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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  simply the best - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the truth ! - February 13 - 2:20 am

  gmc has a winner, hands down best all around truck made ! dodge has many issues, nissans are cheap,toyota overpriced and fords are big and bulky ! know people that own these trucks and they all say i never complain about any problems ! i am a gmc guy for life know ! test drive one and it will sale itself !

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vortexatuomotive - February 4 - 4:53 am

  I bought this tuck a week ago and so far so good with 800 miles in one week on the clock. Fit and finish of the truck is awsome inside and out. The interior has tons of head and leg room. More room in the back seat area than the 2007 Ford F150 by far. Fuel economy with the 5.3 V8 with AFM got me 19 MPG highway and city driving, which is much beter than the F150. The engine packs a hell of a punch and the locking rear differential works like a charm. The truck looks like a truck should look, big bulky and stylish. Also road noise is kept to a minimum in the cab while crusing down the highway at 70 MPH.

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  07 SLE 1500 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By epbog - February 4 - 12:10 am

  I upgraded from an 03 Chevy 1500 LS. This is a far superior truck, but they took out a few of the minor conveniences like express down passenger window, separate cargo box light control, and overhead storage (not that this truck is short on storage)! The engine is noticeably stronger and smoother, but shift points at low/mid throttle acceleration could be better, or a 5 or 6 speed transmission. Also, my 03 had rear disc brakes and this truck has drums. Havent towed yet so I cant tell if there is a real difference in stopping power yet. Great for a full size truck with this kind of power. I have always been a Ford guy, but the style and power of this truck is changing my mind!

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  Ready to Move On - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Red - January 30 - 5:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and have enjoyed it. However, there have been some quality issues. Interior panels have all been very noisy and loose from the day it was driven off the lot. The digital odometer module quit lighting-up at 35,000 miles. Still keeps accurate mileage, just never know "how many" miles. Not much value to me any more. Will be donating it to charity by the end of this year. Hope it will help others.

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  No one comes between me and my GMC - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chaplain Bob Johnson - January 23 - 1:16 am

  I have driven nothing but GMC trucks since 1985. This truck is the smoothest, technology driven, comfortable, safest and the best GMC I have ever owned. All of my buddies are drooling. Before I would lend out my truck to friends and family to use for all sorts of reasons....now no one can use it....Im being stingy. Ill only let my wife drive it....but she dont wanna drive it....which is just fine by me. I cant say enough about just how great and reliable this truck is. I have the Iridem Metallic color and believe me when Im driving around town I get plenty of thumbs up. The interior even beats out my Acura RDX for features and comfort. My advise is buy one....if you can get a 2016 buy it....Kelly Blue Book says the price for the 2016 is much better and lower than the 2017 for essentially the same exact vehicle.

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  Top Notch Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By uh33nowit - January 14 - 2:10 am

  This is my third Sierra (first for the new generation truck). This one, by far, drives much easier than the past vehicles GM put out. The interior is much improved and fuel economy is better. The build quality seems better, but only time will tell. They were conservative on the exterior design, but its still easy on the eyes. Overall, a very nice driving truck.

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  Best truck weve had so far..... - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By P&CSmith - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this truck. It is a very nice and comfortable vehicle to have. We have averaged around 18 to 20 miles to the tank this has been in city so far. It is a quiet ride also. We use to have a ford ext. cab with a 1 ton chassie 4x4 (diesel)and the only thing i can tell that is different is you can feel the small bumps on the road more. Thats only because we were used to a heavier truck. I would highly recommend this truck as of today

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  Nice Rig - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robo M. - January 10 - 7:53 am

  Truck is very smooth. My wife has never driven one of my trucks by choice, but she wants to drive this one.I have owned Ford, Dodge. This is my first Z-71 Sierra. All the toys included except for a universal garage door opener. The engine is powerful and fast. Smooth acceleration fools you as to you actual speed. The MPG is approximately 3 miles per gallon more than my 2001 dodge truck. I live in hilly areas and the 4X4 truck averages 15 MPG. With 2 growing boys the Crew Cab gives them more than enough room in the back seat, grown adults no longer mind riding in the back seat of my truck. This is a cant miss vehicle! If you are looking for a new truck test drive this one!!

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  Mileage is terrible - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SB - January 6 - 6:53 am

  I have owned the truck for a few months and is overall a great truck, much more solid than my 2004 Chevy 1500. But the mileage I had on the old truck was 16-18 mpg and now I get 11 mpg. I have called the dealer and they keep telling me to give it some break in time. This is my fifth new vehicle and I have never had this problem before, I would really have trouble recommending this truck at this point.

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  Nice More Dependable alternative to F150 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 12.2006 Buyer - December 30 - 1:56 am

  Ive owned the truck for a week. And true, it may be a little soon to offer a really unbiased review, but so far, this truck has impressed me beyond words. The truck is extremely well constructed from the inside out, and at the SLT trim level, offers a lot of things found in most luxery cars. With lots of electronics, that could potentially be a problem fixing on your own if needed. The active fuel management convinced me the most to purchase this full-size truck. Among all the other V-8s out there I researched, the 5.8 had the best fuel economy. And with GMs 5yr/100,000 standard powertrain warranty, that measure of commitment was certainly more piece of mind for ownership.