1997 GMC Sierra 2500 Review
1997 GMC Sierra 2500 Review
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Used Sierra 2500 for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sierra 2500 model years
GMC Sierra 2500 types
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Classic styling, dual airbag, powerful Vortec 5700 V-8 engine option.
Cons
- Aging design, busy interior styling, uncomfortable driver's seat
What’s new
A passenger airbag is added to models with a GVWR under 8,600 pounds, and all models get speed-sensitive steering that reduces low-speed effort. K1500 models have a tighter turning radius for better maneuverability. Automatic transmissions are refined to provide smoother shifts and improved efficiency. Three new paint colors debut.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$287/mo for Sierra 2500 HD SL
Sierra 2500 HD SL
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
GM has figured out a way to steal some thunder from the Dodge Ram and the new Ford F-Series. Their entire line of truck engines was refined last year, infused with notable horsepower and torque increases. For good measure, engineers made the rear portion of the extended cab model more accessible via a trick panel that opens wide from the passenger's side to make loading cargo or people much easier.
Every Sierra gasoline engine, from the base V-6 to the king-of-the-hill V-8, benefit from Vortec technology which provide healthy power and torque ratings. For example, the standard 4300 V-6 makes an ample 200 horsepower, and the optional 5700 V-8 is a much more satisfying powerplant than Ford's new overhead cam designs. Also available are regular- and heavy-duty turbodiesels sporting 6.5 liters of displacement. All Sierras have four-wheel anti-lock braking.
The side access panel makes the extended cab model a true family vehicle. Loading cargo into the rear of the cab is much easier too. To qualify for the side access panel, you must order a 1500 extended cab shortbed equipped with SLE or SLT trim and a Vortec 5000 or Vortec 5700 engine mated to an automatic transmission. In contrast, Ford provides a third door standard on all extended cab models, making life much easier.
Other comforts aren't forgotten, either. Automakers are constantly trying to make their trucks more car-like, so GM has made rear seat heating ducts standard on the Sierra. Shoulder belts are height adjustable to fit a variety of physiques, and upholstery choices include leather. Heck, you'd hardly know this was a truck, especially with the passenger car tires that give some versions of the Sierra a nicer ride and quieter interior.
Improvements for 1997 include a new passenger airbag on models under 8,600 lbs. GVWR, and the airbag can be deactivated for those times when a rear-facing child safety seat is installed. Speed-sensitive steering that boosts power assist at low speeds to make parking easier has been added. On the open road, this system firms up the steering for improved road feel. All K1500 Sierras get a tighter turning radius this year for better maneuverability, and the automatic transmission shifts more smoothly this year thanks to revised hardware.
Although Chevrolet's own C/K Series garners the greatest amount of publicity, GMC's equivalents are pretty strong sellers themselves, approaching 190,000 units each year. Sierras, in fact, account for close to half of GMC output. Americans continue to clamor for burly pickups, whether for their macho image or for real work. Whether you choose a light-duty two-wheel-drive (C1500) or the massive four-wheel-drive K3500 Club Coupe, on a 155.5-inch wheelbase, GMC gives both Chevrolet and its Ford/Dodge rivals a run for their money.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 GMC Sierra 2500.
5 star(60%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
15 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Best That Money Can Buy
Cowboy 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!
3.63 out of 5 stars
Great old truck
alex , 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
4.5 out of 5 stars
18 years old and still going strong
timinator1, 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
4.13 out of 5 stars
Good Old Truck
Greg, 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 1997 GMC Sierra 2500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 2500 since its last redesign.
1997 Sierra 2500 Highlights
Regular Cab
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $269/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 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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