2001 GMC Sierra 2500 Review
2001 GMC Sierra 2500 Review
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Used Sierra 2500 for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sierra 2500 model years
GMC Sierra 2500 types
- Extended Cab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Class-leading engines and hauling capacity, roomy interior, superior brakes.
Cons
- Unproven engines and drivetrains, cheap interior materials.
What’s new
Both light- and heavy-duty 2500s sport new torsion bar front suspensions. Light-duty models now offer optional traction control and standard child safety-seat tethers. Heavy-duty Sierras are completely redesigned for 2001 offering two new engines and transmissions, bigger interiors and numerous other improvements aimed at buyers looking for a "professional grade" truck from GM.
Edmunds says
With both a light- and heavy-duty version, GMC's 2500 series Sierra offers just about every option you could ask for in a full-size three-quarter-ton pickup.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Sierra 2500 SL
Sierra 2500 SL
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
If you're looking for flexibility, capability, and a "professional grade" image, look no further than GMC's 2500 Sierra. Available in either light-duty or completely redesigned heavy-duty versions, these versatile trucks come in a variety of configurations and trim levels to suit just about anybody's pickup truck needs.
Like the 1500 Series, these trucks share platforms and componentry with Chevrolet's Silverado, but Sierra gets some styling and feature enhancements to position GMC as the "professional grade" truck. Looks and special content aside, the biggest draw for GMC's big pickups are their exceptional powertrains, outstanding payload capacity, and unparalleled towing and hauling ability.
At the heart of the heavy-duty Sierra's redesign this year is the availability of two new engines and transmissions. The Duramax 6600 is an all-new turbodiesel V8 developed jointly with Isuzu that cranks out 300 horsepower and a whopping 520 foot-pounds of torque. (That's 65 horses and 20 foot-pounds more than Ford's PowerStroke, and 55/15 over the Dodge Cummins diesels.) When it comes to gasoline power, GM leads the pack there, too. The all-new Vortec 8100 V8 puts out 340 horsepower and 455 foot-pounds of torque - both numbers eclipsing those of the V10s being offered by competitors. Even the base Vortec 6000 V8, available in both light- and heavy-duty versions, has been juiced to 300 horses.
Heavy-duty models offer an electronically controlled Allison automatic transmission that boasts a patented "grade-braking" feature that automatically finds the optimum gear to supply downhill engine braking without manually downshifting, allowing you to concentrate on the road. It also touts "shift stabilization" to prevent ill-timed upshifts and downshifts, and even has bolt-on "Power Take Off" capability that allows owners to run PTO-driven equipment on-site, delivering 250 foot-pounds of continuous torque.
With comfy seats and plenty of the latest features, the redesigned heavy-duty Sierras sport roomier cabins with increased head, leg, and hip room over their predecessors. Light-duty 2500s carry over interiors from last year with child safety-seat tether hooks constituting the only new feature for 2001.
While we're not sure if the evolutionary styling of the GM's heavy-duty pickups carry the brute appeal of a Ford Super Duty or the big-nosed 3500-series Dodge, we do know that they will beat them when it comes to good ol' pullin' and haulin.' Even if you decide to stick with the somewhat more tame light-duty version, the 2500 Sierra still provides all the power and capability you'll ever need along with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 GMC Sierra 2500.
5 star(71%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
7 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great truck for work or play
Vince, 10/25/2015
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I picked this up to replace a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 V10. I use my trucks for towing my toys and for getting to my hunting camp. I bought the GMC used with very low (50K) miles and I received the service records. The previous owner had a few problems with the worst being the door handle. I have had no major problems. Mine is the 3 door 2500 4x4. The interior is good with very comfortable … seats. The seats have some play in the tracks and I have a kit to fix it, but never got around to doing it so I'd rate that minor. Gauges are great with tranny temp and steering is good. 4 wheel disk brakes are excellent. HVAC works well and has not had any problems. Ride is above average. Fuel economy is 15 -17 with the 3.73 gears. The 4L80E transmission (TH400 descendant) is excellent and is heavy duty. It has push-button 4x4 shifting. Auto, high, and low. You can from high to low on the fly, and to low below 5 MPH. Auto works well on wet roads. My 4x4 shifter has not malfunctioned. Mine has the rear locking differential and gets through sand very well compared with the Dodge. This truck has a nice off-road feel and feels very capable The 6.0L LQ4 engine does make the piston slapping sound at start-up, but goes away when warm as designed. Engine makes good power, but power is a bit too high in the RPM range for serious work with the 3.73 gears. This model uses the power steering pump to boost the brakes and my unit had a bit of a leak. Flushing the power steering unit with Prestone anti leak pwr steering fluid fixed it. The stock radio is below average and the speakers were blown when I got it. The body has not rusted, but the black paint is starting to fade on the hood. The 3 door is kind of a pain just having one door and when putting groceries in the back seat since you can't fit the cart in the opening. Other than that I like this truck very much. I've only performed maintenance. Oil every 3K, brake flush, transmission flush, and diff fluid changed.
3.63 out of 5 stars
jacks toy
jackj, 03/21/2004
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.3L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
rear brakes and parking brake leave
something to be desired. Rear rotors
rust decreasing overall braking power
and make the parking brake all but
useless. Good power and excellent
towing vehicle for horse trailer.
Two piece drive shaft failed during
our second towing excursion.
Dealership replaced with a single piece
unit. Now it hums while you drive but
has … proven to be reliable.
Unit stuck in 4wd during -20 degree
weather. Again dealership repaired.
Dealership was cooperative in making
repairs.
4.5 out of 5 stars
GMC ONLY
Mark, 08/18/2005
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I like my GMC very much,it is snappy and has good torque for pulling a medium weight travel trailer. The only complaint I have with this truck is a persistant knock in the engine that is very noticable in the morning starts. My previous truck was a 1976 3/4 ton 4x4 GMC long bed. The ride on the 2000 was my first consideration in buying a new truck. My next step up will be the Duramax.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Service 4WD Light
cw4915e, 02/23/2005
1999 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
4WD light comes on intermittently lately. Poor troubleshooting procedures from a Chilton manual led me to replace the front diff actuator motor. Seems the real culprit is a sticky selector switch. Humidity may be affecting this switch, apparently the resistors are shot for each position and loses ability to keep voltage signal to transfer case module. Original battery lasted 6 years so … that was awesome to get over 6 years from a battery. Also developed a leak at the front differential. First thought it was the output seal but ended up being the plastic vent cap that screws into the diff.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 GMC Sierra 2500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 2500 since its last redesign.
2001 Sierra 2500 Highlights
Extended Cab
SL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,316 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 10,300 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sierra 2500 include:
- Alarm
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