1990-1998 GMC Sierra Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation GMC Sierra. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation GMC Sierra.

1990-1998 GMC Sierra Review

GMC's Sierra and the nearly identical Chevrolet C/Ks had been redone as early 1988 models, in three series: 1500 (1/2 ton), 2500 (3/4 ton), and 3500 (1-ton). C pickups were 2-wheel drive; K indicated Insta-Trac part-time 4WD. Models without flared rear fenders were called Wideside, models with flared rear fenders Sportside. The short-bed had a 117.5-inch wheelbase and 6.5-foot bed. Long-bed trucks rode a 131.5-inch wheelbase with 8-foot bed. Extended-cab models had a 141.5-inch wheelbase with 6.5-foot bed, or a 155.5-inch wheelbase with 8-foot bed.The 6-passenger extended-cab (2500 only) had two full-width bench seats. A folding bench was available in other extended-cabs. Others got a 3-place bench seat or two buckets. Base engine was a 4.3-liter V6, making 160 horsepower. Options included 5.0- and 5.7-liter gasoline V8s, and a 6.2-liter diesel. All models had antilock rear brakes, and either manual shift or an automatic transmission.

Year to Year Changes

1991 GMC Sierra: A substantially revised 7.4-liter V8 could now be mated to an automatic transmission. Front bucket seats and a new gauge cluster while a tachometer joined the option list.

1992 GMC Sierra: A flare-fendered cargo box became available on extended-cab models for '92. No more 4-speed manual gearboxes were installed.

1993 GMC Sierra: Sierra's new automatic transmission gained electronic controls. A passenger seatback recliner was added to 40/60 split bench seats and low-back buckets. All windows now had tinted glass.

1994 GMC Sierra: Grilles earned modest revision as new door guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp were installed. Two 6.5-liter diesel V8s joined the option list: a normally aspirated version rated 155 horsepower, and a 180-horsepower turbodiesel.

1995 GMC Sierra: A driver-side airbag went into a revised interior, and 4-wheel antilock braking was installed on all models. The new dashboard featured cupholders and rotary climate controls.

1996 GMC Sierra: Vortec engines arrived in '96, delivering more power. The new 4.3-liter V6 gained 40 horsepower (reaching 200). The 5.0-liter V8 gained 45 horsepower, the 5.7-liter added 50 horses, and the 7.4-liter V8 gained 60 horsepower (now 290). The heavy-duty 5.7-liter V8 now was rated 245 horsepower (up 65). An optional rear side door (on the passenger side) was available only on the C/K 1500 series Club Coupe short-bed SLE and SLT. It cannot be used unless the front door has been opened.

1997 GMC Sierra: A passenger-side airbag went into all 1500 models and the rear-drive 2500 series. A dashboard switch could shut off the airbag if a rear-facing infant seat was installed.

1998 GMC Sierra: Sierra saw only modest changes for 1998, and a new model was released in '99.

1990-1998 GMC Sierra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes (later models)	Fuel economy

Acceleration (V8)	Climate controls (early)

Trailer-towing capability	Ride

Visibility	Noise

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

We're wary of trying much work with the base V6. A 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 is more appropriate for rugged duty, and better suited for automatic. The 5.7-liter V8 feels livelier, furnishing a stronger kick in low-speed acceleration and highway passing. In fact, it's our favorite Sierra engine. All V8s guzzle; expect under 15 mpg in urban driving. Ride quality suffers when the cargo box is empty, and is less pleasing in models with higher payload ratings. The latest Ford F-150, redesigned for '97, rides better. Sadly, unladen stopping distance from 60 mph averaged over 200 feet. And, despite standard antilock braking, rear-wheel lockup was difficult to avoid. Forward visibility is good from a wide, spacious-feeling cab with ample room for even the largest occupants. Early heat/vent controls are complicated, but otherwise, the dashboard is neat and functional. The glovebox is tiny, but optional bucket seats came with a console that included a storage bin. The optional rear door on late models requires a V8, automatic, and SLE or SLT package. Regular-cab models don't offer much room for reclining the seatback or storing items behind the seat, so they trail the latest Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 in that area. The rear seat in extended-cab models is wide, but the seatback is uncomfortably vertical, and knee room is tight.

