GMC Sierra

GMC Sierra Models

The GMC Sierra comes in two and four-wheel-drive, in light-duty (1500) and medium-duty (2500) loading and towing capacities, with short and long-bed bodies, and with fendered or full-width beds. There are standard-length two-door cabs and extended-length cabs with two more auxiliary doors in the rear.

Engine choices for 1500 models range from a basic 4.3-liter V6, up through a 4.8-liter V8 (standard in extended cabs), and a 5.3-liter V8. Hard-working 2500s come with a 300-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8.

As before, Sierras come in SL, SLE and SLT trim levels. SL-trim trucks with the 4.3-liter, 4.8-liter, or 6.0-liter engines can be ordered with a five-speed manual transmission; all SLE and SLT models, and even SL-trimmed 5.3-liter models, come with a four-speed automatic.

The fully equipped Sierra C3 packs a 325-horsepower version of the 6.0-liter V8, along with automatic transmission and an exclusive, sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive system. The C3 offers more towing capacity and a greater payload capacity than the 1500 models. A black-painted machine-textured grille and body-colored mirrors, door handles, and moldings distinguish the C3 from other Sierras. GMC plans to sell about 15,000 a year.

For even heavier-duty hauling, GMC builds the three-quarter-ton Sierra 2500HD and 3500; look for a separate nctd.com review of the all-new heavy-duty trucks.

Driving the GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra SLE is so quiet and well behaved that it could be mistaken for a luxury car. That's largely due to the new-for-1999 chassis, whose frame is 23 percent stiffer than the previous generation's. New mounting and isolation hardware reduces noise and vibration. A cast magnesium beam behind the instrument panel and a lateral steel beam between the magnesium beam and the right side of the dash further reinforce the stiff body. This is a very strong truck, and its strength lets the suspension soak up and manage all the bumps and ruts and tar strips. The Extended Cab model's 143.5-inch wheelbase improves the ride and enhances high-speed stability.

A four-spoke steering wheel connects to rack-and-pinion steering; unfortunately there is still a fairly wide dead spot in the center when cruising. (GMC says this is intentional, to minimize steering corrections on the highway.) The steering feels a bit light, but the truck tracks beautifully and handles well on pavement, loose dirt, deep dirt and even off-road.

The 4.8-liter small-block V8 is the most popular engine for this truck. Our Sierra came with the optional 5.3-liter (327-cubic-inch) engine, rated at 285 horsepower. Its torque peaks at 325 pound-feet, but the torque curve is plenty fat for light towing and hauling. The 5.3-liter engine is also fun for commuting and touring, and we recommend it over the smaller 4.8-liter engine.

The four-wheel disc brakes are huge and powerful and come standard with ABS. Braking force comes into play only an inch into the pedal travel, a welcome improvement over the mushy pedal on GM's pre-1999 C/K pickups. A feature called Dynamic Rear Proportioning improves stability under heavy braking whether the truck is loaded or empty. GMC promises huge improvements in fade resistance, pad life and heat dissipation, and after beating these brakes hard we believe them.

The C3 features its own full-time four-wheel drive system. A planetary center differential provides a permanent 38/62 front/rear torque split; while a silicone viscous coupling locks up progressively if one axle or the other starts to slip. C3 also comes with a uniquely tuned suspension designed to limit body roll (or lean). It also comes with the Z82 towing package, and the high-capacity disc brakes from the Sierra 2500HD/3500.

It's easy and fun to drive the C3 quickly on winding mountain roads. It handles well, it's very responsive for a truck, and it delivers strong acceleration performance. With its superior towing capability, it might be just the ticket for someone who wants a luxury sports sedan, but has a boat to tow; the all-wheel-drive system will help pull the boat up slippery ramps, while the interior comfort, handling and performance make it an enjoyable and luxurious vehicle around town and on the highway.