000 miles. Went huntin two days ago in a couple feet of snow and while crawling in 4lo up an old logging road I managed to twist the mounts on the front drive axle, destroyed the axle seal, broke the universal joints on the front drive line and cracked the transfer case. The truck just has so much torque at low rpm its unbelievable. Love the Duramax/Allison combo but I seemed to have found a weak spot GM didnt find during testing. The ifs as well as everything behind the t-case stayed true and held strong but the 4x4 components failed under very little stress and throttle input.
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Ill only buy Duramax - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Max-This - December 8 - 11:50 amThis is by far the greatest and most comfortable truck ever made. And if power and performance are what you want then this is the truck for you. The only trouble I had was with the injectors and luckily they were covered by the LB7s extended 7year/200,000mile warranty. Other than that I have never had trouble with this truck. Plus the aftermarket for Duramaxs is so wide open to your imagination.
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Great work truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By alconst1 - November 28 - 10:00 amLove this truck as well as the past 3 Gmc trucks this truck is very comfortable and reliable. we have had even a Ford mechanic admit that the quality of gmc far exceeds Ford.
