Peers of the 2009 GMC Sierra 3500HD 2WD can be counted on one hand: Dodge Ram 3500, Ford F-350 Super Duty and the Sierra twin Silverado 3500HD - all American made. These are the pickup man's pickups, dating back to the earliest days of the twentieth century, and their history is a story of its own, in many ways taking up where the horse left off.

The basic look of the 3500HD last changed in 2007 but, looks aside, there are several worthwhile changes for the 2009 year model. A vehicle stability system has been added to the 2WD trims, standard. OnStar 8.0 is now available with its navigation system, and you can now get Bluetooth hands free cell phone technology, satellite radio and a rear view camera system, all for the first time on the 3500.

The 3500HD 2WD has a choice of two engines - the standard 6.0 liter, 360 horsepower gasoline (or biodiesel) V8 or the 6.6 liter, 365 horsepower diesel. Either is matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The gasoline engine has a respectable torque of 380 pound feet, while the diesel has a whopping 660 pound feet.

Heavy pickups are not required to release either fuel efficiency or NHTSA crash test figures. However, expect the former to be poor (10 miles per gallon would be considered good for this class vehicle) and the latter to be excellent (after all, it is a tank). Safety features include locking tailgate, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitor, antilock brakes and locking differential.

Payload for the 3500HD 2WD tops out at 5,126 pounds, towing capacity at 16,300 pounds - both well above class average. Horsepower is also better than class average, about 15 percent better. The 3500 HD is roomier than most pickups in its class (which is saying something considering its class), but it suffers in regard to turning radius and the power train warranty is only about two-thirds of class average.

There are a full dozen specific trims for the Sierra 3500HD 2WD. The basics are Work Truck, SLE and SLT. These are each broken down by extended cab (small back seat) and crew cab (full rear seat), and then further broken down by gasoline or diesel engine. The SLE crew cab versions are known as SLE1. There are no single seat cab versions of the 3500HD 2WD.

Among the real plusses of the 2009 Sierra 3500HD 2WD is the price. Starting at $29,825, the Sierra 3500HD 2WD is several thousand below the average class base price. Not a bad price for sitting on top of the world.