2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

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 The camper-style mirrors have been replaced by a folding and extending design with a built-in convex spotter glass.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.

　　

zzdcar says

　　With its numerous powertrain and cab configurations, and stout towing and hauling capacities, the Sierra HD is a hard truck to beat for those who need maximum functionality and capability.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab 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 North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Sierra 2500HD Work Truck

　　Sierra 2500HD Work Truck

　　Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) - $21,825 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) - $24,605 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $25,610 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $25,905 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $27,605 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $27,895 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $28,345 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $28,640 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,585 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,875 MSRPSL1 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) - $23,915 MSRPSL1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) - $26,695 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $27,415 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $27,710 MSRPSL1 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $29,400 MSRPSL1 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $29,700 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,145 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,440 MSRPSL1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $32,385 MSRPSL1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $32,675 MSRPSLE1 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) - $24,985 MSRPSLE1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) - $27,985 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $28,825 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $29,120 MSRPSLE1 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,745 MSRPSLE1 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $31,040 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $31,610 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $31,905 MSRPSLE1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $33,725 MSRPSLE1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $34,020 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,305 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $30,600 MSRPSLE2 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $32,380 MSRPSLE2 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $32,675 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $33,285 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $33,575 MSRPSLE2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $35,560 MSRPSLE2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $35,855 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $32,235 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $32,525 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $34,310 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $34,600 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $35,170 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $35,460 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $37,445 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $37,740 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/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 a wide variety of body styles and drivetrains. 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 2500HD continues that tradition by offering 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. Combine this with attractive styling on the outside and thoughtful features on the inside, and the Sierra 2500HD presents a compelling package for anyone in the market for a no-holds-barred work truck. Solid as the heavy-duty Sierra is, it's definitely worth your while to shop around in this segment, as Ford and Dodge both have strong diesel power plants that give their trucks higher tow ratings. GM's truck is still a fine choice for use around the worksite and home, especially if you decide you don't need the grunt of diesel -- just make sure you assess your needs carefully before making a decision.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　The HD's base engine is a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. GMC offers two even more powerful options: an 8.1-liter V8 and the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The 8.1-liter engine boasts an impressive 330 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, while the Duramax diesel makes as much as 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 Duramax diesel can be hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a heavy-duty Allison six-speed automatic. Being heavy-duty trucks, these brutes can certainly pull -- the maximum towing capacity of the 2500HD with the 6.0-liter engine is 10,500 pounds, while the 8.1-liter V8 can tow up to 12,000 pounds.

　　

Safety

　　Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard. In frontal crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a Sierra earned a three-star rating (out of five) for driver protection and four stars for the front passenger. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset crash test, the Sierra was given an overall rating of "Marginal," the second lowest.

　　

Driving

　　The 2500HD is a reasonably comfortable truck for everyday use, but don't expect the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the available engines provide swift acceleration and ample towing power, but the Duramax diesel is probably 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 behind the competition. The large cabin offers plenty of room and comfortable bucket seats.

　　

2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD models

　　The 2500HD is available in regular, extended and crew cab body styles in both two- and four-wheel drive. Short or long boxes are available except on regular cabs, which are long boxes only. There are several levels: Work Truck, SL1, SLE1, SLE2 and SLT. True to their name, Work Trucks offer only the basics, but you still get manual dual-zone air conditioning, a 40/20/40-split bench seat and ABS. SL1 models come standard with a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD stereo, driver message center and tinted glass. SLE1 models add power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, power-heated exterior mirrors, foglamps 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, driver-seat memory and dual 10-way power adjustments, automatic climate control, power-retractable mirrors and satellite steering wheel controls.

　　

2006 Sierra 2500HD Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabExtended CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: Work TruckSL1SLE1SLE2SLTWork Truck

　　

Base MSRP	$27,605
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	12,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles