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Road Tests: Long-Term Test
1999 GMC Sierra SLT 4WD Extended Cab
Introduction
By editors at Edmunds.com
Date Posted 07-24-2001
Video highlights of this vehicle
See what our editors think
this month.
With this long-term test program, we try to obtain the most significant new vehicles
available during any given model year while retaining a healthy mix of vehicle
types from all over the world. Without question, the redesigned full-size pickups
from General Motors fit this description. As the best-selling models from GM's
large fleet of cars and trucks, and responsible for generating huge profits for
the giant automaker, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra were perfect candidates
for a complete Edmund's evaluation during the next couple of years.
We selected a GMC Sierra equipped with uplevel SLT trim, four-wheel drive and
the stiff Z71 off-road suspension package. The all-new Vortec 5300 V8 was a must,
and our truck also came equipped with a trailering equipment package and heavy-duty
tires. Our fully loaded test vehicle topped $33,000 when all was said and done,
but despite high demand for the new Sierra and its twin, the Chevrolet Silverado,
we were able to negotiate a deal with Thorson Buick-Pontiac-GMC in Pasadena, Calif.,
for a nominal fee over invoice. Probably because our truck is black, black, and
more black.
This sucker holds the heat. With acres of ebony sheetmetal and a dark gray leather
interior, our Sierra fairly approximates a rolling oven on hot, sunny days. Fortunately,
the power windows motor down with uncanny alacrity and the strong climate-control
system cools the interior quickly. Additionally, more than one staff member has
commented on how difficult it is to keep the exterior clean and shiny. But, you
take what you can get, and the only Sierra meeting our specifications that Thorson
had in stock was this black truck. From the logbook: "With its dark paint, chrome
wheels, tinted windows and tall stature, I probably look like some kind of Mafia
cowboy."
The first several weeks of the test were conducted in spatially challenged West
Los Angeles. Sun-drenched staff members universally griped about parking this
monster in tiny strip-mall lots and undersized curbside spots. Also, small cars
can be completely invisible to the Sierra driver in traffic, thanks to blind spots
on either side that swallow them whole. But other motorists take note of the Sierra
and give it a wide berth, "Apparently, other drivers don't want their shiny cars
crushed like soda cans." Proof of parking problems was discovered at 717 miles:
the left front fender had been crunched a bit, but nobody on staff fessed up to
the damage, possibly because it is entirely reasonable to believe the driver didn't
realize contact had been made with a more solid structure than the GMC itself.
Obviously, we all feel General Motors goofed big time by missing the boat on the
fourth-door phenomenon. This oversight is particularly acute with the Sierra because
the back seat is actually habitable by three full-size adults. Also receiving
complaints is the multi-function turn-signal stalk, cheap-feeling interior materials
and dismal fuel economy, though our 18.6 mpg best came from traversing the Rocky
Mountains between Grand Junction and Denver at 75 mph - not bad for a large, less-than-aerodynamic
truck with a green engine.
Accolades go to the ergonomically friendly control layout, comfortable seats front
and rear, and powerful 5300 V8 engine. This powerplant, displacing 5.3 liters,
makes 270 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 315 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Our 4,621-pound Sierra moves off the line quickly, and is rated for 6,400 pounds
Gross Vehicle Weight. We'll be able to tow 7,500 pounds with the standard 3.73
axle ratio.
Our Sierra has already been employed to haul furniture and TVs in Southern California,
and we suspect it will be towing a 1971 BMW 2002 from Denver to Los Angeles later
this year. Four-wheeling is certainly in its future, as the Sierra has been moved
to Colorado for the summer.
More commentary and a full report on the cross-country driving experience will
be available next month. In the meantime, first impressions of the new-for-1999
GMC Sierra are overwhelmingly positive.
Total Odometer Reading: 2,136
Best Fuel Economy: 18.6 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 11.8 mpg
Body Repair Costs: $0
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: None
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