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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  What a ride! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By JIm Martin - February 5 - 7:46 pm

  I traded in a 03 Silverado on this truck I loved the silverado but this truck is wonderful, its smooth as glass.I tow a boat and a camper with no problems.The interior is finally where it should be.

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  poorly crafted - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jorge - February 3 - 4:13 pm

  although its a beautifull truck mine was poorly crafted i found rattling noise inside the cabin, brakes make alot of noise, and has poor stability,gmc needs to improve the performance on their vehicles and keep their promisses with warranties.

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Nick C - January 27 - 3:33 pm

  I enjoy driving my truck day in and day out. I have no complaints about it so far. I have only had the truck for about two months now. The 4 wheel drive has tore through everything i have put it up against. Its nice!

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  cant find better - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stuart green - January 13 - 12:13 am

  i have shopped around in the last few weeks looking for a new truck and i cant find anything i like better than what i have at moment the gmc sierra

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  No worries for high miles - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DeDub - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my GMC with 228,000 miles on it, I did have some needed repairs that needed to happen, but it was the most fun, reliable, and just plain great car Ive ever owned. Even with the high miles, all original engine, 6" lift and 35" tires, I was still getting great milage, and tons of admiring looks. Id highly recommend GMC to any buyer.

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  This is a solid truck! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Nate - January 6 - 9:53 am

  This vehicle is at the top of its class. The seats and interior are the most comfortable and roomy for any truck Ive been in. Its a solid built truck. It was put together right. It is dependable, and has plenty of power to get me where I need to go, not to mention a few thousand pounds of whatever I want to haul.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Fastest in the West - January 4 - 9:36 pm

  Sits high with the 17" tires and road visibility real good. The great aspect of this truck is the comfort in the interior. Plenty of room in front and back. I like the seats folding down in the back for cargo room. Gas mileage is not bad for the size truck. GM out did others with this design. The size can be a challenge. I had to make more space in the garage area to get this vehicle inside. It barely fit inside from back to front.

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  1978 Revisited - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Clayton - December 28 - 11:53 pm

  I like my truck. It is a "Plain Jane" truck-no options. Performance is better than expected, though the mileage in town is poor-about 15 mpg. Good ride and no complaints, though I have only 2500 miles on it. For being a base truck, it suits my needs and makes me wish reviewers would talk about the basic trucks as well as the duded-up ones. The reset on the oil change system is neat. I like the magnatized drain plug too. Very easy oil change. A great ride. Much better than my 1993 ford F-150. Very similar to my old 1978 Silverado but with a much better turning radius. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power for what I need.

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  Cracked cylinder heads - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By shane l - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck it is very comfortable, and has been trouble free for 5 years, till I noticed the coolant level dropping, I figured out it had cracked cylinder heads. Took it to Boulevard GMC in Signal Hill and they charged me $170.00 for something I already knew and lied and said they took the valve covers off to inspect, when it shows no one has taken the valve cover off, (BEWARE OF THIS DEALERSHIP) GM wont help pretty much had to fix my self. I put in Bars head gasket fix and the leak in the heads went away, been 3,000 miles all I have to do is change my lifters and push-rods and should be good to go. Dont think I am going to be buying GM anymore.

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  21,000 miles (Everything I expected) - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Colorado - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a disaster 6.0 PSD (too many warranty invoices overloaded glove box) and went back to gasser GMC. Truck is fully fitted out and has never been in the shop for any warranty work. Averaging 19.7 mpg city/hwy and consistently get over 20 on the hwy at 75 mph (about what I expected for this heavy truck). Auto 4WD is great in the snow and wet weather, and tow/haul functions as designed. Can cruise all day at 75-80 mph on the interstate--comfortable with smooth ride. Good leg room in the back seat for adults. Reasonably quiet ride with lots of room--tight finish, no rattles or squeaks.