Value for the Money
GM, Ford, and Dodge are closely matched in powertrain, body style, trim, and payload choices. Therefore, many buying decisions boil down to personal preference. Before deciding, be sure to try all three.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

GMC Sierra 1500 5.0-liter ext. cab	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	5

Total:	34

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1998 GMC Sierra Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: Transmission binds in reverse, upshifts harshly, fails to upshift when hot, or sticks in first gear. (1990-91)

Automatic transmission: 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)

Climate control: The temperature control lever may slide from hot to cold, usually when the blower is on high speed. (1992-94)

Cruise control: The cruise control cuts out and won't reset because the cruise control module is too sensitive to vibrations at the brake pedal. (1994-95)

Dashboard lights: The oil pressure gauge may read high, move erratically, or not work because the oil pressure sensor is defective. (1990-93)

Engine knock: Continued engine knock on 4.3-liter engines during acceleration or climbing a grade has been addressed by at least 15 PROM revisions due to carbon buildup on the pistons. (1992)

Engine noise: Engine knock in gasoline engines is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve, but if this does not fix it, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings. (1990-95)

Engine noise: The exhaust valves on 4.3-, 5.0-, or 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. (1990-98)

Transmission leak: Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$560

Alternator	$378

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$725

Brakes	$230

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$595

Exhaust System	$420

Radiator	$350

Shocks and/or Struts	$335

Timing Chain or Belt	$210

NHTSA Recall History

1990 diesel: Fuel lines can contact automatic-transmission linkage shaft or propshaft.

1990-1992: Brake-pedal bolt could disengage.

1994: Brake-pedal retainer may be missing or mispositioned.

1994: Brake-switch contacts can wear prematurely; may result in loss of brake lights without warning.

1994: Some driver's seats could loosen.

1994-95: Extended C10/15 with high-back buckets or 60/40 bench: Seatback might recline suddenly.

1994-96 C15: Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.

1995: Steering-column nut could detach.

1995-96 w/gas engine: Throttle cable may contact dash mat and bind.

1995-98 C15 crew-cab: Front inner corner of fuel tank can contact body sill, wearing a hole in or cracking the tank; can result in fuel leakage.

1996 C-10/15 w/7.4-liter engine: Fuel may leak.

1996: Rear-axle U-bolts could loosen and eventually fall off.

1996: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1997 C-15/25: One or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed; seat will not protect occupant properly in the event of a crash.

1998 C10753 extended-cab: Rear brake line can contact left front fender wheelhouse inner panel; a hole could be worn in brake line, allowing loss of fluid and reducing rear brake effectiveness.

1998 extended-cab and 4-door utility: Steering-gear bolt can loosen and fall out, resulting in separation of shaft from gear.

1998: On some trucks, one or both front brake rotor/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.

1990-1998 GMC Sierra Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Sierra 1500 2WD	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200
Sierra 1500 4WD	$1,600-2,300	$1,100-1,500	$200-300
Sierra 2500 2WD	$1,500-2,100	$1,000-1,400	$200-300
Sierra 2500 4WD	$1,700-2,400	$1,100-1,600	$300-400

1991
Sierra 1500 2WD	$1,500-2,100	$1,000-1,400	$200-300
Sierra 1500 4WD	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400
Sierra 2500 2WD	$1,600-2,300	$1,100-1,500	$200-300
Sierra 2500 4WD	$2,000-2,700	$1,400-1,900	$300-500

1992
Sierra 1500 2WD	$1,700-2,400	$1,100-1,600	$300-400
Sierra 1500 4WD	$2,200-3,000	$1,600-2,100	$400-600
Sierra 2500 2WD	$1,800-2,600	$1,200-1,800	$300-400
Sierra 2500 4WD	$2,500-3,200	$1,800-2,300	$500-700

1993
Sierra 1500 2WD	$1,900-3,100	$1,300-2,100	$300-500
Sierra 1500 4WD	$2,600-3,800	$1,900-2,800	$500-800
Sierra 2500 2WD	$2,400-3,200	$1,700-2,300	$500-600
Sierra 2500 4WD	$3,100-3,900	$2,400-3,000	$700-900

1994
Sierra 1500 2WD	$2,200-3,600	$1,600-2,600	$400-700
Sierra 1500 4WD	$2,900-4,400	$2,200-3,300	$700-1,000
Sierra 2500 2WD	$2,800-3,800	$2,100-2,900	$600-800
Sierra 2500 4WD	$3,600-4,500	$2,900-3,600	$1,000-1,300

