Overview & Reviews

For more than two decades, the GMC Sierra 3500HD has been GMC's most capable full-size pickup. Thanks to its stiffened suspension, sturdy frame, powerful engine choices and available dual-rear-wheel axle, the heavy-duty Sierra has been a consistent go-to choice for those with big towing and hauling needs.

But just how heavy duty it is has continued to improve over the years. Although today's Sierra looks pretty similar inside and out to the truck that debuted back in 2007, the frame, suspension components and engines were overhauled in 2011. As such, the Sierra 3500HD is getting a little long in the tooth in terms of design and interior creature comforts, but is the leader in the areas that really matter in this class.

Current GMC Sierra 3500HD
The GMC Sierra 3500HD is available in regular, extended or crew cab designs. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive is offered, as is a dual-rear-wheel axle. The extended cab 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 Denali.

Standard on all Sierra 3500HD 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.

The Sierra 3500HD is arguably the most competent, refined and easy-to-drive heavy-duty pickup on the road. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate which heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) the Sierra 3500HD would no doubt be a solid decision if you want a full-size heavy-duty truck.

Used GMC Sierra 3500HD 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 engine's current output arrived for 2010.

It's also important to note that for 2011 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.

Previous to the current truck, there were two past generations of the Sierra 3500. They were still known as the 3500 but lacked the "HD" moniker.

User Reviews:

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  broke down on the first day - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By texasbuyer777 - October 10 - 12:56 am

  duramax diesel 2011, bought 7/22/2011 build date 6/2011. exhaust fluid malfunction light on with check engine light, 5 miles from dealership, drove 150 miles, took to dealer in the am, tried programming fix, no help from gmc tech support, 8-5 m-f, thats BS.dealer tried, gm is working on new code/software to fix, working on it for 7 months, no luck,HEY GUYS, WAKE UP, this glitch is affecting real people in the real world, probably will end up being class action against GM! God Bless.... almost forgot, reverse sensors broken from factory////????