1997 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews

Dependable truck

Written by: sierra21122 on 12/01/2007

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr C1500 SLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

I bought this truck with 165,000kms on it. Very well maintained and in perfect shape. I have driven it a total of 10,000kms to date. It's the 4.3L V6 motor which gets anywhere from 15-21 mpg in the city, I have no idea why it fluctuates so much but the drop came with the cold weather. The truck is dependable but performance is weak (definitely suggest the v8 models). The A/C condenser has a leak now it does not work. The transmission sometimes makes hard shifts. The rear shocks are clunky now and will need to be replaced. Otherwise regular maintenance seems to keep this truck running well. Couldn't ask for more from a truck.

Favorite Features

Body styling (old truck like). Power steering (effortless!). Simple to repair & cheap parts

Suggested Improvements

Better seats. Better dashboard (very boring to look at)

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A Great Truck

Written by: Great truck on 11/23/2007

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr C1500 SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

Currently at 262,000 km. This truck has been excellent. Only had to have work done on the manifold gasket twice& replaced fuel pump. I look forward to driving in it everyday. I prefer it to the newer models and hope to keep it for as long as possible. It rides nicely. I get pretty good mileage for a truck (last fill up I got 534 k.m with the tank.) I would recommend this truck to anyone who is looking for a very reliable, comfortable truck.

Favorite Features

Interior is very comfortable. I like the overhead console and solid rear view mirror with compass.

Suggested Improvements

Don't like the seatbelt set up for the front seats. The design was improved in the newer models. (Passengers in the back cannot get out if passengers in the front seats are belted in. Also, the belt has cut through the housing cover.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Dependable workhorse

Written by: Sean Ross on 02/22/2007

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr C1500 SLT Extended Cab LB

Review

I purchased this vehicle new in 1997 and have driven it ever since. It has reliably hauled loads whenever I needed it. It has been inexpensive to maintain and comfortable to drive. After 10 years the paint is still sharp and the sound system good. I suppose I could wish for better gas mileage (16 city, 21 hwy) but I don't know any other V8 truck that would do any better.

Favorite Features

Extended cab. Sound system. Full size bed. Nice center console.

Suggested Improvements

Overhead kleenex holder accepts a size of kleenex box that was only available for a couple of years after I bought it. It would be nice to keep the size of kleenex boxes standard so I could still buy them. Man, I really had to think hard to even come up with something this minor.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My Awesomer Truck!

Written by: Kid with a truck on 01/03/2007

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr K1500 SLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Well I just got this truck from my parents, well my mom, with a whole 220 thousand miles on it! I love it! Only thing is my mom gave up on fixing the problems on it like 6 months before I got it, so I put a new heater core in, new radiator, new tires and wheels. We did have some problems with the transmission like at 160k miles, and I think the rear diff is going out.

Favorite Features

I love how easy the four wheel drive is! And the stock stereo ispretty awesome!

Suggested Improvements

Easier to get at the passenger headlight! Fix the stupid transmission problems!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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GMC Sierra

Written by: Dakotah on 11/26/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr K1500 SLT 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

This is the first car I have ever owned. I am quite lucky that I am able to drive something like this. Now as a younger person in the world how else am I supposed to drive this truck. I used to be hard on it.. Hard accelerating, braking, steering, offroading.. The list goes on. Really though, now I take good care of it and the only problem I have had with this truck is the manifold gasket and the drivers' seat. Other than that the fluids are fine between checkups. The truck runs great for me.

Favorite Features

This truck has loads of power. It handles differently from other trucks. It has a very stable feel, it is smooth, and is actually fun to drive!

Suggested Improvements

The brakes are really good, but they could be stronger. I see some have had problems with transmissions and manifold gaskets to electrical systems. I am lucky so far. and I have a good feeling that this truck is going to last.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love it

Written by: james dietsch on 07/12/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr K1500 SLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I have had a lot of fun in my truck. The only real trouble was me beating on it and pushing it to the limits off roading. Otherwise can't complain!

Favorite Features

Very cold A/C

Suggested Improvements

Stronger differentials

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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No Brakes, Bad Electrical Systems

Written by: Brian Sampsel on 07/04/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr K1500 SLE 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I've owned this 97 GMC z71 fullsize truck for about 2.5yrs. Had lots of repairs completed, listed are radiator, rear brake wheel cylinders (both sides) brake lines, alternator., water pump, egr valve, idler pully, headlight switch, loose steering box. The list goes on. The truck is much too heavy for the braking system. I lost the brakes at a red light, the brake pedal went to the floor. Rear brake line rusted out. This truck has been very well taken care of, garaged and with light use. About 79,000 miles on it now, looking to spend more money to get the electrical problems resolved. Breaks my heart GM can't build a truck that will last. Looking to trade, can't afford repairs, along with payments.

Favorite Features

The exterior looks and style. comfort of the interior and roomy. The factory radio sounds great! Nice to drive

Suggested Improvements

Improve the whole entire braking system, all of the electrical system. Better MPG. Interior cheap plastic dash and door panel parts should be replaced with something that would hold up and not squeak when driving down the road.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Old Friend

Written by: Dennis on 02/06/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr K1500 SLE 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I'm selling after 160,000 miles. Mininum maintenance required: 2 sets of tires, new fuel pump, manifold gasket. No rust, paint and interior still like new. 16 mpg under most conditions. Does not burn oil between 6000 mile changes. In spite of high gas prices, will buy another, but this time a crew cab as entry and exit difficult to crowded rear seat.

Favorite Features

Overall, the cheapest and most reliable vehicle to own.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Completely Satisfied

Written by: Boomstik on 07/13/2004

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr C1500 SLT Extended Cab LB

Review

Purchase truck at 40k. I now have 110k on this vehicle. Replace the tranny 10k ago. Replace intake manifold gasket, corroded hose connection twice. Other typical consumable items have been replaced. I was a little disappointed with the transmission replacement but otherwise the truck runs great and takes quite a beating.

Favorite Features

Durablility and reliablilty. The ride is nice for a full size truck. Still has the "boxy" truck look.

Suggested Improvements

make the transmission last longer and use better materials than tin for corrosion prone connections.

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My last American product

Written by: MJ777 on 04/13/2004

Vehicle

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2 Dr K1500 SLE 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I will never buy another American product (automotive) as long as I live. And especially never a GM again - and I've let everyone know. This truck was the absolute lousiest vehicle I've ever owned - the tow truck guy know's me by heart and my repair shop. Ever since I got this truck its been nothing but repair bills - you name it, I've replaced it. O2 sensors, EGR valves, fuel pumps, anything electrical, 2 transmissions .... I've sunk so much cash into this truck and I haven't even paid it off yet! WHATEVER you do DON"T buy this make, don't buy any GMC from 95-current unless you've got money to waste.

Favorite Features

The stereo and that's saying a lot!

Suggested Improvements

Take out all the electrical parts and then maybe you'll be half-way decent. Or replace with all Toyota parts.

1 out 5 people found this review helpful

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