1990-1998 GMC Sierra - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	GMC Sierra 1500 5.0-liter ext. cab Rating (See All Ratings)

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 Score:	34

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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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 >

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