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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Speedometer Problems - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By polonerw - May 16 - 7:10 pmI bought my Duramax Diesel 2500 Hd crew cab to pull a 36 foot fifth wheel. There is plenty of power; however, have had a few problems. The speedometer failed at about 60000 miles and had to be replaced. I have read that this is a common problem but there is a class action lawsuit and I plan to turn in my 478.00 receipt and hopefully get reimbutsed from GM. The engine light came on and paid to have the code read which was relatively meaningless but havent had any more problems with that. I added a Superchip which is amazing how much perfromance improvement. Have heard that some people have burned up transmission with Superchip but I always reset to towsafe prior to pulling anything.
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The Best Trruck On The Road - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By JOE_FROM_MO - May 4 - 10:00 amI love my truck. It was bought to work and it does that. There is a lot of Maintnaice on this truck though. The style and beauty of this thing is awsome. I like the looks of this truck more than the new ones, but you know how guys are. We want the latest, greatest thing. Im sick of having to replace the main engine drive belt every 15000 miles. It starts squiling and I cant handle that. And it sucks the dealer never has the parts to fix a damn thing when you take there. You have to go back and forth two, three, or sometimes four times before anything gets fixed. great big bummer since there is not a dealer anywhere close to where i live.
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Wanting just a bit more - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Steve - April 24 - 8:36 amI use this for trailering, hauling wood, pulling trees, hunting and fishing trips, and occassional weekend trips with the wife and friends. Most everyone loves the truck and the way it looks. I love the 4x4 rear end as it takes me nearly anywhere. Plenty of power, plenty of leg room, and I like the visibility (less blind spots than my 97). Im not afriad to take it anywhere. I have been in 10" of new snow and on muddy paths in the woods and it just goes. The AC is great and the warms up fast in the winter. I get about 12-13 mpg in town, and 15 on the highway. It does a good job driving with a cross wind. It looks like a truck that is designed to work - not pretty, but tough.
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The good and the bad. - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Ken - March 26 - 7:20 amPurchased this truck on 5/26/05. Had it only three days and had to put it in the shop for automatic transmission repair. It was in the shop for four days. First gear went bad after only 500 miles. It doesnt turn as close as my old Yukon but it is a larger vehicle. The engine is powerful. I cant even feel my trailer. I like the looks. For an XLT it doesnt have some of the options I thought it would have. ie. lumbar seat, rear A/C. I really like the truck. Im just disappointed with the transmission problem and the lask of service from the dealer. Im just waiting for something else to break. It also is a little bumpy. Maybe thats normal.
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GMC CrewCab 4WD SLT with 8.1L /Allison - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Gilbert L. - March 22 - 10:00 am600 miles and drive-by-wire trottle body left me stranded. Immediately after the dealership replaced with new trottle body, the 4WD Transfer Case Control Module misteriuosly went bad (RE: Service Bullitin Rel. 02/2003). Very poor Service Dept. at dealership. I had very bad experience with unscrupulous mechanic who falsely claimed work that was not performed. Suspension springs incorrectly installed by manufacturer.
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Sierra HD with the 8.1! - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By dkmalone - February 25 - 10:00 amThe 2002 HD Sierra with the 8.1 V-8 and the Allison transmission is tremendous! I think there is so much hype over the Duramax, the 8.1 gets overlooked. Unless you drive 30,000 miles a year or expect to keep the truck forever the $4,000 premium for the diesel doesnt make sense. Properly equiped, both tow the same. But its that big block 496 cube engine that puts a smile on my face everytime I start it up. My wife loves driving it too! Im sure I could get better mileage, but I cant keep my foot out of it. I get about 12 MPG.
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2009 gmc sierra 2500HD slt - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Brian - February 20 - 2:43 pmI have owned my gmc for 2 weeks now and i am glad to say i have made this decision. I have gotten the duramax and sllison combonation and it is unbelievable. I owned a 2002 chevrolet silverado 2500HD and needed to get a diesel. With this type of economy i figured that this is the time to act.We have gotten it for a respectable price. This truck is great to go through the dirt or just to drive around the city.
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Not your grandfathers diesel. - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Paul Connell - February 7 - 12:23 amReplaced my 2001 8.2 L Silverado HD crew cab with this truck. Basically the same vehicle, but with a 6-speed Allison tranny and a Duramax diesel. Compared to the older truck, it has a little better build quality, (not quite up to Japanese standards, but very good--not enough to really matter) vigorous acceleration, and incredible torque. Diesel is surprisingly quiet, and GM is less "trucky," compared to Dodge and Ford. Mileage averages around 16-19 mpg, with 12 mpg towing a 35ft. 5th wheel. Rugged enough for big truck jobs, but civilized enough to use as an everyday vehicle. Nice balance. Reliable, handsome. Quantum improvement over diesels even from a few years back.
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Very Powerful. Very Comfortable - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Dennymax - January 21 - 10:23 pmI have been driving my truck for about a year & a half. I was excited at first because it was new. Now I am still excited! The Duramax/Allison is a just a great design. There is so much power for towing. This truck should come with a warning light reminding you that a trailer is attached because you will forget that its there! No more "white knuckle" driving while towing, built in brake controller works really well. This is just flat out awesome! The seats are like flying 1st class, interior is much improved. SLT has all the goodies, more like a luxury car, except its a truck. Why have a car anymore?
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3rd 2500HD SLT and Love it - 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Kevin Pickens - January 13 - 10:04 am
