2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
Fuel Economy
12 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
GMC advertising claims Sierra is a "professional grade" truck. With stout engines, roomy cabs and rugged good looks, the Sierra impresses. But the cabin is constructed of rather cheap parts, and we've found fit-and-finish concerns on several Sierras. That doesn't spell "professional grade" to us.
Pros
Powerful V8-engine selections, numerous configurations, comfy cabins.
Cons
Spotty fit-and-finish concerns, low-grade interior materials.
What's New for 2002
The Sierra C3 gets a name change to Sierra Denali in addition to a trick new four-wheel steering system. On standard Sierras, the previously optional Z85 firm-ride suspension is now standard on all 1500 models for improved handling and towing capacity. Base SL models now include air conditioning while uplevel SLE and SLT models add deep-tinted glass to the standard feature list.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
5.3 V8 why go smaller?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I have a 2002 GMC Regular Cab Flareside shortbed 4x4. I bought the truck used with 46,000 miles on it and now have 51,000 and only had one problem. My sound system rattled the screw loose on the overhead consule. I installed the sound system a month after i bought it and it and had to replace the tires which seem to be a common problem with these.I have a hard tonneau cover and it really helps out living in Alaska. If a truck survives here it can survive anywhere.
Favorite Features
4x4 is really strong and works when you need it most. Heater heats the cab quick which is beyond handy living in Alaska
Suggested Improvements
Would have liked to have bucket seats vs. bench but still a great layout
Absolutly Satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This truck is awesome. Only had one problem with it and that was the intermediate steering shaft replaced at no charge. The 4.8 had plenty of grunt. Spins the rear tires no problem (even at 1/4 throttle). The 4 wheel drive just goes in the snow no spin at all. It tows like there's nothing there which is awesome. It gets very decent gas mileage too I get about 17 18 city.
Favorite Features
Just about everything, especially the V8
Suggested Improvements
Level the trucks from the factory
A fairly good all round truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Bought this truck in Feb 2007 with 86,000 miles. At 89k new fuel pump b/c previous owner did not change fuel filter. At 92k intake gaskets leaking bad enough it wouldnt run on a cool summer morning. 93k discovered the reason behind poor braking was that the front rotors where virtually destroying themselves. Terrible case of piston slap when stone cold. Other than these problems I love my truck. It's quick nimble and fun to drive. It is crazy good looking. I drive it extremely hard about 3/4 of the time and it doesnt miss a beat. K&N filter helps power.
Favorite Features
Awesome looks, tons of jam for a 4.8L, whips incredibly tight donuts. Lots of power above 3800.
Suggested Improvements
Four wheel disk brakes don't stop a reg cab short box as good as they should. Could use better economy. Maybe little more low end grunt in the 4.8L. Cruise should be standard. No more rubber washers on the intake manifold please.
Awesome Truck!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab Denali AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I have no idea why GMC cancelled the Quadrasteer but I hope they bring it back by time I'm in the market for my next truck! It's an amazing truck, drives like a car, and you would have no idea its as big as it is being that its so nimble. Would highly recomend this truck!
Favorite Features
Quadrasteer of course! That and AWD and the 6.0 Litre engine, vroom!
Suggested Improvements
None
Love my GMC Sierra Denali
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab Denali AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Best truck that I have owned to date. 6.0l engine is awesome. Towing my 6000lb boat is a breeze. Like the heated seats on these cold winter days. Very comfortable driving vehicle. Can easyly rack up 500 miles daily. That's when you wish you had dual gas tanks. Can't complain about gas mileage because of AWD and large engine. A fact that I don't like: The driver O/S mirror is heated but passenger side is not. Kind of strange for $40,000+ truck. All wheel steering is great. The few extra miilimeters of rear axle width seems to improve stability. Recently got 18 mpg with a tail wind.
Favorite Features
Four wheel steering and towing capabilty are my favorite features.
Suggested Improvements
Add passenger side heated mirror.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
