2007 GMC Sierra HD Review

These trucks are for real-world use and abuse, likely to haul tons of brick and cement for the mixer it's towing, and just as likely to be used for a night on the town or grocery shopping while the fifth-wheel's left in camp or the horses are in the corral. It's a mid-level part of GMC's lineup, so if your hauling happens once or twice a year, or you tow a bass or ski boat, the 1500-series is better-suited; conversely, if you've a large trailer don't try and max out one of these and step up to the Kodiak/Top Kick medium-dutys.

Now with styling unique to GMC, the Sierra HD offers plenty of configurations with three cab sizes and two bed sizes in 2WD or 4WD (like the other guys), plus two separate interior concepts the other guys can't match. This is the only HD pickup with a six-speed automatic as standard (an option only on the Dodge Ram diesel), and the standard 6-liter gas V8 is rated higher than anyone else's, as is the 6.6-liter diesel. And only GM includes OnStar as standard.

Almost everything you can get in a GMC sport-utility is available here, including a subwoofer-equipped sound system, navigation, driver memory system, heated leather seats (and heated windshield washer fluid) and a moonroof. At the other end of the spectrum, for the entry price of around $23,000 you get a functional pickup with real load-carrying ability and all the safety bits on a top-line model.

The trick in buying a GMC Sierra HD is to give fair consideration and choose wisely. Compute the permutations among three cabs, two weight classes, two beds, two engine/transmission combos, two drive systems and four trim levels, and then sort out options that cover everything from a diesel radiator cover to rear parking assist, and you can see why prices run from that base $23,000 to well past double it.