Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
Added standard features and introduction of a light-duty Crew Cab highlight 2004 for GMC's version of GM's full-size pickups. Sierra shares its design with the Chevrolet Silverado. This report covers the half-ton 1500-series models. They offer regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Crew cabs have four conventional doors. Both include a 3-person rear bench seat. Extendeds and crew cabs offer front bucket seats vs. a bench. Regulars and extendeds are available with conventional 6.6- and 8.0-ft Fleetside cargo beds or a 6.6-ft flare-fender Sportside box.

The new half-ton Crew Cab has a shorter bed than the previous 1500 Heavy Duty Crew Cab, which for '04 is redesignated as a 2500-series model. The new 1500 Crew Cab uses a new 5.8-ft cargo box and is virtually the same length overall as the extended-cab short-bed model.

Sierra comes in Work, base, SLE, and SLT trim. The flagship Sierra Denali is a luxury/performance extended cab with all-wheel drive. Other Sierras come with rear-wheel drive with optional traction control or with one of two 4WD systems. The base 4WD setup must be disengaged on dry pavement. Optional Autotrac 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement. Unlike Denali's AWD, the 4WD systems include low-range gearing. GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering is standard on Denali and available on other Sierra extendeds. It provides a tighter turning radius at low speed and is designed to aid stability at high speed or when towing. A special flare-fender short box is included with Quadrasteer. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Available is a ride-control suspension with two levels of shock-absorber firmness to suit road or load.

Regular and extended Sierras have a 4.3-liter V6 and offer 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8s. The new light-duty Crew Cab will use the 5.3 V8. Denali has a 6.0-liter V8. Crews and extendeds include automatic transmission with GM's Tow/Haul mode. Regulars offer manual transmission or optional automatic.

For 2004, base models gain standard chrome exterior trim and cruise control, SLEs now come with fog lamps, and extendeds offer optional rear under-seat storage. Satellite radio is optional on SLE, SLT, and Denali, and rear DVD entertainment is optional for Crew Cabs. Sierra's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Silverados.





News
As promised, Sierra adds a fuel-saving hybrid powertrain for 2005. It's restricted to a lone half-ton 2WD Crew Cab logically called GMC Sierra Hybrid Truck. A similar Chevy Silverado will also be available starting in fall 2004. A so-called "mild hybrid" system uses an electric motor as a starter/generator and to assist a gasoline V8 in full-throttle acceleration, but doesn't run the truck on electricity alone. However, the 42-volt electrical system runs electrohydraulic power steering and two 120-volt outlets in the bed; it also allows running the climate system with the engine stopped. The starter/generator temporarily shuts down the engine on coming to a stop and provides near-instantaneous restarts on applying the throttle. GM projects 10-15 percent better fuel economy for EPA ratings of 18 city, 23 highway. The '05 hybrid is said to cost $2500-$3000 more than a comparably equipped conventional model.

A "strong hybrid" system will part of Sierra's full redesign for 2007. Here, a pair of 40-hp motors and a 300-volt battery pack team with a 5.3-liter gasoline V8 boasting GM's Displacement on Demand technology. DOD is designed to shut down four of the eight cylinders as a further fuel-saver in highway cruising and other light-throttle driving. Unlike the interim "mild hybrid," this system should allow driving on electricity, gasoline or both. GM expects an economy jump of 30-35 percent for EPA city mileage of around 20 mpg.

The coming redesign affects all of GM's full-size pickups and SUVs. Sierra styling may differ more from Silverado's than has been the case. Powerteams will likely be updated with DOD and perhaps more displacement for some engines.
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Towing/Hauling (V8s) Fuel economy
Instruments/controls Ride
Autotrac (full-time) 4WD Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
4 5 6 7 4.6

The V6 doesn't cut it, but V8s have good power for most situations. Automatic transmission is alert and fuss-free, and its Tow/Haul mode optimizes performance with heavy loads. Denali's muscular 325-hp V8 delivers quick standing starts, swift passing. We have not yet tested the new 1500-series Crew Cab.
Fuel Economy

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
3 3 3 2 2.3

Test 4WD extendeds with 5.3 V8 and automatic transmission averaged 13.7-16.2 mpg. Test Denalis averaged 13.3-14.5 mpg in city/highway mix. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
3 4 4 4 3.9

