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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  2016 GMC Denali Crew Cab 6.2 - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chad Hunt - July 27 - 7:09 pm

  Just bought this truck last month and have been to the dealer three times for repair. First repair was changing 3 of the 4 tires due to excessive road force, the truck would jiggle very bad at 70mph. Second dealer visit the truck heater does not turn off, the dealer told me this is a common characteristic of this truck, no fix but the did tell me to leave the air on at all time I will get less gas mileage but it wont be so hot in the cab, Nice? Third Dealer visit was not big deal but come to find out GMC intellilink does not support iphone6. Basically I get a phone call it will shut off nav, radio, etc. and not return. I have to manually turn power back on to device. The most frustrating is randomly it will our of the blue start playing my phones music even if my daughter is watching a cartoon in back, music will just turn on from no where. Pretty nice experience thus far for a $62000 truck.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wjs - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Over the more than 2 and 1/2 years Ive owned this truck I have really come to appreciate the attention to detail taken in its design and build. It has more power than I thought would be needed, until I towed with it. The 7500lb chipper towed easily and seemed right at home behind me. Between the outstanding interior components and the solid, powerful drivetrain I would recommend this vehicle over the competition any day.

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  Silervado to GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wrench1 - July 4 - 7:10 am

  Traded in a 2002 Silverado for this 2003 Sierra. Got the color and options that I really wanted, plus improved performance with 2003 trucks. Build quality was poor with lots of visits to dealer for minor warranty repairs, but now the truck has been terrific. Looking now to downsize for a smaller truckk with almost same towing for fish/ski boat. Fuel mileage has been 21-23 with 5.3L and 3.42 rear, synthetic oil, tires pumped up to 44 lbs always.

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  BIg Red - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the Big Red - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Got this veicle as a left over in 2000, didnt want red, but it has grown on me, the trucks styling is modern, but not over board like a Dodge, and does not look like the sheet metal was hung on the truck like Fords, it is what it is supposed to be a pick-up truck, not a tractor trailer or a car. Reliable with close to 50,000 miles, nothing more required but routine maintenance, and new tires. it looks good sitting in the driveway. I would recommend a GMC to anyone,it rides well, and looks good and works hard.

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  Love It - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Taber - June 29 - 8:10 pm

  This vehicle has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is dependable and has had no problems since I purchased it.

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  GMC 1500 Lemon - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SC - June 19 - 10:43 am

  The truck ran and performed fine up to the point to where I had about 8000 miles on it. After that, engine knocks, transmission slips, steering problems, brake problems, gas mileage dropped, tires were wearing funny, brake light electrical problems all surfaced. Maintenance shop was cluless on fixing problems and didnt know how to fix anything. I was accused of 4 wheeling the truck when I have never even had it off road. Then I was told that the steering problems, brake problems, and tire problems were not covered under warranty past 1500 miles. Worst truck I have ever owned and Ill never own another.

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  2 Year Old Denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Suzcrew - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Denali for 2 years now. Up until the warranty ran out I did not have any problems. Now problems with the drive shaft, steering, and transmission. I am have taken excellent care of my truck and wouldnt think of even getting it muddy. However, now I am thinking about trading it in on something with fewer problems. Your adverage Joe will not touch this truck for repairs. Getting parts has been impossible and even dealers cant order the right ones (parts). I love the look, the comfort, the whole package of this truck and hate to part with it. This truck gets more attention than I do!

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  Not a happy GMC owner - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By silverct - June 13 - 5:38 pm

  Bottom line, if you want to see where you are going, dont buy this truck. This is my third GMC, and it is becoming a bigger disappointment every day. I have pictures to post if I could figure out how to do it.. ps... my ride is an SLE 5.3 double cab... that model is not listed in the choices above

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  Love My GMC - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Johnnyz - June 12 - 12:53 am

  I purchased a my 2009 GMC Sierra Quad Cab Z71 4x4 with the 5.3L and SLE2 pkg. on January 2, 2009. I did have some issues with the brakes (high spots on rotors and drums) when first purchased but those have been resolved. The reason why I purchased the truck was to consolidate; traded in a S10 and Nissan Xterra for a 4 door pickup b/c twins were on the way. This is the first year of the 6 speed auto so it still needs some refinement. Love the gas mileage but cant wait until they put out a pickup with a smaller diesel engine. Handling and torque are excellent.

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  Excellent Choice - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rick - May 30 - 5:00 pm

  As a first-time truck buyer I was aiming more for a mid-size, thinking it the best place to find a good compromise between utility and drivability. However, when I got to the dealership and compared sticker prices I found I could get more for my money in the larger Sierra than the mid-size Canyon. The test drive was the clincher. The regular cab, 8ft bed WT rides as smooth as our mini-van and sits higher for better visibility. The build-quality is impressive; no rattles, tight seams and attention to detail. All knobs and buttons are within easy reach and the cabin space is generous. Utility- wise, well, there isnt anything that wont fit inside the 8ft bed. Outstanding truck by GMC.