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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  Nice looks, but quite a step backwards... - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By csviper - November 6 - 3:10 am

  Just purchased my new 2014 GMC Sierra with all the bells and whistles just a step below a Denali and wow, this thing looks nice, but really it is very similar to a truck I had many years ago. There are a few pieces of technology that are a nice upgrade (when they work), but they also skimped on some of the basics. As shown below some of the items that were standard items years ago are not even options today. The iPhone USB interface is hit or miss with IOS 8.0.2. Sometimes when making/receiving calls you get hand free, sometimes you have to use the phone itself. Also the heads up display is just a red flashing light, no information shown. Maybe next year...

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  Second 2014 Sierra - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - September 22 - 9:39 am

  I wrote a few articles now "looks good drives poor" Unfortunately I need to make a third. After GM bought back my 14 z71 and I ordered a Denali, more problems. The steering wheel was off from the factory. If you hold it straight you will crash. It is currently in the shop for a faulty gas pedal. Once again the drivers seat has broken. The backup camera and audio only works when it wants. Drive like whip lash and a throttle response that is poor at best. The 2013 rental Tahoe I currently have drives like a dream compared to this truck. I like the idea of the truck, but the execution is awful. A new truck should not require me to have an outside company tune the computer. Get a F15

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  My 5th and last GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By yellowdog - August 10 - 12:16 pm

  Air conditioner took three dealer visits to repair. Drive train problems have been present in this truck since the first 700 miles. Lack of towing power and loud whining noise has been present when towing a small boat. And to top it all off, the service manager at the dealership refuses to give me a necessary third visit so I can file a Lemon Law complaint. I have had 5 full size GMC(all from the same dealer) and this one will be my last.

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  2016 GMC Denali Crew Cab 6.2 - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chad Hunt - July 27 - 7:09 pm

  Just bought this truck last month and have been to the dealer three times for repair. First repair was changing 3 of the 4 tires due to excessive road force, the truck would jiggle very bad at 70mph. Second dealer visit the truck heater does not turn off, the dealer told me this is a common characteristic of this truck, no fix but the did tell me to leave the air on at all time I will get less gas mileage but it wont be so hot in the cab, Nice? Third Dealer visit was not big deal but come to find out GMC intellilink does not support iphone6. Basically I get a phone call it will shut off nav, radio, etc. and not return. I have to manually turn power back on to device. The most frustrating is randomly it will our of the blue start playing my phones music even if my daughter is watching a cartoon in back, music will just turn on from no where. Pretty nice experience thus far for a $62000 truck.

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  GMC 1500 Lemon - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SC - June 19 - 10:43 am

  The truck ran and performed fine up to the point to where I had about 8000 miles on it. After that, engine knocks, transmission slips, steering problems, brake problems, gas mileage dropped, tires were wearing funny, brake light electrical problems all surfaced. Maintenance shop was cluless on fixing problems and didnt know how to fix anything. I was accused of 4 wheeling the truck when I have never even had it off road. Then I was told that the steering problems, brake problems, and tire problems were not covered under warranty past 1500 miles. Worst truck I have ever owned and Ill never own another.

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  Not a happy GMC owner - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By silverct - June 13 - 5:38 pm

  Bottom line, if you want to see where you are going, dont buy this truck. This is my third GMC, and it is becoming a bigger disappointment every day. I have pictures to post if I could figure out how to do it.. ps... my ride is an SLE 5.3 double cab... that model is not listed in the choices above

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  Still not sold on vehicle - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By north star - May 27 - 7:46 pm

  Bought pickup through GM Employee Pricing sale and got very good deal. Not quite sure about pickup, as you can feel the 4 and 8 cylinder activating and de-activating. I have experienced the tranny jerk from a complete stop as well. After changing oil I can smell oil in the cabin for at least the first 1,500 miles before going away, cannot find any leaks anywhere.

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  2014 Sierra Frame Rust - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2014sierra - May 24 - 6:13 pm

  I have my 2014 Sierra now for six months, and the frame rails have RUST all over them! The black wax coating GM used is peeling right off! There is a TSB (technical service bulletin) out there for the dealership to repair. These rails are bare uncoated metal. There are rust areas starting all over the rails, so unless they strip off wax over 100 percent of frame, and redo, the spot fix the TSB describes is useless! Why would you use metal deemed Uncoated/Unexposed for a truck frame? $$$$ How did these frames pass corrosion testing / validation?... Very disappointed GM!

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  Is This Another GMC Cover-Up - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cpaandcfsa - May 12 - 6:16 am

  My parents were driving N on I95 this weekend from FL to VA. The trucks door locks went up & down; the lights flashed on & off; and then, the trucks operating system shut down. The engine, power steering, power brakes nor anything else did not work. Couldnt steer the truck & barely able to stop from 70 mph. 300 miles later, it happened again. Fearing for their lives, they did not stop the rest of the way home. When they took it to the dealer, he said that the "positive post" had come "loose". This did not seem reasonable & far-fetched to my father since he had observed the battery posts that week himself. Is this another cover-up by GMC when more lives are at stake?

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  So far So Good - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe - November 2 - 10:26 pm

  Bought used for 10,500. Low miles 56k. My first real truck. I didnt want to afford a Tundra so this fell in my exact range of price. Drives like a truck and runs like a truck. Its been strong for the couple months of ownership. The seatbelt squeked but some wd-40 after taking off the plastic clip cleaned it right up. BEWARE of installing aftermarket cd players in here. I had to pay 120 dollars for a wire harness do my air bags and door chime worked! The truck is roomy and fits side and rear passengers very well. The spare tire holder under the truck wont work but hey, for the price could not beat it. Looking forward to 4wd this winter and owning a nice big truck.