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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  King of Trucks - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DACO7916 - September 30 - 5:00 am

  To me this is the best full size pick up there is on the market. It is the perfect combination of power, comfort, elegance, sportiness, not too over the top styling.

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  Looks arent everything! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hawkman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  SLE Ext Cab, Sportside,5.3, tow, HD suspension. The truck rides like a frikkin wagon train. Absolutely loathe driving iy. I dont understand how everyone says it rides great. Im going to put Bilsteins "comfort" shocks and hope it provides a cure. Other than its ride, the truck is great! Nice, comfortable and roomy inside. Looks fantastic! Reliability has not been an issue. Has more shakes and rattles than I prefer. Gas mileage has been consistent around 16mpg. Contemplating a Radix supercharger. Decent power is not enough. Id recommend buying this truck, but looks alone does not make for lasting love.

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  Great Rig! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian Laine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very well designed vehicle. It combines a very comfortable, luxurious driving environment with the ability to tow heavy trailers. Since a lot of stuff is included in the standard package, I got more accessories than I might have bought if they were priced separately. I really like Quadrasteer.

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  Quality for years to come! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Haus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had the truck for three weeks and put 1000 miles on it. I was pleased with the dealer, the deal and the truck! Receiving $3000 discount off list, from the GMC factory list gave me alot of extra electronics (Bose speakers,Onstar phone, and the cool XM radio)that I probably would not have bought. GMC gave $2500 incentive discount, and the dealer gave his discount. Dont miss out on these extra incentives. This truck handles like no other truck I have driven. My 1994 Chevy was nice, but the new handling, performance, comfort, creature features are the best. Sierra, to me, is the nicest styling that I have found in a 2004 truck. Get one!

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  My 1st GMC truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By keven johnson - September 21 - 5:10 pm

  Great sporty truck. It may be a Plain Jane work truck but that allowed me to personalize it. I love this truck!! It is QUIET (with the windows up), comfortable and BIG. The 4 speed auto. transmission with the 4.3 V-6 tends to hunt for a gear during cruse control. But as long as you are over 75 MPH it works well. Just keep your foot in it when the cruise is off. My mileage is a constant 18 MPG no matter how hard or easy I drive it.

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  NICE TRUCK, but backwards parts!!!! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kbuicker - September 19 - 2:23 am

  This truck had a number of problems in the 9 months I owned it. By the time I traded it, I had recorded 17 records! Here are a couple problems I dealt with: When the truck idled while rolling, it sounded like there were pebbles in the wheels and a loud whistle. Service said the truck had a bad alternator and replaced it; problem persisted. Later, they replaced the waterpump; Problem fixed. Later I noticed the truck would SLAM into gear when idling down the road... problem turned out to be a transmission part installed backwards! Wow! This may of triggered a recall? I traded the truck.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rowdie2 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this Truck used with 49000 miles. It has not been in the shop once in 2 years. Talk about reliable. Pulls a 6000 lb Camper with no problems. Gets about 15 MPG on the road.

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  Best of the Best - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Black Beauty - September 9 - 7:03 am

  Great truck to drive, handles soooooo good. The 20in wheels is a great option to have. the 5.3l v8 is so smooth. I looked at Ford, Toyota, Dodge and I kept going back to Gmc, I feel like I made a great choice.

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  Beautiful truck but a lemon! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mondo24 - August 23 - 3:10 am

  My 03 Serria Denali is a beautiful truck, but i have had one problem after another. New power steering pump, master cylnder, fuel pump, alternator, 2 starters!, new steering column, lower intake, new front end bearings, and emissions control valve. Now my left blinker turns on my hazards! I give up....give me a new truck!

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  This is one great truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dmalkire - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I spent the past year looking at trucks before deciding on the GMC Sierra. I havent had it one full day yet, but I can tell you that the wait was well worth it. The truck is comfortable, the ride is solid and quiet. GMC has even managed to eliminate one of the more serious knocks in their 2004 model - the rattling sound that Sierra was infamous for. I have not heard it like I have in previous models I have test driven.