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 Rig! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian Laine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very well designed vehicle. It combines a very comfortable, luxurious driving environment with the ability to tow heavy trailers. Since a lot of stuff is included in the standard package, I got more accessories than I might have bought if they were priced separately. I really like Quadrasteer.

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  Quality for years to come! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Haus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had the truck for three weeks and put 1000 miles on it. I was pleased with the dealer, the deal and the truck! Receiving $3000 discount off list, from the GMC factory list gave me alot of extra electronics (Bose speakers,Onstar phone, and the cool XM radio)that I probably would not have bought. GMC gave $2500 incentive discount, and the dealer gave his discount. Dont miss out on these extra incentives. This truck handles like no other truck I have driven. My 1994 Chevy was nice, but the new handling, performance, comfort, creature features are the best. Sierra, to me, is the nicest styling that I have found in a 2004 truck. Get one!

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  Best of the Best - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Black Beauty - September 9 - 7:03 am

  Great truck to drive, handles soooooo good. The 20in wheels is a great option to have. the 5.3l v8 is so smooth. I looked at Ford, Toyota, Dodge and I kept going back to Gmc, I feel like I made a great choice.

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  This is one great truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dmalkire - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I spent the past year looking at trucks before deciding on the GMC Sierra. I havent had it one full day yet, but I can tell you that the wait was well worth it. The truck is comfortable, the ride is solid and quiet. GMC has even managed to eliminate one of the more serious knocks in their 2004 model - the rattling sound that Sierra was infamous for. I have not heard it like I have in previous models I have test driven.

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  Hands Down - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Smokchasr - August 10 - 8:26 am

  One ten-minute test drive in icy conditions will tell you all you need to know about this trucks capabilities. The traction control and handling give the driver the confidence needed to get where you need to go even when faced with the brutal whiteout and drifting condition. Evidenced by a trip through Snoqualmie Pass when it was closed to tractor-trailer traffic. Two in the morning, no plows out, and 6- 8 inches of wet snow having fallen, and 100 feet visibility. My Sierra passed crawling traffic, breaking through lane burms with ease and control. In order for the driver to feel comfortable in those conditions, the truck has to transition between lanes without tipping or sliding.

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  2016 Sierra SLT 4WD - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Russ Vaughn - July 9 - 11:02 am

  I loved this truck ...I say loved because I no longer have it. 2000 miles into ownership I had my first wreck of nearly 40 years of driving. My beautiful truck got T boned by a guy doing about 65 mph. My truck flipped with me in it and all the curtain airbags deployed along with OnStar immediately asking if I was ok. The other driver was taken to the hospital with injurys (Hes doing good now) but I climbed out of the truck without a scratch. I hope that I never need the safety features on the GMC again but I cant say enough about them. btw I am on my way to buy my next GMC now.

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  Third Sierra and have loved them all! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jmacs97gmc - July 1 - 11:57 am

  Ive have my current Sierra since April, 2007 and the best decision I made was not buying the extended warranty. Ive had no problems whatsoever (knock on wood). Ive read several of the reviews about the issue of oil consumption which I have not experienced, but will pay a little more attention to the issue. I will say, I dont use the oil monitor. I still change my oil about every 3000 to 3500 miles. Old habits and old men are hard to change. Bottom line is although I like the looks of the new Fords and love the interior storage of the Dodge pickups, nothing will get me to walk away from my GMC.

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  Truckillac - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - June 29 - 9:40 am

  Only had this vehicle for a few weeks, but all impressions are great. Always drove Ford F-150s and there is no comparison to this truck. I did a lot of research before purchasing and the GMC rated the highest. This truck is superior in quality, ride and comfort. Have the loaded up SLT with all the options including the 20" wheels. Engine is plenty strong and tranny shifts smooth. My research revealed the GMC is assembled much better than the Chevy. The truck rides like a cadillac as the saying goes. As another rater said of this truck, "Dont waste your time looking at other trucks go to a GMC dealer and purchase the Sierra"! Ill drink to that.

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  My First Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lstpierr - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I was always an F150 fan when it came to small pickups. I couldnt resist the ride the GMC gave, I tested the Dodge, Ford and Toyota, GMC won hands down. I now have the truck for nearly 2 years, with 28k on it. The only issue I had was with GMC service. I had a hard flip toneau cover installed, they soaked me, and put it on incorrectly. Also, a clunking sound from the drive train, that was a known issue released, and theyve replaced the alloy yolk with the new Steel yolk, alls fine. This is a great truck, the only other thing I need to do is replace the Firestone tires and Im golden. I recommend this truck to anyone!

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  Love This Truck - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By alex1906 - June 20 - 3:33 pm

  I bought my truck from a friend and at the time he used it to haul a racecar trailer every weekend. I purchased it with 125,000 miles - he said good luck he didnt think it would last much longer (the body and interior were in excellent shape and it mechanically sound). I got it super cheap because of his stupidity. This truck consistently hauls a horse trailer that is too big for it and does a lot of other hard work. Its pushing 240k miles and everything is still original. Of course it gets maintenance regularly and has had some minor issues (EGR valve, blower motor resistor, etc). Im starting to get a little rust on the body right behind both doors. However, the truck is still solid.