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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  Great truck. - engine and driveshaft - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By elkhunter - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great truck if it would not break down so much. Had an INTAKE Value go out at 50,000(yep intake) that was 1000 to diagnose and repair, now the driveshaft shakes and rattles. either the back universal or the carrier bearing.

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  worst truck i have ever owned. - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By trucksucks1 - February 28 - 3:14 am

  Truck has 34000 miles on it. Main turn signal switch went out, Door lock switch out, Airbag sensor out, Master window switch out ($400) for a switch! Truck now will not engage the starter, so its in the shop again. Do not buy any GMC or Chevy truck! Going back to Dodge.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jcn7vc - February 23 - 1:16 am

  I have only driven this truck for a week now, but I love it more than any other car I have every touched. The gas mileage is better than advertised, it does very well in the snow and on icy roads. It looks better than the pictures. It handles like a car on the road and a truck off the road. Perfect for any situation. Lots of room in the crew cab, and the bed, although short, is still long enough for most items. I really love this truck!

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  A New Era For The Sierra - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Bruggeman - February 17 - 3:23 am

  I traded in an 04 Silverado Crew Cab for the new GMC Sierra Crew Cab. I bought the GMC because I dont care much for the front end on the new Silverado. My new Sierra rides better and is very quiet. GM did a great job with the interior layout and instrument panel. The Sierra feels bigger and more solid on the road compared to my last truck. There was a great deal of thought put into the design of this new model. I purchased the SLE package with two add on options; 17 inch aluminum wheels and raised white letter tires. This truck has everything on it that I wanted. The current incentives being offered by GM were also a determining factor in the timing of my purchase.

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  Sick Puppy - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Melvin Richardson - February 8 - 3:16 pm

  The dealer had installed 20" wheels and tires on this truck and it looked good. I ask if it had the same rear end I was trading and they said " I think so" so old trusting Melvin didnt check. It turns out I got a 3.23 rear end with a 5.3 engine and oversize wheels and it drops out of overdrive to go over interstate overpasses if your speed is less than 65 MPH. Driving less than 50 mph it drops a gear if you touch the gas pedal. My wifes Toyota 4 runner drives better, just no hauling or towing capacity.

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  I love this truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By goblue16 - February 8 - 1:03 pm

  The truck is solid and fun to drive. I went from a Dodge Dakota which I loved, but this is a real truck compared to the 1995 Dakota. Very rugged looking interior that should look good for years. The handling is excellent and it takes train tracks much better then any other vehicle I have been in. I have 1600 miles on it and have not one issue with the truck to date. I have received several compliments about my truck and I love teh new Stealth Gray color that I chose. The 170 degrees that the back doors open is extremely handy. Mileage is a little dissappointing to date at 15.1, but that is with only winter weather.

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  Professional Grade??? - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Going Back to Ford - February 6 - 10:00 am

  After 2 Fords with over 100000 on each and relatively no trouble, I suddenly have a hole in my 2001 GMC engine block. The GMC hotline has been very vague about service since I am now at 42000 miles and the dealer tries to ignore my calls every time I try to get an answer if this is a factory issue. If this thing ever gets out of the shop I will NEVER own another GMC product!

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  Hard shifting at low speeds - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike Martin - February 5 - 11:48 am

  I have had this truck into the dealer twice and I have 6500 miles on the truck. They have done a reprogramming both times and it is fine for a week or two and then starts shifting hard again. I purchased the truck with the larger engine so that I can tow my 22 foot Airstream. When the AS is in tow it is great but not when you have to daily drive. This should not happen for the money paid for the truck.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sheepless - February 4 - 2:10 pm

  Before purchasing this vehicle I researched everything about it to the inth degree. I ended up trying to decide b/t the 08 Tundra and the 08 Sierra. I test drove the Tundra and liked it, immediatly following I went and test drove the Sierra and fell in love. MPG is as advertised. I can feel the v8 switch to 4cyl but no one else in the veh can, not a bid geal. My 2 dislikes: the brakes and transmission. Simply put, replace the rear drums with the Tundras disc brakes and replace the 4 speed tranny with a 5 or 6 speed and you have the perfect truck! The 5.3 (w the 4 speed) feels less beefy than you would expect. All in all, I am extremely pleased. I am now a GM man for life.

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  Best Truck on the market - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Russell - January 30 - 1:30 pm

  Original owner. 130k miles. RELIABILITY-Ive only had 2 problems, and 1 (speedometer) was a recall. The catalytic converter went out at 115k, but other than that, no rattles, no squeaks, not even a brake job. Overall reliability is good, better than my Toyota Matrix. DRIVETRAIN-GM says this V6 has less HP than Fords, but this pickup (w/3.42 rear end) sure feels stronger than my brothers (w/3.55). No oil leaks at 130k, no slips in the tranny. INTERIOR-I like it, but most auto critics say it looks cheap. Seats are plush and ride is comfy. Overall reliability may belong to Honda/Toyota, but GMs powertrain sold me. None of the tranny problems typical of Hondas, better engines than Toyota.