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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  Best Truck Ever - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe K. - October 22 - 11:13 am

  This truck was two years old, with 33,000 miles when I purchased it (Certified Used). I use this pickup on our family farm and to drive to work, resulting in 40K miles each year. This is the best truck, fantastic engine 5.3, great power reasonable fuel economy. No complaints with the 4WD, I use it frequently. Currently, the truck has over 200K miles, the service record is brief: 5 years old replace rear brakes (still have not replaced front brakes),6 years old replace battery just to be on the safe side, Fuel pump replaced at 175K miles, my fault for not ever replacing the fuel filter. At 180K had to replace the front UJoint. Plan to trade the truck in on a similar equipped 2008 model Sierra.

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  never selling it - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bubba - September 11 - 5:00 pm

  this truck is perfect for anyone looking for a dependable truck that you can make all the modifications you want. i have had a few problems (expected from a truck with 315000 miles on it) but nothing that cant be fixed yourself. the few problems i had were things that i thought were going to cost a fortune b/c of what the truck was doing. but they were not at all as bad as they seemed. if you are looking this truck is a trooper this is it, i backed in to a 03 cadillac cts it was $8000 of damage to it and all it did to my truck is push in the bumper.

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  This truck is PERFECT!! Never owned GMC. - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By thiink - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Always have owned Toyotas, new Tacoma extended cab (but not enough space), then a 4runner (but not a truck), now I just bought a 2004 GMC 1500 Sierra SLE extended cab 4wd, 5.3L for $28,700 OTD. I wanted to get Tundra Double cab, but too expensive and not really a truck, besides, the newer GMCs (2001 & up) are as good as toyotas in engine quality. Everything was just better in GMC Sierra. Couldnt be happier and satisfied than having this truck.

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  Great Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By chance - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Z-85 suspension a little stiff for around town. Added dual exhaust and K&N filter. Gas mileage and performance improved with these additions. Average about 21mpg overall...Truck is a blast to drive & stock stereo is very good. Sound proofing is good; however, GMC could have located the emergency brake in better location. Overall no problems in 7 thousand miles...........

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  My Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jjdward - August 28 - 7:56 pm

  I love my GMC. It has plenty of room, power, and comfort. I love the 5300 rumble when you get on it, but I learned quickly not to get on it to much, gas is not cheap. To be a full size truck with this power, the gas mileage is good.

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  Exellent Truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2010 Seirra - August 26 - 8:26 pm

  This car is simply amazing. Excellent handling, pulls my 8000 pound trailer with ease. Extremely roomy and the seats are amongst the best i have sat in. Wouldnt think twice about buying another.

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  07 GMC Sierra Denali AWD - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By MikeB - August 25 - 11:03 pm

  I have owned my 07 Denali for 10 months and 12k miles, and I am still in love with it. I cant find a fault. Ive used it as a daily driver, and its very comfortable and nice to drive. It serves as my hunting rig. Ive pulled trailers, and hauled big loads, all with no issues. Ive taken it on trips and it cruises great on the open hwy. The truck returns acceptable mileage given its horsepower - Ive averaged about 14.5mpg in mostly city driving. For those who like to tinker, I added a K&N cold air intake and a flowmaster dual exhaust, and while not necessary, these items added immensely to my enjoyment of the vehicle. You really should check out the GMC before buying a new truck.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Michigan Bill - July 27 - 1:16 am

  I bought this truck new and have enjoyed over 3 1/2 years of trouble free utility. Ive hauled, towed, 4- wheeled, pulled, and just plain driven this truck to great delight and it has met or exceeded expectations all around. Mileage is better than most others trucks averaging 17-18 MPG even with 5.3L, 4WD, SLT luxury package, hard tonneau, running boards, Z71 off- road pkg, and more. Going GMC gives a hiher level of luxury and customer care than you get from Chevrolet. The seat and mirror memory is very useful for getting kids in and out of the back seat. I use the exit position button to bring seat forward enough so they can enter and exit the back easily.

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  excellent - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By danl - July 26 - 2:00 am

  this is the best truck i have ever owned. period. loaded, leather etc. and as comfortable to drive as any car ( including cadillac and mercedes ) that i have owned and driven. 4wd takes me anywhere and under any conditions. you cant beat this one.

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  2005 GMC crewcab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bills 2005 - July 25 - 3:43 pm

  I consider the truck an outstanding buy with the rebates and other incentives that were offered. This is my 4th GM truck and it is the best one yet. The gas mileage is great for a truck of this size. It averages over 18 mpg in my daily driving, and 21 on the road.