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The GMC Sierra, the Chevrolet Silverado's counterpart, first hit sales lots in
the 1999 model year. Though it had been known in the past as a trim level of the
C/K pickup truck, the trim's overwhelming popularity prompted the maker to
create a Sierra standalone model. In the beginning, the GMC Sierra 3500HD was
the luxury trim level of their C/K. But, the full-size pickup did not gain the
3500 trim until 2001. Then the one-ton pickup truck gained the badge "GMC Sierra
3500HD." Dually wheels were available from the model's birth. "Dually" means
that there are dual wheels on either side of the rear that supply additional
support and stability for heavier towing and hauling needs. Though the 2WD trim
is not the bestselling trim for this model, it has increased in popularity
recently because more and more consumers are turning to the heavy duty model.
Since many private owners don't use the GMC Sierra 3500HD Dually 2WD for
incredibly demanding hauling and towing, the 2WD version has become a popular
choice.
The Sierra 3500HD comes standard with up-to-date technological equipment and has
recently gained attention for the OnStar system, which includes roadside
assistance, automatic collision alerts, and airbag deployment sensors. A free
one-year subscription to the program is supplied with the purchase of the Sierra
3500HD. Nevertheless, there are naysayers that disparage the turn-by-turn
navigation services that come with OnStar, arguing that it is misleading to
refer to it as turn-by-turn navigation because the directional commands are
provided by an OnStar representative who speaks directly to the driver, rather
than instruction on a touchscreen built into the dash.
With three impressive V8 engine models, the 3500HD Dually 2WD has long been
deemed one of the most powerful pickups on American roads and is a standard that
many other makers strive to achieve. The potential for up to 360 horsepower
makes an impact on both buyers and critics. Two manual transmissions and three
different automatics have been available since the model's inception as well.
The GMC Sierra is set to get a hybrid trim level for the 2009 model year, but
some critics and consumers are hesitant to believe the hype. Most are concerned
that the model will lose power, but GMC has insisted that the hybrid will be
equivalent to the gas-powered version. It is unclear if the 3500HD will get the
"green" treatment though, and GMC is keeping tight lipped about the specific
details.
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