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General Motors first introduced a pick-up truck in 1930. The GMC Sierra, along with its sister truck the Chevrolet Silverado, is GM's latest full-size pickup. The Sierra and the Silverado have been essentially the same vehicle for their entire production history. The Sierra has more luxury options and trim variations but engine and equipment differences are slight.

GMT800 Light Pick-Up Trucks

The GMT800 was first introduced in the 1999 model year. These light-duty pickups included the half-ton, the SS, and Hybrid versions, and they used the 1500 name. Customers can choose from three cab lengths: a 2-door short cab, a 3- or 4-door extended cab or a front-hinged 4-door crew cab. Cargo bed lengths are: short box (69.2 inches [1,758 mm]), standard box (78.7 inches [1,999 mm] and long box (97.6 inches [2,479 mm]). The short box is available only with the crew or extended cab, and is the only option on the crew cab. At that time, engines available included the 6.0L and 8.1L Vortec V8s and the 6.6L Duramax V8; transmissions available included the 4-, 5-, and 6-speed Allision automatics.

C3/Denali

GM introduced an upscale version of the 1500 in 2001, calling it the C3. The company changed the name to Sierra Denali in 2002. Equipment included the 6L Vortec V8 and the Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering system, which greatly reduced the vehicle's turning radius and improved lane changing while towing. (GM dropped the Quadrasteer system from its entire vehicle line after 2005 due to poor sales.) The 2007 Denali features all-wheel drive, a 6.2L engine and 6-speed transmission.

Hybrid

In 2005, GM introduced a hybrid version of the Sierra, its first hybrid vehicle. The truck is a "mild" hybrid, meaning that the electric motor only powers electrical accessories. But the system shuts down when the vehicle goes below 13 mph and restarts electrically above that speed. The hybrid has three additional 14-volt batteries under the rear seats and features four 120-volt AC outlets in the bed. The construction industry in particular uses these 20-amp outlets on the job.

Other Versions

GM offers a HD version of the Sierra, which is actually a strengthened light truck. The HD is used primarily for high-weight cargo and towing. The GMT900 was introduced in 2007 and featured increased engine power and improved aerodynamics, like a steeply raked windshield and tighter panel gaps both in an effort to improve fuel economy. Most GMT900s have 4-speed automatic transmissions, with a 6-speed as standard on the Denali and HD models. Note: starting in 2008, GM will no longer sell manual transmissions on its full-sized pickups and will offer them only on its V6 models in Mexico.