2005 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Although the Sierra still has the capacity to tackle just about any job, its newer competition manages a slight edge when it comes to refinement and maximum towing power.
Pros
Multiple drivetrain configurations, substantial towing and hauling capacities, compliant ride quality.
Cons
Interior design is showing its age, spotty build quality, cheap interior materials.
What's New for 2005
On extended and crew cab models, a power sunroof is a new option, and includes a HomeLink universal transmitter and deluxe overhead console.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best of breed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Except for the cruise control switch that failed early on and the really poor tires that were provided I have had zero problems with my GMC 3500 long bed duramax allison crew cab dually that I purchased in 2005. My GMC has largely been used for hauling trailers, including my 35 foot fifth wheel, a car hauler and a 20 foot box trailer. The diesel never falters, even on fairly sharp inclines. And compared to Ford or Dodge the engine remains quite quiet.
Favorite Features
With our leather seats it provides an extremely comfortable ride, several times from Maine to Southern Texas as well as from Maine to Florida. My wife never complains when we travel 1500 miles or more in 2.5 or 3 days.
Suggested Improvements
The fiberglass body and fenders crack much too easily. I was rear ended at a low speed in North Carolina and was surprised at the amount of damage to my truck.
2005 GMC
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 3500 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
Review
Good reliable truck, never given me any trouble. Used it for 6 months in hauling 200 pound trailer.
Favorite Features
Good looking work truck.
Suggested Improvements
For what I bought it for I can not see any inprovements needed
2005 GMC 3500 SLT DRW
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
The comfort and drivabilty beats the Ford 350. I had an '01 F350 which was a great truck, but had some reliabilty problems and the brakes were not up to the task. The GMC is much better overall with towing and the interior is more car like. My biggest complaint about the truck is the gray steel rims with cheap trim rings. For over $40K the truck should be outfitted with Ford/Dodge similar rims. I almost went for the Ford again because of this.
Favorite Features
Sound system, Allison tranny, OnStar, DVD
Suggested Improvements
Back up sensors needed, mysterious clunk under bed needs to be identified and fixed (friends with similar truck have same issue), Add integrated brake controller. Mostof all- get rid of the gray steel wheels! Dodge and Fords have great rims!
GMC 3500
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
It's a beautiful truck, feels like your riding in luxury. We have the TV/DVD package and that works great for our 4 kids who fit comfortably in the back on long trips. Good on gas for something that size, always runs and drives great. Have also used it to pull out the tractor when it got buried plowing the field, was not a problem it came right out and the truck barely had to try. Also pulled out a boat hauler that was stuck in a field, no limit to this truck.
Favorite Features
Comfortable interior, heated seats, DVD, great sound system, large towing capacity
Suggested Improvements
NONE
'05 GMC Sierra Dually
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Great truck! Traded in '01 F350 7.3L for the GMC. The GMC is much more driver friendly with comfort and a more car like feel. Power from the Duramax is very good as compared to the "chipped out" F350. On the downside, the truck, although a softer feel overall, is a bit more bouncy than the Ford. Interior room is much smaller in the front and rear of the crew-cab.
Favorite Features
Driver information cener and customer setting. Sound system is excellent. Tow-haul is great feature.
Suggested Improvements
Need back-up sensors and integrated brake controller
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2001 GMC Sierra 3500
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