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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  Honestly a Great Truck Overall - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Anthony - September 23 - 4:10 am

  I am a farmer and I use my truck very hard. But I do take very good care of it. I like the feeling that I know I can rely on my truck. I also hunt with my truck and I couldnt ask for a better, more dependable truck. I never yet have gotten stuck with it or ever had a problem with it stalling or anything like that. Ocassionally I take trips to northern Maine. I live in Southern Connecticut so it is quite the ride. Although with my Duramax deisel engine I can go there and back and have enough fuel to drive around. I like the chrome on the front bumper ecspecially it really makes the truck look solid. I know people that own Dodge trucks and Ford trucks and my truck definetly more dependable.

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  GM has lowered its standards! - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By RPS Inc. - August 17 - 8:43 am

  This truck has wasted tons of my time and hard earned money. It seems the only things that have not failed yet are the engine/tranny. I also own a 2002 of the same model that I find to be 100X better quality. These are just a fraction of my complaints/problems I have dealt with on my 2007 sierra 2500hd (these issues surfaces with under 40k on unit)>>Exhaust failure, idler/pitman arm failure, hvac problems, bad factory rim, leaking oil/tranny cooler lines, cruise control works when it wants to, thin flimsy body panels, 4wd disengagement issues, tailgate handle failure, bad airbag wiring harness, door hinge failure......I have always considered GM the best that the USA can offer..Not anymore!

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  best one yet - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By BIGGS - August 15 - 2:00 am

  2003,like the truck.already done ford and dodge,full power and towing is effortless

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  2500 HD GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Enymoose - June 20 - 9:43 pm

  I highly recommend this version of the GMC to those who do not mind a stiff ride that will pull anything a truck is supposed to pull. The 6.0 engine coupled with the 4.10 rearends give it enough power to pull a house off of its foundation if you wanted to put it to that type of test. I put it to the test using the 4X4 at Ft. Fisher, NC in sand that others were getting stuck up in and had no problems once I dropped the air pressure down to 20 lbs per tire from the origional 60. The fishing was great also. Ive had 9 other 4X4s, between Ford and Chevys and this GMC is by far the

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  Poor Quality Truck - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Randy Shuck - June 10 - 6:26 pm

  The day I brought the truck home I noticed that the heater would not change from defrost.Then after a couple of weeks water leaked on drivers side front and back.All carpet had to be replaced.Then water leaked on passenger side.The truck has 3100 miles on it and has been in the shop 16 days.Im wondering what will be next.Its obvious GM dosent build a quality truck any more.

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  First two years were heaven. - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By T1 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This last year has been quite another story. Ive had a complete Brake job including replacing all four rotors which were fine 2500 miles before. The sudden complete failure of all four brakes cost 1600 dollars for that. The four wheel drive switch has gone twice causing the truck to shift in and out of gears and fall out of 4WD. This also caused premature wear of the U-joints, which needed replacing. The fan motor now is going and needs to be replaced. The engine burns a quart of oil every 2200 miles and knocks like mad for the first five minutes of run time until its warm. The engine also knocks if I use any gas other than premium.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Richard Smith - May 29 - 6:33 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with this car and would prefer it to the rest in the bunch. The RAM did have a slightly better ride, but the towing capacity just wasnt up to par. There are several annoying things though: 1.The dash and center stack are kinda ugly and just dont look right 2.The headrest are in a akward position 3. The steering wheel doesnt telescope

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  Hot Rig..! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By bearman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  More truck than I expected, plenty of power. Very roomy, solidly built with great ride.

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  MY 2500 HD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By MY 2500 HC - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall Good Truck. I am impressed with the sturdiness of the truck. The 6.0L has provided plenty of power with only occasionaly towing. However, the engine began knocking for the first 5 minutes on start up at about 17000 miles. GM says its o.k. but extended the engine warranty to "make me feel better." Had to have work done on steering column as it began knocking when I hit bumps. Speaker in passenger door had to be replaced. I am now noticing some delay or slip in the transmission when the stop light turns green. A little scared where this all might lead. Dont have the Allison.

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  8.1L tons of gas power! - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By black dog - May 11 - 4:50 pm

  The torque and power of the 8.1L is incredible, but be aware at the gas pump. An average of 9.1 mpg will be all youll get. Towing large campers or trailers is no trouble what-so- ever. Especially in lower range gears the 8.1L begs for more. All around I love the truck, including a great interior and stock stereo.