The GMC Sierra 2500HD, the first in the HD line, is expected to have the best re-sale value in its class. The 2009 Sierra 2500HD is essentially the same truck as the 2008 model - ruggedly built and with two available engines, two transmissions, including the optional Allison 1000 six-speed automatic, RWD and 4WD, five cab and bed configurations, regular, Extended and Crew Cab, 6.4 foot and eight foot bed, five wheelbases and three trim levels, the Work Truck, SLE and SLT. Depending on the trim, equipment and engine size, the Sierra 2500HD can carry up to 3,924 lbs. of payload and tow up to 15,800 lbs. on a fifth-wheel hitch.

The ’09 Sierra 2500HD is delivered with the standard Vortec 6.0-liter gasoline powered engine that puts out 353 hp at 5400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. Then there’s the optional, Isuzu-built Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel that will crank out 365 hp at 3200 rpm and a pavement-pounding 660 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The 6.0-liter gas engine is delivered with the standard six-speed overdrive transmission with a tow and haul mode. The turbodiesel is teamed up with the awesome Allison 1000 six-speed automatic, also with the toe and haul mode and also with electronic engine grade braking. No EPA mileage estimates are available for the Sierra 2500HD.

The base Sierra 2500HD Work Truck for ‘09 available in all cab and bed configurations and RWD and 4WD isn’t as basic as it sounds with such standard features as 16-inch painted steel wheels, solar-tinted glass, a CD player that’s MP3 compatible, four speakers, XM satellite radio, front independent and rear two-stage multi-leaf spring suspension, Onstar and the driver information center – a huge hit with owners in ’08. Options for the work truck include the 6.6-liter turbodiesel and the Allison 1000 six-speed auto, power windows locks and mirrors, A/C and cruise control.

Sierra 2500HD SLE also boasts RWD or 4WD and all cab and bed configurations, plus power doors, windows and heated, power exterior mirrors, standard, as well as A/C, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium cloth seating, chrome-styled steel wheels, tilt-wheel steering, Options for the ’09 SLE trim include dual-zone A/C, remote start and a six-disc CD player.

For 2009, the Sierra 2500HD SLT trim features standard17-inch machined aluminum wheels, all-terrain OWL tires, 10-way adjustable power front seats, fog lights, StabiliTrak stability control, Bluetooth hands-free communication technology and a Bose premium sound system. Options available for the SLT include a navigation system, power adjustable pedals, a power sunroof and a power sliding rear window.

Further options for the ’09 Sierra 2500HD include chrome tube side steps, HD tow packages, a 4.10 axle ratio, dual alternators and off-road packages with skid plates and an auto-locking rear differential.

Safety standards are maintained in the Sierra 2500HD with four-wheel disc ABS, Onstar, front driver and passenger airbags, tire pressure monitoring. Optional safety features include the StabiliTrak stability control system and a trailer brake controller. The NHTSA has not tested the Sierra 2500HD.

Owners in 2008 found a few glitches with the Sierra 2500HD such as a somewhat harsh ride, poor gas mileage and a few transmission issues, mainly with the standard six-speed overdrive automatic. The lack of available side airbags also didn’t sit well with a few owners in ’08. The vast majority of owners, however, were impressed with the quality styling, handling, roominess, solid feel and just plain value of the Sierra 2500HD.