  GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
Review by Justin Pritchard
Vehicle Type: Full-size Pickup
History/Description: The all-new, direct-injected and high-tech GM pickups, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado are hitting dealer lots across the country for model year 2014 – which has moved the last-generation model fully into used-truck territory, and under our microscope for this week’s used vehicle feature. Here we cover the GMC Sierra trims, but all the mechanical bits are the same for both trucks and vary more by trim and configuration than by brand.
Available from 2007 to 2013, the last-generation Sierra offered up numerous trim levels, driveline configurations, body styles and options packages to allow fine-tuning to a huge array of tastes and budgets. Shoppers can expect to find plenty of selection in the used market, and should expect no difficulty tracking down a model that precisely fits their needs.
Competitors included the Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra.
Engines / Trim: There’s a plethora of Sierra variations available. Models wearing the ‘WT’ badge are ‘work trucks’, namely simple, basically equipped and likely powered by GM’s 4.3L V6 engine.
An SLT model features common equipment upgrades bundled into a high-value package. Look for goodies like a locking rear differential, heavy-duty trailering package, upgraded wheels, chrome accents and heavy-duty cooling system provisions.
All-Terrain models got skid plates, a high-capacity air intake system, specially designed shocks and a variety of cosmetic upgrades. The Sierra Denali gave owners a taste of the motoring high-life with luxury features including Bose audio, leather seating, wood trim, climate-controlled seats and a touring-focused suspension calibration.
Across the lineup, look for available premium features like a power sliding rear window, heated leather seating, a sunroof, and a universal home remote. Remote start, power adjustable pedals, Bluetooth and automatic dual-zone climate control can be had as well.
Heavy-Duty and Hybrid model variants of the Sierra were also available, but we’ll cover those in another review.
Engines included the standard 4.3L V6, which was cheap and little else. Next up? A 4.8L V8 with 295 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Most owners say this engine turns in adequate power and decent fuel consumption during most tasks.
    GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
A 5.3L V8, which uses the same block and architecture as the 4.8L engine, made 315 horsepower and saved fuel via cylinder-deactivation technology called ‘Active Fuel Management’ (AFM). This was likely the most popular Sierra engine, and the one said by many owners to deliver strongly on both power and fuel mileage.
Select models got a 6.2L V8 with over 400 hp, which is badass and an ideal candidate for muffler removal if you like blasting V8 noises off nearby buildings and people.
On the driveline front, Sierra could be had as a two-wheel drive, 4×4 with transfer case, or automatic one-speed 4×4 system that operated like AWD. Transmission choices included a four or six-speed automatic depending on the year, and GM made some powertrain tweaks later in the Sierra’s life to help improve fuel economy.
From 2011 and on, an upgraded OnStar 9.0 system as also specified to help drivers connect more easily with their Smartphones.
What Owners Like: Seems like GM got the Sierra dialed in nicely, according to owners. Many of these rave about comfortable seats, a comfortable ride, good relative fuel mileage, great styling, and an underlying feel of toughness and strength to the Sierra’s platform and chassis. Words like ‘tough’, ‘dependable’, ‘solid’ and ‘comfortable’ tend to come up often in owner reviews. Luxurious touches are highly rated by owners of the Denali models, too. Finally, performance is rated very highly on models with the 6.2L V8, not surprisingly.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints included a low-budget feel to some of the Sierra’s interior paneling and switchgear, excessive road noise on some models, weak air conditioning and high up-front initial pricing for the model. Limited rear-seat space on certain models, as well as difficulty parking, round out the typical complaints.
Here’s a list of owner reviews of the GMC Sierra
Owner Reviews (autoTRADER.ca)
Owner Reviews (autos.yahoo.com)
Common Issues:
Remember that successful pickup truck shopping involves spending time to research the model you’re after, tracking down a few units to test-drive, and having the one(s) you’re most interested in inspected by a professional.
Arrive at your test-drives prepared to spend some time inspecting the used Sierra you’re considering in several key areas.
  GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
Start by inspecting the body for signs of rust, particularly around the edges of the tailgate, hood and doors. Open the front doors and feel the carpeting under the front floor mats for signs of moisture, which could be caused by a leaky windshield seal and / or plugged sunroof vent tubes. Check the rear seating area for moisture, too.
Spend a few minutes cycling through any features and controls that operate on electricity within the cabin, confirming proper operation of the power / climate-controlled seats (if equipped), power windows, sunroof, sliding rear window, air conditioner and stereo system. Finally, check the dashboard for any signs of cracking, which isn’t a totally uncommon problem.
Inspect the shape of the tires, and get underneath the truck (or have a mechanic get it on a hoist) and scan the underside for signs of leaks, dents, excessive rust, or other damage. Note that a pre-purchase mechanical inspection can more than pay for itself if it saves you buying a pickup that’s about to need some serious (Read: “Expensive”) work.
Note that engine oil consumption with earlier models in this generation is well documented. The issue seems most common on the 5.3L engine and may be linked to operation of the Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder-deactivation system.
  GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
Though it’s unclear if the problem was massively widespread, shoppers are advised to check the oil condition and level ahead of their purchase, and to confirm that the seller was fond of doing the same on a regular basis. Note that the 4.3L, 4.8L and 6.2L engines in this generation of Sierra didn’t have this cylinder-deactivating technology.
Shoppers are advised to listen for unwanted ‘clicking’ or ‘clacking’ noises from the top of the engine (ie, the valve lifters), with the hood open and engine idling. Unwanted sounds like these could indicate problems, possibly related to the oil consumption issue.
A dealer may make provisions to monitor oil consumption if the Sierra you choose is still under warranty. Some owners have had luck in getting dealers to correct the issue. Others haven’t. More information at this link. Note that by 2010, it seems that revisions had been made to rectify these problems.
Check the instrument cluster and message centre for any warning notifications or ‘check engine’ lights as well.
Ensure proper operation of the cruise control system, too. Numerous owners have reported issues with cruise control failure. Thankfully, the common fix is simply to replace the brake-light switch, which is a cheap and easily replaced part. More information here.
Ensure the 4×4 system switches between its various modes as outlined in the owner’s manual. Don’t take the sellers word that the 4×4 system is working properly – check it for yourself. If the system doesn’t engage, or you note any ‘Service 4×4’ warnings, be sure to have a GM mechanic determine why. Typically, issues like these are caused by the computer that controls the system, not the pricey 4×4 actuator itself. Be double sure that’s the case if you note any issues.
Note that a sophisticated network of sensors constantly sends tremendous amounts of data to the computer ‘brain’ in modern trucks every second that it’s running. If any of that data is problematic or worrisome, a trouble code is generated – which is ‘stored’ in the computer brain, and may cause the check-engine light to illuminate. More importantly, it may NOT cause the light to illuminate. Solution? Have a mechanic scan the computer in the truck you’re considering to see if any stored trouble codes reveal a problem you should be aware of.
    GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
If you’re unsure of the service history of the model you’re considering, budget for a full fluid change and tune-up ahead of your purchase, just to be safe. On a truck like this one, fresh fluids and plugs, clean fuel injectors and a clean air filter can go a long way towards improving mileage and performance.
Finally, note that many Sierras in the used market will have common modifications like air intakes and exhaust kits – which provide more sound and a small performance benefit. These modifications are typically considered ‘safe’, if they use high-quality parts and installation. Unless you’re a mechanic or well-experienced in truck tuning, avoid models with extensive modifications to the engine, suspension or drivetrain. Lifted trucks, trucks with modified engine management or extremely large tires and wheels could be problematic in the hands of the wrong owner.
The Verdict: Note that the Sierra was covered by a 160,000-km powertrain warranty – so opting for as new and low-mileage a unit as your able to afford is highly recommended. Confirm proper operation of the 4×4 system and transmission, and ensure the model you’re considering has had its engine oil changed and monitored regularly, and you’re on your way to what seems a highly reliable, much-loved pickup.
A list of recalls on the GMC Sierra.
A list of recalls on the Chevrolet Silverado.
Crash test results:
IIHS: GOOD
NHTSA: 4 Stars
(Note that these vary depending on the model and year in question – shoppers concerned with crash test ratings are advised to research their specific model here.)
