2008 GMC Sierra 1500

Arrange a test drive, get free price quotes, or read local dealer ratings for 2008 GMC Sierra 1500:

By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck
Enlarge Photo

2008 GMC SIERRA 1500 STYLING | [7 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "an excellent combination of good looks"
Cars.com: "it looks manlier...and more assertive"
Edmunds: "an attractive dash design"

Most reviewers read by TheCarConnection.com's team are impressed by the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's looks.

Cars.com is a fan of the GMC 2008 Sierra 1500's "chiseled front end mainly because it looks manlier--always a good thing where trucks are concerned--and more assertive" (sorry, ladies). Kelley Blue Book expands on the "masculinity" theme, making it not only manly but rich as well: "the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 does share the 'strong, silent-type' handsomeness of the Silverado...an upscale look is highlighted by narrow gaps between body panels." Car and Driver comments that the Sierra is an "outstanding line of full-size pickups that offer an excellent combination of good looks."

Edmunds expresses appreciation for this GMC 2008 model's interior, noting its "pleasing fit and finish inside [and] an attractive dash design." Kelley Blue Book says the "2008 GMC Sierra 1500 benefits from GM's extensive reworking of both full-size pickups and full-size SUVs." Cars.com, however, notes "the vast planks of plastic 'wood' that attempt to warm up the interior" of the GMC 2008 Sierra 1500, efforts that it says "are undermined by the occasional unsightly wavy spots that give away their clear fakeness."

Conclusion: Maybe the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's "manliness" and "chiseled looks" are the automotive equivalent of a handsome hunk, but that fake plastic wood makes a statement as well.

2008 GMC SIERRA 1500 PERFORMANCE | [8 out of 10]

Cars.com: "a gutsy performer that doesn't feel taxed"
ConsumerGuide: "Smooth-shifting transmission kicks down quickly"
Edmunds: "Acceleration is certainly acceptable with either the 4.8- or 5.3-liter V8"

If the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 looks like the automotive equivalent of a "big strong man," it is certainly one under the hood as well.

TheCarConnection.com notes that this GMC 2008 model has brute strength to spare with its "range of V-8 engines and one V-6 that can have anywhere from 195 to 403 horsepower" as reported by Cars.com. Car and Driver highlights "towing capacities range from a modest 4300 pounds for the basic V-6 work truck (WT) to 13,000 pounds for the 3500HD with a Duramax turbo-diesel." Most will opt for the all-aluminum 5.3-liter V-8 rated at 315 hp and 338 pound-feet of torque, some versions of which "can run on E85 ethanol fuel," according to ConsumerGuide. Cars.com reports that "the 5.3-liter V-8 is also a gutsy performer that doesn't feel taxed in the least moving the 5,326-pound Sierra crew cab...[and] also emits a pleasing V-8 rumble." Edmunds reports that 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's "acceleration is certainly acceptable with either the 4.8- or 5.3-liter V8," while the "optional 6.0-liter V8 can get the truck to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds."

This GMC 2008 model's V-8 engine is mated to a four-speed automatic. Cars.com says, "don't scoff at the transmission's low gear count; it's well-matched to the V-8, and its unobtrusive shifts are a welcome quality and contribute to the truck's overall sense of refinement," adding that the transmission "will also kick down quickly if you need to pass." ConsumerGuide confirms this report: "[the] smooth-shifting transmission kicks down quickly for more passing power."

Edmunds reports that the "four-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode is standard on all Sierra pickups with the exception of the Denali, which has a six-speed automatic." Four-wheel drive is available; Autotrac, available on 4WD Work and LS trims, "features an automatic setting that shifts into 4WD when wheel slippage is detected."

Cars.com reports "EPA ratings run from 12 to 15 mpg city and 17 to 20 mpg highway for 1500-series trucks." Edmunds says that while these figures are "hardly impressive," the 5.3-liter engine is "the most efficient V8 available in a mainstream full-size truck"--due in part to its Active Fuel Management feature, which shuts down half of the cylinders at highway cruising speed.

"With an unladen cargo bed the Sierra's ride quality is fairly stiff, but the suspension does a good job soaking up large imperfections in the road," reports Cars.com, adding that "reasonably precise steering response gives the driver much appreciated confidence when driving at highway speeds." However, this source warns that the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's "brakes are less praiseworthy." While "they don't have any trouble stopping this rig...the pedal itself doesn't offer much sensation."

Edmunds considers this GMC 2008 model "a very comfortable and easy truck to drive," despite the fact that it is "hampered by a slightly larger turning circle than most other trucks." ConsumerGuide observes "noticeable body lean in fast turns and quick changes of direction" but acknowledges "the steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb." Kelley Blue Book finds it "surprisingly nimble and easy to maneuver."

