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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  already in for repair after a few weeks new 2015 - 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  By johnnywest64 - March 18 - 1:09 pm

  as i read the reviews on this truck as Ive been buying gmc sierras religiously for 30 years, i pretty much ignored most of the reviews on the 14s...but since Ive had this 2015 i have put on 9000 kms and already i,m in for differential work..appparantley i,m not alone on the gm forums the main complaint on the differentials is a strange humming noise and we will wait and see where this goes..i,m sitting waiting for the news on this as i type,,,lets hope its a problem that can be solved as i really like this new truck..smooth, classy, looks great and total comfort...

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  Reoccurring problems - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By miker1267 - March 17 - 12:33 pm

  This truck is comfortable and has adequate power however, the quality of some components leave a lot to be desired. When having the front brakes replaced I was told that the rear (emergency) brakes need to be replaced as they were metal on metal. I had not used the emergency brakes more than 2 or 3 times since I purchased the truck. The rear brakes had apparently locked in a semi-on position and ate thru the pads. The dealer told me that the factory had redesigned the mechanism on newer models. Obviously this was a design problem. The fuel gauge has gone erratic twice with a repair cost of $900 each time. They recommend a new wiring harness at the same time, another design problem.

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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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  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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  2000 1500 SLE - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David Thompson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride, good power. Replaced alternator at 42,000. Bad alternator caused leakage from battery, causing the replacement of battery and positive battery cable had deteriorated. Dealership charged me an arm and leg to replace ($1000). Also had problems with accelerator sticking at 40,000. Replaced emergency brake at 29,000.

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  Sweet Ride - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ron - November 26 - 3:20 pm

  I have driven my truck about 6000 miles now and I have had no problems at all. I do notice a hard upshift when I have to stop swiftly. I can only manage to get about 16 mpg. I traded in a 04 Nissan Titan 4x4 on this truck and I have not been too disappointed. Overall I think GM did good with this re-design.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever Owned - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tony - November 25 - 5:16 am

  Bought truck new in 03,I have over 140K and have not had to spend $1 on repairs. Replace fluids and do proper maintenance and it runs as good as the day I bought it.Would like to buy a new truck but cannot justify replacing it as it is so reliable. I drive a lot of highway miles and get almost 19 MPG if I keep it around 70 MPH.

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  Great Truck! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeb - October 24 - 4:20 am

  Ive been satisfied with the truck so far. Its a bit under powered, but thats expected with 6 cylinders. Enough power if you dont tow anything. My only disappointments have been with interior design. There arent enough useable storage bins. Pencils constantly fall out of the ones on the dash board. The cup holders are in a strange and unhandy place. They make the middle seat useless. There is no storage space under the seats. Seats are very comfortable on long trips. Interior and exterior fit and finish are very good. No rattles. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Mushy seat - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bill Williams - September 22 - 5:20 pm

  Overall its a really good truck. The drivers seat is mushy and lacks support, both the bottom and back of seat. The fabric on the seats is poor quality and is pilling on all seating surfaces. It drives good, has adequate power, and is really quiet. I frequently pull a trailer and it has good towing ability.

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  Didnt Like The Bowtie - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ken - September 16 - 9:33 pm

  As a dyed in the wool "Bowtie" guy, it was tough to buy another type of vehicle. However, I cant stand the front end on the Chevy, so I went with the GMC. After 3K miles, Ive come to enjoy the truck quite a bit, but would like to see a few mods. Most are listed below, but I ran outta room for one - when negotiating a slight turn at fwy. speeds, any moderate imperfection in the road surface will cause momentary instability. This seems to be in the rack & pinion equipped models only, as my 02 Suburban with conventional steering seems significantly smoother over the same road surface. Overall though, Im really happy with the truck.