Generally softer than Ford F-150, though still stiff and bouncy on uneven surfaces. As with any pickup, the tail will stutter some over bumps with an empty bed.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
3 3 3 6 3.4

All models show fine overall balance, though steering feels rather lifeless. Traction control and Autotrac 4WD are both important aids on even moderately slick surfaces. Quadrasteer gives carlike maneuvering ease, especially in tight spots, and enhances high-speed tracking and towing stability.
Quietness

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
5 5 5 5 4.5

Road, wind, and engine noise are unobjectionable and slightly lower than in comparable F-150s.
Controls

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.6

Clear instruments. Controls conveniently placed, movement pleasingly smooth. Windshield wipers operate via turn-signal lever; a separate control would be better. Only GM furnishes an engine-hour meter to supplement the usual odometer.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
7 9 9 9 8.3

Tall and wide, with lots of seat travel and backrest recline even in regular cabs. Supportive seats have integrated safety belts that are always comfortably positioned and easy to reach.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
0 5 5 5 4.5

Good leg clearance and comfortably angled seatback make GM's extended cabs the most accommodating among full-size pickups. Crew Cab passenger compartment identical to 2500-series Crew Cab; it's spacious and comfortable, a good match for F-150 SuperCrew and better than Dodge Ram Quad Cab.
Cargo Room

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
1 5 5 5 4.7

Extended and crew cabs have ample inside storage with rear bench seat folded up.
Value within Class

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
7 9 10 7 7.1

Sierra and its Silverado cousin boast top-flight powertrains, cabs and beds to fit most any need, hospitable interiors, and the advantage of 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. And no other big pickups offer 4-wheel steering. Factor in competitive pricing, and these Chevy and GMC trucks are easy Best Buys.
Total Score

