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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  A nice Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra152 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got this a few day s ago and here are my first reactions: I have the 5.3 V-8 and it preforms well. Although it doesnt have the power of my Z-28, it can move fast enough. The ride is better then the fords I looked at. The Auto 4WD is good, but you may want to turn it off for parking. It is very comfortable and fun to drive, it is a truck that you can do stuff with like moving and off road driving but it can be driven every day. I will try and write an update after i have drivin it for a while.

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  Generally a good truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tyrex - September 3 - 4:44 pm

  Factory ordered my 2010 SLT 4x4 after my 2007 SLT 4x4 lease expired. Surprisingly, I had a lot of driver seat discomfort with the new truck which I resolved after several months by finding a shop that knew GM seats and showed me how to add foam in the seat and back cushions for extra support. (The 2007 had better seats.) The 6 speed transmission is fine but sometimes is a bit sticky, wanting to stay in a lower gear too long. This truck has been back to the dealer 3 times for minor electronic components problems which were covered by warranty. Fuel mileage is good and better than the 2007. Overall, Im happy with the truck after 16 months and 33,000 km.

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  2000 SLE Ext Cab 3 door - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 58mike - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have 73k miles on this truck and not one complaint. Excellent ride, quiet as a tomb inside. Other than replacing tires and changing oil I havent spent a dime on major repairs. Paint still nice and shiny after 3 years of outside parking. No squeaks, pops, or groans. Ive replaced two driving lamp bulbs in 3 years. Also, theres a fuse that controls the ignition that has blown twice. All this has cost me a whopping $21. Definately a keeper.

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  great truck!!! - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brent_hxc - August 26 - 2:46 am

  I bought this truck about 10 days a go with 150,000 I bought it in talala I drove it home which is about 70 mi (no pobs ever!) is fast and tows anything and every thing!. Its gets about 17 mpg and its not bad. And thats with a 350 5.7l and King cab. By Brent

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  2004 Sierra Graphite - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David Stevens - August 23 - 1:13 pm

  This vehicle has been a total pleasure to drive. Except for a little wind noise in the rear doors which was quickly corrected, the vehicle has no flaws. Rotate tires and change oil and, of course, fill the tank and it is always ready to g. A great truck!

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  Was expecting perfection, so far from it - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truckguy101 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  i will say that I enjoy driving the truck when its not at the dealer with issues. has a real nice sound, but the 4 speed transmission makes an alarming jerky upshift at about 30 kph. horribly unreliable. definitely a money pit. the dealer really doesnt care and screws me over by saying they didnt find anything and charge me $70 labor every time. trucks left me stranded more times than necessary. had it in for dead battery every morning and the truck has been in for the cylinder deactivation system not kicking back to 8 cylinders when needed. auto rear locking differential wouldnt unlock. overall, shouldve done my research and paid a bit more for a Ford.

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  GMC Denali Quadrasteer - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Spurz - August 20 - 2:13 pm

  The GMC Denali provides a level of comfort and sophistication never available in a pick up truck. It offers the upscale appointments with comfortable, adjustable leather seats,the most advance drive train of any truck on the road, the convenience and security of OnStar, and the performance of GMs 6 litre engine. The manuverability is fantastic and a must if you are towing a boat or toy hauler or trying to fit in a tight parking spot. Excellent performance, refinement, and capability with the loan drawback being the poor gas mileage, which is to be expected.

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  Not good for towing - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - August 16 - 1:20 am

  Have you ever wondered why GM truck owners have to turn their hitches upside down. Even with Z-71, the suspension and trailering provisions are too soft and too low. Also the standard rear-end is going to be a 3.42. Great for milage, not so good for loading. Even with the 5.3 the engineers have turned up the computer trying to hide the small rear end. Posi-trac, not so good. One slick boat ramp and you will glad for 4WD. Even empty on the highway using cruise, the drivetrain cannot maintain enough power on hills to keep from down shifting and raising the RPMs. I pull three trailers ranging from 900 to 5100 pounds. All will wag this truck around easily. Brakes/rotors are on 3rd set.

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  My 5th and last GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By yellowdog - August 10 - 12:16 pm

  Air conditioner took three dealer visits to repair. Drive train problems have been present in this truck since the first 700 miles. Lack of towing power and loud whining noise has been present when towing a small boat. And to top it all off, the service manager at the dealership refuses to give me a necessary third visit so I can file a Lemon Law complaint. I have had 5 full size GMC(all from the same dealer) and this one will be my last.

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  Miss Pretty - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lorie Velasquez - July 27 - 10:23 pm

  After driving my 1993 GMC extended cab for 15 years I decided to go shopping I found a deep crimson metallic gmc crew cab 4 wheel drive I kept going back and looking for about 3 months then I took it for a test drive and I had to have it I think this is a beautiful tough truck I can dress like a lady and go out on the town or I can get nasty dirty and and load it up with what ever and it never fails me I love the security of onstar and the enjoyment of xm radio.I get alot of compliments on how pretty my truck is my friends at work have named her Miss Pretty