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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Loven It! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
By 1st GM in 30 yrs - July 22 - 10:30 pmBought 3 months ago; now have +10K mis. Love it. Been 30yr Ford guy. 1st GM truck ever considered. Bought the wife an 08 HHR liked it & got me to consider a GM again. Traded my 03 F2504dr 4x4 diesel (loved it) had +180k mis;still miss the big 600#ft torq. Dealer offered me a 2-day GMC test drive! Hated the "luxury" dash; reminded me of dads old gran marque, yuk. Wanted more lux but that dash was a deal-brkr. Added SLE pref + NFL pkg & leather/sunroof. Passengers cant but I can notice fr V4 to V8 pwr surge. No tailgate lock!? Will buy one. Has 3.42 rr gear; hard accel into 2nd gear causes rpms to fall out of pwr-band then comes up. Ctr of hood vibrates continually while driving.
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Love my Denali! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
By Jeff C. - July 22 - 10:30 pmPower, performance, and FUN to drive! Quadrasteer whips a better U-turn than a Volkswagen! It takes about a lane and a half to cut a tight u-turn. The 6 Liter engine has lots of power, but GUZZLES the gas! (The power is well worth the gas guzzling when you need it.) I change the oil and put in gas. I have had it 1 year TODAY and have 35,900 on it allready! GMPP Warranty was $4K extra! Very pleased with the truck & reliability, but the dealers who fix it work too fast and I have to point out the shoddy repairs. Biggest problem, the factory tonneau cover leaks water into the bed, and is constantly breaking. I have had it replaced TWICE (under warranty) Both times it was re-installed wrong.
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2009 GMC Sierra Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
By OLY-JIM - July 16 - 10:13 pmWhen I started shopping for a new truck I made a concerted effort to be objective. I drove them all. The trucks I test drove (in this order) were the Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, and GMC Sierra. I returned to test drive the the Ford and the Dodge. When it was all said and done; the GMC is the truck that stood out above all others. A combination of its appearance, comfort, features, and just the way the truck felt and drove simply overshadowed the other trucks. This truck has plenty of power, great ergonomics, and I like the features. The 6sp Auto and 5.3L are a pleasure to drive and run as smooth and quiet as I expect a truck to be. Solid Truck!
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My GMC Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
By Don Sharlow - July 11 - 7:36 pmMy GMC truck is very reliable. The body integrity, motor and drive train have given me nothing but good service. I drive it to work every day, which is about 120 mile round trip, and find it comfortable and safe to handle and control in heavy traffic. Too bad you dont have one too.
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very happy owner - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
By loco - June 14 - 1:16 amlove driving this truck my last one a 1990 l owned 20 years 400 thousand miles no problems. this one is like driving a caddy. smoth quiet peppy. i work for a large factory which buys ford trucks of witch i drive every day. they are like driving a modle t. the gmc has sooomuch more class ! they are alwas working on the fords. not one problem on the gmc. i was a auto mech for 20 years before i went to factory work and know that if you take care of your auto they last, by the refinement they have installed this truck it should last a life time! i have never been happier with a truck. the only drawback is gas mileage in town, its no better than my old truck; open road mileage is verry good.
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GMC got it Right! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
By J. Barton - June 1 - 8:26 amGMC got it (finally) right with this one. Replaced a 2004 with this vehicle, comparison is like night and day. Fun to drive, good mileage, 18.8mpg in first 500 miles. This one is a winner for GMC. So glad we didnt give up on them and head to the Japnese market. Great interior, fine fit and function and good looks too. I love this truck!
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2012 Sierra Denali - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
By mpacker02 - May 28 - 10:01 pmI just traded in my 2005 Silverado 1500 SS for the 2012 Sierra Denali. The Denali rides much better and is more luxurious. Performance is about the same, the SS accelerating a little harder, but I attribute that to a 4.11 rear end in the SS. The Denali on the other hand is getting better gas mileage than the SS. GMC did a great job on fit and finish, Ive gone over it with a fine toothed comb looking for flaws and can find none. NAV and Stereo are easy to use, with great sound from the speakers. So far no complaints!
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1500 Sierra - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
By Jerry Gonzalez - May 18 - 7:03 pm -
GMC DENALI - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
By BARRY FRANKLIN - May 7 - 2:00 amTHE GREASTEST TRUCK I EVER OWNED....
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GMC fan - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
By poppy - May 1 - 2:00 amBest in cless, best motor I have ever hade in a truck.It is my 2nd truck and the 1st thuck I got 300,000 mi out of it.
