2003 GMC Sierra 2500 Extended Cab

A work truck should have the hauling capacity, the ruggedness, and the sheer guts to take things to the places they need to be. That's all anyone can really ask from a work truck. But what happens at the end of the day, when the bed is empty of the concrete mixer, or the load of plywood, or whatever else you needed to get the job done? The ride home reminds you that it's not just about hauling anymore.

With a well-known and respected profile, the 2500 receives minor changes that make it more contemporary without getting all gussied up.

Combining the heavy-duty components with the ride and comfort expected of sedans makes the Sierra a luxurious worker. It has the beefy frame and components that allow it to "walk the walk, talk the talk" at the job site, but once the hard work is done, it's downright plush on the way home. The ride reminds you of the nicer cars you've ridden in lately. The features offered rival most any "executive" sedan on the market. It has all the benefits of a family vehicle, with the extra bonus of being able to provide for said family.


Anyone who is looking toward a heavy workload for their truck needs the power of a big engine to go along with those demands. GMC chose the big Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 for the 2500. This cast iron block V-8 produces 300 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. A 4-speed with overdrive automatic transmission gets the power to the pavement. Towing capacity can run as high as 10,200 pounds with the truck equipped with a weight-distributing hitch and a sway control system. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and dynamic rear proportioning (DRP) haul all this down securely.

Extensively redesigned, the instrument cluster includes a new driver information center and optional 8-button steering wheel controls.

What good is taking your work truck home if you can't get away from the work? With the XM satellite radio, which offers 100 channels of digital music, you're sure to find something good to listen to. Be warned though that we suffered some signal dropouts while trawling a few deep canyons and dark forests. Satellite radio may be the future, but it has bit of a ways to go before it is the complete answer.


Dual zone climate control is nice, allowing the driver and passenger to have different levels of baking/freezing, while OnStar offers the security of never being lost again. Leading edge electronics, including a driver information center and multi-function steering wheel controls, allow owners to personally set their preferences for the way the alarm sounds when it's set (lights, horn, both, neither), how the illumination changes when approaching or leaving the vehicle, or how the power lock will react to the selection of "Drive" or "Park." Best of all, the new system allows for future upgrades via a simple serial port.