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GMC Sierra 1500

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$3,375 - $7,375

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
If not for its disappointing reliability record, this competent pickup would be a Consumer Reports recommended model. The interior is quiet and roomy, handling and braking are good for a truck, and four-wheel ABS is standard. The four-door extended-cab versions are also the only such pickups with habitable rear seats. The front seats are large but not well shaped. Four-wheel-drive models offer a selectable system with a full-time mode. The Sierra Denali is an expensive AWD model with a 6.0-liter V8 and a four-wheel-steering setup called Quadrasteer. This system enhances maneuverability in tight spaces and improves stability while towing.

2002 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

$3,375 - $7,375
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,125 - $4,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 15 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,325 - $7,675
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,325 - $6,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG 15 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,400 - $6,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    extended cab
    regular cab
    crew cab
Seating
3 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD, AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 4.3-liter V6 (200 hp)
  • 4.8-liter V8 (270 hp)
  • 5.3-liter V8 (285 hp)
  • 6-liter V8 (325 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The Sierra is essentially a Chevrolet Silverado. Power delivery is smooth and responsive, and fuel economy is 17 mpg overall for the 5.3-liter, V8 engine crew-cab four-wheel-drive version. The ride is stiff and snappy, but the cabin is very quiet. Handling is sound and secure. The infotainment system is easy to use. Rear-seat room in crew-cab versions is immense, but the high step-in requires a climb. Helpful options include a power liftgate that can be opened using the key fob, a tailgate that can be configured into a workbench, and power running boards can shift back to help reach the bed. The luxurious Denali version has a 6.2-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic. Blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking are optional on higher trims. Updates for 2020 include an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel pulls strongly, feels refined, and returns 23 mpg overall. Other changes for for 2020 saw suspension tweaks improving the ride, and the availability of adaptive cruise control. FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW became standard for 2022.

2014-2018
2014 Redesign Year
Sierra's 2014 redesign brought a more spacious cabin that is nearly as quiet as a luxury car's. The truck's relatively low ride height eases access, while the dashboard controls are simple to use. The Silverado also provides impressive towing and payload capacities. An assist system makes the tailgate easy to lift and prevents it from flopping harshly when it drops open. The 5.3-liter V8 hits the sweet spot, combining plenty of power with a high towing capacity and strong performance. We'd only get the 6.2-liter V8 if we had to frequently tow a heavy trailer in hilly terrain. The optional Driver Alert Package includes lane-departure warning and forward collision alert.
2007-2013
2007 Redesign Year
GMC's 2000-06 full-size Sierra has powerful, efficient engines and an inviting interior, but expect a stiff, choppy ride. A 2007 redesign brought more responsive handling and improvements to the ride, but the powertrains still aren't as refined as some competitors'. High-end interiors have attractive fit and finish -- all have simple controls. Fuel economy from the 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic are decent, and its crash test scores are improved over previous versions. Cabin access is easy, while towing and payload capacities are generous.
1999-2006
1999 Redesign Year

This full-sized half-ton pickup ("C" is used for 2WD versions, "K" for 4WD) was fundamentally unchanged from 1991 through 1998, though upgraded powertrains and an optional third door for extended-cab models were added in 1996. A complete redesign for 1999 brought powerful, more efficient engines and friendlier interior packaging. Braking and handling were also significantly improved. Extended-cab models received a fourth door for 2000, and the pricey AWD C3 model, later called Denali, joined the line in 2001.