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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  REALLY!!! DONT DO IT. DEALERS TRYING TO GET RID OF OR SOMETHING!!!!!!!!CRAP!!!!!!!! - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tinasfinest - December 20 - 1:02 am

  This is a beautiful looking truck that everyone stops and stairs. The 50 thousand price tag for a truck that is already rusting at 25k miles and has had the radiator replaced at 11k miles, several recalls, etc. Not worth the money. Stick to the oldie but goodies. Again she is a looker till you look underneath. Dont do it and if you already did such as myself, get rid of it while you can!

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  Best truck I have had - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sarah11renee - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my very first truck and I am very satisfied. It is also very quick. The sport red does look pinkish in the sun so it is definalty a female truck.

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  GMC Sierra 01 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brian - December 11 - 2:03 pm

  I have had very limited troubles with this truck. It is a little harder on batteries due to the heated seats, etc. but that is the price you pay for the luxury. The OnStar option seems nice, but I have not taken advantage of it. I believe the SLT is the (affordable) Cadillac of trucks. I look forward to being able to upgrade to a crew cab soon.

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  New 09 Denali - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mpcross - December 8 - 10:30 am

  Looks good,sounds good, 6.2,heated cooled seats,HD6spd.trans,HD self locking diff.,memory seat,adj. peddles all great.Does not sound tinny when closing doors. No squeaks. Peppy and quiet on rd. Handles well with factory added sway bars. Should have Caddy options of real wood,heat and cooled back seats and offer dual exhaust. Will write additional review at 10 an 20 thousand miles. Must say again in South, cooled seats #1. Added side steps,under seat cargo hldr,spray in bed liner,20" wheels,and nav systm,back up cam. Hads everthing but electric rear window(dealer said having prob. with motor) but would rather have deforster that is lost with electric window.Sunroof gives plenty air

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vbase - December 7 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this truck for the price lots of power locking Differential. All wheel disk brakes on other trucks this is a option but on GMC it is a standard option. I just couldnt be happier the 5.3 has plenty of power Im sure it will keep up any of the other trucks with the same size engine.

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  Best truck ever! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Puggy - December 6 - 2:46 pm

  With only 5 weeks and 1,200 miles of ownership my new 2008 GMC Sierra Denali has so far been flawless. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge and this is by far the best of the bunch. Fit and finish is exceptional (for a truck or car), for a truck it has a smooth ride, great power and exhaust note, seamless 6 speed automatic transmission and great interior and exterior styling. It is like driving a full sized luxury SUV with a pick-up truck bed in the back. I couldn’t give 14-16 mpg a 10, but that’s not bad for having 403 hp on tap.

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  2004 extended cab 4x4 auto 4.8 auto - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By spayce - December 2 - 10:00 am

  i said i would never buy another truck from gm since my 87 but there made a little better now and it helps with the frame being painted, you buy the vehicle new with a rusted frame and rear axel,an improvement.but overall i like the truck except for the sloppy drive-train and slow shifting tran-ny. anyone else notice the clunking in the drivetrain?

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  Thunder Rolls - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By captainkaos - December 1 - 10:53 pm

  95 Sierra Z-71 Extended cab. Owned it since day 1. Now has 263,000 miles on her. Has been in the shop 4 times in 14 years. No real major issues. If you take care of her, she will take care of you. I love this truck. Thought about trading her during cash for clunkers and test drove the F-150, Chevy Silverado and the Ram. They still didnt compare to her. My old gal still rode better and had the same or more power. Furthermore, the cost of a new truck is insane. I can buy half a house for the cost of a new truck. The Tundra was nice but 42k about killed me. They dont make them as solid as this one anymore. If you want a good dependable work horse, this is it. I think Id cry if I sold her:(

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  Pricy? You get what you pay for! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMCfan - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The quadrasteer makes handling this truck a breeze in tight spots. I havent had it out of 4WS since I tried it. The seats are far more comfortable than my Ford Expedition EB. The ability to adjust the power lumbar support while driving is great. Plenty of power for passing, even while towing. This is, by far, the best truck Ive ever owned.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zman2x - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, fun to drive, rides good, can haul a load, and its quick. Gas Mileage isnt bad for a full size truck with a V8. It has som weaknesses, like too much plastic inside and out. Weak bumpers (front especalliy) , and the metal on the tailgate and bed sides is too thin. but this is a great truck otherwise, and the best new truck you can get, but they sure dont build them like they use to