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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  Needs Help - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ted - March 18 - 4:43 am

  No way this truck has 403hp. Had two different 06 Titan trucks that would leave this thing in the dust. Also, the Titans would out tow the Denali. The Bose radio system is whimmpy compared to other trucks and cars I have owned. Handling is so-so. No standard step rails or sprayed in bed liner. Come on GMC this is your top of the line? Get real. I guess this will be the last GMC I will buy.

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  Love my V-8 Z71 Crew Cab - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hartwell - March 5 - 11:36 pm

  Interior is roomy and very comfortable for all on long trips. I added a camper shell and roof rack. This truck can hold a ton of gear, and haul your boat, and family and still get 17 MPG. I hunt and fish in the south east so I use 4WD off road and at boat ramps, works great, easy to swich in out 2 to 4 to automatic 4WD. I compared Nissan, Toyota, Ford, and Dodge. At the time of purchase this was the best value by far at the time of purchase. I also have a superb 97 Sierra 2WD approaching 200K, I hope I get the performance and long life with this 06. Note:I had the same wheel bearing issues as others and was covered under 3/36k bumper to bumper warranty, dealer warranty service was great.

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  Gos ta pays da cost ta run wit da Boss - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Denial - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Very nice truck to own. Id wait for the 03 to get the better stereo. However, dealers are dropping prices on 02 models below invoice.

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  Proud GMC Owner - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - March 1 - 9:26 pm

  I started out with a Chevy 89 Silverado of which I still have. It now has 372,000 miles on it and it still has the original motor. I have never made any repairs on the motor. The valve cover has never even been off of the head. Ive had several trucks since then. My most recent truck was a 2002 Chevy LT. It had 150,000 miles on it when I traded it. It had never been in the shop except for oil changes and 1 brake job. Im now driving a GMC SLT. I would be crazy to drive anything but a GMC product.

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  1978 Revisited - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Clayton - December 28 - 11:53 pm

  I like my truck. It is a "Plain Jane" truck-no options. Performance is better than expected, though the mileage in town is poor-about 15 mpg. Good ride and no complaints, though I have only 2500 miles on it. For being a base truck, it suits my needs and makes me wish reviewers would talk about the basic trucks as well as the duded-up ones. The reset on the oil change system is neat. I like the magnatized drain plug too. Very easy oil change. A great ride. Much better than my 1993 ford F-150. Very similar to my old 1978 Silverado but with a much better turning radius. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power for what I need.

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  Cracked cylinder heads - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By shane l - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck it is very comfortable, and has been trouble free for 5 years, till I noticed the coolant level dropping, I figured out it had cracked cylinder heads. Took it to Boulevard GMC in Signal Hill and they charged me $170.00 for something I already knew and lied and said they took the valve covers off to inspect, when it shows no one has taken the valve cover off, (BEWARE OF THIS DEALERSHIP) GM wont help pretty much had to fix my self. I put in Bars head gasket fix and the leak in the heads went away, been 3,000 miles all I have to do is change my lifters and push-rods and should be good to go. Dont think I am going to be buying GM anymore.

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  2008 GMC SLT Z71 Ext Cab 6.5 bed # 2 - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodackbassman - December 14 - 12:40 am

  This is my 4th GMC extended cab and my 2nd z71 SLT. Trade my 04 for the 08 because of the great deals over the summer. I loved my 04 but the 08 is hands down a better overall truck. Adjustable everything for the driver including gas/brake pedal. Heated seats, great sound system, upgraded leather seats overall nicer inside. Like the return of drum brakes in the back and nice wheels. EZ lift tailgate is a godsend. Can be open/closed with one hand. Better heater then the 04 but still slow to warm in stop/go traffic on cold mornings below 20 degrees. Remote start is great, ride is great, looks are good, & no more touchy ABS system. 17" Wrangle ATS much better than cheap Bridgestones.

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  Couldnt ask for anything more. - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rustysmith - December 11 - 5:53 am

  6 years later, Im still happy with my purchase. Its been a great truck with no worries. The only problem Ive had is not getting the speedometer fixed before the recall ran out. My own fault. Other than that, only oil changes for over 120k miles. Reliability on these trucks is second-to-none. I have three friends with the same body style (one 04 and two 05s) and all have over 100k miles w/only 3 problems. My speedometer went out @ 105k. On the 05, his alternator went out @ 134k and his tranny went @ 166k. Using the gold standard of reliability, he has an 01 Camry. The starter went @ 150k and the tranny @ 160k. GM seems to be catching up to the Japanese automakers. Great job.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By hlj - November 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems since early on with leaning to left. Dealer changed springs, etc. Most trouble-free vehicle to date, including 4 Hondas, 1 Maxima and many others.

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  So Pleased - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kevin - November 3 - 9:43 pm

  Im just pleased to death with my purchase. I got the SLE Crew Cab with the 5.3l ad Texas Edition pkg. I also got leather and all sorts of extras for $30k. Just looking at the truck is pleasing, its gorgeous, I got the Stealth Grey Metallic with cashmere interior. I get comments all the time on its color, even my wife says its beautiful! I wasnt aware that the SLT had a different interior layout, but I do like the way mine looks. It could use some wood in the interior, but thats all Id add. The small details are impressive. The fit and finish is amazing. The tactile feel of everything is amazing, the leathers, its just quality through and through.