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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  2006 2500HD Duramax - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jlaw - June 23 - 10:00 am

  2nd Duramax, had a 2002. Good truck still original brakes at 56k miles. Interior has held up well, get the leather if possible. Engine and trans bullet proof. I tow 10,000 lb camper and boats at 70 MPH all the way to Florida from Texas. Debating going back to gas engine do not tow as much these days. Great truck overall.

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  Love my truck! - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By aktantan - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had both Ford and Chevy trucks in the past and this is far superior. The ride is a bit more rough than my Chevy 1500, but it is more heavy duty and simply does more. The power is great and the Allison transmission makes it a dream to drive in the Rocky Mountains where we live.

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  Great truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tyler - May 16 - 3:13 am

  I work in the oil patch in northern Alberta and this truck really works well here! I have the 8.1 liter gas pig but I dont care about fuel economy because it is so fun to drive! I have no problem keeping up to diesels and some times pass them on big hills. I love the design, the ride is great and it really rips when you want it too. I tow a 10,000 flare stack regularily and this truck doesnt back down at all.

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  Would take this over a Ford any day - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JackInDallas - April 27 - 3:53 am

  This is my second GMC HD truck, and the imrpovements are too many to mention. This is by far, the best looking truck on the road. Im averaging around 15 mpg around town and recently got 19 mpg on the highway going 85 with 2800lbs in the bed. GMC builds the best looking, most reliable, most fun to drive pick up trucks on the road.

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  2004 Gmc Duramax Allison Auto - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By J. Miller - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought Brand New 3 months ago and now have just under 10K miles. The Duramax is all that and more. Excellent Truck!! Not one problem so far!! Ride Quality is awesome for a 2500HD Truck!

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  ULTIMATE TRUCK - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gmgp455 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS A WORK HORSE ,FUN TO DRIVE AND HAULS LOADS LIKE THEY WERE NOTHING. POWER IS EXCELLENT DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR VERY COMFERTABLE TRUCK. IT GETS DECIENT MILELAGE 18mpg HIGHWAY 10mpg AROUND TOWN .

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  2500HD Duramax - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tim - February 11 - 5:03 am

  The GMC HD Duramax is by far the best diesels you can buy on the market. I recently compared the duramax to other cummins and powerstroke diesels and it out performs them from towing to payload to the comfortablility of the ride. I recently compared the duramax 2500HD to the Ford f-450 and I compared everything and the thing that stood out to me was that the GMC maxed out at 16000 pounds and the Ford pulled only 14000 and the ford was twice its size and still the duramax was the best. So weather you are a ford, GMC, or Dodge guy duramax is the diesel to buy.

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  What a TRUCK! - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Huck BB62 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  If you havent driven a new GM heavy duty, youre in for a shock. The thing is super quiet inside. Ive got the upgraded interior and its very very plush. The 6.0 is a forceful engine and delivers in spades. It is a very capable truck off road and on long trips, its real pleasure. A long inspection of the underside and underhood of this truck reveals a ton of thoughtful engineering and plain old brawn. Not ONE factory assembly error has been found on my truck. If it got stolen tomorrow, Ill be back down to the same dealer to get one just like it.

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  Not Professional Grade - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Bigfins - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The 6.0 engine knocks a little until warm...other than that its ok. Lacks real pulling power, even with a 410 rear end. Tranny went out at 9700 miles. Power window regulator at 37000 miles ($500), Rotors now acting up at 47000 (all of a sudden??) Pampered truck. Goes to FL with a light trailer and back annually, othewise no strain. Hauls nothing. Looks like the 8.1 and the Allison was the way to go. Ride was real choppy from day one. I mean bouncey on an uneven road! Hang on in the rear seat! GM should be able to do MUCH better than this. They say every HD truck is made for 200K...at what expense?

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  Sharp comfortable work truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By efflandt - November 24 - 6:10 pm

  I am just approaching its first 1000 miles, so 13.8 ave. mpg of the 6.0L gas engine in wet to snowy suburban/hwy driving may improve in milder/dry weather as it gets broken in. The SLE1 interior trim is a step up from your average work truck with comfortable seats and leather wrapped steering wheel. A smooth quiet ride for a heavy duty truck under most conditions. Feels heavy, but stable and turns on a dime when you want it to. The 26 gal tank may seem limiting, but that is still good for mid-300 mile range, farther than most people would drive without taking a break. Overall it would be hard to find a better truck.