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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  Dont do it! Bad truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - November 14 - 2:50 pm

  I have written a few reviews now and somehow they keep getting taken down. This truck is by far the worst truck I have ever owned. The transmission hunts for gears and bangs and clangs. GM said thats normal. The seat has broken 4 times and has been replaced, still broken. Headlights are a joke and a safety issue when it is wet out. Nothing in the truck works right. GPS cannot find addresses, and that ride, awful. When I hit a bump I get a ping in the rear end. Again, according to GM normal. If you like to drive you dont want this truck. I love looking at this truck but I cannot stand driving it. Its awful, its slow and those gears are some of the worst I have ever experienced.

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  Wish I bought the Tundra - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By numbskull - November 14 - 8:50 am

  At 900 mi It was in the shop for clunk/bang/vibration in the drive train. . after several annoying/time consuming attempts. GM bulletin (drive line clunk)#99-04- 02-002A. Not to be confused with the engine clunk/piston slap bul. This truck acts and sounds like the 1996 I sold prior. with 150,000 hard miles. Im finding out that there are many bulletins and dissatisfied customers with several of the 00/01/02 model yrs. It now has 10000 mi and Im sorry I ever bought it!!!

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  Worth every penny!! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By joe - October 30 - 2:26 pm

  First truck i have ever owned and its everything i expected. Have owned 4wd suvs in the past and this truck has out performed them in winter by far. I take the truck for every family function and vacations , even over my wifes car.

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  Great truck at a great price - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By OleMissDispatcher - October 29 - 11:53 pm

  Have owned truck for almost 600 miles and really enjoy the truck. It has 5.3 V8 with the Flex Fuel Management. City driving is ok, highway is a lot better. For a base model, it came fully loaded with all power options, CD, cruise, fog lights, chrome bumpers, towing package, XM, and OnStar (which I think XM and OnStar were standard). Truck can ride rough over unkept streets, but still a lot better than my old Chevrolet Tracker. Air and heat are great. Cant wait to try the 4x4!

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  Love it but diappointed - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck4 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This truck has the potential of being everything I want it a truck. It offers a very smooth ride and the leather seats are some of the most comfortable Ive sat in. A friend recently purchased a comparable Ford model. After riding in my truck, hes quick to point out the superior ride and comfort of the GMC. Disappointment: I recently scheduled my 2nd service visit because the outside temp gauge constantly reads in the 90s if the temp is above 38 degrees. There are rattles in the dash. This is the 4th GM truck I have owned and this is the least smooth transmission of any of them.

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  awesome truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By youngstud - October 28 - 2:00 am

  this is my first truck purpose and the reason i graduated from college. i dreamed of owning a powerful truck and the gmc was everything i could imagine. the engine is incredible and i have had no problems with it. the bose rocks and power everything makes life easy.

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  First GMC Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dr. Joseph White - October 23 - 1:16 pm

  1st GMC truck that I have ever owned. I have always been a FORD man until two weeks ago. This GMC leaves all the FORD trucks I have ever owned in the dust. I love everything about my new GMC truck, especially the ride and POWERRRRRR. This truck is like riding in a luxury car with a sports car engine.

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  Great truck! - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 65wolf - October 22 - 4:09 am

  Well I have owned this truck for almost 6 months and have had ZERO issues and one recall to check transmission line leaks and none found. My last truck was a 2013 Chevy Silverado and this truck is a far better vehicle! It drives better has a better turning radius and just has a better feel driving it. I have owned numerous other trucks Fords, Dodges (junk) and Toyotas and they do not equal this truck. I see other reviews that do not have good things to say but I really LIKE this truck! I tow a small bass boat and it pulls it great. The gas mileage is better than my 2013 Chevy but I have yet to hit the 22mpg highway. Hope this helps someone looking at this truck!

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  08 SLT Crew Z 71 pack - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By L. Morris - October 19 - 3:06 pm

  Last truck was a 96 Z71 ext cab Chevy. This truck is awesome! I love 99% of it! I chose this, over the somewhat cheaper Silverado, due to the way the dealer treated me and the price they quoted me. No one else could come close to my deal.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By james - October 17 - 11:56 am

  I have only had this truck for a couple of weeks, but it is amazing. The weather here in the Great NW has been very cold. I have never seen a truck with auto-4WD, it engages seamlessly, you dont even realize it has. Between that and the stabilitrac, this truck handles under snowy and icey conditions like no other truck I have driven. GMC took advantage of every inch of the interior to make a wonderfully roomy feel. The handling is tight and the manuverability is outstanding. Another great thing is you can turn off the stabilitrac and/or the auto 4WD and do some brodies! Also, going from 8 cylinders to 4 and vice versa, you dont even notice. My first tank of gas I am averaging 15.9 mpg!