1996 GMC Sierra 2500 Review
Price Estimate: $626 - $1,066
GMC Sierra 2500 model years
GMC Sierra 2500 types
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Vortec, a new family of engines, is introduced, providing more power and torque than last year's offerings. The Vortec engines available on the C/K 2500 pickups include a 5.0-liter V8, producing 220 hp @ 4,600 rpm and 285 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm and a 5.7-liter V8, rated at 250 hp @ 4,600 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm. All of these figures represent increases in output when compared to their respective 1995 predecessors.
Noteworthy comfort and convenience additions include illuminated entry, additional 12-volt power outlets, an electrochromic inside rearview mirror and height-adjustable front safety belts.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) are added this year as well.
For sale near Davison, MI
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$257/mo for Sierra 2500 SL
Sierra 2500 SL
vs
$242/mo
Avg. Large Truck
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Sierra 2500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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Best That Money Can Buy
4.38 out of 5 starsCowboy Brett, 11/09/2006
1995 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
By far the best truck I've ever owned! Still runs like the day it came out of the factory with over 187 K on it! Beautiful inside and out! Not to mention all the fun that beast can be!
Great old truck
3.63 out of 5 starsalex , 09/15/2006
1990 GMC Sierra 2500 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 4M)
This trucks has 208,000 miles on her. At about 200 thousand miles put in a new tranny. The engine still runs strong. Had to put both new front axles. Pitmin arm and idler arm. Now needs brakes and ball joints. But for the age of this truck, I love it. It hasn't got and rust. It doesn't do the best on gas. But I love driving it, being high off the ground. I think the engine will last … until 300 thousand miles. It is the 5.7 V8. It accelerates slow, but if you need to make a highway pass, you'll have plenty of power. Great work truck
18 years old and still going strong
4.5 out of 5 starstiminator1, 06/29/2012
1994 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
bought my truck a long time ago and love it now like i did then. I wanted the 5-spd as i don't enjoy the automatics and haven't had to touch the clutch yet and it's 18 years old. I currently have 280,000 kms on it and have just changed the standard wear items, brakes, oil, fluids and the like. only part i've had to put in it is a lower oil cooler line ($32) 1/2 labour in the driveway. … I've been tempted to get a newer truck but can't beat the reliability or the 20 mpg. Not to mention the 4x4 helps tame the brutal winters we can get here in alberta. the truck is going to get repainted as i have a few good rock hits now. I haul my quad etc all the time with no issues. GMC made a good product
Good Old Truck
4.13 out of 5 starsGreg, 12/28/2005
1993 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I am the third owner. I have put 40k of the 130k miles on this truck. It has a 454 (2wd) and 10000# overload springs. It is the SLE model. It gets 11 mpg no matter what you haul. The steering is still very tight, engine and tranny strong. It does not smoke but is starting to use a little oil- about a quart every 1500 miles. It has gone through several electrical items (alternator, … starter, wiper motor, blew up a battery) I really abuse it but service the heck out of it. It still looks good and drives great.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 GMC Sierra 2500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 2500 since its last redesign.
1996 Sierra 2500 Highlights
Regular Cab
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $257/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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