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2005 GMC Sierra HD Full Review
Date Published: 8/20/08
2005 GMC Sierra HD Review
Sierra HD is the heavy-duty version of the Sierra 1500. It comes in 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 versions and is intended for commercial use. Three cab types are available: regular cab, extended cab with rear-hinged back half-doors, and a crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and crew cab models include a three-person rear bench. The regular cab comes with an 8-foot bed. Extended- and crew-cab models comes with either an 8-foot bed or a 6.5-foot bed. Chassis-cab and chassis cutaway models are also offered.

Both HD Sierra series are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. An electronic-shift transfer case is standard on the 4WD SLT. All models have standard dual dashboard airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Side-curtain airbags are not offered. Base engine is a 6.0-liter V8. Optional are an 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. The base engine teams with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode. The two larger engines have a 6-speed manual or optional Allison 5-speed automatic with Engine Grade Braking, an electronic feature that makes an automatic downshift when descending steep slopes. Options include satellite radio, OnStar assistance system, a rear-seat entertainment system for Crew Cabs, and power-extending camper mirrors. Sierra HD is similar to Chevrolet Silverado HD.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty ½-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider ¾- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
2005 GMC Sierra HD Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Fuel economy
Towing/Hauling Ride
Passenger room Noise (diesel)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 4.7

Adequate with base 6.0-liter V8, but 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel are noticeably stronger. Six-speed manual transmission standard with 8.1 V8 and turbodiesel has 1st gear positioned in and down from normal pattern, leaving 2nd where 1st is normally located--which takes getting used to--though 1st is typically used only when hauling heavy loads.
Fuel Economy

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
2 2.3

On a test '04 2500 Crew Cab with the Duramax diesel and automatic we averaged 14.2 mpg in all city driving. An '04 3500 Crew Cab with the same powertrain averaged 13.7. We have not yet measured fuel economy with the '05 version of the turbodiesel, but it should be similar. Expect 10 mpg or less with gas V8s. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for gas engines.
Ride Quality

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 4

Trucky, to be sure, with considerable bouncing with an empty bed, but not bruising over bumps. Perhaps the best ride among heavy-duty trucks.
Steering/Handling/Braking

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
3 3.4

Too big and ponderous to be sporty, but there's little body lean in turns. Brakes suffer a somewhat spongy feel, but stop the truck with little fanfare.
Quietness

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
2 4.3

Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. Diesel engine noise intrudes only under full throttle.
Controls

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 6.5

Clear gauges, convenient controls--except for the wiper switch, which is awkwardly combined with the turn signal lever.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
9 8.3

Plenty of room, with comfortable seats. Ample seat travel even in regular cabs. High step-up, so entry/exit a chore.
Room/Comfort (rear)

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 4.8

With sufficient leg space and a nicely reclined seatback, extended cabs offer best-in-class room and comfort, with true three-adult seating. Crew Cabs have even more space, rivaling Ford's version. In all, high step-up hinders entry/exit.
Cargo Room

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 4.9

Rear seat in extended cab folds up to create a good amount of storage space, though it lacks some of the features of competitors. Regular-cab behind-seat cargo room trails Dodge and Ford models.
Value within Class

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
7 7.1

There's a lot to recommend these GM heavy-duty trucks, including strong engines, high hauling limits, comfortable rear-seat accommodations, and the availability of features such as a rear-seat entertainment system and GM's OnStar system. They should top your list.
Total Score

