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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  GMC found after years of other brands... - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By grove - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Smooth power transfer of the 5.3/auto is a delight. No one in this weight class can gut with it, draws clear and away going uphill against all Ford, Toyota, or Dodge trucks/SUVs, ticks some of them off too! Tested daily on the Morongo Canyon grade in SOCAL. Owned new Ford, Toyota, and Nissan trucks over the last 20 years; this 2002 Sierra is considerably the best with Ford coming in second to others.

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  Mileage numbers reasonably accurate - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By papanav - October 15 - 8:18 pm

  As of this writing have 7600 miles on my truck with most of that mileage highway miles. I consistently get 22 mpg and did get 24.8 mpg on a trip to Delaware. I have a tonneau cover which I am sure helps with mileage and I noticed on flat terrain the truck runs in 4 cylinders and 6th a lot, hence good mileage. When I pull my trailer with my compact tractor the mileage drops off considerable because it is working much harder. I get about 12-14 mpg in that configuration. Very smooth running truck, comfortable and good looking.

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  Great Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David - October 15 - 5:40 am

  I can not be happier with my Sierra. I needed a truck that would tow our 17 foot ski boat and what I got was much better. I traded in a beautiful 1993 Toyota 2.4L pick-up that had 253,000 on her and was still going strong. I hated to do it but I had to have something that would tow a ski boat. I will admit that I looked at other trucks including the Tundra but nothing came close to the comfort of the Sierra. I drive 72 miles round trip in Atlanta traffic daily and this truck is more comfortable than any car. After I replaced the factory GoodYear tires with Firestones, I had no trouble on wet roads and the ride is whisper quiet. No problems with the truck or repairs needed.

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  2000 GMC Sierra 1500 4 x 4 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - October 11 - 10:46 pm

  Ive had my truck for 6 years, and I still love it. Its been a great work truck, and has the comfort of driving a car. Its been great in both the snow and mud, and has never had a problem. Its definitely a keeper. The only thing that I wish is that I would have gotten the rear window defogger, and the 4th door.

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  My First GMC Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By roadturtle - October 5 - 12:03 pm

  I have owned Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, and Ford trucks. I chose this GMC truck because I could reach into the bed without having to climb into the truck bed as you have to on Fords. I wanted the full four doors, a small, but powerful V-8 5.3 L. It get equal gas mileage to a Nissan Frontier yet I get a real full size truck for the same price. The seats are very comfortable. I can get into the cab of the truck without stepping onto steps, or hitting my head because the door opening is small as on the Toyotas. It turns sharp, rides nice, handles well, and it came with dual climate zones. My wife loves that. Its the little things that also count such as, fuel filler on drivers side, fog lamps

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  Ultimate Road Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ggss - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is an extremely (in my opinion) good looking truck with many nice touches inside and out. All aspects of this vehicle are as nice or nicer than any truck I have had. Rides nice. Sounds nice. The 4 wheel steering is absolutely amazing. In 2 or 3 years I predict half (if trucks are still being made) of large vehicles will have it!

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  GMC Kicks Butt - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BobbyL - August 25 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great truck for work or pleasure. it hauls heavy loads and trailers with ease, yet when unloaded it gets around like a sports car. very quick and little slip when taking off. Brakes way better than any Ford Ive ever driven. Truck has all desired features including power windows/door locks. Stereo has no rattles at full volume. I get a lot of positive comments... Nice truck

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  I love my truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By KRIS - July 24 - 9:56 am

  I have had my truck for 2 years it has about 150k miles on it and I have not had hardly any problems out of it what so ever. This has been a great truck all around. Im impressed with my gas miliage also I still get about 18-20 in the city and and 22-24 on the hwy I guess. For the age and mileage this is still wonderful. I would definitely buy another truck like this and recomend them to friends and family. I also can tell you that this truck holds its own in wrecks. I have been in 1 wreck in this truck and it held together very well better than some bigger trucks that I have seen! The damage and the cost of repair were pretty minimum for the wreck.

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  Joy to own, my first GMC truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By JosefM - July 19 - 2:13 am

  Ive owned this truck for only a month, but it is a welcome surprise. Power and ride is far better than expected. Gas mileage is better than most, in this vehicle class. Towing and hauling is impressive. Ive carried a couple loads of wood through rough terrain (4Low works well) with ease! Would recommend to anyone wanting a powerful and functional truck to buy one today.

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  Awesome - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bureppert - July 13 - 10:30 pm

  I absolutely love my truck. Previously I had a Ford F150, but it was crap. I traded it in for my Sierra and I am so happy I did. I only had the Ford about three years and the trasmission was going out.