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 of the Breed - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By sknabt - April 7 - 10:46 am

  I decided to replace my SUV with a full-size truck. Choice came down to an 08 Sierra SLT vs. an 07 Tundra Limited (08 Tundra priced way out of my budget) because Ive always bought Japanese. Tundra has nice powertrain but falls short in every other category, especially its bloated price. GMC SLTs greatest selling point is its luxury grade interior. Tundra is very weak here. GMCs shift at any speed automatic 4x4 is far better than Tundras crude hi/lo 4x4. GMC has better crash test scores than the Tundra. This is the 1st full-size truck Ive ever owned but driving it is actually a joy. Parking is a learning experience but the parking assist makes it doable even for a newbie like myself.

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  Great truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By texasenior - March 28 - 11:15 am

  I have had my Sierra for about six months. I have not experienced any problems what so ever. If you are easy on the gas and drive sensibly I get from 18 to 20 MPG around town and usually 25 MPG hiway. My best 25 mile average was 32.5 MPG between Houston & Galveston. Very quit ride, better than my Cadillac and just as smooth. I feel very safe and comfortable in my first truck.

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  its a good un - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jdl - March 23 - 2:03 am

  Rides like a luxury car with power and handling of a sports car. 18-19 on the highway at 70-75 -- great improvement over my 01 extended cab. For the money,it is best on the market and looks better than the sister Chevy. Pulls 22boat with ease. Hunted all last season over rough terrain -- still no rattles. Get one.

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  06 SLE1 Crew 1500 - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stevestr - March 20 - 4:50 am

  Test drove Tundra and others. Came back to GMC because of superior deal and value, including room, comfort, etc. I highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for something that is solid, reliable, and the best possible value on the market. Thanks GM, Great Job!

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  2002 GMC 1500 SLE - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray Teske - March 12 - 10:00 am

  If this vehicle got better gas mileage it would be a 12. Ive driven pickups as my primary vehicle for the last 9 years. They ride far better than a car, can carry whatever I need to carry, get me where I want to go in the worst weather imaginable, and they dont cost any more than a car, except for the gas mileage thing. Im a big man who needs room in a vehicle and these trucks give me that in spades. If you dont want to squeeze into a small car, get a truck.

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  dependable ride - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By alphonse - February 5 - 2:13 pm

  purchased new in 01,in 8 yrs the truck has had very few problems. passenger side seat belt tightens up on its own, & the interior light switch had a short.Oe tires had to be replaced at 35k, & the on star system is no longer compatible with the new digital system. fuel mileage averages about 17 in mixed driving, 20mpg is achievable on long highway travel.I would buy another gmc if we wear this one out, brakes still have about 60% life left.

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  happy!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By casey - January 22 - 12:33 am

  I love this truck only had it a year, but 4 wheel steering should come standard on all cars and trucks.The interior is great. The look is even better!! The power of the 6 liter is awsome. Fuel mileage is not so good, but I guess you have to give up something for all the power. Theses trucks have all the bells and whistles This is truly a sports car in a truck skin! Only downside is I cant afford 2

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  09 SIERRA GREAT TRUCK / VALUE - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SHAFE-2 - January 9 - 11:56 pm

  I replaced a full sized car and older “weekender” work p/u truck with this 1 vehicle. My daily highway commute is a joy. I had delayed this purchase for 2 years. Rebates, program discount and cash4clunkers made this too good to ignore. I am so glad I purchased this truck as it has more than exceeded my expectations. Solid, comfortable ride. Dual pwr buckets, large console, 60/40 rear flipup seats, give this cabin tons of room for extras and very spacious. 3 to 4 people are comfortable on short trips. I enjoy the trailering package, backup sensor, full open rear doors, large trailering mirrors. Dealer replaced a deformed drivers door molding, but still experience excessive wind noise

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  my first truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brett from Texas - January 5 - 2:00 am

  i got this truck in late january and ive got 1700 miles on it. its perfect for me, the ride is smooth, acceleration is great, and the cd player takes care of all my music needs. the only other trucks ive had the pleasure of driving are my brothers 2002 F-150 single cab, and my dads 1978 F-150 extended cab, and it greatly surpasses both of them.

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  2003 GMC 1500HD - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GM 1500HD - December 20 - 2:50 pm

  Great truck, only 1 issue. With a little over a thousand miles, sounded like loose sheet metal under the truck. Ended up going back to the dealer 6 times before I went to another dealer. Found out it was the A/C compressor. Mechanic stated that it would build up too much pressure. Thank goodness I didnt put it off. Over $2500 in parts & labor. Not a single problem since. For such a big truck, get wonderful gas mileage. Only one thing I would change... get better viewing side mirrors. Lots of blind spots with the OEM mirrors.