2WD V6 Base reg. cab 2WD 4.8 V8 Base ext. cab 4WD 5.3 V8 SLT ext. cab Sierra Denali Class Average
40 55 57 57 49.9
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
38
Average Score
49
High Score
62
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/01/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD V6 Work regular cab, short bed $19,545 $17,688 $850
2WD V6 Work regular cab, long bed $19,645 $17,779 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Work regular cab, short bed $24,685 $22,340 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Work regular cab, long bed $24,785 $22,430 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 Work extended cab, short bed $24,545 $21,477 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 Work extended cab, long bed $26,245 $22,964 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Work extended cab, short bed $28,050 $24,544 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 Work extended cab, long bed $29,250 $25,594 $850
2WD V6 Base regular cab, short bed $21,180 $19,168 $850
2WD V6 Base regular cab, long bed $21,480 $19,439 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Base regular cab, short bed $26,320 $23,820 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Base regular cab, long bed $26,620 $24,091 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 Base extended cab, short bed $26,975 $23,603 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 Base extended cab, long bed $27,975 $24,478 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Base extended cab, short bed $29,780 $26,058 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 Base extended cab, long bed $30,980 $27,108 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 SLE regular cab, short bed $25,725 $22,509 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 SLE regular cab, long bed $26,025 $22,772 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 SLE regular cab, short bed $28,980 $25,358 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 SLE regular cab, long bed $29,280 $25,620 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 SLE extended cab, short bed $28,440 $24,885 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 SLE extended cab, long bed $29,640 $25,935 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 SLE extended cab, short bed $31,545 $27,602 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 SLE extended cab, long bed $32,745 $28,652 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 SLE Crew Cab, short bed $30,940 $27,073 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 SLE Crew Cab, short bed $34,445 $30,139 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 SLT extended cab, short bed $33,238 $29,083 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 SLT extended cab, long bed $33,535 $29,343 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 SLT extended cab, short bed $36,635 $32,056 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 SLT extended cab, long bed $36,935 $32,318 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 SLT Crew Cab, short bed $34,805 $30,454 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 SLT Crew Cab, short bed $38,310 $33,521 $850
AWD 6.0 V8 Denali extended cab, short bed $41,905 $36,667 $850
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Work
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 engine (regular cab), 4.8-liter V8 engine (extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed), 5-speed manual transmission (regular cab), 4-speed automatic transmission (extended cab).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (extended cab), rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, passenger-side visor mirror, map light, cargo-box light, intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper, Wideside body.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, P235/75R16 tires, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.8-liter V8 engine (regular cab, extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 (extended-cab long bed), 4-speed automatic transmission, P245/75R16 tires.
Base adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 4.8-liter V8 engine (regular cab, extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed), P245/75R16 tires.
SLE adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine (regular cab, extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed, Crew Cab), 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, split folding rear seat (Crew Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear deep-tinted glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P255/70R16 tires (regular cab, extended cab), P255/75R16 tires (Crew Cab), alloy wheels (Crew Cab), 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac transfer case, 2-speed transfer case, P245/75R16 tires (regular cab, extended cab), P265/70R17 white-letter tires (Crew Cab), polished alloy wheels (Crew Cab).
SLT adds SLE:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, dual-zone automatic climate controls, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors w/turn signals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac transfer case, 2-speed transfer case, P245/75R16 tires (extended cab), P265/70R17 white-letter tires (Crew Cab), polished alloy wheels (Crew Cab).
Denali adds to SLT:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-wheel steering, heated front bucket seats, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Color-keyed bumpers, soft tonneau cover, chrome tubular side steps, roof marker lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow-hitch platform, 6-wire harness, manual ride-control suspension, P265/70R17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Work Preferred Equipment Group 1SW
Work regular cab (credit)
$-1,000
$-860
Standard equipment. NA w/5.3-liter V8 engine.
Safe and Sound Pkg. w/Cassette/CD
SLE extended cab
$2,485
$2,137
SLT extended cab
$125
$108
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), Bose sound system, steering-wheel radio controls, 6-way power front bucket seats, center console.
Safe and Sound Pkg. w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE extended cab
$2,685
$2,309
SLT extended cab
$325
$280
Safe and Sound Pkg. w/AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Limited Appearance Pkg.
