GMC Sierra

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

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.