Overview & Reviews

The pickup truck has long been a mainstay of American byways and highways, and GMC has been there from day one. Originally used and respected by farmers, construction workers and small-business owners, GMC's hauler was a basic workhorse known for its reliability and longevity. More recent times have seen GMC's full-size truck adopt the name Sierra. And thanks to a variety of body styles, powertrains and trim levels, the Sierra is as adept at serving as the weekday family car as it is at transporting home-improvement supplies or towing a boat on the weekends.

Older versions of the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup have been praised for their strong work ethic, but soundly criticized for their bland, cheap cabins. With the newer generations, however, fit and finish is notably better. Of course, there are other choices in the full-size pickup truck market, but the Sierra 1500 remains a solid pick no matter what the intended use.

Current GMC Sierra 1500
Redesigned for 2014, the latest GMC Sierra 1500 is both trimmer and stronger than before. The V6-powered regular cab truck, for example, is about 250 pounds lighter this year while the engine lineup, particularly the V6, benefits from higher output and efficiency. Other changes for the new Sierra 1500 include revised suspension tuning for a smoother ride, forward-hinged rear doors on extended cab models and newly available safety features.

This full-size pickup is offered in regular cab, extended (double) cab and crew cab body styles with various bed lengths. Trim levels consist of base, well-equipped SLE, luxurious SLT and off-road-oriented Z71, and there is a choice of either two- or four-wheel drive.

All but the SLT come standard with a 4.3-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, enough muscle to tow up to 7,200 pounds. The 5.3-liter V8 (standard on the SLT and optional on other Sierras) makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The new V6 is vastly superior to the old V6, not only in terms of power and performance but also refinement. Of course, the 5.3-liter V8 delivers strong acceleration as long as you're not shy about laying onto the gas pedal when needed -- it has a rather lazy response otherwise. The six-speed automatic provides smooth and timely shifts and the Sierra 1500's towing performance is commendable.

Overall ride and handling dynamics are solid, as the GMC Sierra 1500 feels robust structurally, yet compliant and comfortable over broken pavement. Models fitted with the Max Trailering package, however, have a noticeably stiffer ride that can grow tiresome. The newest Sierra is also very quiet, even at higher freeway speeds. On serpentine roads, the GMC goes around turns in a confident manner and its steering is well-weighted. Off road, the Sierra similarly feels composed.

Used GMC Sierra 1500 Models
The previous-generation GMC Sierra 1500 was produced from 2007 through 2013. There were three body styles (regular, extended and crew cabs), and trim levels ranged from no-frills "Work Truck" to ultra-plush Denali.

Powertrain choices through these years encompassed everything from an anemic 4.3-liter 195-hp V6 to a muscular 6.2-liter V8 with 403 hp. Most Sierras, however, were fitted with either a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 or a 315-hp 5.3-liter V8. A four-speed automatic was initially standard across the board except on the Denali's 6.2-liter V8, which came with a six-speed unit. Eventually, the six-speed was fitted to the 5.3-liter V8 as well. Either rear- or four-wheel drive could be specified.

Calling cards of this GMC Sierra 1500 include strong performance, a refined and quiet ride (even with the heavy-duty towing package) and a comfortable, sensible cabin. The Denali was certainly plush, though it still didn't have the same space or high-end ambience of its Ford and Ram top-of-the-line rivals. Other potential downsides included minor ergonomic missteps and the hesitant downshifts of the four-speed automatic transmission. We had no such gripe with the excellent six-speed automatic, however, thanks to its smooth and on-point performance.

Potential buyers should be aware of the significant changes made throughout the years. For 2009, the Denali's 6.2-liter, 403-hp V8 with its excellent six-speed automatic became optional on select other trims. That year also saw the debut of Bluetooth, a back-up camera option that didn't require the optional navigation system, and the "XFE" (extra fuel economy) package for the crew cab. The following year, 2010, saw the 5.3-liter V8 get the six-speed transmission and variable valve timing, which both improved fuel economy slightly. The 6.0-liter V8 (367 hp and 375 lb-ft) that had been offered since 2007 was dropped that year while side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags and stability control all became standard across the board. Lastly, USB connectivity (standard on Denali) became optional on the SLE and SLT. For 2012, the navigation system was updated (now hard-drive-based) and trailer sway control joined the safety features list.

Before this was the popular 1999-2006 generation of the Sierra. Underneath the conservatively handsome styling, a family of new V8s debuted, ranging in size from 4.8 to 6.0 liters. They offered output ranging from 255 hp with the smallest 4.8-liter, to 345 hp from the high-output 6.0-liter V8 in the Sierra Denali. A base V6 was also available, but as expected, most Sierras came fitted with one of the V8s. A unique four-wheel-steering option (called QuadraSteer), debuted about midway through this generation and cut the truck's turning circle down significantly to 37.4 feet -- around 10 feet less than a typical full-size pickup – making U-turns and maneuvering in tight spots much easier . Unfortunately, QuadraSteer was discontinued for 2006 due to a low take rate, as buyers were put off by the high cost of this option.

Consumers more interested in function than flash should be happy with a half-ton Sierra from this era. The truck offered plenty of performance and work capacity, but was hampered by a dated cabin design fraught with cheap materials and below-average fit and finish.

