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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  Whatta Truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By krakrjak - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck. MUCH more than I expected. Good value, excellent craftsmanship. Fit and finish is up there with fine import automobiles costing $75,000+.

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  Bad Transmission - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By junkgmcsierra - September 2 - 6:40 am

  GMC will not stand behind there Trucks. My 2013 Sierra has ahard banging type clunk noise when shifting to 3rd gear sometime it feels like the powertrain is going to break. After several attemts to have it resolved including a test drive from a GM rep i have been told this is normal condition. GM bulletin # 01-07-30-042G. This truck has less than 9k miles on it.

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  2004 GMC Sierra Z71 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zackm58941 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  sweat truck, very pleased

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  Best Full Size Truck....Bar None! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Denny - August 13 - 12:06 am

  I bought this truck about a year ago. It was previously owned and I was the second owner. I shopped around looking at all of the "big three" offerings, I even checked out the Tundra and new Titan. I drove all of them. The Dodge was fastest (Hemi Powered) The Nissan Seemed to be the most Techie, Ya know gadgets and such. But the best overall was this GMC, Towing power is top shelf even with the baby 4.8 ltr. I still tow nearly 7000 lbs and its rated for even higher, not too shabby for a 1/2 ton, If you need to tow more, then obviously youd be 3/4 ton shopping. But all things considered, The GMC has the all around best value, Mabye not the best in all areas, but certainly superior in most.

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  GMC Sierra 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jack - August 6 - 1:23 am

  Ive had my truck for a year now and have driven it in a wide combination of environments consisting of rain, sand, mud, snow, and ice. The truck has performed flawlessly. I enjoy driving this truck as much today as the day I bought it...I just love it! Reliability has been perfect. One thing that Ill highlight is trucks handling and surefoot nature in snow and on ice. The 4x4 autotrac system is second to none. Ive been driving trucks for over 20 years and this truck is the best that Ive ever driven. Ive had the opportunity to drive all of the new truck releases and when Im done driving the other trucks; I can only say that I look forward to getting back behind the wheel of my GMC.

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  pretty good truck overall - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmcdriver2 - July 26 - 10:41 am

  paid probably $3K too much, but got what I wanted; a really great looking fully optioned truck that can hold its own in a pasture or heading to a nice dinner all dressed up. A few minor and sometimes annoying negatives are far out-weighed by the pros and overall satisfaction with this great truck. Ive driven 7K miles since bought new in June 2013, but terrain and weather conditions since then have been pretty varied, so I fell like the review reflects a fair perspective from a guy who has driven lots of trucks. This is the nicest one so far for me. Granted I look forward to driving the new 2014 and experiencing those upgrades too, but the 2013 model stands its ground pretty well.

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  Solid and comfortable Silverado LT - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By peter - July 24 - 10:46 pm

  Not every dealerships employee (and in my case family member) discount is the same. Make sure your sales rep provides the best employee discount by checking with 3 dealerships. You would think an employee discount would be the same everywhere - nope! The truck is solid, quiet and very comfortable - it rides so well! The tailgate locks from inside or with the fob along with the doors which is a nice feature. The VVT engine is giving me 19mpg and the truck is new. So nice how the engine drops to 4 cylinders when not sensing the need for power and clicks back into the V6 when power is needed. This feature is giving me surprisingly good gas mileage. I have towed 6000 #s with my 4.3 litre engine like it wasnt even there - very surprised with that! Make no mistake, I do not bleed GM blue just because a deceased family member worked there! This is my first GM vehicle in 9 years.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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!