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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  Best Truck -- needs a few improvements - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pete1954 - August 4 - 10:03 pm

  I love everything about this truck, except for the upholstery. The charcoal colored cloth picks up lint, dog hair, everything and its quite visible. But whats worse, the nap on the upholstery is starting to flake off with only 14K miles! Quite honestly, if I had realized what a tremendous vehicle this was in every other way, I would have gone with the SLT or Denali trim, had leather and not have the upholstery issue. This is a keeper -- guess I will be looking for an upholstery shop.

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  Sierra 04 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cminer - July 2 - 2:23 pm

  I traded an 04 Chevy Colorado. The Colorado was a little too small. The Sierra is pretty nice. Highway mileage is 18-19 and city is around 15mpg. I bought a sport-side because it looks good. I knew the bed was obviously smaller but the main drawback of the small bed is the lift over when you are standing on the side of the truck. Too much reach is required

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  High miler, still purring! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By camelot4 - May 26 - 2:08 am

  I bought this truck 3 years ago with 120000 miles on it and it just purrs. Smooth, quiet, comfortable and even with all those miles it still doesnt burn or leak any oil. I haul a 260 gallon water tank in the back and it doesnt even phase the old girl. Just a great truck!

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  2005 hd review - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - February 5 - 6:23 pm

  Great truck, has served well in snowy to over 100 temps. Have hauled trailers and 10000 pounds of hay with no problems, using t/h switch is very good as it lowers tranny temp. 53 k miles with 0 problems. avergage mileage is 13.2. Not bad for a 9600 GVW rating with 410 axle. Hauls 3000 pounds of block in bed with no problems.

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  2000 GMC 1500 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jbdc1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Good solid dependable truck, over 60K miles with no major problems. Have had a few noises over the 3.5 yrs- belt noise or pulley chatter or steering noise but either it self- corrects or I get used to it. Emerg. brake was replaced at 35K. Stock tires lasted fine until 60K. Plenty of power with 5.3L engine. Up to 20 mpg hwy below 70 mph. 15 mpg or less in city traffic.

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  What a truck should be. - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GTJ - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an excellent truck. Very quiet and plush on long trips. Excellent truck-like ergonomics, unlike the car- like feel and look of other manufacturers. Great audio (Bose) and Automatic climate controls. My wife and I share time behind the wheel so the seat and mirror memory is great to have. Very solid build quality, which translates into a quite, squeak (silicon lube on the weather striping) and rattle free ride. Front suspension is on the soft side in comparison to the rear. Only evident at slow speed at "bumps" perpendicular to the direction of travel, otherwise a very nice balance.

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  Dangerous headlights - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By larry_rymal - November 18 - 3:59 pm

  Comfortable, secure-feeling pickup. Overall quality feel is pure A-1. Daytime confidence value just cant be higher. Motor is strong, shifting is smooth after about 1000 miles. Tows well without sagging in the back due to trailer tongue weight. Best truck I have owned. But, this truck has a blemish--a dangerous one. In rural areas, the headlamp lighting is awful. There is no lateral light spill to assist turning onto intersecting roads. None. Left turns are the worse. You will be turning into total darkness. The effect is as if you have a burned out left lamp. Going straight, the hi-beam doesnt "reach out and touch" enough. You will need to buy auxiliary lighting.

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  Still not Toyota Quality - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By North Dakota - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck to handle snow (4x4) and because they had a dealership in the small town I moved to. After 6 months of driving and 5k miles, does not match Toyota quality. I traded in a 2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 4-door 4x2 that had 48k miles for this truck. It had zero squeaks and reliability was perfect. The GMC 6 speed transmission slips, shifts hard and hesitates at times. The driver’s door squeaks any time you hit bumps, wash boards or rough pavement. The upside is the fuel economy (better than my Toyota v6). The appearance is bold, which is a personal opinion. Will stick with Toyota next time and make the trip for service in the highly unlikely chance it needs it...

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  Best truck yet - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By WJ - October 16 - 12:13 am

  I dont need a lot of whistles and bells in a truck. What I need is reliability and function, fuel economy was a surprise (19.7 average) city/highway!! Its a great solid reliable truck, the best Ive owned. Before this my Toyota Tundra was tops, and its a great truck, just not a solid as my GMC.

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  2002 gmc 1500 4x2 sle - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By will160 - October 13 - 7:03 pm

  come on GM this is 2002!dated interiors,cheap feeling parts,ergonomically is only o.k.,my last 5 trucks were fords,it was time for a change,giving gmc another chance,but 20 yrs.later i still feel some reslembence to long ago!i need to sell my 97 ford f150 lariat asap! so i can stop comparing the gmc 1500 sle to it. new f-150 for 2004?,cant wait!