1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
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Used Sierra 3500 for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sierra 3500 model years
GMC Sierra 3500 types
- Extended Cab
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine choices, classic styling
Cons
- Aging design, busy interior styling, uncomfortable driver's seat
What’s new
A passenger airbag is added to models with a GVWR under 8,600 pounds, and all models get speed-sensitive steering that reduces low-speed effort. Automatic transmissions are refined to provide smoother shifts and improved efficiency. Three new paint colors debut.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Sierra 3500 SLE
Sierra 3500 SLE
vs
$264/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
GM has figured out a way to steal some thunder from the Dodge Ram and the new Ford F-Series. Their entire line of truck engines was refined last year, infused with notable horsepower and torque increases. For good measure, engineers made the rear portion of the extended cab model more accessible via a trick panel that opens wide from the passenger's side to make loading cargo or people much easier.
Every Sierra gasoline engine, from the base V-6 to the king-of-the-hill V-8, benefit from Vortec technology which provide healthy power and torque ratings. For example, the standard 4300 V-6 makes an ample 200 horsepower, and the optional 5700 V-8 is a much more satisfying powerplant than Ford's new overhead cam designs. Also available are regular- and heavy-duty turbodiesels sporting 6.5 liters of displacement. All Sierras have four-wheel anti-lock braking.
The side access panel makes the extended cab model a true family vehicle. Loading cargo into the rear of the cab is much easier too. To qualify for the side access panel, you must order a 1500 extended cab shortbed equipped with SLE or SLT trim and a Vortec 5000 or Vortec 5700 engine mated to an automatic transmission. In contrast, Ford provides a third door standard on all extended cab models, making life much easier.
Other comforts aren't forgotten, either. Automakers are constantly trying to make their trucks more car-like, so GM has made rear seat heating ducts standard on the Sierra. Shoulder belts are height adjustable to fit a variety of physiques, and upholstery choices include leather. Heck, you'd hardly know this was a truck, especially with the passenger car tires that give some versions of the Sierra a nicer ride and quieter interior.
Improvements for 1997 include a new passenger airbag on models under 8,600 lbs. GVWR, and the airbag can be deactivated for those times when a rear-facing child safety seat is installed. Speed-sensitive steering that boosts power assist at low speeds to make parking easier has been added. On the open road, this system firms up the steering for improved road feel. All K1500 Sierras get a tighter turning radius this year for better maneuverability, and the automatic transmission shifts more smoothly this year thanks to revised hardware.
Although Chevrolet's own C/K Series garners the greatest amount of publicity, GMC's equivalents are pretty strong sellers themselves, approaching 190,000 units each year. Sierras, in fact, account for close to half of GMC output. Americans continue to clamor for burly pickups, whether for their macho image or for real work. Whether you choose a light-duty two-wheel-drive (C1500) or the massive four-wheel-drive K3500 Club Coupe, on a 155.5-inch wheelbase, GMC gives both Chevrolet and its Ford/Dodge rivals a run for their money.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 GMC Sierra 3500.
5 star(100%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
5 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
K3500/454
el durbo, 06/01/2002
1992 GMC Sierra 3500 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Bought used with 45000 actual miles. In
last 4 1/2 years replaced clutch,
starter, and distributor. Costs of
replacement were very reasonable due to
cost of parts being surprisingly low.
Truck is a 1 Ton 4X4 that sits much
lower than Dodge and Ford 1/2 Tons --
so wind resistance is far better than
newer oversized trucks, which allows me
to get 13 to 17 mpg with a 454. … This is
a real truck with a real truck engine --
not a street hot rod -- but can it
haul.
4.5 out of 5 stars
GMC Pickup
estavela, 12/12/2003
1994 GMC Sierra 3500 SL 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
This has been a good truck and we have
had no major problems with it. we have
enjoyed it to the fullest.
5 out of 5 stars
A fine Truck
Jack Nichols, 12/29/2020
1992 GMC Sierra 3500 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
It's been a reliable, fun and good looking truck. I have standard cab non dually fleetside w/454 and just turned over 140,000 miles. doesn't burn oil and has plenty of power. Getting ready to paint and replace things like grille, all exterior lights. This 1 Ton is well worth this minor restoration. Going to continue with it's original colors camel beige with cherry red sides. It's … always been a head turner.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Truck
GM Man, 12/10/2004
1993 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought my 1993 GMC Sierra 3500 with 230,000 miles on it two years ago. It now has 265,000. In that time I have only replaced the alternator, battaries, radiator, shocks, and two tires. This truck uses no oil, and doesn't smoke at all. It has recently been a little slugish when first started after setting for a few days. I guess I should change the plugs. This truck pulls my car, … and trailer beautifully. And is great for taking the family on trips. I just wish gas was $0.50 a gallon. Oh well.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 3500 since its last redesign.
1997 Sierra 3500 Highlights
Extended Cab
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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