3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. Class Average
50 50.3
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2005 GMC Sierra HD Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/11/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2500HD 2WD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $24,405 $21,354 $850
2500HD 4WD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $27,255 $23,848 $850
3500 4WD Work regular cab SRW, long bed $29,410 $25,734 $850
3500 4WD Work regular cab DRW, long bed $29,155 $25,511 $850
2500HD 2WD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $28,200 $24,675 $850
2500HD 2WD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $28,500 $24,938 $850
3500 2WD Work extended cab DRW, long bed $29,800 $26,075 $850
2500HD 4WD Work extended cab SRW, short bed $31,000 $27,125 $850
2500HD 4WD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $31,300 $27,388 $850
3500 4WD Work extended cab SRW, long bed $31,960 $27,965 $850
3500 4WD Work extended cab DRW, long bed $32,850 $28,744 $850
2500HD 2WD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $30,300 $26,513 $850
2500HD 2WD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $30,600 $26,775 $850
3500 2WD Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $31,900 $27,913 $850
2500HD 4WD Work Crew Cab SRW, short bed $33,350 $29,181 $850
2500HD 4WD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,650 $29,444 $850
3500 4WD Work Crew Cab SRW, long bed $34,310 $30,021 $850
3500 4WD Work Crew Cab DRW, long bed $34,950 $30,581 $850
2500HD 2WD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $26,470 $23,161 $850
2500HD 4WD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $29,325 $25,659 $850
3500 4WD Base regular cab SRW, long bed $30,700 $26,863 $850
3500 4WD Base regular cab DRW, long bed $30,505 $26,692 $850
2500HD 2WD Base extended cab SRW, short bed $30,000 $26,250 $850
2500HD 2WD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $30,300 $26,513 $850
3500 2WD Base extended cab DRW, long bed $31,240 $27,335 $850
2500HD 4WD Base extended cab SRW, short bed $32,765 $28,669 $850
2500HD 4WD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $33,065 $28,932 $850
3500 4WD Base extended cab SRW, long bed $33,345 $29,177 $850
3500 4WD Base extended cab DRW, long bed $34,295 $30,008 $850
2500HD 2WD Base Crew Cab SRW, short bed $32,100 $28,088 $850
2500HD 2WD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $32,400 $28,350 $850
3500 2WD Base Crew Cab DRW, long bed $33,340 $29,173 $850
2500HD 4WD Base Crew Cab SRW, short bed $35,115 $30,726 $850
2500HD 4WD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,415 $30,988 $850
3500 4WD Base Crew Cab SRW, long bed $35,695 $31,233 $850
3500 4WD Base Crew Cab DRW, long bed $36,395 $31,846 $850
2500HD 2WD SLE regular cab SRW, long bed $27,610 $24,159 $850
2500HD 4WD SLE regular cab SRW, long bed $30,680 $26,845 $850
3500 4WD SLE regular cab SRW, long bed $32,115 $28,101 $850
3500 4WD SLE regular cab DRW, long bed $31,860 $27,878 $850
2500HD 2WD SLE extended cab SRW, short bed $31,495 $27,558 $850
2500HD 2WD SLE extended cab SRW, long bed $31,795 $27,821 $850
3500 2WD SLE extended cab DRW, long bed $32,745 $28,652 $850
2500HD 4WD SLE extended cab SRW, short bed $34,310 $30,021 $850
2500HD 4WD SLE extended cab SRW, long bed $34,610 $30,284 $850
3500 4WD SLE extended cab SRW, long bed $34,950 $30,581 $850
3500 4WD SLE extended cab DRW, long bed $35,830 $31,351 $850
2500HD 2WD SLE Crew Cab SRW, short bed $33,520 $29,330 $850
2500HD 2WD SLE Crew Cab SRW, long bed $33,820 $29,593 $850
3500 2WD SLE Crew Cab DRW, long bed $34,780 $30,433 $850
2500HD 4WD SLE Crew Cab SRW, short bed $36,530 $31,964 $850
2500HD 4WD SLE Crew Cab SRW, long bed $36,830 $32,226 $850
3500 4WD SLE Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,170 $32,524 $850
3500 4WD SLE Crew Cab DRW, long bed $37,830 $33,101 $850
2500HD 2WD SLT extended cab SRW, short bed $35,395 $30,971 $850
2500HD 2WD SLT extended cab SRW, long bed $35,695 $31,233 $850
3500 2WD SLT extended cab DRW, long bed $36,260 $31,728 $850
2500HD 4WD SLT extended cab SRW, short bed $38,205 $33,429 $850
2500HD 4WD SLT extended cab SRW, long bed $38,505 $33,692 $850
3500 4WD SLT extended cab SRW, long bed $38,465 $33,657 $850
3500 4WD SLT extended cab DRW, long bed $39,540 $34,598 $850
2500HD 2WD SLT Crew Cab SRW, short bed $37,580 $32,883 $850
2500HD 2WD SLT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $37,880 $33,145 $850
3500 2WD SLT Crew Cab DRW, long bed $38,460 $33,653 $850
2500HD 4WD SLT Crew Cab SRW, short bed $40,790 $35,691 $850
2500HD 4WD SLT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $41,090 $35,954 $850
3500 4WD SLT Crew Cab SRW, long bed $41,045 $35,914 $850
3500 4WD SLT Crew Cab DRW, long bed $41,705 $36,492 $850
Price note: SRW denotes single rear wheels; DRW denotes dual rear wheels.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Work
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, 5-speed manual transmission (2500 regular cab, 3500 regular cab DRW), 4-speed automatic transmission (3500 regular cab SRW, extended cab, Crew Cab), limited-slip differential (3500 SRW).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (extended cab, Crew Cab), rear-hinged rear door (extended cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo-box lights, intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof marker lights (3500 DRW), Wideside body, chrome front bumper, painted rear bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, LT245/75R16E tires (2500), LT265/75R16E tires (3500 SRW), LT215/85R16D tires (3500 DRW), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Base adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome rear bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SLE adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SLT adds to SLE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, leather upholstery, heated 10-way front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid mirror, mirror mounted turn signals, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, rear radio controls (Crew Cab).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, alloy wheels (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, electronic shift transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Heavy-Duty Power Pkg.
