2006 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
2006 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
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Used Sierra 3500 for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sierra 3500 model years
GMC Sierra 3500 types
- Regular Cab
- Crew Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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 2006, the Duramax diesel engine receives a host of power and refinement upgrades, as well as reduced emissions. The Allison automatic transmission is now a six-speed, and features a tap-shift range selection mode. The camper-style mirrors have been replaced by a folding and extending design with a built-in convex spotter glass. Trim levels and packaging have also been juggled.
Edmunds says
Although the Sierra still has the capacity to tackle just about any job, its newer competition has a slight edge when it comes to overall refinement.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500 Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) 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 3500 Work Truck
Sierra 3500 Work Truck
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
GMC's modern full-size pickup has been around in one form or another since the early '60s. Now into its sixth generation, the Sierra, as it's now called, boasts classic styling and some of the most powerful drivetrains available anywhere. A perennial competitor to the full-size offerings from Ford and Dodge, GMC positions itself as the "professional grade" truck in GM's lineup. Although its sales numbers are far below those of its competitors, when combined with its sister vehicle, the Chevrolet Silverado, the GM trucks sell in competitive numbers to Ford's F-Series.
Often first to market with exclusive features, the Sierra continues that tradition with options like XM Satellite Radio and Bose audio systems. GMC trucks also offer the OnStar communications system that provides the convenience of 24-hour on-call assistance for everything from tow truck requests to dinner reservations. Between its potent Duramax diesel and strong gas V8s, the Sierra one-ton can tackle just about any hard-core towing and hauling duties you could throw at it. Combine this with sharp styling on the outside and plenty of available features on the inside, and the Sierra 3500 presents a compelling package for anyone in the market for a no-holds-barred work truck.
As capable as it is, the Sierra is starting to show its age while its competition has been slowly upgrading its offerings. Both Dodge and Ford offer more powerful engine options as well as more refined interiors. Needless to say, it's worth shopping around before settling on the Sierra.
Performance & mpg
The 3500's base engine is a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. If that's not enough grunt under the hood for you, GMC offers two more powerful options: an 8.1-liter V8 and a 6.6-liter "Duramax" turbodiesel V8. The 8.l-liter engine boasts an impressive 330 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel makes 360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission for the 6.0-liter V8 is a five-speed manual with a four-speed automatic optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter diesel can be hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a heavy-duty Allison six-speed automatic. Properly equipped, the Sierra 3500 can tow 12,000 pounds.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard. In government crash tests, the Sierra earned a four-star rating (out of five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and three stars for the front passenger. In frontal offset crash testing, the Sierra was given an overall rating of "Marginal," the second lowest on a scale of four.
Driving
The 3500 is a dedicated work truck, so don't expect the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the three available engines provide swift acceleration and ample towing power, but the 6.6-liter turbodiesel is the best choice for those who tow heavy loads. The manual transmissions are about what you would expect in a big truck, but the automatics shift smoothly and crisply no matter how heavy the load.
Interior
Inside, Sierra buyers will find a logically laid-out interior with an easy-to-use dual-zone climate control system and clear, uncluttered gauges. Materials quality is unimpressive, and build quality, though improved over the last few years, is still below the competition. Extended cabs and crew cabs offer large cabins with plenty of room and, on higher trims, comfortable bucket seats.
2006 GMC Sierra 3500 models
The 3500 is only available as a long box, but buyers can still choose between regular, extended- and crew-cab body styles and either two- or four-wheel drive (regular cabs are 4WD only). There are several trim levels: Work Truck, SL1, SLE1, SLE2 and SLT. Work Trucks are intended for jobsite use and offer basics like 16-inch steel wheels, a vinyl 40/20/40-split bench seat, dual-zone manual air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. SL1 models add chrome-finish wheels, grille and bumpers, cloth upholstery, cruise control and a CD player. SLE1 models add foglights, privacy glass, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, power-heated exterior mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. SLE2 models provide a six-way power driver seat and an upgraded Bose stereo. Top-of-the-line SLTs add leather bucket seats with heaters and dual 10-way power adjustments, driver-seat memory, automatic climate control, power-retractable mirrors, an in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 GMC Sierra 3500.
5 star(63%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(9%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best of breed
Crusty Codger, 09/15/2009
2005 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
A Truck that puts a smile on your face!
don lewis, 11/23/2009
2006 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I have owned this truck since 2006 and now have 56000 miles on it. The Duramax/Allison combo outshines the rest. I have hauled volleyball teams, 15000lbs 5th wheel up the Cascades, to work everyday and a multiple runs crosscounty and I smile everytime I start this truck up. Do I have complaints? One, the roof liner fit and finish leaves alot to be desired :( I have drove the rest and … this is hands down the best. A Quiet diesel that can smoke the tires. I laugh when the Toyota boys try to pull something heavy up the mountains, they just don't have it. It will be the last truck I own.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Duramax Power
BigIron, 05/11/2004
2004 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I haul a 11'6" Lance Legend camper and
pull a 8'x12' trailer with it loaded
with ATV's and a motorcycle and the
truck does all I want it to. I traded
a Powerstroke in and I am pleased that
I did. It's quite and rides and
handles a lot better then my old Ford.
I am getting around 12mpg at freeway
speeds with this load.
4.75 out of 5 stars
A Real Truck
TOW MAN, 06/06/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 3500 4dr Crew Cab SLE 2WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
This vehicle has surpassed all our
expectations (except for the dealer who
is mediocre). The cabin noise level is
lower than most of the cars that I have
owned in the last 15 years. Build
quality is improved over the 95 GMC
that I owned. I tow 10 to 13K pound
loads on a daily basis. Hauling horses
I routinely discuss trucks with other
guys at horse events. I find … that I
can out haul them, get slightly better
gas mileage and the TRUCK IS IN THE
SHOP less than my Ford F350 friends
(one of whom has sold his to buy a
Chevy 3500). If you are looking for a
real work rig, this is it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 3500 since its last redesign.
2006 Sierra 3500 Highlights
Regular Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,185 |
---|---|
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 3500 include:
- Alarm
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