2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
Fuel Economy
11 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its numerous powertrain and cab configurations, and stout towing and hauling capacities, the Sierra HD is a hard truck to beat for those who need maximum functionality and capability.
Pros
Powerful engine lineup, multiple drivetrain configurations, substantial towing and hauling capacities.
Cons
Spotty build quality, mediocre design and interior materials.
What's New for 2005
On extended and crew cab models, a power sunroof is a new option, and it includes a HomeLink universal transmitter and deluxe overhead console.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Speedometer Problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my Duramax Diesel 2500 Hd crew cab to pull a 36 foot fifth wheel. There is plenty of power; however, have had a few problems. The speedometer failed at about 60000 miles and had to be replaced. I have read that this is a common problem but there is a class action lawsuit and I plan to turn in my 478.00 receipt and hopefully get reimbutsed from GM. The engine light came on and paid to have the code read which was relatively meaningless but haven't had any more problems with that. I added a Superchip which is amazing how much perfromance improvement. Have heard that some people have burned up transmission with Superchip but I always reset to towsafe prior to pulling anything.
Favorite Features
xm satellite, diesel power, looks
Suggested Improvements
better mileage. Can't understand why Superchip improves performance so much, and wonder why GM engineers can't safely get more of that Diesel power that seems to be available. I guess it has something to do with Government emissions or some big brother regulations.
05' 6.6 V8
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLT Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Very nice truck. Lots of power for pulling my 35 foot race trailer. Good on fuel about 21 highway 18 in town. I put the banks 6 gun chip in it. Very fast. Sounds good and has lots of power
Favorite Features
Bose raido, seats are nice and the power
Suggested Improvements
Make it sit a little higher
Good, but not great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This diesel was an upgrade from a gas Dodge RAM1500. Pulling a 7,000lb trailer now seems effortless. Turbocharger takes a long time to engage and gas mileage wasn't as good as I'd expected for a diesel- about 12.5 pulling trailer which is disappointing since over 20 without. Just had 3 injectors replaced under 100K Duramax warranty which I believe was a known problem in all GM diesels from 2002-2006. No recall, of course! No significant change in power or mileage with the new injectors. I hate that GM always adds a $95+ "diagnostic fee" for the computer hookup with any service. Also- computer's trip timer hasn't worked since purchase and the stereo speaker sound is absolutely awful.
Favorite Features
Nice ride, quiet for a diesel, and handles way more than 3/4 ton payloads with ease. The "trailer mode" works great on hills saving lots of wear on the brakes.
Suggested Improvements
Make a step bar standard- these things are high off ground. Also bigger and better grade tires. I've been through 3 sets now at 66K miles.
Love of my life
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Love the truck. Drove the Ford and the GMC and fell in love. Drives sweet. Tow a 10,000 lbs 5th wheel and don't even know it is there. Transmission is great uphill and down. Bose stereo is great. Heated leather seats and dual climate control are sweet. Would recomend this truck to anyone.
Favorite Features
The whole truck
Suggested Improvements
Spruce up the dash a little.
GMC2500HD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
It's a love/hate relationship between me and this truck. I first fell in love with the outside design. The front view has the same appearance as the Denali. It rides high and has a very aggressive look. It has plenty of power and has yet to be challenged by any load have had. The 6.0L is one of my prized possessions. Most of the of the negative comments here should have been expected, I understand. It sucks gas. I'm averaging around 14 MPG. It offers a bumpy ride. The dash board seems cheaply made, with thin plastic. The rear end can get loose quickly on wet surfaces. The power steering box went out twice. 17 inch rims on a truck of this size is an injustice.
Favorite Features
Appearance from the front. Horsepower.
Suggested Improvements
We need larger rims.
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