2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
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By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief

Overview

General Motors is the current leader in heavy-duty pickup trucks. GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty trucks are more powerful and more comfortable than any heavy-duty trucks in history. They ride more smoothly and feel more refined than the current heavy-duty trucks from Ford and Dodge.

Completely re-engineered and redesigned for 2001, the GMC Sierra line is mechanically nearly identical to the Chevy Silverado line. However, there are some key differences. The Sierras are more stylish. Positioned as professional grade" trucks, the GMCs offer more features, more technology, and more luxury then the Chevys.

These trucks can move mountains. GM says its 3500 series boasts the most power, the heftiest gross vehicle weight rating and the highest gross combined vehicle weight rating available."

Model Lineup

Heavy-duty Sierra pickups are broadly divided into the 2500 HD series and the 3500 series.

To understand the lineup, it helps to speak the language: Half-ton," "3/4-ton" and "one-ton" are outdated terms because modern trucks haul far more than 1,000-2,000 pounds. However, we still tend to use these terms. Sierra 1500 series are the so-called half-ton trucks. Just to make things as confusing as possible, GMC sells a light-duty 2500-series truck line, which we might refer to as a half-ton truck because it's based on the 1500 Series. (See separate newcartestdrive.com review of the Sierra 1500 and 2500 light-duty trucks.)

2500HD pickups are what we commonly call 3/4-ton trucks. All GMC 2500HD trucks come with single rear wheels. Their suspensions and chassis are a heavier duty design than the light-duty 2500 series models; the two can be distinguished by the 2500HD's raised hood.

3500-series trucks come with dual rear wheels; these so-called one-ton trucks are commonly referred to as "duallies."

Regular Cab, Extended Cab and Crew Cab bodies are available with 6.5-foot short beds or 8-foot long beds. Wheelbases run 133, 143.5, 153.0, 157.5, and 167 inches long on 2500 HD pickups; wheelbases are available in 133, 157.5, 161.5, and 167.5 inches on 3500 duallies.

Three trim levels are offered: SL, the well-equipped SLE, and the leather SLT.

Engine choices: 6.0-liter Vortec V8, 8.1-liter Vortec V8, and 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel.

Just as important are the transmission choices: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic for the Vortec 6.0-liter; six-speed manual or an exciting new Allison five-speed automatic for the Vortec 8100 or Duramax 6600. And, of course, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available.

For 2002, GMC has added two new Sierra Professional models; they are designed as extended cab short box work trucks and are available in 2WD and 4WD."