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:

• 

  Edmunds Truck Review is Wrong! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joel Hendelman - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have always been an avid Ford F-150 kind of guy. But I have to say after driving both GMC 1500 Sierra and the F- 150, I have switched. Most comfortable ride I have ever had in a 4WD vehicle. I also own a 1990 Suburban 4WD with over 150K miles and it still runs strong. Much more room on the interior of the GMC than Ford could muster. Interior design and presentation is great and the sound system with Bose speakers to support it is fantastic. It may be sometime before I venture back to Ford to get my next truck. I tend to hold on to mine for quite awhile.

• 

  GMC SIERRA EXTENDED CAB - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By STEVER - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR TWO MONTHS NOW, BUT EVERY DAY I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IN IT AND DRIVING IT. I CONSIDER MYSELF A PICKY PERSON AND TO DATE I CAN FIND NO FAULTS WITH MY GMC SIERRA. I RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK TO ALL FUTURE TRUCK BUYERS!

• 

  News of GMs dimise greatly exhaggerated - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By The Needle - July 19 - 10:46 am

  A family member bought the Tundra in Oct.07-Toyota is making a big deal out of their 5.7L engine etc...the Tundra is a nice truck--but I decided to go with the Sierra for several reasons: Better road manners--especially on the freeway--very tight steering. Much more luxurious, refined and thought-ought interior. Everything inside is beautiful and solid--not an easy feat to accomplish. Classic looks--yet modern. GM really hit a home run with this design. I get more looks and questions than when I had a Porche. Perfect size Crew-cab. This is the biggest downer with Tundra--you either get the smaller ex-cab or the huge double--bigger than Dodges. Bad combo. GM hands down!

• 

  I love this truck! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Scott - July 9 - 4:16 am

  I have owned a Ford F150 extended cab and Z71. I was a little leery of this truck because everybody complained about gas mileage. My Z got about 13 and my F150 got about 14. Im getting a solid 13.7 so big whoop. I love this truck performance and comfort. My wife drives a Yukon and gets 17. For the 3 difference Id rather have the quadrasteer and the comfort. Ive put 30,000 on this truck and about to turn 50,000 (bought it used). With GM droping the quadrasteer, I plan on keeping it for some time. The big chrome grille let them know youre comin and the 6.0 lets them know you gone!

• 

  Almost 100% happy, Customers come first. - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mike - June 27 - 7:46 pm

  Looked for the right truck, was going to buy new or used, but had to be the right one. Looked at all makes and then i was in a Dodge dealer looking at new dodges and there was the truck that had allmost every thing i wanted and it was used. There are only 2 things i think GM needs to work on, 1 Fuel economy they can make trucks with great fuel economy, i get 580km on a tank, i think it should get at lest 800km in the city, my 92 chevy diesel gets 650km in the city. 2 i hate the hesitation when stepping on the gas to pass, come on GM you can put toyota and all the rest in the dust if you really wanted to. Why do you think people by foreign?

• 

  Switched to GMC Denali after 12 years of Tundra - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By FFB - June 26 - 5:30 pm

  This is a city truck that in my opinion is better than an SUV if you use the bed on ocassion. I love it, handles and rates much better than Tundra in my book. Small things that made the diffrence to me: closing the doors sound short and full not like a tin can, how Tundra did. Bluetooh and entire entertainment system with car play is spectacular, better than Tundras entertainment system, could be that Tundra was 2014 this is 2017 and technology moves rather quick. Gas consumption day and night differentce, Tundra had a 5.7 L this is a 5.3L engine same thing for me however Tundra was at 12.8 city this is 15.9 city that is my measumerment as I think when they are doing it combined gets way too interpretative and subjective. On and all love it.

• 

  Used to have a Ford - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Turtle316 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good truck, the suspension is solid enough for a load and it rides a helluva lot better tha nmy old truck under no load. The 5.3 has more than enough power to tow anything that I will ever pull, even with 5 people and a bed full of camping equipment there was very little noticable lag. Although I have always been a Ford guy this truck caught my attention and has not let me down yet. I dont really like the amount of plastic on the interior at least it still has metal bumpers which is more than I can say about most vehicles now. Overall I love this truck and will probably get another one when the time comes

• 

  Nice Ride - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck - June 11 - 1:56 am

  I considered the Tundra and new F150 and am very happy with my choice. It is powerful enough to easily pull my 20 powerboat and the ride is like a big, roomy luxury car. I like that I can select the automatic 4WD mode and forget about it on dry pavement without hurting anything. Unlike on the Tundra, the back seat of my extended cab version is actually usable for adults.

• 

  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rick spriggs - June 10 - 2:33 pm

  It has 4 wheel steering and it is great when im towing my trailers or I need to park in a tight spot. The truck has all the power I need and it gets about 18-19 mpg, 16 mpg when towing. The seats are like sitting in a lazyboy, very comfortable. I love my truck.

• 

  Power and Good Looks at a Great price! - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kendawg - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck used in December of 2002. It has been a great truck so far, with lots of power (5.3L) and nice features. I have not had to do anything other than regular maintenance (oil changes, transmission service, brakes, etc,,)I have always been a Ford man, but now that has changed. When I sell this truck I am definetly going to get another GMC.