GMC Sierra 1500

GMC is the name we recall every time we talk about highways and freeways. Out of all GMC models, GMC Sierra 1500 stands out as one of those pickup cruisers.

The model has been the corner stone of the lives of farmers and small businessman in America for around two decades now. Previously just called as GMC, the model has gained the name Sierra in recent times.

The model is offered in different variants, giving a wide range of options to its users.

The older Sierra models were an excellent choice for the purpose it solved but lacked lustre and class in terms of interior material quality and design. The newer generations, on the other hand has taken styling and comfort to altogether a different level.

Older GMC Sierra

(1981-1987)

The pick up trucks were marketed as Crew Cab. There was an option of six-cylinder V8 diesel engine; however most of the models from that time are likely to feature either a 5.0 litre or 5.7 litre V8 engine coupled with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The model came either as all wheel drive or front wheel drive feature. Sierra, then was all about power and towing capacity and pretty less about styling and comfort.

(1988-1998)

GMC 1500 Sierra witnessed the inclusion of Standard cab and extended cab body styles. Rest other features were more or less retained from the previous generation.

(1999-2006)

Most of the used Sierra models available today are from this generation. The styling has evolved immensely as compared to its previous generations. The body now looks modern and appealing, both from inside and outside.

A new line up of V8 engines ranging from 4.2 liter to 6.0 liters was included in this generation. This made the pick up truck even more powerful than before. The horsepower offered was in the range of 245 hp to 345 hp.

An unique and exclusive 4-wheel-steering was added to reduce the turning circle of the full size pick up truck by around 10 feet. It worked initially, but somewhere around 2006 the feature was removed as it boosted the basic price of the model to a different height altogether.

The models from this generation still run wild and strong on American streets and highways. The only problem is with its styling and interior material, specially the ordinary cabin can easily put some one off.

Current Generation (2007-)

The current generation GMC Sierra Trucks comes broadly in three body styles; Regular cabs, Extended cabs and Crew cabs. The trim levels offered vary from the modest yet powerful Work Truck to uber class and more muscular Denali.

Engine options again vary from a basic 4.3 liter V6 engine to the powerhouse 6.2 liter V8 engine. The basic engine offers a horsepower of around 195 hp, while the top end V8 can generate 403 hp of horsepower.

Now riding a GMC Sierra 1500 is a much quiter and comfortable experience than before. The current generation models have upgraded interiors and features. The cabin quality has been consciously boosted to match the modern standards.

The newer six-speed automatic gearbox too solves the purpose, it has been included for, efficiently.

The latest 2011 GMC Sierra

Latest features like OnStar 9.0 system and enhanced audio quality and speech recognition has been included.

It offers sheer power and comfortable ride quality. The safety amenities are the latest ones.

Improved cabin size would have helped in gathering more appreciation. Another thing that can put the driver off is the vehicle’s large turning circle.

The MSRP of Regular cab is $21,235 and that of Extended cab is $25,780. The top end Crew cab gets an MSRP tag of $29,760.