GMC completely re-engineered and redesigned its line of pickup truck trucks last year. The Sierra does everything better than the previous-generation C/K pickups (which are still available). It rides better, handles better and stops quicker. It is faster and more powerful. And it's more comfortable. The Sierra is one of the most luxurious pickups we've ever driven, setting new standards for quietness, plushness, and freedom from squeaks and rattles.
GMC has chosen a conservative design for its new Sierra. But the design breaks it away from the Chevrolet Silverado. The Sierra uses a unique grille, hood, fenders, fascia, bumpers and headlamps to make it distinctive. Underneath the Sierra's conservative looks is a great truck that has almost nothing in common with the way things used to be done at GMC before it was combined permanently with Pontiac. Some of the Pontiac excitement has clearly rubbed off on the truck side of the house.
Like all big American-made pickups, the Sierra comes in two- and four-wheel-drive versions, in 1500 and 2500 weight ranges, in short- and long-bed bodies, with fendered and nonfendered beds, two-, three-, and new for 2000, four-door extended cabs in base, SL, SLE and SLT trim levels. There are four gasoline engines to choose from, a V6 and three V8s, and two transmissions, a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.
For 2000, the
GMC Sierra has some significant updates. Topping the list is the availability of a four-door extended cab. New options include fender guards for 4x4 models, soft tonneau cover, a new automatic dimming mirror with a built-in compass and exterior thermometer.
There's also more power: Horsepower and torque ratings are increased for the 4.8-liter V8 and 5.3-liter V8 engines; and trailer towing ratings have been revised upward.
The 2000 GMC Sierra is built on a frame that is the stiffest and lightest truck frame General Motors has ever built. The frame rails are hydroformed, a process that uses high-pressure hydraulics to shape steel. Tubular crossmembers and roll-formed mid-rails increase rigidity further. This stiff structure enhances handling and ride quality immensely, while improving crashworthiness.
Three V8 engines are available, in 4.8-, 5.3- and 6.0-liter displacements, from 270 to 300 horsepower. All three are based on the all new GM small-block V8. A 4.3-liter V6 is still available and comes with a number of improvements, but the V8s will be sold in much higher volumes.
A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard in the base truck. More popular are the 4L60 and 4L65 4-speed automatics, which feature a new delayed-upshift feature for towing.
The aluminum short- and long-arm front suspension uses coil springs on 2-wheel-drive models and torsion bars on 4-wheel-drive models.
Brakes are large, heavy-duty discs on all four corners; ABS is standard on all models.
The GMC Sierra ranges from $16,640 for a two-wheel-drive regular cab base-trim V6 model to about $30,616 for a four-wheel-drive three-door extended cab SLT with a 6-liter V8. All offer a smooth, quiet ride and quality feel.