The previous generation of GMC Sierra 1500 pickups ran from 1988-'98. Standard cab and extended cab body styles were offered, as was a crew cab, though the latter was actually from the previous 1981-'87 generation. Although six-cylinder and diesel V8s were offered, chances are strong that most GMC trucks from these years will have either a 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic. In keeping with tradition, one could choose either rear-wheel drive (indicated by a "C", e.g. "C1500") or four-wheel drive (indicated by a "K"). Trim levels for these C/K1500 trucks include the bare-bones Special, base SL, midlevel SLE and top-line SLT. Strengths of these trucks include powerful, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and subpar materials within the cabin.

For more information on older GMC pickups, go to our GMC Sierra 1500 history page.

User Reviews:

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  2009 CC SLT 5.3L Flex Fuel - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Colorado - August 19 - 11:20 am

  Get the 5.3L with the six-speed automatic. Averaging 20 MPG over first 2,000 miles 85%/15% Hwy/City driving. 20 inch wheels (rims are ugly) make for very smooth ride. Engine is very quiet with good power and shifts are very smooth. Quiet interior is a plus, and the leather seats are comfortable. Plenty of power to pass without sacrificing economy. Use the manual shift overrride function to control downhill speeds. Wife likes the 6-way seats and adjustable pedals with the memory function for seat/mirrors.

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  Great GMC truck z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lawrence forester - August 17 - 4:13 pm

  I loved this truck. It did everything I wanted it to do. The only reason I want to sell it is I am a realtor and need a car to show houses in.

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  2001 Sierra SLT 5.3 V8 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rrbs - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle; hasnt needed service in the first 25,000 miles & doesnt seem like it will anytime soon. The SLT package gives it a near luxury ride feel, which is unexpected of a pickup. If you want to do yourself a favor, replace the stock stereo. And the stock tires; they are bad on wet pavement.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hugh A. - August 3 - 12:43 pm

  Bought truck new, primary driver. Only tme in the shop was for recalls and minor maintenance. Gas mileage was as advertised both highway and city. Got the towing package tows boat with plenty horsepower to spare. Body still very clean after all the miles and weather. My wife and I always take it on vacations instead of car it is more comfortable wife likes being above the traffic for view. Also used as work truck tow haul feature very helpful when towing have towed car, boat trailer and tow haul rings all of needed horsepower from power range helping to get to speed and maintain it on highway. Have devloped some rattles but to be expected with this many miles. Love it would buy it again!

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  This is a homerun! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By happy driver - August 2 - 8:53 pm

  If you are looking for a truck save yourself a lot of time and go to directly to your GMC dealer! Dont waste your energy going anywhere else including the import stores. This is by far the best truck for the money, best fit, finish, quality, fuel economy, performance. Do I need to keep going? If you have ever looked at a GM before, this is nothing like you have seen.

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  Clunks When You Stop - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By George - July 26 - 12:30 pm

  Stop clunk noise, i can feel fuel moving around in the tank. My rights foot has gotten caught on the right side when pulling straight back from gas pedal. Fords cab is much bigger and wider. Factory tires slip when taking off at light when it raining out. Seats wont recline all the way back, theres not light under the hood now do I check the oil when traveling at night. Tire pressure monitors quit giving proper reading after first tire rotation and the guy at Walmart it the cheap valve stems I have heard of other owners having the same problem. Fuel economy has not improved any over the last 20 years. Seat are not comfortable any more i guess they are only designed for 5,000 miles

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  AWESOME TRUCK - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By clearwatereq - July 21 - 5:43 pm

  Had my 14 crew cab SLT over a year and 26,000 trouble free miles. Im getting a steady 21 mpg highway. Truck is extremely smooth and quiet. I traded in a 2012 Ram and this GMC feels more refined with better on road performance. Great truck overall.

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  Update review - cold feet - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodack bassman - July 19 - 9:36 am

  Overall I have been very happy with the truck. My feet get cold though from a draft. Couldnt figure out why until I noticed recently that the material over the fire while kind of melted away so the yellow insulation is now showing. May be why there is a draft in the cabin. Have almost 44K on truck and no major problems. Drive train noisy/clunky but very reliable. Only work is oil changes, just changed air filter, tighten emergency brake once a year and thats it. Next year might get a new one. MPG is not bad. For history of truck about 16.5. Around 18-19 on highway when keep 70 or under. Not bad. Truck still turns heads.

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  Bad Experience! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vargalu - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Nothing but problems with vehicle. Bad towing capability. Noisy (valve clatter) on cold mornings, sounds like a diesel. Transmision went out at 50000 miles. Front axle bearing went out at 20,000 miles. Enough problems. Im trading in for anything but a GM product!

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  Built like a tank...sorta - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ian - July 7 - 12:30 pm

  It was a Nevada Edition. I picked this over a Ram & 150 because of the comfy seating and nice black dash and overall better exterior design. Pros: solid ride, Auto 4*4, tons of room, nice rims Cons: At 10K a bearing dropped and ruined the engine and was covered by warranty, little noises everywhere inside, windows not closing all the way and creating road noise. The Spec. Edition Stickers kept on falling off numerous times. Too big for city parking and such, (should have got a mid size.) Crappy speakers blow & distort. Dont think it will be good for the long run so ill give it up for a Dakota i think. Great lease truck though.