2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com 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.
Pros
Class-leading engines and hauling capacity, roomy interior, superior brakes.
Cons
Unproven engines and drivetrains, cheap interior materials.
What's New for 2001
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Big Red
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
My 2001 is a real pleasure to drive, getting 15mph on highways, always used regular gasoline. It performs well in the snow and I'm sold on Allison transmissions.
Favorite Features
Shortbed is easy to park. Tow package makes towing -like you weren't!
Suggested Improvements
Two complaints: The release for the emergency brake is too low to reach, and all but the driver's seatbelts lock up if you move forward and you have to open the belt and reconnect it -over and over. (I also wish the rear seat cup holders were deeper.)
GMC HD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD SB w/OnStar (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Best vehicle I have ever owned. Still smooth and powerful after 150,000 absolutly trouble free miles. Ford and Dodge probably have as good an engine, but no way can they match the Allison/Duramax as a package. I used to trade trucks every year, but I still enjoy this one so much I want to see just how long it will go.
Favorite Features
The braking system on the Allison is great. Comfort of the SLT leather interior and the ABS is the best I have ever used.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel filter is a little tricky. Seem to have a slight bit of bump steer. Mirrors hold a lot of water that blows down the side after leaving the car wash.
Beats my wifes F250
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLT 4WD SB w/OnStar (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I bought the Duramax, had a 2001 f250 figured I'd try it. Man let me tell you, quite as a mouse compared to Dodge and Ford and the power surprised me. the leather is no comparison to Fords, (does Dodge have leather?) When we moved from W. Colorado to Central TX I pulled a trailer ( over 8,000 lbs) over those mountians not even much strain, fact had to wait for the Ryder at the top, but no surprise there. My wife wants one now, the ride is like a good sedan and Im not kidding its that good, my fuel varies between 20 - 21 mpg our Ford around 16mpg 4 people who have driven my truck bought one, best vehicle I've ever had.
Favorite Features
Comfort is awsome, best leather, powerful motor, drives like a car, smooth as silk good radio/cd/tape, fuel economy, to me best physical look on the market.
Suggested Improvements
heavier foot rails. The fuel filter could be better placed.(like the pump though) better quality tannau cover rails. free replacement truck for my ford
Not Professional Grade
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
Review
The 6.0 engine knocks a little until warm...other than that it's ok. Lacks real pulling power, even with a 410 rear end. Tranny went out at 9700 miles. Power window regulator at 37000 miles ($500), Rotors now acting up at 47000 (all of a sudden??) Pampered truck. Goes to FL with a light trailer and back annually, othewise no strain. Hauls nothing. Looks like the 8.1 and the Allison was the way to go. Ride was real choppy from day one. I mean bouncey on an uneven road! Hang on in the rear seat! GM should be able to do MUCH better than this. They say every HD truck is made for 200K...at what expense?
Favorite Features
Comfortable interior
Suggested Improvements
Get the engine knock out and some reliability in the transmission. Ride needs work also.
MY 2500 HD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
Review
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 it's 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. Don't have the Allison.
Favorite Features
Like looks better than newer trucks. Well built chassis.
Suggested Improvements
Reliable engine that doesn't knock on startup. Better standard transmission
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