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 truck yet - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By WJ - October 16 - 12:13 am

  I dont need a lot of whistles and bells in a truck. What I need is reliability and function, fuel economy was a surprise (19.7 average) city/highway!! Its a great solid reliable truck, the best Ive owned. Before this my Toyota Tundra was tops, and its a great truck, just not a solid as my GMC.

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  2002 gmc 1500 4x2 sle - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By will160 - October 13 - 7:03 pm

  come on GM this is 2002!dated interiors,cheap feeling parts,ergonomically is only o.k.,my last 5 trucks were fords,it was time for a change,giving gmc another chance,but 20 yrs.later i still feel some reslembence to long ago!i need to sell my 97 ford f150 lariat asap! so i can stop comparing the gmc 1500 sle to it. new f-150 for 2004?,cant wait!

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  Made the right choice - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rico - October 8 - 1:06 am

  I purchased the 2wd crew cab w/ 5.3, SLE1, and 20 inch rims. Extremely pleased with purchase. Ive owned all other brands including GMC before and this is the best truck I have ever owned/driven. Debated GMC vs. Toyota for months but went with GMC due to inside/outside looks and GMC mileage better. Toyota has very nice truck but GMC hit the mark w/ this one. The 20 inch rims make the truck as far as looks concerned. Get the remote start, this is my first vehicle with remote start and now I wouldnt by another vehicle without it. I can start truck from inside restaurant and truck is nice and cool inside when I go to put kids in car seats. Im starting to feel really spoiled in this thing.

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  poor gas milage - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cabo3 - October 3 - 11:25 am

  My 2014 GMC Sierra has never got more than 15 mpg even on high way driving. Yes--its 4 wd and the 5200 motor but the door sticker claimed it would get much better. I talked to the dealer and they blame ethanol gas --poor quality gas ect and ect. I have bought gm trucks for over 50 years and this will be my last. My suggestion to anyone looking to buy GM trucks is to make the dealer fill the truck with gas and test it yourself BEFORE you buy. GM lost my business and my respect! My dad used to say there are two things men lie about --women and gas milage but this report is accurate.

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  Great Truck! - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R.J.s Truck - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great truck with only a few minor problems. A few rattles (never off- road)and the tranny shifts odd in the cold weather. Tends to wheel-hop while braking over uneven surfaces even with anti-lock brakes. Awesome sound system and wonderful ride! I would buy another one.

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  Professional Grade Junk - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ed Mack - September 24 - 11:00 am

  I purchased this truck over others because I thought it was better built. The truck is not driven hard. I payed 30,000 for it and have been fixing it ever since. To the tune of 5,000 so far. Some of the things fixed are, Both window regulators, 2 sets of wheel bearings, abs braking system, water pump, fuel gauge, air compressor bearings, fuel pressure sensor, throttle plate replace, battery replace after 1yr, leather seat material rip after 1 year, payed 750 to fix it because it was running rough. I evetually found the problem to be a loose oxy sensor which should have cost nothing to fix. Also I think that the cost of getting this truck fixed at the dealer is crazy excessive. Wont buy another one ever

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  Second 2014 Sierra - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - September 22 - 9:39 am

  I wrote a few articles now "looks good drives poor" Unfortunately I need to make a third. After GM bought back my 14 z71 and I ordered a Denali, more problems. The steering wheel was off from the factory. If you hold it straight you will crash. It is currently in the shop for a faulty gas pedal. Once again the drivers seat has broken. The backup camera and audio only works when it wants. Drive like whip lash and a throttle response that is poor at best. The 2013 rental Tahoe I currently have drives like a dream compared to this truck. I like the idea of the truck, but the execution is awful. A new truck should not require me to have an outside company tune the computer. Get a F15

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  Love This Truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dwight - September 20 - 9:40 am

  This truck replaced a V6 GMC I had for 17yrs. The power of the V8 is wonderful for a 4.8L and half the price of the 5.3L The truck handles great. It sits higher than my old truck so is a little harder to get into (Im 6ft) so I installed nerf bars. Everything about the truck is high quality. Lots of cab storage, cup holders. The stereo is quite good for factory installed.

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  Quadrasteer Rocks!!! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By KellyA - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I got what may be the last 2WD Quadrasteer in the contry, 700 miles from home, and worth the trip to pick it up. I hear it will be available in 4WD only in 2005. This truck is a dream to drive. It is easier to park in a crowded parking lo than the Ford Ranger I had before. I am still amazed by how tight it will turn. GMCs commercials dont do it justice. The 5.3 liter engine is very powerful, but I still average 19 MPG highway, and just finished our first road trip pulling my 1500 lb boat trailer, we still averaged 17 MPG! The cab is very comfortable for day long drives, spacious and quiet.

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  I wish I bought a Dodge - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By joe - September 13 - 8:20 am

  Was a decent truck when I bought it. But it wouldnt tow worth a dang, piston slap, horrible trans, creaks, squeaks, parts breaking, clunking from steering shaft, burnout lights, sound system, tires, brakes, and so much more wrong with it. My 2nd gm and last. Im buying a Dodge.