GMC Sierra 1500

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.67 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $18900.00 from Varney GMC

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 GMC Sierra 1500, ext cab, 4wd

Summary:
$18,900 is a great price for this vehicle when new. However, the work trucks can routinely be found for around $20,000 with current rebates, which is still a great price. I've only owned the truck for 2 months, and won't comment on its reliability. This review may help somebody who is currently comparing new trucks, however. This is the stripped work truck. However, I consider rubber floor covering a positive feature for a truck. Further, it's got cloth seating surfaces, AC, full gauges, and intermittent wipers, which makes it a luxury vehicle in my book. However, I do wish it had the fold-down center seat console. The base 4.8L V8 is smooth and powerful, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly (although I wish GMC offered a 5 speed with this engine). The vehicle handles very well considering it's a truck, and braking is quite good. I prefer a firmer pedal, but there is no question that the brakes are strong. The ride is smooth and fairly firm. Put 1000 lbs. or so in the bed, and it still handles and brakes well. Interior noise is minimal. The cab is well-insulated and sealed. Control ergonomics are good, and the seats comfortable. I don't drive off-road, and can't comment on its 4wd capabilities. However, I do need 4wd for the often brutal Maine winter driving conditions, and we'll see how it does this winter. The simplicity and reliability of the manual transfer case with shift-on-the-fly 4wd in this truck is my preference. For reference, I also test drove the new F150 (comparably equipped work truck) and a base Toyota Tundra SR5 with the V6 and 5 speed (the cheapest version available). Both the Ford and Toyota handled and braked *slightly* better, but had less refined and powerful drivetrains. They both cost about $3k more in my area. The Toyota's back seat is small, and I must put 2 car seats in the rear - that's the only reason I bought a new truck. I also found the Tundra's front seat a bit too low, although I have long legs. The F150 sits higher, which I prefer, but my 5'-2" wife has a hard enough time putting our 2 year old in her car seat as it is. Ultimately, the GMC won on price, drivetrain, and comfort, and it sacrifices very little in other areas compared to the competition. I will say that I am concerned about reliability and longevity, since this is my first departure from Japanese vehicles in 13 years. On the other hand, I have plenty of relatives and friends who've had excellent service from their GMC trucks. Time will tell.

Strengths:
4.8L engine and transmission handling features (or lack thereof) spacious interior

Weaknesses:
can't get a 5 speed with the V8 AC is so-so, takes a while to cool the cab

Similar Products Used:
1998 Nissan Frontier 4wd, 5 speed (great vehicle) 1972 Chevy 2wd 1/2 ton with a 350 and a three-speed on the column. Maybe not the best vehicle for me at 16, but it sure taught me defensive driving.

Price Paid:  $30000.00 from LaFontaine Highland,

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 GMC, Sierra, Z-71

Summary:
Truck has great power and provides a great ride however, numerous problems nullify its good points. Only has 25,000 miles on it. What will happen by 50,000? Unless GMC comes through a great offer to make up for all this frustration, I'll never buy another GM product!

Strengths:
Power, Accelaration, Ride, Cab comfort

Weaknesses:
Terrible reliability: A/C was very weak(dealer recalibrated dual controls. It's a little better. TEMP guage didn't work from beginning(Had to take back twice to get this fixed). LEFT R Window had terrible air leak( they fixed that the first time, now the pass. side leaks). Rt Frnt Axle Leaks( Dlr said it replaced the seal. I picked it up, then they called me back & told me that the mechanic FORGOT to re-attach the sway bar. Had to take back for that. Rt Rear door makes knocking and groaning sounds (Dealer says they can't hear it. It would drive any normal person nuts. Will take it back a 2nd time. Four Wheel Drive Service Light came on( Will have to take back). Lots of irritating wind noise at freeway speeds.

Similar Products Used:
99 GMC ( Lemon, got rid of it at 19000, I made a mistake by buying GM a 2nd time) Dodge Dakota( only one problem and it was fixed the first time)

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $18450.00 from Toyota of Hattiesbur

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE

Summary:
I purchased this truck to have more interior room, pretty good fuel economy, more cargo room, dependability and comfort. That's what I have experienced so far. I had a 2001 Nissan Frontier crew cab with the supercharger prior to this one (for about 6 months) and this is a totally different animal. They don't feel anything like each other. This Sierra feels much more solid as it should since it is a fullsize truck. The four doors make the back seat much more accessable. The truck tracks well on the road, allowing me not to have to work hard to keep it between the yellow lines. All in all, this is the nicest truck I have owned and I am very happy with my purchase.

Strengths:
Cargo room: this is the widebody with the loger bed, I think. Interior room; Gas mileage: pretty good for a truck-21 highway/17 city. My nissan frontier only got about 15-16 mpg.

Weaknesses:
-not really a weakness...but I don't have the extras that show me exact mileage at any time or the premium sound package.

Similar Products Used:
2001 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab ` 1991 GMC Sierra (sold it with 185,000 miles on it) ` 1985 Chevy Truck LWB ` 1991 Chevy S10 x2

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 sierra extended cab SLE

Summary:
Very comfortable & quiet. Smooth ride on everything except concrete highways where the suspension (rear) will bounce you to death. Dealer says springs were designed that way -- no way to fix problem. Dlr says added weight in box may help. So far added weight makes no difference.

Price Paid:  $30000.00 from LaFontaine Highland,

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Sierra 4X4 X-cab

Summary:
Overall, a pretty good truck. I enjoy driving it for the most part.

Strengths:
Good Looks, Great ride& handling, good towing. Great Stereo Sound. Great power!

Weaknesses:
Terrible A/C Does not get cold. Recharge did nothing. Mileage not too good but it's a 4X4 so I expected that. Themo never worked right! Trans klunks on occassion but no problems.

Similar Products Used:
99 GMC Sierra(lemon), Dodge Dakota(pretty good truck but GMC rides better and is quieter