2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its powerful engine lineup and revised interiors, the heavy-duty Sierra makes a strong case for itself against the competition, but questionable build quality keeps us from calling it best in class.
Pros
Powerful drivetrains, roomy interior, numerous available amenities.
Cons
Spotty build quality, cheap interior materials.
What's New for 2004
Base trucks get upgraded via newly standard cruise control, chrome wheels, chrome rear bumper and chrome grille surround. The SLE trim adds foglamps to its generous list of features. The Work Truck Package (with unique grille treatment) is now available on all models. Lastly, a trio of new colors, Sand Beige Metallic, Silver Birch and Sport Red Metallic debut.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
GMC 2500HD 4 years later
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Truck has been overall a good unit. Windsheild leak when new at passenger floorboard and behind dash. Took 1 year for local dealer to finally fix. Climate Control slow to activate fan, really noticable on hot days, seems I have to press brake pedal to start blower (wierd). Trans will sometimes start in 2nd gear, then shift to 1st. Usual problems with intermiediate steering shaft (now on 2nd fix), driver's seat belt and armrest broke, pass side also (wrty fixes). Also having wierd problem during cold months with intermittent dash light and guages recycling, no fix yet. Orig brakes are still strong at 90k miles, tire wear good, body still tight and quiet, engine strong with no oil usage
Favorite Features
Comfort, power, ride ok, luxury options, looks, towing power, ease of driving. GM trucks for me have proven to be good for long term purchases.
Suggested Improvements
GM should tighten up the quality control some more. Already the best, would only make them better.
This Truck needs help!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
Review
Truck rides very rough. Truck's 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. That's why this truck has been in 3 fender benders. Had to replace complete rear brakes and rear seals .
Favorite Features
Truck has good power and 4wheel drive.
Suggested Improvements
Truck needs better brakes, steering column, speedo, rear end needs to be beefed up. Suspension is sloppy. Tail gate needs to work
It was nice at $1.89/gal for fuel.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This truck has been used mostly on the highway, carries dirt/mulch and recreational toys. And has done so for 62,000 miles without a single mechanical problem! It was originally purchased for towing a camper. Within 6 months of purchase, rising gas prices made driving this thirsty vehicle downright painful! With the cruise control set at 65 station to station on an interstate,13.7mpg. Disappointments? The ventialtion system. The AC is not cold nor dry enough to defog windows. And the radio is horrible! Did I mention fuel efficiency?
Favorite Features
Reliability. Cruise control. Headlights. Sounds odd, but they're really bright!
Suggested Improvements
Improve the AC. Make power locks standard on base model. Improve the stereo. Oh yeah, best case13.7 mpg?
Research Before Buying
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
The quality of this truck is questionable. Major issues include getting only 275 - 300 miles/tank of gas. Serious steering problems with absolutely no long-term fixes. This is a widespread issue which truly makes the truck a misery to drive! Rust at less than two years. Faulty air, seating, and other minor repairs. I can hardly imagine buying another due to GM's lack of being able to warrany their trucks and offering a fix on such a major steering issue. All they offer is a lube which needs to be applied every four to six months and does not really work well.
Favorite Features
Heated seats, good power, OnStar.
Suggested Improvements
Steering! So bad, I will have to get out of the truck. Overall quality of the truck needs improvement. Improve rear seat room.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
another awesome gm truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
this is the fifth (sixth if you count my Tahoe) gm truck that i have had and it is by far the best. talk about reliable. a heavy duty truck that has no problems pullikng my triler in any clime and place. in the snow, on the beach, it does not matter. talk about space, i have two kids and a dog and we travel with no problems, even on long trips. i will never own another type of truck, from any dealer...now a hummer...that is a different issue. ron tootle major, us marine corps camp lejeune nc gm truck owner since 1985 1985 chevy s-10 1988 chevy s-10 2001 chevy silerado ext cab z-71 2002 gmc sierra ext cab z-71 2002 chevy tahoe 4x4 2004 gmc sierra 2500hd quad cab 4x4
Favorite Features
leather heated seats onstar 6 liter v8 towing package 4x4 in dash 6 disc changer
Suggested Improvements
bigger tires, 245 is not large enough, makes the tires look silly in the large wheel well. need to be at least 265 bed liner- spray in type. it is a necessity
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