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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  6.0 ltr - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By turnup1 - December 8 - 3:13 am

  Truck has plenty of power but the active fuel management 8cyl to 4cyl dosent work. The truck is to heavy and causes it to surge while driving down the freeway even on cruise control. No light in the engine compartment when hood is opened.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By hakdaddy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2002 F-150 prior to this truck, which was an absolute lemon. Ford did nothing to fix the numerous problems, which led me to switch to GM products again. I can say I am pretty impressed with the truck overall. It has decent power, but lacks a little in the torque department. The body, fit, and finish are excellent. There are no squeaks or rattles. Mileage is about 10% better than the similarly equipped Ford. There are many more amenities in the GMC, including OnStar, and XM radio. I will never buy another vehicle without XM. It is great in remote areas. The truck also runs great, and the transmission shifts smoothly.

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  Love my truck... so far - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jim Talley - November 4 - 2:00 am

  In January I bought a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with the trailering package and the Z71 off-road package. The truck is quite as a church mouse on the inside and runs beautifully. The ride is firm, like a truck, but not so stiff that you have to visit your dentist and have your fillings put back in weekly. Visability is very good and the inside is extremely comfortable (including the back seat). Transmission shift isnt always smooth as GM silk and there is some growl from the front end in 4WD... time will tell if these are normal or not.

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  Really Great Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BEDFORDFORREST - November 1 - 5:16 pm

  I am very happy with my new Sierra. Fuel economy has been better than expected, but I drive 70-75 max and dont floor it. Getting a solid 20-21 on highway and 16-17 city. The SLT interior is plush and the seats and ride are wonderful. I would recommend this truck to anyone. There isnt anything I dont like except I wish they offered a bluetooth option and 6 speed tranny!

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  Best tucks on the road - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tripp Alexander - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second one, and both trucks have been great. They will outrun all of the other 2003 factory trucks except for the Ford Lightning and Dakota R/T.

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  I love this truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By horsemom - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I tow a horse trailer. When I drove this truck, I thought it would help with towing. What a great surprise that I could drive it downtown, park it in a ramp, and actually not worry about the back end sliding in the snow. Its heaven after my F150, much more like a Cadillac than a truck. I love this truck!

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  So Far So Good - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kitch - September 28 - 4:00 am

  Just over 1 week of ownership and I can say I am very pleased with the vehicle. Traded in my Titan LE for this. Interior fit, finish and textures is by far the best Ive seen on any truck. Flip up seats in the rear are nice and a necessity (Tundra I test drove didnt have that). Bose stereo is good and Nav seems easy to operate. Not quite as fun to drive as my Titan was, but still decent. Nice rumble from the stock exhaust. 6 speed tranny is smoooooth. Nice and quiet at 60mph. The AWD is a nice feature to have.

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  Pleased - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sparky - September 23 - 1:50 am

  Though the vehicle had to have the front differential replaced at 9400 miles, I still would buy another in a second. Absolutely fantastic for pulling my 30 foot travel trailer, excellent fit and finish, and the 4 wheel steering makes it easy to drive and park even in Denvers hectic traffic. Mileage is average, but seating and comfort features are way above average. This is the nicest truck I have ever owned. Leased it originally, then bought it at the end of the lease. Dealer was dying to get it back, but I wouldnt give it up!

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  Driving in Comfort - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tomerikac - September 8 - 11:05 pm

  I drove full size pickups for over 25 years then, due to marriage, started driving small cars/minivans for 5 years. Upon retirement, decided to go back to a full size pickup. Found this two yr. old 2012 ext. cab. 5.3l, 6-speed, 20" wheels, chromed out, tonneau, dual exhaust, bed liner, led lights, 16k miles for only $22.9k. Bought it from a 70 yr. old retiree. True, we would all love better gas mileage, but now that Im retired and driving less miles per year, I love driving this truck. Has been trouble free and very dependable. My young kids love it, too. Im hoping to drive this thing off into the sunset, or until my wife/kids tell me that Im just too old to drive.

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  truck rating - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dreamhour56 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  this is the first truck i have bought, i wish i had done this long ago. i have the smooth ride sus. it rides like a big car, handling is great, more than enough power. i have the short bed.