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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  Average - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By APPELSCF - December 12 - 12:03 am

  This is my second GMC. I recently traded up from a 2006. Good ride and handling, Like the appearance, gets the same mileage as my 06, averages 18 mpg. I have cloth interior, I liked the old cloth material better. Radio controls are hard to reach. I like the new dual zone controls. The backup sensor is a joke, some of the gauges are blocked by the steering wheel, I really like the new head lights the low beams stay on with the high Beam. Fog lights are cheap. the interior quality is better than my 06

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  Impressed - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lawman1967 - December 4 - 9:42 pm

  Traded Mercedes C300 and a Ram 1500 Hemi, and traded both on the Sierra. Mine is an SLE Doublecab with the All-Terrain package and 5.3 V8. Ive only had it for 1000 miles so cant really comment on reliability, but truck is very solid going down the road, whisper quiet, smooth, luxurious and just a joy to drive. Its actually more comfortable than the 2011 Mercedes was. The 8" touchscreen stereo with Bose speakers (not listed on sticker or GMC site for SLE, but came with my All-Terrain) sounds great, but the bluetooth and USB connections to my iPhone 5s are a bit flakey. No NAV in my truck, but OnStar works well. Drove 400 miles yesterday, heated bucket seats very comfortable.

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  2004 Sierra Denali - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mabco - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is extremely inpressive. After 15 years of driving a BMW I wanted something totally different and fun to drive - the Denali is all I hoped it would be in a full-size truck. People notice it and it turns heads. The QuadraSteer is an absolute must and is everything you hoped it would be - simply amazing. With dealer incentives and some negotiation, the Denali can be had for around $34,600 - this makes it an incredible value. If youre in the market for a top-of-the-line full size truck, the Sierra Denali should be at the top of your list. A great truck.

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  5.3 V8 why go smaller? - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Schuyler Young - November 9 - 9:40 pm

  I have a 2002 GMC Regular Cab Flareside shortbed 4x4. I bought the truck used with 46,000 miles on it and now have 51,000 and only had one problem. My sound system rattled the screw loose on the overhead consule. I installed the sound system a month after i bought it and it and had to replace the tires which seem to be a common problem with these.I have a hard tonneau cover and it really helps out living in Alaska. If a truck survives here it can survive anywhere.

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  GMC Sierra SLT Ext 2WD - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By NASCARBUBBA - November 3 - 10:00 am

  With Flowmaster Thunder Series exhaust and K&N FIPK II air system, this baby rocks and rolls!! Love the sound when letting off the gas going downhill, nothing like that rumble....

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  ALMOST IMPRESSED - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ralph - November 2 - 9:40 pm

  It may be too soon to truly evaluate. As of now only 800 miles on it. The alternator whines. The dealer says this is normal with new pulsating alternators, there is a slight seat of your pant vibration at all speeds. Brakes pulse as if disc or drum is out of round. The overall ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is not bad for 5.3, average 16.4 city. It tows my boat as if it were not behind me. So far, so good! Just some kinks to be worked out.

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  not a ford - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mattao harrison - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My husband always liked Fords. I talked him into test driving a GMC truck, his experience went well. We were both impressed with the way it handled. I have two babys and we feel we have plenty of room and and a good truck. Were excited. Not to mention we looked at a dozen Fords and we found them to be bubbley and tacky. When we saw the GMC on the Ford lot it was the only one and it was an easy decisionafter seeing.

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  Despite problems - still love this truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tlechner - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really enjoy this truck. However I am worried about when the warranty runs out. I have replaced both power windows motors, drivers side twice. First time was when the truck was only 2-3 months old. Steering box - replaced at about 50K. This truck does move. The tow/haul mode is great.

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  So So - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CG - August 30 - 10:00 am

  My only real complaint with this truck is the power/acceleration. I have the 5.3L Crew Cab with 6-speed AT, and unless I just have a lemon, this truck is a dog when it comes to acceleration. I literally get passed by Honda civics and the like with ease. The transmission sometimes feels like it is going to break apart; there are loud clunking noises quite frequently. It seems like the truck drives differently each and every time that I turn it on. I love everything else about the truck, but I just cant get past the very poor performance of the engine/transmission. This is more than likely due to the limitations that GM puts on the engines/transmissions due to the long warranty period.

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  Good Experience Minus the Mileage - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pontiac301hell - July 25 - 4:53 pm

  So far this truck has been great and reliable. I drive it in mixed conditions and have not had a problem yet for reliability. The truck starts no problem when I dont have a plug in available in the cold(-42 the other week). The cylinder shut down for improved mileage does not seem to work overly well. Sofar the best mileage Ive been able to pull is 15 mpg while cruising at 110 km/h.