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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  Duramax Rules - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By mARK - December 10 - 12:33 pm

  I love this truck so much! more quiet then a Dodge or Ford Diesel. This truck could pull a battleship with its strong Allison transmission!

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  A refined, well built truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By MountainMan - November 11 - 12:26 pm

  Well designed, well built truck that is a pleasure to drive, but it struggles to pull my small 6000lb 5th wheel trailer over some moutain passes. ATF temps up around 215 deg although total weight well within published rating. Front end styling is ugly.

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  Bobs GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By RBob - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Drove this GMC across the country, many mountain roads and off highway. One of the most fun vehicles I have driven and I absolutely love the Turbodiesel and Allison transmission combination. I have had zero problems with this truck, you would think it was made in Japan for the quality.

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  2015 Sierra HD diesel - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jon - November 1 - 2:14 am

  So, yes. The SD card reader is pretty much useless. But all of the storage is amazing. The 6.6 is amazing along with the Allison transmission. Im getting 17 in town and 20-21 on highway. Towing my tractor around is a breeze almost forget its behind me. I did read the other reviews and the gap at the tailgate is real, and it does let a lot of dust in, However you can buy a seal kit for it. The safety features are cool. With the vibrating seats, lane departure detection, and back up camera, if you crash and its your fault. It is actually your fault. bottom line Ive owned a lot of vehicles, other than a minivan which I havent owned but have been in and was amazed at the comfort and room this is the best and most useful vehicle you can get.

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  seats not up to mar - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By brian - October 23 - 10:00 am

  For a top of the line truck that listed for over $32000 new you would think the company would put in better seats ;such as more padding in the bottom seat and go back to having the whole seat move by power not just the bottom. (this is for the cloth seat). the seats in my 1997 were more conforbly , other than the seatr it is an excellent truck.

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  rear tire wear stinks - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By bwieland - August 3 - 2:00 am

  BEWARE - my truck has excessive rear tire wear - rear tires were shot at 12,000 miles - front tires were 20% used -

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  EXHAUSTED - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frustrated Rancher - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Disappointed in the power. Tried to pull a 16 stock trailer with two bulls. It was all it could do to get over a small hill. Constant air conditioning problems. Unscrupulous dealership tells me it has been repaired. Lies. Electric window problems. Needs larger fuel tanks for a truck that gets 13mph. Wears front tires knobby. Stress cracks in the windshield. Brakes squeel. Tapping in the engine. Would I buy again. No Chance. Off to the dealership for engine noise;AC repairs again. Watch out Ford/Dodge, here I come.

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  2007 Sierra 2500HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jim - July 2 - 9:43 pm

  This truck is by far the best combination of utility, comfort, and performance I have experienced. I love the truck and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new pickup.

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  Still smiling... - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By brian0105 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I researched long and hard when deciding on the $$ for the Duramax/Allison combo. Man am I pleased! It pulls my travel trailer like it wasnt even there. MPG has been better than my previous Firebird. Comfort is much better than I expected for a 3/4 ton. Looks? Man, you cant beat the Fire Red color! Dont know what it might take to wipe this smile off my face!

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  Cant drive at night - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frosty - June 9 - 2:44 am

  Well folks Im back weve been to the dealer 4 times the headlights are terrible . I asked the service manager to load his family up and take it for a spin as I hate to drive at night . The headlights are only producing 1250 lumens when they should be 2500 to allow for proper visual at night . Please give this vehicle a drive at night and try to turn onto a side road make sure you have the salesman in the passenger seat !!!!.