1996 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　A new series of engines is introduced, providing more power and torque than last year's offerings. Called Vortec, this family of engines includes a 4.3-liter V6 (the only six-cylinder of the bunch) capable of 200 hp @ 4,400 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm; a 5.0-liter V8, producing 220 hp @ 4,600 rpm and 285 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm; and a 5.7-liter V8, rated at 250 hp @ 4,600 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm. (There is also a 7.4-liter Vortec V8, but it's only available on the heavier duty C/K 3500 trucks.) All of these figures represent increases in output when compared to their respective 1995 predecessors. An optional electronic shift transfer case for the K1500 (i.e. 4WD; C= 2WD; K= 4WD) rounds out the list of the most significant powertrain updates for this year.

　　Other noteworthy updates include the introduction of an optional passenger-side third door, called the "Easy-Access System," in GM vernacular. This feature is only available on the extended cab body styles.

　　Improved comfort and convenience comes in the way of such new features as illuminated entry, 12-volt power outlets, an electrochromic inside rearview mirror and height-adjustable D-rings for the shoulder section of the front three-point safety belts, among others. Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) are part the list of new exterior features.

　　A new level of sophistication in exhaust emissions monitoring is found with the addition of OBD II, the second generation of On-Board Diagnostics.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$234/mo  for Sierra 1500 SLE

　　Sierra 1500 SLE

　　SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSpecial 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSpecial 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSpecial 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSpecial 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSL 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

1996 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type: Regular CabExtended CabRegular Cab

　　Trim: SpecialSLSLESLTSpecial

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive