2007 GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD Review
The GMC Sierra has been completely revamped for this year, but General Motors is still offering the older model as the GMC Sierra Classic. The Classic is essentially the same truck that’s been on the market since 1998. The first incarnation of this truck debuted for the 1999 model year, and was offered in either a regular cab or three door extended cab, with three choices of engine: The Vortec 4300 V6 (200 hp, regular cab only), Vortec 4800 V8 (255 hp), or the Vortec 5300 V8 (270 hp). For the 2000 model year, a four door option was added, and the 4800 and 5300 were boosted significantly (270 and 285 hp, respectively). A 300 hp Vortec 6000 V8 was introduced in 2001, with the Sierra 1500 C3 featuring a modified version of the 6000, capable of 325 hp. In 2002, the C3 was rebranded as the Denali. In 2003, both the Sierra and its twin, the Chevrolet Silverado, received mild styling upgrades. The 2500HD is a superpowered variant of the Sierra, capable of carrying around 12,000 pounds. The Classic will only be available for this model year, as it will be completely replaced by the new Sierra in 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD is hard to beat if you’re looking for a pure work truck. While it doesn’t have many modern conveniences, it’s unmatched by even new trucks in power and price. The 2500HD packs in a lot of power into a good price.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The GMC Sierra has been practically unchanged for almost a decade, and for good reason. J.D. Power and Associates gives the 2500HD 4.5 stars for overall mechanical quality. Driver opinions and owner satisfaction with the Sierra remain high. However, no vehicle is problem-free. The main issue that has plagued the Sierra is fluid leakage, usually in extreme situations. Another issue that has occurred is out of spec parts being installed, such as in 2003-04 when an improper brake relief valve led to difficulty in steering while braking, or in 2000, when an out of spec spring clip was able to disable the anti-lock brake system. However, under normal driving conditions, and with proper maintenance, you should expect average to above average reliability out of the 2007 GMC Sierra Classic. Like all new GM vehicles, it comes with GM’s new powertrain warranty that covers the powertrain for five years or 100,000 miles and includes free roadside assistance, including transportation, for that period. However, its bumper to bumper warranty coverage is the standard three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2007 GMC Sierra Classic is a rather large vehicle, which gives it an advantage in the case of an accident. Regardless, its crash test ratings are rather poor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Classic only a marginal rating on frontal crash tests, and a poor rating on rear tests. Side tests were not performed. It fared somewhat better in government crash tests, earning four out of five stars in driver frontal collisions, three out of five stars in frontal passenger collisions, and four out of five stars in rollover tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. By today’s standards, the Sierra Classic is seriously lacking in safety features. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and traction control is available on all models, but stability control and side air bags are not available. The 2006 Sierra had recalls issued for a potential fuel leak in the 8.1L V8 and a weak power steering hose.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Extremely powerful
+ Well priced
+ Plenty of options
Cons
– Aging Design
– Rough ride
– Lack of modern safety features
Head-To-Head Competition:
The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab offers more modern features for the same price, such as an automatic transmission, navigation, and a CD player. But the 2500HD has a larger, V8 engine with way more payload capacity and 100 more hp. The 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty matches the 2500HD in performance, but costs over $2,000 more and doesn’t include standard AC. A new 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ST will cost $800 less and include a CD player, but it lacks power accessories, tons of payload capacity, and has 85 less hp.
What Others Are Saying:
“These trucks are on life support, hanging around until they’re swept off dealer’s lots and replaced by the redesigned 2007 models. About the only reason not to wait for the new trucks is that the prices of these so-called Classics will be at bargain levels.” – Car and Driver
“A well-dressed, if aging, workhorse, the GMC Sierra offers a wide range of body configurations and powertrains to get the job done.” – Motortrend
“The GMC features a much more mature, classic, and conventional styling than its competitors, and chrome accents with color-matched accessories help complete the look. Overall: GMC is the most comfortable truck in terms of its interior, power is more than enough with the 5.3L V8, and styling is mature and restrained.” – Epinions.com
Read more about the 2007 GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD at the GMC manufacturer web site.
