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:

• 

  2000 SLE Ext Cab 3 door - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 58mike - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have 73k miles on this truck and not one complaint. Excellent ride, quiet as a tomb inside. Other than replacing tires and changing oil I havent spent a dime on major repairs. Paint still nice and shiny after 3 years of outside parking. No squeaks, pops, or groans. Ive replaced two driving lamp bulbs in 3 years. Also, theres a fuse that controls the ignition that has blown twice. All this has cost me a whopping $21. Definately a keeper.

• 

  2004 Sierra Graphite - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David Stevens - August 23 - 1:13 pm

  This vehicle has been a total pleasure to drive. Except for a little wind noise in the rear doors which was quickly corrected, the vehicle has no flaws. Rotate tires and change oil and, of course, fill the tank and it is always ready to g. A great truck!

• 

  Miss Pretty - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lorie Velasquez - July 27 - 10:23 pm

  After driving my 1993 GMC extended cab for 15 years I decided to go shopping I found a deep crimson metallic gmc crew cab 4 wheel drive I kept going back and looking for about 3 months then I took it for a test drive and I had to have it I think this is a beautiful tough truck I can dress like a lady and go out on the town or I can get nasty dirty and and load it up with what ever and it never fails me I love the security of onstar and the enjoyment of xm radio.I get alot of compliments on how pretty my truck is my friends at work have named her Miss Pretty

• 

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wjs - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Over the more than 2 and 1/2 years Ive owned this truck I have really come to appreciate the attention to detail taken in its design and build. It has more power than I thought would be needed, until I towed with it. The 7500lb chipper towed easily and seemed right at home behind me. Between the outstanding interior components and the solid, powerful drivetrain I would recommend this vehicle over the competition any day.

• 

  Silervado to GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wrench1 - July 4 - 7:10 am

  Traded in a 2002 Silverado for this 2003 Sierra. Got the color and options that I really wanted, plus improved performance with 2003 trucks. Build quality was poor with lots of visits to dealer for minor warranty repairs, but now the truck has been terrific. Looking now to downsize for a smaller truckk with almost same towing for fish/ski boat. Fuel mileage has been 21-23 with 5.3L and 3.42 rear, synthetic oil, tires pumped up to 44 lbs always.

• 

  BIg Red - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the Big Red - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Got this veicle as a left over in 2000, didnt want red, but it has grown on me, the trucks styling is modern, but not over board like a Dodge, and does not look like the sheet metal was hung on the truck like Fords, it is what it is supposed to be a pick-up truck, not a tractor trailer or a car. Reliable with close to 50,000 miles, nothing more required but routine maintenance, and new tires. it looks good sitting in the driveway. I would recommend a GMC to anyone,it rides well, and looks good and works hard.

• 

  Love It - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Taber - June 29 - 8:10 pm

  This vehicle has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is dependable and has had no problems since I purchased it.

• 

  Excellent Choice - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rick - May 30 - 5:00 pm

  As a first-time truck buyer I was aiming more for a mid-size, thinking it the best place to find a good compromise between utility and drivability. However, when I got to the dealership and compared sticker prices I found I could get more for my money in the larger Sierra than the mid-size Canyon. The test drive was the clincher. The regular cab, 8ft bed WT rides as smooth as our mini-van and sits higher for better visibility. The build-quality is impressive; no rattles, tight seams and attention to detail. All knobs and buttons are within easy reach and the cabin space is generous. Utility- wise, well, there isnt anything that wont fit inside the 8ft bed. Outstanding truck by GMC.

• 

  GREAT!! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By HOtPiNk037 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a really great truck. Very realiable and comfortable. You can depend on it. Smooth driving and very clean. Enjoyable. Nice truck.

• 

  Sierre Style, Ride and Quality No.1 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By temple62 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  It is no wonder the Sierre is the only truck lists the Kiplinger List top 10. Coming from the Toyota 4Runner and Ford F150 crowds, this beats them both for quality, handling, comfort and style. The 2004 Dodge Ram is a vible competitor but too pricey when you do the comparisons of bang for your bucks.