2000 GMC Classic Sierra 2500/3500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

When it rolled out its redesigned GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups in light-duty 1/2- and 3/4-ton form last year, General Motors continued to offer selected full-size heavy-duty trucks held over from the 1988 to 1998 generation. These holdovers consist of a full-line of 3/4-ton 2500- and 1-ton 3500-series trucks and have been rechristened the "classic Sierra 2500 and 3500."
Regular and extended cabs come with the 8.0-foot "long" bed (as well as extended cab short bed models in the 2500 series). Unlike the competition, the GMC and Chevy models do not offer rear access doors on extended cab models. However, Crew Cab (four regular-opening doors) Sierra Classics come in 2500 or 3500 form and offer both the short and long bed.
Sierra Classic comes only with V8 engines. A 5.7-liter V8 is standard in all 2500 and most 3500 models, while a 7.4-liter gas V8 is standard on the 3500 crew cab short bed and optional on all others. A 6.5-liter turbodiesel returns and is optional across the board. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with all engines, and a 4-speed automatic is optional. "C" models have rear wheel drive, "Ks" use GM's Insta-Trac 4-wheel drive, a part-time setup that can be shifted on the fly between 2WD and 4-High but, unlike the 4WD system on the Sierra and Silverado, cannot be used on dry pavement. Maximum towing capacity 2500 and 3500 models is 10,000 pounds. A 3-passenger rear bench seat and a 3-place split front bench are standard; two front buckets are optional. Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. No airbags are offered. (Since the C/K 2500 and 3500 match or exceed a gross vehicle weight of 8600 pounds they are not required to have airbags). The full-size heavy-duty pickups from Ford and Dodge offer dual air bags as either standard or optional equipment. The only change for 2000 is a new exterior color--emerald green.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles the segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.
The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility.