2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500 ▼
- Price Range: $9,700 - $30,200
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Pros
- Seat comfort
- Transmission operation
- Brake performance
- Quietness (for a truck)
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Steering/handling
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 2007 like the similar Chevrolet Silverado, GMC's Sierra full-size pickup truck got fresh styling, more power, and new features. Temporarily, at least, the new model sold alongside the Sierra Classic, which was a carryover of the previous (1999-2006) design. Chevrolet offered a similar Classic model in 2007. Unchanged in wheelbase, the redesigned Sierras measured 3 inches longer overall and 1.5 inches wider. Regular, extended-cab, and crew cab body styles returned. Extended-cabs had rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts, but they opened wider than before. Extended and crew cabs included a three-person rear bench seat, and were available with either front bucket seats or a bench. Regular-cab models could be equipped with either a 6.5- or 8.1-foot cargo bed. Crew cabs had a 5.8-foot bed. Extended-cabs came in all three bed lengths. Two distinct interiors were offered, called "Pure Pickup" and "Luxury Inspired." Available engines, depending on cab and bed configurations, were a 195-hp V6, or V8s rated at 295, 315, and 367 hp. All V8s gained power for 2007. Some engines were capable of running on E85 (an ethanol/gasoline blend) and features GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard; manual shift no longer was offered. Rear-wheel drive was standard. Two four-wheel-drive systems were available: a basic setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that could handle dry surfaces. Both 4WD systems included low-range gearing. Sierras were offered in Work Truck, SLE, and SLT trim levels that corresponded to similar versions of Chevrolet's Silverado. Unique to GMC was the top-line Sierra Denali crew cab, which came with rear-drive or all-wheel drive and a 403-hp V8, six-speed automatic transmission, distinct trim, and additional standard features. Four suspensions were available: Z83 and Z85 for ride comfort, Z60 street-performance for maximum handling capabilities, and Z71 for off-roading. Standard on all models were ABS and, for 2007, GM's OnStar assistance. Curtain side airbags, traction control, and an antiskid system with rollover sensors were newly available on selected models. Other new options included a power-sliding rear window, remote engine start, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, rear-obstacle detection, and power rear-side windows for extended cabs. GMC competed against the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra as well as Chevrolet's Silverado.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Sierra 1500 4WD crew-cab w/5.3 V8, Z85 susp. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
GMC's redesigned-for-2007 Sierra and the similar Chevrolet Silverado are among the best large pickup trucks for refinement and available features. Any truck buyer, new or used, would be well-advised to give these Recommended picks a long, hard look.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Sierra 1500 4WD crew-cab w/5.3 V8, Z85 susp. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,000 |
| Alternator | $600 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,900 |
| Brakes | $850 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $1,350 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,950 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,000 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Crew Cab 1500 2WD | $17,000-25,000 | $15,600-23,000 | $10,900-16,000 |
| Crew Cab 1500 4WD | $20,500-28,500 | $18,900-26,200 | $13,300-18,500 |
| Denali Crew Cab 2WD | $26,500-29,000 | $24,600-27,000 | $17,500-19,100 |
| Denali Crew Cab 4WD | $29,500-32,500 | $27,400-30,200 | $20,400-22,400 |
| Sierra 1500 2WD | $14,000-23,000 | $12,700-20,900 | $8,500-14,000 |
| Sierra 1500 4WD | $17,500-25,000 | $16,100-23,000 | $11,200-16,000 |
| 2007 | |||
| Crew Cab 1500 2WD | $14,800-20,500 | $13,500-18,700 | $9,300-12,900 |
| Crew Cab 1500 4WD | $17,800-23,500 | $16,400-21,600 | $11,400-15,000 |
| Denali Crew Cab 2WD | $23,500-25,500 | $21,600-23,500 | $15,300-16,600 |
| Denali Crew Cab 4WD | $26,000-28,000 | $24,200-26,000 | $17,200-18,500 |
| Sierra 1500 2WD | $11,000-19,000 | $9,900-17,100 | $5,900-10,300 |
| Sierra 1500 4WD | $13,500-21,500 | $12,300-19,600 | $8,000-12,700 |
| Sierra Classic 2WD | $10,800-19,200 | $9,700-17,300 | $5,800-10,400 |
| Sierra Classic 4WD | $13,800-22,000 | $12,600-20,000 | $8,300-13,200 |
| Sierra Classic Hybrid | $14,700-17,000 | $13,400-15,500 | $9,100-10,500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab | ext. cab (5.8-ft. bed) | reg. cab long bed (8.1-ft bed) | reg. cab short bed (6.5-ft. bed) |
| Wheelbase, in. | 143.5 | 133.9 | 133.0 | 119.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 230.2 | 220.6 | 224.6 | 205.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 80.0 | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.8 | 73.8 | 73.7 | 73.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5142 | 4864 | 4588 | 4448 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 2039 | 1829 | 1812 | 1952 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | 26.0 | 34.0 | 26.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.2 | 41.2 | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.5 | 39.2 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.7 | 34.3 | -- | -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V81 | 6.0 / 364 | 367 | 375 | 4-speed automatic: 13/18 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V61 | 4.3 / 262 | 195 | 260 | 4-speed automatic: 15/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V81 | 4.8 / 293 | 295 | 305 | 4-speed automatic: 14/19 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V81 | 5.3 / 325 | 315 | 338 | 4-speed automatic: 15/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V81 | 6.2 / 376 | 403 | 415 | 6-speed automatic: 12/19 | 6-speed automatic: 15.1 |
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1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models with 2WD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.








