2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
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GMC Sierra 2500HD model years
GMC Sierra 2500HD types
- Regular Cab
- Crew Cab
- Extended Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Class-leading horsepower and hauling capacity, roomy interior.
Cons
- Unproven engines and drivetrains, cheap interior materials.
What’s new
Fully redesigned last year, the Sierra 2500HD gets only minor updates for 2002. Air conditioning is now standard on all trim levels along with extendable sunshade visors and redesigned exterior badging.
Edmunds says
GMC makes a pretty good pick-'em-up, if powerful engines are your thing. But it has a ways to go to match the Ford F-250 Super Duty when it comes to the quality of the materials and rugged good looks.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2dr Regular Cab 2WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 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 N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Sierra 2500HD Base
Sierra 2500HD Base
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Debuting last year with an all-new design, the Sierra 2500HD is one tough truck built to handle the most severe on-the-job duties. Although it does share some engine and drivetrain components with the standard 2500, this heavy-duty model features additional hardware that allows it to boast some of the highest tow ratings of any truck on the market.
GMC prides itself on being called "Professional Grade," so stout drivetrains are a must. The base engine on the 2500HD is a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 rated at 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque, easily out-muscling Ford's 5.4-liter Triton V8 (260hp, 350 lb-ft) and Dodge's 5.9-liter V8 (245hp, 345 lb-ft). If that's not enough grunt under the hood, the Sierra offers two even more powerful options: an 8.1-liter Vortec V8 or the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The Vortec 8100 boasts an impressive 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, higher numbers than even its competitor's V10s can muster. The Duramax diesel also generates impressive power with 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque.
All that power won't do much unless there's a sturdy transmission behind it to put it to the ground. All 6.0-liter-equipped 2500s come with the New Venture 4500 five-speed manual as standard equipment, while the 4L80-E four-speed automatic is optional. All Sierras equipped with either the Vortec 8100 or Duramax turbodiesel come standard with a ZF six-speed manual featuring fully synchronized gears, synthetic gear oil and an ultra-low first gear for smooth slow-speed maneuvering. Optional on the big engines is an Allison 1000 five-speed overdrive automatic. This transmission is electronically controlled for precisely timed shifts and will automatically downshift on grades to provide engine braking. It's also the first automatic transmission to feature Power Take-Off (PTO) capability, delivering up to 250 lb-ft of continuous torque to worksite equipment.
Supporting all this heavy-duty hardware is a fully independent torsion bar suspension in front and a semi-floating solid axle in the rear with two-stage leaf springs. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and GM's Hydro-Boost brake proportioning system are standard on all models. Standard tires are E-load range 245/75R16s mounted on eight-lug steel wheels. Maximum towing capacity for 6.0-liter-equipped Sierras is 10,500 pounds while Vortec 8100 and Duramax diesel-equipped models can tow up to 12,000 pounds on a standard trailer.
All Sierras are available in three different trim levels: SL, SLE and SLT. SL trim trucks come standard with a 40/20/40 split bench seat, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, 17 function driver message center and deep tinted glass. Mid-grade SLE models add power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Top-of-the-line SLTs come with power heated leather seats, the OnStar communications system, a self-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in compass and power heated exterior mirrors. With big, comfortable seats and a solid ergonomic design, all Sierras sport roomy cabins with plenty of head, leg and hip room. Extended cab models have a surprising amount of space for rear-seat passengers and clamshell rear doors on both sides for easy access.
While we don't think the evolutionary styling of GM's heavy-duty pickups connotes the brute appeal of a Ford Super Duty or the big-nosed 3500-series Dodge, we do know that they will beat them when it comes to good ol' pullin' and haulin.' Regardless of what configuration you choose, GMC's 2500HD will provide all the power and capability you'll ever need along with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride.
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Also Consider
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Pro and SLE
Starting MSRP$42,000
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GMC.com
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
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*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD.
5 star(72%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
2500HD 4x4 6.0L
joel, 08/20/2008
2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I really love this truck. I call it "big truck". I don't like the gas mileage, aprox 13 mpg but what could I expect. It definilety has the pulling power, and the acceleration that I would want. I drove a couple of F-250's and I just didn't like the ride quality as much as I do this truck. I'm very happy with this truck
5 out of 5 stars
One Big Truck
Paul Harrison, 09/04/2003
2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
This is my dream truck. 12 MPG City/16
Highway - no better even with Mobil 1.
The 6.0L is fine for commuting, racing
punks in Civics and hauling stuff from
Lowe's. It does work hard to tow a
6,000 lb. camper. The 6.0L is a revver
not a torquer. If you do more than
occasional towing, the Duramax is the
choice for you. The 8.1L gets 9 MPG so
think carefully before making … that
choice.
It hauls 2 tons, that's right, 2 tons
of gravel without squatting or skipping
a beat. The OEM Bridgestone tires wore
out at 45K and because it has to work
to tow a moderate trailer, I gave it a
9. It is a monster to park, especially
in a parking garage so Fun to Drive is
a 9.
4.75 out of 5 stars
ULTIMATE TRUCK
gmgp455, 05/17/2003
2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 2WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
THIS TRUCK IS A WORK HORSE ,FUN TO
DRIVE AND HAULS LOADS LIKE THEY WERE
NOTHING. POWER IS EXCELLENT DRIVES LIKE
A SPORTS CAR VERY COMFERTABLE TRUCK. IT
GETS DECIENT MILELAGE 18mpg HIGHWAY
10mpg AROUND TOWN .
4.88 out of 5 stars
What a TRUCK!
Huck BB62, 06/04/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SL 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
If you haven't driven a new GM heavy
duty, you're in for a shock. The thing
is super quiet inside. I've got the
upgraded interior and it's very very
plush. The 6.0 is a forceful engine
and delivers in spades. It is a very
capable truck off road and on long
trips, it's real pleasure. A long
inspection of the underside and
underhood of this truck reveals a ton
of … thoughtful engineering and plain old
brawn. Not ONE factory assembly error
has been found on my truck. If it got
stolen tomorrow, I'll be back down to
the same dealer to get one just like it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 2500HD since its last redesign.
2002 Sierra 2500HD Highlights
Regular Cab
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,857 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 12,000 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sierra 2500HD include:
- Alarm
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