The GMC Sierra has been on the road since 1988. It’s often mistaken for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 due to some very similar mechanicals and other features. However, the GMC Sierra 1500 is definitely its own model, and it has a different focus from the Silverado in offering more comfort and aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking for a used truck, the used GMC Sierra 1500 is a great choice. Let’s take a look at some different generations and what to expect.
Second Generation
The second generation of the GMC Sierra is a good place to start, mainly because there aren’t too many first-generation trucks available these days. The second generation debuted in 1999 and offered regular, extended, and crew cab options. These trucks may not have all the modern tech features you’ll find on newer models, but there’s no doubt that they still function as reliable work trucks.
A 4.3-liter V6 is the most common engine you’ll find on used models from this generation. The more powerful engine is the 4.8-liter V8. Another V8 was also available in the 5.3-liter. All three engines got gradual increases in horsepower during the model run. The final numbers were 200, 285, and 310, respectively.
Third Generation
The GMC Sierra 1500’s third generation started in 2007 and ran until 2013. You’ll find that these models are the most common on the used market, and they represent somewhat of a sweet spot in terms of finding an affordable truck with a lot of modern features. The best place to look here is the 2009 model year and later. The Sierra 1500 was refreshed for 2009, and some upgrades included a six-speed automatic transmission and Bluetooth connectivity.
When it comes to engines, the 4.3-liter V6 was carried over from the previous generation. By this point, it was a little bit underpowered. The third-generation 4.8-liter V8 is the one to look for with 315 horsepower near the end of the generation. A 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engine represent some other options for this generation. The former was put in trucks between 2007 and 2009, and the latter was available between 2009 and 2013.
Fourth Generation
The fourth generation is the current generation of GMC Sierra 1500, so if you’re looking for used models, you’ll be looking at trucks made between 2014 and 2020. If you want more modern features and don’t mind paying a bit more, trucks from the earlier part of this generation are the way to go. If you look at models from 2016 and later, you can get Apple/Android connectivity. All trucks from this generation have touchscreens and the standard tech you’ve come to expect from newer models.
The powertrains were also updated for this generation. The previous Vortec engines were discontinued in favor of the Ecotec engines, which are more efficient and powerful. The most common engine you’ll find is the 4.3-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower. Other available engines are the 5.3-liter Ecotec V8 and the 6.2-liter Ecotec V8.
The used GMC Sierra 1500 offers a lot of options depending on your budget and what you need your truck to do. Plenty of reliable models from the last three generations are on the used market.
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