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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6.0 L Gas engine no slouch - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By my new truck - January 11 - 9:36 pmThis is the first 3/4 ton truck Ive ever owned and it is great. Ive had Fords in the past and know people with both the F250 and F350. Theyve had too many problems for me to even consider a Ford. The GMC is built stout, and while the gas engine lacks the torque that the diesel engine has it is the perfect engine for someone who does not tow all of the time. It has plenty of get up and Im getting around 14 MPG right now on the freeway at 75-80 MPH. Many of thr trucks I see pulling large trailers these days are GMC or Chevy, they must be doing something right. PS, while gas prices are high right now the purchase incentives are even higher, good time to buy a gas hog!
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A Decent Truck With a Poor Drivetrain - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Kevin H - January 10 - 5:33 amThis is a decent truck, but NOT with the 6.0 and GM 6 speed. You HAVE to get the Duramax if you need a 3/4 ton truck. The gas motor with fly by wire throttle, and GM 6 speed, is a horrible combination. It is a death trap when trying to merge with traffic, especially in conditions when you are on and off the throttle. There is up to a 3-4 second lag where absolutely no throttle input is given to the engine, no matter how hard you press on the accelerator. I believe GM implemented this so their tranny wouldnt explode. The engine and tranny computer work together, and the tranny computer tells the engine computer to not give any throttle until the tranny is ready (it never is).
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Best of Fleet - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Snickers - January 1 - 2:00 amI have a fleet of pickups. I have Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC. My General Motors vehicles are by far cheaper to maintain and operate of the fleet. My people all want the General Motors trucks for their ride and comfort. As I rotate I will go strictly with General Motors. They get ruff use in the oilfield and hold up. Thank You GM :-)
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Pleased - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By M. Fisher - December 7 - 2:00 amMy GMC is equiped with the 8.1 liter engine and Allison 5 speed transmission. I tow a 26 foot travel trailer and cross the US frequently. The trailer weighs 7500 pounds, loaded. I have had no problems with performance and it has ample power in the mountains (Rockies). The only down side was the difference in the cost of oil changes at GM dealers. High of $32 low $17.
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Excellent Duramax Diesel! - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Dave Hardin - November 14 - 2:00 amDont want to spend to much time here, but if your thinking about buying this vehicle w/ this motor, all I would say is "do it". It awesome!
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disgusted - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By denise - November 2 - 11:00 amvehicle has 19,000 miles and the breaks give out periodically.....gmc does nothing to resolve...been fighting for over a year and a half with this issue....there best advice is keep driving till one of there mechanics can feel the breaks give out...will NEVER BUY ANOTHER GMC customer service and parts are terrable
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The Best Truck Ever!! - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Pullin IT - October 28 - 2:00 amIve never owned a better truck. All the power you ever want without sacrificing fuel mileage. Hook it to anything and go anywhere. Great ride like a Caddy. No noise. Luxurious
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GMC 1500 HD - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By USA DAD - October 14 - 10:00 amMy truck gets about 15 miles per gallon, which is better than I thought it would. It pulls hay like it wasnt back there.
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GMC Duramax - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By glenn helms - August 26 - 10:43 amI purchased my GMC a few weeks ago so far so good. I had a Ford F-350 powerstroke with 7.3. The GMC is small in the inside compared to the Ford. The GMC has a lot better fuel mileage but seems to be too light to handle heavy trailers. Its not short of power it will smoke my Ford easily. My biggest complaint is lack of interior room. GM still needs to do their homework on that. The quality is not matched by Ford or Dodge in the interior and standard accessories, but I think Ford is heavier duty than GM for all out abuse on the farm or on construction sites. In about a year i can tell the truth because I know Ford can hold up. Curious to see if GMC can.
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Fuel Economy - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
By Chevy Man - August 19 - 1:53 pmIve had my 2500HD for just under a year now and I LOVE it. The only problem I really have is its fuel economy. I average around 14 mpg, but where it lacks fuel economy it makes up for it in power. I haul around a skidsteer on a 14 ft open trailer. The skidsteer weighs more then my truck but still no problems pulling it. The fuel economy doesnt really change weather your hauling or not. I just purchased an SLR performance chip that should do the trick. This truck is perfect for anyone with the money to pay for gas.