2WD SLE/SLT extended cab
$2,995
$2,576
High Performance Suspension, P275/55R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires Light Duty Power Pkg. SLE requires 5.3-liter V8 engine. NA w/Sportside body, long bed, traction control.
4-Wheel Quadrasteer Steering Pkg.
2WD SLE/SLT extended-cab short bed
$1,995
$1,716
4-wheel steering, limited-slip differential, heavy-duty brakes, redesigned bed w/flared fenders, roof marker lights, ZX3 2-position manual-control suspension, heavy-duty alternator. SLE requires 5.3-liter V8 engine.
Light-Duty Power Pkg.
2WD Work/Base regular cab
$2,370
$2,038
4WD Work/Base regular cab, SLE regular cab, Work/Base/SLE extended-cab short bed
$1,675
$1,441
Work/Base/SLE extended-cab long bed, 2WD SLT
$625
$538
4WD SLE extended-cab short bed w/Off-Road Pkg.
$1,380
$1,187
4WD SLE extended-cab long bed w/Off-Road Pkg., 4WD SLT
$330
$284
5.3-liter V8 engine, limited-slip differential, Trailering Equipment Pkg. Work, Base require Heavy-Duty Handling/Trailering Suspension Pkg. 4WD SLT requires Off-Road Pkg. NA w/4-Wheel Quadrasteer Steering Pkg.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD regular cab automatic
$405
$348
4WD reg. cab automatic w/Trailering Equipment
$285
$245
4WD regular cab manual transmission
$310
$267
Larger front springs, heavy-duty automatic-transmission cooler, heavy-duty alternator, electrical supply/connections and mounting equipment, emergency lights, skid plates. NA w/ride-control suspension.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
4WD SLE/SLT
$300
$258
4WD SLE/SLT w/Trailering Equipment
$275
$237
Includes larger springs and shock absorbers, jounce bumpers, stabilizer bars, skid plates, high-capacity air cleaner. Requires optional on/off-road or all-terrain tires.
PDL Off-Road Pkg.
4WD SLE/SLT extended cab
$820
$705
4WD SLE/SLT extended cab w/Trailering Equipment Pkg.
$795
$684
Crew Cab
$595
$512
Crew Cab w/Trailering Equipment Pkg.
$570
$490
Off-Road Suspension Pkg. plus limited-slip differential, alloy wheels (extended cab). Extended cab requires optional on/off-road or all-terrain tires.
PDL Off-Road Pkg. w/Polished Alloy Wheels
4WD SLE/SLT extended cab
$870
$748
4WD SLE/SLT extended cab w/Trailering Equipment Pkg.
$845
$727
Off-Road Suspension Pkg. plus limited-slip differential, polished alloy wheels. Requires optional on/off-road or all-terrain tires.
Trailering Equipment Pkg.
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$330
$284
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire trailering harness, heavy-duty auxiliary transmission-oil cooler, high-capacity air cleaner. Requires 4.8-liter or 5.3-liter V8 engines and automatic transmission. Base, Work require Heavy-Duty Handling/Trailering Suspension Pkg. NA w/Smooth Ride Suspension. Std. Denali.
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 engine
4WD Work/Base regular cab, 2WD Work/Base extended-cab short bed (credit)
$-945
$-813
4.8-liter V8 engine
2WD Work/Base regular cab
$945
$813
extended-cab Work/Base/SLE long bed (credit)
$-1,050
$-903
5.3-liter V8 engine
2WD Work/Base regular cab
$1,745
$1,501
4WD regular cab, SLE regular cab, extended-cab short bed
$1,050
$903
2WD Work/Base regular cab require automatic transmission. NA Denali. Std. SLT.
5-speed manual transmission
2WD Work/Base regular cab
$0
$0
4WD Work/Base regular cab (credit)
$-1,095
$-942
Requires 4.3-liter V6 engine or 4.8-liter V8 engine.
4-speed automatic transmission
2WD Work/Base regular cab
$1,095
$942
Traction control
2WD Base/SLE/SLT
$225
$194
Requires V8 engine, limited-slip differential.
Limited-slip differential
Work, Base, SLE, SLT
$295
$254
Special axle ratio
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$50
$43
NA Denali. Requires 4.8-liter or 5.3-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
SLE
$695
$598
Includes one-year service. Requires steering-wheel radio controls.
Air conditioning delete
Work regular cab (credit)
$-870
$-748
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
SLE extended cab/Crew Cab
$195
$168
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Crew Cab
$1,295
$1,114
SLE requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, optional radio.
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$255
$219
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLE
$100
$86
SLE extended cab/Crew Cab w/bucket seats
$595
$512
SLT (credit)
$-200
$-172
Includes Bose sound system w/bucket seats.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE
$795
$684
Includes Bose sound system. Requires bucket seats. NA regular cab.
Satellite radio
SLE, SLT, Denali
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee.
Steering-wheel radio controls
SLE
$125
$108
Rear under-seat storage
extended cab
$295
$254
Bucket seats
SLE extended cab
$870
$748
SLE Crew Cab
$1,035
$890
Includes 6-way power driver seat. Crew Cab includes rear radio controls. Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Bucket seats w/leather upholstery
SLE extended cab
$1,670
$1,436
SLE Crew Cab
$1,835
$1,578
Includes 6-way power driver seat. Crew cab includes rear radio controls. Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
6-way power driver seat
SLE
$240
$206
Leather upholstery
SLE extended cab/Crew Cab
$1,040
$894
Cloth upholstery
Work
$282
$243
Vinyl upholstery
Base (credit)
$-282
$-243
Requires carpet delete.
Power-folding mirrors
SLE
$213
$183
Includes turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid.
Heated power camper mirrors
SLE
$238
$205
SLT
$55
$47
Includes turn signals. NA Crew Cab.
Rear defogger
Base
$175
$151
Cruise control
Work
$240
$206
Power door locks
Base
$162
$139
Carpeting delete
Base, SLE (credit)
$-100
$-86
NA Crew Cab.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sportside body
short bed
$795
$684
NA Crew Cab, Work, Denali, w/4-Wheel Quadrasteer Steering Pkg.
Pickup box top rail protectors
Base, Denali, SLE, SLT, Work
$119
$102
NA w/Sportside body, Crew Cab.
Bed extender
Base, Denali, SLE, SLT, Work
$210
$181
NA w/Sportside body.
Soft tonneau cover
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$280
$241
Std. Denali.
Hard tonneau cover
Base, SLE, SLT, Work
$680
$585
NA Denali.
Chrome rear step bumper
Work
$100
$86
Side steps
Crew Cab
$395
$340
Tubular side steps
regular cab
$389
$335
extended cab
$412
$354
Crew Cab
$435
$374
NA Denali.
Chrome tubular side steps
regular cab
$425
$366
extended cab
$450
$387
Crew Cab
$495
$426