2001 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Reliability improvements for all Vortec V6 and V8 engines top the list of changes this year. Consequently, oil-change intervals have been extended to 7,500 miles. A traction assist feature is now available on two-wheel-drive V8 automatics, thanks to a new electronic throttle control system. Factory-installed OnStar, GM's mobile communications and security system, has been made standard with the SLT trim level. New this year is a 325-horse, all-wheel-drive performance version called the C3.

　　

zzdcar says

　　If you want power, the Sierra's got it. But if high-quality materials and solid build quality are also a priority, you might want to check the offerings from Ford and Toyota, as well.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 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

　　$241/mo  for Sierra 1500 SL

　　Sierra 1500 SL

　　2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $16,690 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $16,990 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SL 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $21,507 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SL 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $21,807 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SL 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $22,879 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SL 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $23,179 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SL 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,891 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SL 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $26,191 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $22,244 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $22,544 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,256 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,319 MSRP2dr Regular Cab SLE 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,556 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLE 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,619 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,331 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,631 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLT 2WD SB w/OnStar (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,209 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLT 2WD LB w/OnStar (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,509 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLT 4WD SB w/OnStar (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $30,596 MSRP4dr Extended Cab SLT 4WD LB w/OnStar (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $30,896 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　After a much-improved Sierra bowed in 1999, GMC's full-size pickup continues along the refinement trail for 2001. The Sierra 1500 (half-ton) employs a unique, three-piece frame construction. While it shares a platform and componentry with Chevrolet's Silverado, the Sierra gets some styling and feature enhancements to position the GMC as a "professional grade" truck.

　　Looks and special content aside, the biggest draw for GMC's half-ton pickup is a first-class engine lineup. The base 200-horse, Vortec 4.3-liter V6 has been upgraded again this year to improve durability, emissions and fuel economy. But more impressive are the two available V8s, all of which have seen further refinements to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and increase service life. The Vortec 4.8-liter V8 (with 270 horses/285 foot-pounds of torque) is standard on half-ton extended cabs, and a 5.3-liter V8 (with 285/325) is optional on all 1500s. Both enjoy a flat torque curve for sustained hauling power.

　　Each version is available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. As usual, there is a variety of configurations to choose from, including the regular (two-door) or extended (four-door) cabs, short (6.5-foot) or long (8-foot) beds, Wideside or Sportside box designs, and rear- or four-wheel-drive versions. What's more, there are three trim levels (SL, SLE or SLT) and a dizzying array of options and packages to custom equip your truck exactly the way you want it.

　　Do you go off-roading? Choose the Z71 Off-Road Suspension package. Prefer to pick your own suspension settings? Try the ZX3 Manual Select Damping package. Plan to do a lot of towing? Go for the Z82 Heavy Duty Trailering Equipment package. Got heavy loads to haul? Opt for the Z85 Increased Capacity package. Like performance? Order the new C3, a sporty, high-end AWD model that's available only as an extended cab and built as a more practical alternative to Ford's supercharged SVT F-150 Lightning. The Sierra 1500's roomy interior offers ample storage space, including a center armrest that is large enough for a laptop computer or a six-pack of soda, depending on your priorities. Reduced-force airbags (with passenger-side on/off switch) are standard, plus a full complement of safety and convenience features too numerous to list here. Overall, Sierra is very competitive with the top Ford and Dodge offerings. But because GMC is now defining itself as the "professional grade" division for more demanding truck buyers, watch for price creep to start forcing less-affluent young cowboy types to look elsewhere.

　　

2001 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type: Regular CabExtended CabExtended Cab

　　Trim: SLSLESLTSL

　　

Base MSRP	$22,879
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$234/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles