5 Star Reviews for GMC Sierra 1500

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
787 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 81 through 90 of 787.00
  • 2002 GMC Sierra SLT X-Cab SB - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Ive had GMC, Chevy and (one) Ford pickups over the last 30 years. This one is by far the best, although it is the first one in at least 27 years without the classic 350 V-8. The new large V-8 is a worthy successor. The transmission is smooth. The interior is very comfortable, almost as good as my BMW. Alas, it is not as fun to drive as the BMW, but pretty good for a pickup. Only one problem in 20 months, being a shake in the steering column, which I will take to the dealer soon.

  • If youve got to haul, this is it... - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    This is an extremely capable truck. Comfortable, tracks nicely and does what it is supposed to. Work. Wish the fuel economy was better but this is a work truck.

  • Solid Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Lots of research online, couple of test drives and a superb track record with my last GM product led me to this truck. Solid truck with great power and resonable fuel economy that has a cabin as comfortable and quiet as any large sedan. Guages and controls are thoughtfully laid out. Driving visibility is excellent. Responsive handling and braking. Look forward to keeping this truck for at least the next 10 years. Id recommend the Sierra to anyone who wants a great looking and reliable truck for a good price.

  • High Speed Vibration - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I purchased this o9 after the deals made it to good not to get rid of 05 Right from beginning i have had a vibration from rear of truck at 70 mph and up the dealership tried swapping tires with brand new truck same tires same result GM has told the dealership what to check as they had and am now being told that i have to live with it I would like to hear from anyone that has had similar problem Truck only has 2000 miles on it something isnt right

  • Experience - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    This vehicle is very fun to drive! Its comfortable. I drive a lot and all I have been doing is oil changes. I have 110,000 miles on this vehicle and nothing mechanical has happened to it

  • Bob Likes the GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Great towing vehicle, I love the trailer package with the lights and brakes already wired and the automatic slowdown feature on the gearshift. The on-demand rear differential lock is very helpful when driving on snow and ice. I recently hauled over 8000lbs on the truck and a double axle trailer from Ohio to Atlanta and was very pleased with the power response and vehicle handling.

  • Best Truck Ever - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I have only driven this truck for a week now, but I love it more than any other car I have every touched. The gas mileage is better than advertised, it does very well in the snow and on icy roads. It looks better than the pictures. It handles like a car on the road and a truck off the road. Perfect for any situation. Lots of room in the crew cab, and the bed, although short, is still long enough for most items. I really love this truck!

  • A New Era For The Sierra - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I traded in an 04 Silverado Crew Cab for the new GMC Sierra Crew Cab. I bought the GMC because I dont care much for the front end on the new Silverado. My new Sierra rides better and is very quiet. GM did a great job with the interior layout and instrument panel. The Sierra feels bigger and more solid on the road compared to my last truck. There was a great deal of thought put into the design of this new model. I purchased the SLE package with two add on options; 17 inch aluminum wheels and raised white letter tires. This truck has everything on it that I wanted. The current incentives being offered by GM were also a determining factor in the timing of my purchase.

  • I love this truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    The truck is solid and fun to drive. I went from a Dodge Dakota which I loved, but this is a real truck compared to the 1995 Dakota. Very rugged looking interior that should look good for years. The handling is excellent and it takes train tracks much better then any other vehicle I have been in. I have 1600 miles on it and have not one issue with the truck to date. I have received several compliments about my truck and I love teh new Stealth Gray color that I chose. The 170 degrees that the back doors open is extremely handy. Mileage is a little dissappointing to date at 15.1, but that is with only winter weather.

  • Almost Perfect! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Before purchasing this vehicle I researched everything about it to the inth degree. I ended up trying to decide b/t the 08 Tundra and the 08 Sierra. I test drove the Tundra and liked it, immediatly following I went and test drove the Sierra and fell in love. MPG is as advertised. I can feel the v8 switch to 4cyl but no one else in the veh can, not a bid geal. My 2 dislikes: the brakes and transmission. Simply put, replace the rear drums with the Tundras disc brakes and replace the 4 speed tranny with a 5 or 6 speed and you have the perfect truck! The 5.3 (w the 4 speed) feels less beefy than you would expect. All in all, I am extremely pleased. I am now a GM man for life.

GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews By Year:
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