2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　For 2006, there's a new "VortecMAX" performance group that includes a 345-hp 6.0-liter V8, a heavy-duty tow package and a stronger rear axle; thusly equipped, the half-ton Sierra is on more equal footing with Nissan's Titan and the Hemi-equipped Dodge Ram. The Quadrasteer four-wheel steering option has been dropped, and the optional camper-style mirrors have been replaced by a folding and extending design with a built-in convex spotter glass. Other changes on the GMC truck include slightly updated front-end styling and minor adjustments to trim levels and body configurations.

　　

zzdcar says

　　The 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 is a solid truck in terms of its drivetrain, roomy interior and unique features, but the competitors have it beat when it comes to interior design and overall refinement.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. 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

　　$228/mo  for Sierra 1500 Work Truck

　　Sierra 1500 Work Truck

　　Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $15,840 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $16,115 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $20,365 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $20,610 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,115 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $24,165 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,845 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $27,060 MSRPSL1 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $19,960 MSRPSL1 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $20,400 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $24,865 MSRPSL1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,500 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $25,895 MSRPSL1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,945 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,580 MSRPSL1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,790 MSRPSLE1 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $23,500 MSRPSLE1 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $23,790 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $26,205 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,080 MSRPSLE1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,210 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $27,380 MSRPSLE1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,500 MSRPSLE1 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,665 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $29,380 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $30,255 MSRPSLE1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,550 MSRPSLE1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,615 MSRPSL2 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $24,975 MSRPSL2 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB w/Sport Package (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $26,470 MSRPSL2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,495 MSRPSL2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB w/Sport Package (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $29,990 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,440 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,590 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,880 MSRPSLE2 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,455 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,610 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,900 MSRPSLE2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $32,045 MSRPSLE2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,280 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,325 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,475 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,765 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $32,340 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,495 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,785 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,935 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $35,170 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab AWD 5.8 ft. SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) - $38,775 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　GMC's full-size pickup has been around in one form or another since the early '60s. Currently in its sixth generation, the GMC Sierra, as it's now called, boasts classic styling and a wide variety of body styles and drivetrain configurations. A perennial competitor to the full-size offerings from Ford and Dodge, GMC now positions itself as the professional-grade truck in GM's lineup. Although its sales numbers are far below those of its competitors, when combined with its sister vehicle, the Silverado, sales of the two trucks outdo the F-Series.

　　Often first to market with unique innovations, the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 continues that tradition with nationwide availability of the hybrid-electric model. GMC trucks also offer the OnStar communications system that provides the convenience of 24-hour on-call assistance for everything from tow truck requests to dinner reservations. Combine this with modern styling on the outside and a host of features on the inside, and the half-ton Sierra presents a compelling package for anyone in the market for a well-rounded full-size pickup. The Sierra 1500 is really starting to show its age, however, compared to the newer full-size offerings from Dodge, Ford and Nissan. And all three trucks have the GMC Sierra beaten when it comes to interior design and materials, and overall refinement. We strongly encourage you to try out the competition before you buy.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　Several engine choices are available for the 2006 GMC Sierra, ranging from a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 to a 345-hp, 6.0-liter V8 in the Denali and VortecMAX package. In between, you'll find a 285-hp, 4.8-liter V8; a 295-hp, 5.3-liter V8; and a 310-hp, 5.3-liter V8. All Sierra trucks come standard with a four-speed automatic, except V6-equipped regular cabs, which come with a five-speed manual. The maximum towing capacity with the 5.3-liter is 8,300 pounds, while the Denali is rated at 8,100 pounds. On SLT extended cabs and crew cabs with the 6.0-liter V8, the max rating is 10,000 pounds. Either two- or four-wheel drive is available on all models; the Denali comes with all-wheel drive. A hybrid powertrain option is available on SLE extended cabs with the 5.3-liter, but the system does not provide any power boost. Its main function is to conserve fuel via automatic engine shutdown and startup at stops, as well as provide on-the-job power through four 120-volt AC outlets.

　　

Safety

　　Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. In government crash tests, the Sierra 1500 earned four stars (out of five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and three stars for the front passenger. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Sierra was given an overall rating of "Marginal" -- the second lowest of four.

　　

Driving

　　The GMC Sierra 1500 is comfortable enough to be a daily driver, yet it's still powerful enough to use as a dedicated work truck. Acceleration ranges from adequate to vigorous, depending on which V8 you select, and the automatic transmission shifts with authority. The steering feels vague on center, but it's light and precise enough for easy maneuvering. The automatic engine shutdown and startup feature works seamlessly in the hybrid truck.

　　

Interior

　　Inside, Sierra 1500 buyers will find a logically laid-out interior, with clear, uncluttered gauges. Materials quality is unimpressive, and build quality, though improved over the last few years, is still below that of the competition. The cabin is roomy, particularly on crew cab models.

　　

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 models

　　The GMC Sierra 1500 offers three cab styles are available in four different trim levels and two bed lengths. Regular cabs can be outfitted with Work Truck, Base or SLE1 trim, while extended cabs come in Work Truck, SL, SLE1, SLE2 or SLT trim. The light-duty crew cab models are available in either SL, SLE1, SLE2, SLT or Denali trim. True to their name, Work Trucks offer only the basics, but you still get manual dual-zone air conditioning and ABS. SL Sierras include a few more amenities like cruise control and a CD player. The SLE1 trim adds upgrades like power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and foglamps. The SLE2 adds automatic climate control, Bose audio and a power driver seat. SLT trucks add aluminum wheels and leather upholstery. Top-level Denali models include nearly every available option as standard, as well as unique trim and a 345-hp V8 engine.

　　

2006 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabExtended CabExtended Cab

　　Trim: Work TruckSL1SLE1SLE2SLTWork Truck

　　

Base MSRP	$21,115
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$220/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	7,900 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles