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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  Good Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Geoff2 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2002 Z71 silverado for this 2003 Z71 Sierra(new). I was suprised to find the same annoying rattles that I had fixed on my 2002. The windshield rattles, which is because of the exterior window trim. The doors sqeaked, which is because GM is to cheap to oil their doors at the fatory. Other than the annoying issues that took one trip to the dealership I couldnt ask for a better looking,riding and performing truck. Hopefully GM doesnt decide to cheapen it up down the road!

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  Update review - cold feet - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodack bassman - July 19 - 9:36 am

  Overall I have been very happy with the truck. My feet get cold though from a draft. Couldnt figure out why until I noticed recently that the material over the fire while kind of melted away so the yellow insulation is now showing. May be why there is a draft in the cabin. Have almost 44K on truck and no major problems. Drive train noisy/clunky but very reliable. Only work is oil changes, just changed air filter, tighten emergency brake once a year and thats it. Next year might get a new one. MPG is not bad. For history of truck about 16.5. Around 18-19 on highway when keep 70 or under. Not bad. Truck still turns heads.

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  Bad Experience! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vargalu - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Nothing but problems with vehicle. Bad towing capability. Noisy (valve clatter) on cold mornings, sounds like a diesel. Transmision went out at 50000 miles. Front axle bearing went out at 20,000 miles. Enough problems. Im trading in for anything but a GM product!

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  Not So Happy - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tubbed67 - June 28 - 2:06 pm

  When I ordered this truck,it was my 3rd GMC.When it came off the truck,I was there and thought WOW,what a truck.And then after 7 visits to the dealer,and 20 different issues. My latest problem will be the end of my GM problems.It burns almost 2qts of oil in 1000 miles.And GM says there not sure why.Valvetrain noise,is also issue.They actualy asked me to do a oil consumtion test.And if that isnt strange enough,now they want my dealership to take it on a trip,to do there own test.

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  2004 GMC Sierra SLE 5.3 litre - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By REber - June 4 - 3:30 am

  The truck is more care like than truck. The suspension is soft and bottoms under heavy load. Ive never attained the fuel economy declaired, only about 13 to 17 at best. Its been recalled once. The brakes have never been grippy enough. GM says the dashboard may go out at 70,000 miles and the stearing column center shaft went out twice. Now the left front wheel bearing is going out. The truck has not been abused!! I want to buy American but the quality needs to improve before that happens again! Most of the miles are highway miles with lite loads. The repairs have been very pricy. I purchased the truck new and there are only 39000 miles on it.

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  2000 GMC Sierra - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Larry Newsome - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The truck rides and handles well. Fuel economy is acceptable. I tow a 18 foot boat without any problems. But I use it primarily for transportation. I have about 41000 miles and lately I have noticed numberous body rattles. The exterior paint is not very hard, it scratches very easy.

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  The Professional Grade!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mwheeler88 - May 15 - 8:40 am

  My GMC Sierra is a great truck! It rides great and it handles very well. The only thing i dont like about it, is its a 2WD but I would probably never use it if i did have it and I have to say it has been the most reliable vehicle i have ever had. My dad bought it in 2002 new and gave it to me when he bought a new car. It only has 86,000 miles on it and i have to say for a truck thats not a lot. Knock on wood I have never had to take it in for any work other than to get it serviced. I dont like the gas mileage it gets 13 MPG in town but it does have the 5.3L V8 so what do you expect. But i love the truck and i hope to have it for a long time.

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  My 01 GMC - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Freddymack - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The truck drives out great, a lil bit of oil consumption on 5.3l engine, had a rear wheel bearing go out HMMM. Clunking when going into gear, possible yoke. Does everything I need it to do.

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  Nice truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By M & K - April 23 - 11:43 pm

  I like my truck. Pretty good gas mileage for a V-8 (about 18-21 city and 22-24 highway). Comfy ride. A few problems with the rear driveline. Had to replace both u-joints about 6 months ago and now it is squeaking and clanking again. Rear axle probably needs to be rebuilt. 3-rd door is nice, but back seat as a little smaller than Id like. Pretty good power and towing capabilities. Heater is bad- not very warm and I have to put it on high to even feel any air flow.

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  07 Sierra - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By fiftyfour - April 17 - 6:13 pm

  Love my new Sierra. Base level interior is top notch. Very smooth transmission and responsive engine. Gas mileage is poor, as expected. Very spacious interior. Looks pretty nice with my Rancho lift and 35" tires, real head turner. After 3 weeks I love it more than ever!