Overview & Reviews

For more than two decades, the GMC Sierra 3500HD has been GMC's most capable full-size pickup. Thanks to its stiffened suspension, sturdy frame, powerful engine choices and available dual-rear-wheel axle, the heavy-duty Sierra has been a consistent go-to choice for those with big towing and hauling needs.

But just how heavy duty it is has continued to improve over the years. Although today's Sierra looks pretty similar inside and out to the truck that debuted back in 2007, the frame, suspension components and engines were overhauled in 2011. As such, the Sierra 3500HD is getting a little long in the tooth in terms of design and interior creature comforts, but is the leader in the areas that really matter in this class.

Current GMC Sierra 3500HD
The GMC Sierra 3500HD is available in regular, extended or crew cab designs. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive is offered, as is a dual-rear-wheel axle. The extended cab 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 Denali.

Standard on all Sierra 3500HD 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.

The Sierra 3500HD is arguably the most competent, refined and easy-to-drive heavy-duty pickup on the road. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate which heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) the Sierra 3500HD would no doubt be a solid decision if you want a full-size heavy-duty truck.

Used GMC Sierra 3500HD 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 engine's current output arrived for 2010.

It's also important to note that for 2011 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.

Previous to the current truck, there were two past generations of the Sierra 3500. They were still known as the 3500 but lacked the "HD" moniker.

User Reviews:

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  broke down on the first day - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By texasbuyer777 - October 10 - 12:56 am

  duramax diesel 2011, bought 7/22/2011 build date 6/2011. exhaust fluid malfunction light on with check engine light, 5 miles from dealership, drove 150 miles, took to dealer in the am, tried programming fix, no help from gmc tech support, 8-5 m-f, thats BS.dealer tried, gm is working on new code/software to fix, working on it for 7 months, no luck,HEY GUYS, WAKE UP, this glitch is affecting real people in the real world, probably will end up being class action against GM! God Bless.... almost forgot, reverse sensors broken from factory////????

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  GMC Sierra - 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Jack - March 2 - 2:06 pm

  The GMC truck is a great truck to own. Ive had it for a few months now and so far its been a good experience. Its the first time Ive had a truck with four-wheel drive and with the winter weve had, I dont know how I managed without it! The handling is excellent for a vehicle its size. Gas mileage is acceptable for this type of vehicle (3500 HD). I would certainly buy another GMC vehicle again and recommend it highly.

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  Should have kept my ford - 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Z Costello - October 16 - 7:09 am

  Bought this truck brand new. Needed a dually for towing. Thought I couldnt go wrong with a new Denali diesel. Was I wrong. Digital steering assist whines in the steering column when at idle. Ridiculous for a $70k truck. I also have cabin noise issues. I can hear the ticking of exhaust coming from dash area on driver side. Not well insulated for outside noises. And just last week noticed I have about 2 inches of play in the steering wheel. Hard to control at highway speeds. Gm has been terrible to deal with. They say everything is normal for this truck. Completely unexceptable. Traded my Ford F-350 for this.....big mistake. I am pursuing lemon law on this truck. Has been in dealer 3 times for same issue. Going in again to see if they can fix. Gm doesnt have a fix therefore its normal. Thats not gonna fly. *Just to update. Took my truck in again for issues listed above. As expected GM has no fix for problems. They agreed the digital assisted steering is noisy but they dont know how to fix so they chalked it up to a normal characteristic of the truck. Really bad service. Ill be going back to a Ford soon. Never had an issue with my F350s.

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  I love my truck - 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Jon ellis - July 6 - 8:29 pm

  I have a 2015 gmc 3500 dually with the durmax. I also put 24 inch 18 wheel style wheels with larger tires. My truck rides great and i had as much as 21 mpg on the hwy. I average about 15mpg but i do a lot of stop and go and sitting in Atlanta traffic. I have a 26 foot trailer and when i pull it it doesnt even feel any different. I had a ford f350 prior and i had nothing but issues. I also have new a ls460 but i rather drive my truck.

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  The new diesel is "wow" - 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Brian - July 4 - 2:06 pm

  This non dually 3500 with the new diesel is a blast and very man like. I just purchased a 2006 3500 dump for my construction business. I love the fuel economy and the way it pulls my big trailers I didnt care for the new body style so I found a new 06. I added a pickup this month and all they had were 07 & 08. I bought the 08. Holy cow is the power different. This truck is sharp and can pull a trailer. It gets worked on job sites and I pile the mile on. Good fuel economy and pretty comfortable for a 3500. I will buy more as I update my fleet from Ford to GMC.

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  2016 gmc sierra denali 3500 - 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Vlad park - February 13 - 6:00 am

  Tranny kicks after coming to a complete stop,dealer says its gas slushing in tank. B.S Towing a load you get a bad viration that you feel on gas petal .not confortable driving over 60 mph to much vibration. To much electronics freezes radio once in while. When you have weight in bed approx 1000lb lifts front end it make your front end rattle.dealer said that was normal...every problem is normal.

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  New 2007 3500 HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By 8CarFan - January 1 - 12:03 am

  I bought the top model, 3500 HD, crew cab, 4wd, dually with all options. The Duramax is strong and the Allison tranny shifts smooth. Great power with acceptable mileage. The interior is a complete overhaul from the Classic models. The navigation system is addictive and the integrated brake controller is a step in the right direction. Very quiet and great driving. I rate overall a 9 out of 10. No one is perfect.

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  update on repairs - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By texasbuyer777 - September 16 - 7:39 am

  update to previous report, exhaust fluid tube was not connected from the factory, dealer repaired, software was doing its function reporting a malfunction, 1000 miles today, towed a 20 gooseneck weighing approx 10,000 lbs., towed like a feather, entire truck engineering is 100% better than my 2009 chevy 3500. very quiet interior, avg 12mpg towing, 17-18mpg empty.

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  Worst truck I have owned so far. - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By zolo1978 - April 20 - 11:11 am

  At 23,000 miles the exhaust fluid warning came on, took it to the dealer and they took 2 days to fixed it. At 43,000 miles something outside the engine malfunction It cost me $18000.00 obviously they told me that that is not cover by the 100,000 mile power train, now at 53,000 miles something with the transmission went bad and the dealership is telling me that it will cost around $800.00 to fix and of course is has nothing to do with the power train so no luck. I will never buy another GMC vehicle in my life. I can put up with the small space inside, because I liked the oversized bed, but not paying $2700.00 with in a 6 month period give me a brake.

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  Dont need a Diesel ! - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By usapatrick - March 16 - 7:51 pm

  We shopped Ford and GMC. Bought the GMC because of build quality. Smokes the Ford in body gaps, paint, noise, warranty. Did the math on a diesel, no way for $8000. You dont see daylight for 500,000 miles. Pull a 24 enclosed with a car with the cruise control on in trailer tow mode. Absolutely love this truck. My local dealer found it for me. The paint is incredible, the interior is extremely quiet and comfortable with the leather bucket seats. The 40,000 mile warranty over the Ford has an untold value that could mean thousands. Installed headers & exhaust, K&N, Bosch Iridium plugs & Tayler 10.4 wires etc. No effect on warranty! Didnt even look at the Chevy as we own a10 GMC. Both Z71s.