1995
Sierra 1500 2WD	$2,500-4,500	$1,800-3,300	$500-900
Sierra 1500 4WD	$3,300-5,500	$2,600-4,300	$800-1,400
Sierra 2500 2WD	$3,200-4,600	$2,500-3,600	$800-1,200
Sierra 2500 4WD	$4,000-5,600	$3,300-4,600	$1,300-1,800

1996
Sierra 1500 2WD	$2,900-5,300	$2,200-4,000	$700-1,200
Sierra 1500 4WD	$4,000-6,600	$3,300-5,400	$1,300-2,100
Sierra 2500 2WD	$4,000-5,400	$3,300-4,400	$1,300-1,700
Sierra 2500 4WD	$5,100-6,500	$4,300-5,500	$2,000-2,600

1997
Sierra 1500 2WD	$3,300-6,000	$2,600-4,700	$800-1,500
Sierra 1500 4WD	$4,600-7,200	$3,900-6,000	$1,700-2,700
Sierra 2500 2WD	$4,400-6,100	$3,700-5,100	$1,500-2,100
Sierra 2500 4WD	$5,600-7,500	$4,800-6,500	$2,300-3,100

1998
Sierra 1500 2WD	$3,900-6,700	$3,200-5,500	$1,200-2,100
Sierra 1500 4WD	$5,200-8,000	$4,400-6,800	$2,100-3,200
Sierra 2500 2WD	$4,700-6,800	$3,900-5,700	$1,800-2,600
Sierra 2500 4WD	$6,000-8,200	$5,200-7,100	$2,500-3,400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1998 GMC Sierra Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	ext. cab long bed	ext. cab short bed	reg. cab long bed	reg. cab short bed

Wheelbase, in.	155.5	141.5	131.5	117.5

Overall Length, in.	237.1	218.4	213.4	194.5

Overall Width, in.	76.8	76.8	76.8	76.8

Overall Height, in.	74.9	70.4	70.4	70.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	7387	4140	4001	3849

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	5040	3260	5380	2410

Fuel Capacity, gals.	34.0	34.0	34.0	25.0

Seating Capacity	6	6	3	3

Front Head Room, in.	40.0	40.0	40.0	40.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7	41.7	41.7	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	37.5	37.5	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.8	34.8	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Base engine in most models was a 4.3-liter V6, rated at 160 horsepower. Three gasoline engines were available: 5.0, 5.7, and 7.4 liters, making 175, 210, and 230 horsepower, respectively. The 7.4-liter V8 was limited to heavy-duty C/K 2500 models. Also available: a 6.2-liter diesel, at 140 horsepower. The 4.3 V6 gained five horsepower for 1993. A C/K 2500 rated over 8500 pounds GVW could have a heavy-duty V6 with slightly less power, modified for hard use. By 1994, twin 6.5-liter diesels ousted the prior 6.2-liter, available with or without turbocharging. Horsepower got a big boost for '96, as V6 and V8 engines adopted a Vortec designation. The normally aspirated diesel disappeared, but the turbodiesel remained available. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard on most models, though earlier examples might have a 4-speed. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional. Insta-Trac part-time 4WD had automatic-locking hubs and shift-on-the-fly capability.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	160-200	235-255	4-speed manual: 18/20 5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 17/22	4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V8	5.0 / 305	175-230	270-285	5-speed manual: 15/20 4-speed automatic: 15/19	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.5

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	200-255	300-335	4-speed manual: 13/16 5-speed manual: 14/20 4-speed automatic: 15/19	4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 13

ohv V8	7.4 / 454	230-290	285-410	4-speed automatic: 10/12	4-speed automatic: --

Diesel ohv V8	6.2 / 379	140	255	4-speed manual: 19/21 4-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Diesel ohv V8	6.5 / 400	155	255	5-speed manual: 19/23 4-speed automatic: 17/22	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Turbodiesel ohv V8	6.5 / 400	180-190	360	4-speed automatic: 16/21	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1998 Sierra 1500

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Canada, USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1998 GMC Sierra Review:

GMC Sierra

GMC Sierra Road Test

GMC Sierra Reliability

GMC Sierra Prices

GMC Sierra Specs & Safety

GMC Sierra Photos

GMC Sierra Full Review