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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  Great Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By P.S. - Texas - December 27 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased this truck on a whim and it has been the best thing I have ever done. The truck is fantastic, it meets all my expectations and more. It is an absolute pleasure to drive around town or on long trips. I would certainly continue to by GMC in the future.

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  Good truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sofa3 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Truck.........Nothing else that I could ask for. Handles great, Drives like a car, but works like a truck.

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  4WD forever - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DRB - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Great truck with Z71 package. I love the pushbutton 4WD. You can have it in auto 4WD for slippery conditions in snow or hit 4wd Hi or Low and have a full time 4WD with locking differentials. All 4 wheels will drive through mud and sand. Out performs Ford 4WD trucks every time. Fold away mirrors are great for car washes. I have black and looks sharp when clean. The 5.3 Vortec V8 has plenty of power and good gas mileage (18.3 mpg) in town.

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  Almost perfect - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jamesgang - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have allways been a GM man, and this truck doesnt disapoint. The heated leather captains seats with two person memory are very comfortable. The steering wheel controls for the Bose stereo are great. Some interior wind noise though, and the suspention is very jumpy on the concrete highways. It is in the shop as I write this having the tranny pulled to find out why it started shifting hard from first to second gear at 15900 miles.

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  Extremely disappointed. Worthless at 52k miles - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2ndstpirate - December 16 - 1:16 am

  Had to get motor replaced at 52k miles. Starting at 35k the lifters starting ticking. Dealership has worked on it an average of 2 days each month for the past year and finally had to replace the motor. It left me stranded and had to be towed twice in the past 8 weeks. Interior - "fake leather" seats started cracking at 3 years old. Dash cracked at 40K miles. Door panels rattle and dash does as well. Replaced two sets of power door locks. They are not worth 2 cent Horn went into a high pitch about 1 year into owning it. It sounds like a little foreign car. 4x4 is weak. I often drive on sand and it cannot run in 4 high without overheating for more than 10 minutes at speeds of 20mph

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By fiftyfour - December 15 - 8:10 pm

  I have always loved full sized American trucks, but leery to buy because of reliablity issues. I finally bought last Feb. and have not regretted it! My Sierra SLE 4 X 4 ext. cab is everything I dreamed it would be. A blast to drive, no problems. Well built and designed. The lift and 35" tires didnt help ride quality, but sure look good. The truck continues to turn heads. It isnt a speed demon, but the engine is strong and the transmission smooth. I chose the basic, no frills interior. I love it. Seems very durable. Even the cheap stereo sounds great. Had one rattle, which the dealer fixed, also "rollover sensor" light came on. Also fixed. This is my dream truck and wouldnt trade it for the world

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  Hard Downshift - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By E.Garcia - December 11 - 5:33 am

  I purchased by GMC in November, from the very beginning I noticed an uncomfortable ride. I called the dealership, they advice me to bring it in. I complained about the hard downshift and they took a test drive and said that they couldnt replicate the problem. But they did find that the tires were out of balance. It was dissappointing to find out that a new vehicle was not inspected properly from the factory for this. But the hard downshift still remains.

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  25,000 miles on my 2014 Sierra Slt - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By leonizean - December 8 - 9:32 pm

  Well what can i say. I Fell in love with the way she looks. to those who have not put any real miles on there vehicles yet the problems only get worse. I never tow or haul anything i strictly drive freeway. no off road. Let me list a few problems i have. windshield leaks into the cab, windows are loud at freeway speed, rattling in the cab, headlights suck at night, suspension when wet creeks badly, truck chirps about 55 mph. Satellite gps quits randomly,usb ports stopped working,110 volt outlet quit, transmission slips, transmission searches for gears randomly shifts,Today 4/22/14 she lost power going up hill. i am in a love hate relationship with my truck these days.

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  Maybe DODGE next time??? - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kg - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have the experience of driving botht he F-150 and the new GMC and I have to honestly say after owning both vehicle, that the F-150 seems more solid. The 6 speed transmission shift funny, it shifts when it seems like it should hold the gear longer and downshifts when it shouldnt. Sometimes for no reason at all, it will just shift hard. I pull a 6000 pound camper trailer with my GMC and pulled the same one with the F-150. The GMC transmition is just not up to the task. If a GMC can not do a trucks job, who can?? Perhaps Dodge, I hear they make a good truck these days. Hopefully GM will take a serious look at their trans in next years model, and consider a recall on current ones.

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  GMC all the way ! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By xmillsx - November 14 - 2:16 pm

  I traded my 2001 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD with 195K miles (it still was strong as heck)for this truck and love it. I have always had good luck and good service from GM trucks. I bought this one with only 25K miles on it. The 8cyl to 4cyl fuel management was a little awkward at first but it is systematic now. On the open interstate at 75mph I have averaged 18mpg+. I was surprised. I have towed a 27ft camper with it with ease. The seating is comfortable even on long drives. Two thumbs up !