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:

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  Great Reliabilty Poor Interior - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By GMC2500HD - June 2 - 5:33 am

  Better fuel mileage, reliability and smoother suspension than the comparable Ford. However, position of side view mirrors creates dangerous blind spots. Cup holders in front difficult to access. Front middle seat very uncomfortable. Front passenger seat lack of foot/leg room r/t air box, this lack of space is even worse when there are passengers in back seat and you have to move front seat forward to allow more space for them. Lack of leg space for back row and you have to turn your foot sideways to get in/out of vehicle due to the lack of space between the seat and exterior section of vehicle where door attaches. Theres more. Overall this is NOT a vehicle for a crew. This is no CrewCab.

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  Great Truck! - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Moose - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  Purchased new. Plain Jane with manual windows, stick, vinyl interior. Just what I wanted. Have experienced no problems that have required a dealer visit. I have over 30K and it runs fine. Wish I could have gotten 3.73 vice the 4.10 axles. Still get 15 mpg on the highway.

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  GMC Sierra 2500HD - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Stew - May 8 - 9:20 am

  I have always wanted to own a new vehicle so last fall I decided to purchase my all time favorite vehicle, the GMC Sierra. I bought it over the internet because I knew what I wanted, I picked up the vehicle and drove it home. I was amazed at the lack of HP and gas mileage. Since this was my first new vehicle I didnt know all about the break in process. It took 2 weeks for the HP to show up and the fuel economy to increase. In the meantime I was entertained by the XM Radio that will be an option in every vehicle I purchase from now on. The interior of GM vehicles still have the working mans look to it, but it is hiding an amazing array of features.

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  Good, bad, and ugly - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ted Sparling - January 5 - 5:50 pm

  The Isuzu engine is the best part of this truck, along with the Allison tranny. The worst part has been all the GM stuff. Everything from numerous AC problems to leaks, memory features deleting themselves, multiple transfer case problems for auto 4WD, and leaking fuel injectors. If it were not for the dealerships attitude and incompetance i would buy again.

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  Duramax/Allison combo is a beast! - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark - October 28 - 10:36 pm

  This vehicle was a replacement for a 2005 2500HD Duramax SLE and the engines are nothing alike. The new Duramax and six speed Allison is quieter, smoother and the towing power is incredible. We are towing a 35 foot travel trailer and it is like theres nothing behind you. The Z71 package does increase the stiffness but the ride is excellent. The interior rivals my 07 Denali. If you gotta tow, this is the one to buy.

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  Good, but not great - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By candleman - October 10 - 11:50 pm

  This diesel was an upgrade from a gas Dodge RAM1500. Pulling a 7,000lb trailer now seems effortless. Turbocharger takes a long time to engage and gas mileage wasnt as good as Id expected for a diesel- about 12.5 pulling trailer which is disappointing since over 20 without. Just had 3 injectors replaced under 100K Duramax warranty which I believe was a known problem in all GM diesels from 2002-2006. No recall, of course! No significant change in power or mileage with the new injectors. I hate that GM always adds a $95+ "diagnostic fee" for the computer hookup with any service. Also- computers trip timer hasnt worked since purchase and the stereo speaker sound is absolutely awful.

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  Tired of Engine Noise - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark Breneman - August 23 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I saw the HD crew cab, I knew that I wanted to own one. It only took a test drive to prove that to me. The truck drives like a half-ton yet easily handles a 12,000 lb trailer and tractor. The interior is very spacious and is comfortable even on long trips. If i had to do it over, I would buy the Duramax over the 6.0 or 8.1 liter. I have a 6.0 that started making alot of noise at 1100 miles. GM has yet to stand behind it 27,000 mile later. Fuel mileage is also not great - 13MPG/16MPG tops.

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  2008 2500 HD 4x4 6.6L DurmaxW/Allison - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By tdust - November 29 - 4:35 pm

  This is a great truck,This truck was used in the oil and gas industry and it has over 188,000 miles that I put on it.The truck has never been put in the shop for any major repairs.just regular service.Avarage 4000 to 5000 miles a month and it never left me on the side of the road.Tows like a beast! Used to pull loads of 7 to 9 thousand pounds over 600 miles @ 70 MPH.In fact I liked the truck so much when we got our new 2011 GMCs I bought this one from the owner.now she is retired but I wouldnt hesitate to drive the truck anywhere.

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  Great truck but a kidney blaster empty - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve - November 29 - 10:20 am

  I love this truck but when I am not towing or under load she will shake you on bad michigan roads. I decided to weigh it down a bit in the back and that has smoothed it out for sure. MPG is 12. 12 @ 74 towing the boat, 12 at 35 around town. I got 14 on the highway going 65 but that was hard to take for a 2mpg gain. Love the solid feel of the truck!

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  Go GMC!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By GeorgeStrait - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Great Power and Transmission, Had a Service 4WD Problem recently 5/2003 with 4000 miles on truck. Went into 4WD low w/o input from driver. Part not available, waited 3 weeks and a tow truck ride later!! YES I would buy another.