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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  GMC Duramax 2500HD SLT - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By alybry4 - October 6 - 1:50 am

  Looked a long time for a new truck and this one was the best. The Dodge MegaCab has a larger interior but the GMC has nicer creature comforts. Tremendous acceleration and quiet ride. I got the rear seat entertainment package with the DVD and the kids are having a great time.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By K - September 21 - 6:43 pm

  Duramax diesel showing 22 to 23 mpg on highway. Very smooth shifting with Allison transmission (even under load). Ride is a little stiff, but expected with 2500HD. Truck is extremely capable.

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  Duramax Diesel 2500HD Ext Cab 4X4 - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By winndixie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love this truck. Will buy one again in a couple years. The only thing I wish GM would improve is the turning radius for the long bed and stiffen up the fleet side metal... leaning against the outside truck bed wall, I pushed the metal in... it popped back out but left a slightly noticable dent. Also interior could make use of wasted space in the dash board below radio with bench seats.

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  Transmission/ride - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Craig - September 14 - 9:13 pm

  This truck is by far the worst riding vehicle i have ever owned. I understand it is a HD, but come on GM, youre not always towing with it 100% of the time. I cannot believe the research and development guys at GM designed it that way. The rear end bounces 60% the time when empty or partially empty. tryed changing shocks and tire pressure adjustment. helped out about 5%. The new 6 speed tranmission in my truck needs work. There is a delay in shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. This happen 10% to 20% of the time but is annoying.When the delay happens engine racing anywhere from 200 rpm to 1000 before the shift takes place.Tranmission engages harshly when shift happens. Look elsewhere.

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  GMC2500HD - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By response - August 19 - 3:23 am

  Its a love/hate relationship between me and this truck. I first fell in love with the outside design. The front view has the same appearance as the Denali. It rides high and has a very aggressive look. It has plenty of power and has yet to be challenged by any load have had. The 6.0L is one of my prized possessions. Most of the of the negative comments here should have been expected, I understand. It sucks gas. Im averaging around 14 MPG. It offers a bumpy ride. The dash board seems cheaply made, with thin plastic. The rear end can get loose quickly on wet surfaces. The power steering box went out twice. 17 inch rims on a truck of this size is an injustice.

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  Hi Oh Silver - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dkwalker25 - August 9 - 7:10 am

  i love my pickup, hauls my 40HP massey with bucket and brush hog like its not even there. with banks big hoss bundle it hauls balls and doesnt think twice. awesome truck wouldnt give anything for it. its dependable, and with all the mods it catches eyes everywhere i go. as of now, until ford puts out the 6.7L would only recommend a duramax. cummins is good but everything around it is crap and rides like a semi. duramax is king right now. i just cant say how much i love my pickup.

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  Great Camper Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Doc - August 2 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased my GMC 2500HD SLT 4x4 with the 6.0 engine and locking rear differential to haul my new 8.5 foot slide-in camper. I picked the camper up at the factory and proceeded on a 4500 mile test run. Encountering heavy cross winds in the Dakotas and steep passes in the Rockies had little or no effect on the draiveability of the truck or its performance. The camper weighs 2370 pounds dry and yet the truck responded with little difference than with an empty bed! Mileage on the way to the camper factory in the midwest ran between 14-16,at speed limit empty and 11-14 with the camper loaded.

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  08 GMC 3/4 duramax! is it worth it? - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By qoh322 - August 2 - 9:26 am

  This truck drives awesome! Holds the road great and very powerful (duramax). Current gas mileage is only 15.5-16.7 still breaking in. Truck only has 600 miles. Color is sonoma red.

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  This Truck needs help! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ron Sanders - July 30 - 5:13 am

  Truck rides very rough. Trucks brakes are sluggish. Truck is 6 litre not great gas. Truck has had all kind of problems! If you have to stop fast you are in trouble. Thats why this truck has been in 3 fender benders. Had to replace complete rear brakes and rear seals .

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  2500 HD SLT - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By rws88 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  During the first 3 months my truck was in the shop 6 times. Radio would not return CD, without it for 3 days. Once for extending camper mirrors, passenger side motor bad. Once for A/C, recall part not replaced prior to purchase. Three times for 4 WD, computer chip keeps going out and shifting into 4WD low on its own regardless of speed. Ill go back to the Ford F-250 with the V-10. More power, better gas mileage and reliability.