Conclusion: The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 meets most towing and hauling needs, with a bit of wind at its back thanks to ample V-8 power.

2008 GMC SIERRA 1500 COMFORT AND QUALITY | [7 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "pleasant"
Cars.com: "I was expecting it to be a little more spacious and comfortable"
ConsumerGuide: "Generous headroom. Legroom is ample in the crew cab"
Edmunds: "mediocre interior storage and cupholders"

TheCarConnection.com sees mixed reactions to the GMC 2008 Sierra 1500 in terms of comfort and quality.

Despite the size of this GMC 2008 model's club cab, Cars.com "was expecting it to be a little more spacious and comfortable." While this source reports "good headroom," the reviewer's legs "were touching the back of the front seat," and complains that "the rather upright backrest isn't very comfortable."

ConsumerGuide also says that while the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's "legroom is ample in the crew cab" front seats, it is in "short supply" in the back. All reviews, however, rave about the exquisite front cab seating; "you sink into the cushy seats," according to Cars.com, and Edmunds reports that the "seats are comfortable for long drives."

Cars.com details "a variety of cargo box lengths," ranging from 5.3 to 8.1 feet in length. Interior cargo space is a mixed bag; ConsumerGuide reports that the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's "rear seat cushion flips back against the seatback, leaving a large cargo area with a nearly flat floor." The Pure Pickup option offers "upper and lower gloveboxes," while "bucket seats come with a roomy console bin," and "the bench seat is available with a flip-down center armrest that doubles as a large storage bin." However, there "are few other interior storage cubbies"; Edmunds complains about "mediocre interior storage and cupholders."

There are few such complaints about this GMC 2008 model's interior fit and finish, however; the Car and Driver reviewer comments that it "surprises us just how pleasant the interiors of GM's full-size pickups have become." Cars.com reports that "vinyl seating surfaces are standard," but the SLT trim is "equipped with leather seats finished in a two-tone color scheme that's part of the All Terrain package." ConsumerGuide attests that "gauges are easy to see and read," and "interior materials are better than expected of a work-oriented truck." Edmunds praises the interior's "tight build quality."

Consumer Guide reports that "road noise in Sierra is lower than in most pickups...wind noise intrudes only above 60 mph." Edmunds describes it as a "refined and very quiet ride"

Conclusion: The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 offers high levels of comfort and quietness, though the rear seats could be better.

2008 GMC SIERRA 1500 SAFETY | [8 out of 10]

NHTSA: Five stars, front impact protection; five stars, side impact; four stars, rollover resistance
Car and Driver: "Side curtain airbags are optional."
ConsumerGuide: "Visibility is generally good"

The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 earns superior marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At the time of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested the GMC 2008 Sierra 1500.

Car and Driver reports "four-wheel antilock brakes and an electronic stability system" as standard offerings on this GMC's 2008 model. ConsumerGuide reports additional standard safety equipment that includes "dual front airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor (for the Crew Cab only), tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights." It is a concern that "Side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals are optional on most models" of the GMC 2008 Sierra 1500, according to Edmunds.

ConsumerGuide says that the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500's "visibility is generally good, though the extended cab's thick rear pillars hinder view to back corners."

Conclusion: The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 is definitely one of the safer trucks on the road today.

2008 GMC SIERRA 1500 FEATURES | [8 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "many choices"
ConsumerGuide: "among the best large pickup trucks for available features"
Kelley Blue Book: "multiplicity of trim levels...allow you to fine-tune your Sierra"

TheCarConnection.com notes that the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 comes in many different trim levels, each with their own features available.

Cars.com notes there are "many choices" when it comes to the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500; available trims are Work, SL, SLE1, SLE2, SLT, and Denali. According to Kelley Blue Book, the "multiplicity of trim levels...allow you to fine-tune your Sierra."

According to ConsumerGuide, standard equipment offered for this GMC 2008 model's base trim include "Air conditioning, OnStar system w/one year service, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, folding rear seat, split folding rear seat, rear-hinged rear doors, front-hinged rear doors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, intermittent wipers, cargo-box light, automatic headlights, [and] vinyl floor covering," with most of these offered with either the Extended Cab or the Club Cab.

Optional features, according to ConsumerGuide, include "Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals [and] remote engine start." Kelley Blue Book reports that GMC 2008 Sierra 1500 "SLT models include standard leather seats, the 'luxury' instrument panel, 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, six-disc audio system with Bose speakers and heated windshield washer system" as well as five different suspension options, "each tailored to suit specific driving requirements."

ConsumerGuide says that the GMC 2008 Sierra 1500 is "among the best large pickup trucks for refinement and available features," advising that "any truck buyer would be well-advised to give these recommended picks a long, hard look."

Conclusion: The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 offers so many trim levels and choices, it can baffle the average shopper.