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:

• 

  GMC Mistake - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dave - November 22 - 5:23 am

  I wish I had never bought this truck. The brakes are noisy, keep having Cruise control malfunctions, heater only works driving down the road, heater even quits going around a corner. Back seat is a nuisance compared to the 05 gmc I had before. Fuel mileage stinks. I wish they had offered the buy back in 60 days when I purchased this one. Wont buy another one.

• 

  Looks good...Drives Poor - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - September 22 - 7:49 am

  I bought mine about one month ago. Nice sexy black truck all the toys. Mile mark 480 noise coming from the rear end. GM tried to say it was the displacement on demand. Turned out to be a bad ring gear. Truck ended up needing a whole new rear end. Mile mark 680 transmission is clinging and clanging under normal driving conditions with decelerating only to be followed by not knowing what gear to select with I put my foot back on the gas. Today it was stuck in 2nd gear for about 8 seconds. Also new today, the truck stalled with a huge bang in the transmission when shifting from R to D. I like the truck a lot when it is parked. Not so much when driving. Buyer beware...

• 

  Not a Happy Owner - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Luke - July 16 - 6:26 am

  I have always been a Chevy man, really needed a new pickup so I went with the GMC. I wanted the 5.3l because it does great in my 01 Suburban. My New 5.3, which has fuel management gets much worse mileage. I get 13.5 MPG at any speed or condition driving, even downhill. Also the 4 sp transmission is clunky, brakes are sticky, interior clothe is Horrible, interior plastic comes apart, body has many mud pockets which will rot the metal and the front tire sprays road wash Into the frame by the front door. I am NOT happy with this truck which now has 3500 miles on it.

• 

  good truck so far - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rce143 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i love the truck so far but the turning radious is terrable.tows great good fuel milage

• 

  Not quite professional grade - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian - February 19 - 6:46 am

  Doors/cab seals are too tight, shouldnt have to slam the door. Only 18 mpg, not the 20 as the window sticker says. I get better gas mileage from my 98 Suburban. Knock in the steering. AC vent door noise. Front windshield not sealed correctly. Cheap radio and even cheaper speakers sound terrible. Very uncomfortable driver seat- No adjustments. Fuse box in the way of your left foot. Very disappointed in the engineering and material quality. Very little thought went into designing this truck, only profit. The whole truck is fake, proven by the fake chrome rims. I bought this truck planning to keep it 10+ years, now I cant wait to get rid of it, ASAP.

• 

  me again - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jeffhall - February 15 - 2:36 pm

  well 2008 gmc half ton 4x4 seirra. "heck i really dont know where to begin . it seems this truck looks good but i have had uncountable troble with it it has now 46914 miles and last night it was on the record being towed to the dealership becouse the locking diff engage coming out of my garssy back yard with a slight incline. and try alot of things to disingage the locking diff and i just didnt get it to disengage. anyways ..heres what ive had problems withother than what i just mentioned . flashes from under truck while driving, blinkers , tail lights fogging up, battery leaking all over the underhood side, gadges doing weird stuff, light display correctly, "ran out of space to keep typing.

• 

  Poor Quality Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Darin Peratalo - December 22 - 4:26 am

  This truck has been in the shop more times than my 3 other trucks total.The transmission has been out of the truck 6 different times for different problems. The front wheel bearings have been replaced. The brakes & rotors have been replaced twice. Torque converter has been replaced & still vibrates through the gas pedal at 56 mph. All in less than 46000 miles. I do not pull anything. Even GM just blew me off. I should have pushed the lemon law.

• 

  gmc blues - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By sad owner - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a love hate relationship with this truck. I love the looks and performance when it is running correctly but it only rarely runs correctly. Recalls out the gazoo...troubles not recalled to go along with them. Abs kicks in uncalled for, clunk in rear end, shakes, hesitations, misfires, BOTH windows falling into the doors, squealing fuel pump..dealer said "your lucky it aint worse"...many problems in the 99 model that shouldnt be for a SLT Ext Cab Z71 that cost $32000

• 

  flimsy body panels - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By letdown - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Be aware of service bulletin # 01-08-66- 014 which addresses sheet metal fracture with accessories such as tool boxes,and ladder racks. My truck has a rack on it which was also on my 99 GMC(which had no problem in 94000 miles).At about 70000 miles the body panels just in front of the tail lights on both side ripped apart and the bed rails collapsed onto the tail lights. Since I am out of warranty(too many miles, not time) that this repair is on my dime - actually $1800. This was my third truck from this dealer and all of them have used the same rack. They told me that when GMC went to the new body style in 2000 they just arent as strong. BE AWARE!!!

• 

  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