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 of the Breed - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By sknabt - April 7 - 10:46 am

  I decided to replace my SUV with a full-size truck. Choice came down to an 08 Sierra SLT vs. an 07 Tundra Limited (08 Tundra priced way out of my budget) because Ive always bought Japanese. Tundra has nice powertrain but falls short in every other category, especially its bloated price. GMC SLTs greatest selling point is its luxury grade interior. Tundra is very weak here. GMCs shift at any speed automatic 4x4 is far better than Tundras crude hi/lo 4x4. GMC has better crash test scores than the Tundra. This is the 1st full-size truck Ive ever owned but driving it is actually a joy. Parking is a learning experience but the parking assist makes it doable even for a newbie like myself.

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  Great truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By texasenior - March 28 - 11:15 am

  I have had my Sierra for about six months. I have not experienced any problems what so ever. If you are easy on the gas and drive sensibly I get from 18 to 20 MPG around town and usually 25 MPG hiway. My best 25 mile average was 32.5 MPG between Houston & Galveston. Very quit ride, better than my Cadillac and just as smooth. I feel very safe and comfortable in my first truck.

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  Averaging one repair a year - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By irishlager - March 27 - 7:36 pm

  This is poor quality truck. In five years I have had five repairs and one recall. My repairs have included a cracked transmission case, bad steering mid-shaft, bad seatbelt, bad water pump, and bad wiper switch. In addition, I am currently losing lights in my dash and have lost most of my fan. GM likes to advertise this as professional grade. However, no professional in his right mind should buy this truck. Please save yourself and buy something else.

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  its a good un - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jdl - March 23 - 2:03 am

  Rides like a luxury car with power and handling of a sports car. 18-19 on the highway at 70-75 -- great improvement over my 01 extended cab. For the money,it is best on the market and looks better than the sister Chevy. Pulls 22boat with ease. Hunted all last season over rough terrain -- still no rattles. Get one.

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  06 SLE1 Crew 1500 - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stevestr - March 20 - 4:50 am

  Test drove Tundra and others. Came back to GMC because of superior deal and value, including room, comfort, etc. I highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for something that is solid, reliable, and the best possible value on the market. Thanks GM, Great Job!

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  2002 GMC 1500 SLE - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray Teske - March 12 - 10:00 am

  If this vehicle got better gas mileage it would be a 12. Ive driven pickups as my primary vehicle for the last 9 years. They ride far better than a car, can carry whatever I need to carry, get me where I want to go in the worst weather imaginable, and they dont cost any more than a car, except for the gas mileage thing. Im a big man who needs room in a vehicle and these trucks give me that in spades. If you dont want to squeeze into a small car, get a truck.

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  Great truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ajmcd64 - February 28 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this truck from my next door neighbor with 14K miles on it. This truck has been relatively problem- free. The only problems Ive had is the fuel gauge fluctuates. I was told by the dealer that the float switch deteriorates due to additives in the gas. The power seat switch sometimes wont move the seat more than an inch at a time. I have had some slip in the rear end from a stop, but it only happens once a month or so. Truck has a great ride when it has some cargo in the bed. I took it on a 1600 mile vacation with the wife and 2 kids. Great Trip! Other than that, no complaints. Heated mirrors are probably a waste, unless you plan on plowing snow, then they are a must

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  Factory Support - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmc - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Buyer beware. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle, many of which are recurring. Dealerships have been unable to resolve the recurring problems. After lengthy conversations with GM, they not only refused to do anything to accomodate the situation (e.g. pay for alternate transportation on first day of service, get a rep involved to asses the problem)they also accused me of exagerating a few of the problems simply because a service technician did not fully describe the issues in his report. I understand that problems occur, but you will get no customer service from the manufacturer even when the problems are reoccuring and cannot be fixed.

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  GMC SLE Z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By RadarLuvr - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Truck handles and rides like a car. Has no problem cruising along the highways at 2500 rpm. Beware of factory installed sliding rear windows, frame has history of cracking, causing water leakage into cab.

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  GMC, you can and must do better - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dg - February 6 - 10:50 pm

  I have been driving this truck for almost 2 years, so I know all of its little nuances. Unfortunately, I am not impressed. I have had many GM vehicles and this has been one of the worst. Warranty issues include: new radiator, new brake rotors, power seat motor, tranny problems, etc. I can only attribute this stuff to the fact that GM is rabidly seeking the cheapest suppliers on the globe, which has to hurt quality. I must admit that I use my truck heavily, but what good is a pickup truck that cant handle a little beating? Considering the msrp on this thing was around $39000, GMC must do better with its 2007 model. If not, Tundra and Titan will have Sierra for lunch!