2500 regular cab, 3500 DRW regular cab
$7,900
$6,794
2500 extended cab/Crew Cab, 3500 SRW extended cab/Crew Cab
$6,805
$5,852
3500 SRW regular cab, 3500 DRW extended cab/Crew Cab
$6,510
$5,599
6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD
$310
$267
4WD w/Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg. or turbodiesel engine
$285
$245
Heavy-duty alternator, transmission oil cooler, electrical supply/connections, emergency lights, mounting equipment, heavy-duty front springs. NA w/dual-zone automatic climate controls. SLT requires dual-zone manual climate controls.
Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$235
$202
w/turbodiesel
$210
$181
Trailer hitch platform, 7-wire trailering harness, heavy-duty auxiliary transmission oil cooler.
Powertrain
8.1-liter V8 engine
Base, SLE, SLT, Work, Work
$950
$817
Requires 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
6.6-liter turbodiesel engine
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$5,310
$4,567
Includes engine-block heater, high-capacity air cleaner. Requires 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
5-speed manual transmission
Work/Base/SLE extended cab, Work/Base/SLE Crew Cab (credit)
$-1,095
$-942
NA 3500 SRW.
6-speed manual transmission
extended cab, Crew Cab
$-1,095
$-942
regular cab
$0
$0
Requires optional engine. NA SLT, 3500 SRW.
4-speed automatic transmission
2500 regular cab, 3500 regular cab DRW
$1,095
$942
Std. 3500 regular cab SRW, extended cab, Crew Cab.
5-speed automatic transmission
2500 regular cab, 3500 regular cab DRW
$2,295
$1,974
3500 regular cab SRW, extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,200
$1,032
Requires optional engine.
Limited-slip rear differential
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$295
$254
Std. 3500 SRW.
Special axle ratio
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$0
$0
Electric shift transfer case
4WD SLE
$195
$168
Requires automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
SLE
$695
$598
Includes one-year service. Requires steering-wheel radio controls.
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
SLE/SLT Crew Cab
$1,295
$1,114
SLE requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, bucket seats, optional radio.
Power sunroof
SLE, SLT
$1,100
$946
Includes universal garage-door opener. SLE requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, bucket seats. NA regular cab.
Air conditioning delete
Work (credit)
$-870
$-748
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
SLE
$195
$168
Dual-zone manual climate controls
4WD SLT (credit)
$-195
$-168
Requires Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$255
$219
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLE
$100
$86
SLE extended cab/Crew Cab w/bucket seats
$595
$512
SLT (credit)
$-200
$-172
Includes Bose sound system w/bucket seats.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE extended cab/Crew Cab
$795
$684
Includes Bose sound system. Requires bucket seats.
Satellite radio
SLE, SLT
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
Steering-wheel radio controls
SLE
$125
$108
Includes trip computer.
Rear defogger
Base
$175
$151
Heated power mirrors
SLE
$213
$183
Includes turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid.
Heated power camper mirrors
SLE, SLT
$238
$205
Includes turn signals.
Camper mirrors
Work, Base
$70
$60
Cruise control
Work
$240
$206
Leather upholstery
SLE
$1,040
$894
Vinyl upholstery
Base
$0
$0
Requires carpet delete.
Cloth upholstery
Work
$0
$0
Custom cloth upholstery
Work
$282
$243
Bucket seats
SLE extended cab
$870
$748
SLE Crew Cab
$1,035
$890
Includes 6-way power driver seat, floor and overhead consoles, rear radio controls (Crew Cab). Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. 4WD requires electric shift transfer case.
Bucket seats w/leather upholstery
SLE extended cab
$1,670
$1,426
SLE Crew Cab
$1,835
$1,578
Includes 6-way power driver seat, floor and overhead consoles, rear radio controls (Crew Cab). Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. 4WD requires electric shift transfer case.
6-way power driver seat
SLE
$240
$206
Rear under-seat storage
extended cab
$295
$254
Power door locks
Base regular cab/extended cab
$162
$139
Base Crew Cab
$229
$197
Carpet delete
Base, SLE (credit)
$-100
$-86
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Grill cover
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$55
$47
Requires 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine. Required in Alaska, Colo., Idaho, Maine, Mich., Minn., Mont., N.D., N.H., N.Y., S.D., Vt., Wis., Wyo.
Tubular side steps
regular cab
$389
$335
extended cab
$412
$354
Crew Cab
$435
$374
Chrome tubular side steps
regular cab
$425
$366
extended cab
$450
$387
Crew Cab
$495
$426
Bed extender
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$210
$181
Bed rails
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$119
$102
Hard tonneau cover
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$680
$585
Soft tonneau cover
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$280
$241
Chrome rear step bumper
Work
$100
$86
Roof marker lights
2500, 3500 SRW
$55
$47
Sliding rear window
Work, Base
$175
$151
SLE, SLT
$0
$0
Work, Base require deep-tinted glass. NA w/rear defogger. SLE, SLT delete standard rear defogger.
Deep-tinted glass
Work/Base regular cab
$50
$43
Work/Base extended cab
$107
$92