Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Like its Silverado cousin, the Sierra is a solid truck in terms of its drivetrain, roomy interior and unique features, but the Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan have it beat when it comes to interior design and overall refinement.
Pros
Roomy extended and crew cab models, strong V8 engines, innovative features, slick hybrid electric option.
Cons
Lags the competition in terms or refinement and power, spotty fit and finish, low-grade interior materials.
What's New for 2005
Quadrasteer is no longer available on 2WD models, standard wheel sizes have been bumped up to 17 inches and, on extended and crew cab models, a power sunroof that includes HomeLink and a deluxe overhead console in now optional. GMC takes a step backward this year with the return of rear drum brakes, as opposed to last year's four-wheel disc setup. Big changes for the Denali this year -- Quadrasteer is no longer available, and the Denali is now a crew cab model only. A gasoline/electric hybrid model is also introduced this year. Basically a "mild" hybrid, the system provides no power boost, but does allow for automatic engine startup and shutdown at stops. This truck also comes with four 120-volt AC power outlets and is the only Silverado with rear disc brakes this year. The hybrid truck is only available in Western states and Florida.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
watch out
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
the defective casteck heads in my 5.3 leak coolant. this causes what sounds like bad lifter. know what heads are in your 5.3 before you buy, otherwise you could wind up with truck with repairs more than its value.
Favorite Features
seats are better than my 08 sierra
Suggested Improvements
use heads that are not defective
Best Truck For the Money
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I read all the reviews on this truck before I bought. And most of them were positive. So I went out and bought used from a trustworthy dealer. Drove home over 400 miles that afternoon and night and totally enjoyed the ride home. Truck is very nice ride, and good looking. 5.3 engine has it all also. Gmc is easy to work on, and do your own services on. Save money right there.
Favorite Features
5.3 engine, and the body style.
Suggested Improvements
Disc brakes in the rear.
Very Satisfied
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
No major complaints. Overall a very well balanced truck. Roomy, comfortable, decent gas mileage. Recently traded for a 2008 model because of the rebates and incentives but if not for that this would've been a keeper.
Favorite Features
Dual climate zones. Leather seats. Auto lights. Spray in bedliner.
Suggested Improvements
More power, better mpg, a more serious sound system.
Mostly Happy
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Review
As soon as I saw this vehicle I loved it. Victory Red w/ GMC 20" wheels. I am on my 3rd year and just under 36k miles. I have pulled my 22' boat to the Ozarks which is around 300 miles each way through some hilly country. The truck shifts down a lot to keep up the RPM's. The interior seems a little on the cheap side & reminds me of some Mattel toys I had as a kid. I did have the intermediate shaft in the steering fixed at 25k miles. Now that my warranty is up my check engine light is on and I guess the vaccum canister needs replaced which is $500(for plastic). Overall I love the truck and use it for everything from towing to hauling. I just wish the standard warranty was 100k.
Favorite Features
Dual climate control. Digital readout info on the radio tells the artist and the song name. Good fuel economy and a smooth ride for a 4WD.
Suggested Improvements
Longer std. warranty. Higher quality interior pieces. Better painting process on plastic parts. The paint on the plastic below the chrome on my front bumper is pealing off bad. Heard from a ex-GM body man this is common.
Will Never own anything but GMC
Vehicle
2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This 2005 Pickup is my 3rd GMC pickup I have owned and I have never had any issues at all with all of them. This 2005 is probably the best one yet, It's rugged, tough, stirdy. Drives like a real truck. Stay true GMC your pickups are the best.
Favorite Features
Too many to list, but to list a few. The message center. Power of the 5.3. Pickup power. The way it handles. Brakes are smooth, OnStar, Bose stereo.
Suggested Improvements
Heighten the height. They should come from the factory with a spray on bedliner, or just a regular bedliner as standard option
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
![]()
![]()