Used 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Love it
james dietsch, 07/13/2006
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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!
my 1st new vehicle ever
richard, 05/02/2008
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SL 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck in 97 new off the lot. I replaced the tranmission twice, water pump, radiator, wiper motor, power steering pump twice, and the AC went out at 155000 miles. I loved this truck and would love to keep and fix it up. It has 223,000 on the small v-8 motor but needed a better mileage with fuel @ $3.50 a gallon. Everyone who rode with me thought it was such a nice truck. My lil kids love to ride with me and the fact that I could turn off the airbags, made them extremely happy.
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 for sale near you
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- SL Extended CabMSRP: $6,50016 mi away
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GMC 1500 great truck
Wadek, 07/25/2009
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have a 1997 GMC 1500 extended cab. This is the greatest truck Ive ever had.It has about 125,000 miles on it and sill runs strong. Plenty of towing power. I love every feature on this. If you wax and wash them and keep the scratches off it looks great and with regular maintenance this truck lasts.
Best Truck On the Road
rebecca, 09/30/2009
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought truck 10 years ago, with 12,000 miles on it. Fuel pump at 100,000 another at 200,000. Wiper problem was a solder-fix. New starter, alternator. Truck runs like a champ, lots of power, has 210,000 on 350 vortec and I'm leaving for a 1000 mile trip next week. A comfortable ride, killer music system (after-market), tinted windows. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
Greatest Truck Ever!
codymortensen58, 05/18/2010
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Truck has 250,000+ miles on it and it is still running great, i live on a country road in Minnesota and it takes the snow and heat with no problem at all. It has little to no rust on it because i wash it biweekly. The greatest truck i have ever owned, i upped the tire size to 285 just to give it a beefier look and to help in the field. I guarentee that this truck will get me another 200,000 if it keeps up at this pace!
Several Problems
JHaysPE, 12/22/2003
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased truck with 30k miles on it. Intake manifold gaskets have leaked / blown out and been replaced. Alternator has been replaced. There is a fitting on top of the intake manifold towards the front just behind the alternator that has severely corroded for some reason (looks like heater hose line) and will have to replaced. AIr conditioning/heater fan speed switch has been replaced. Leather seats have craked badly in spots in spite of regular care and conditioning. ANd third door has always rattled, popped, squeaked and basically sounded like a bag of bolts.
No Brakes, Bad Electrical Systems
Brian Sampsel, 07/04/2006
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
My Awesomer Truck!
Kid with a truck, 01/04/2007
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
My last American product
MJ777, 04/13/2004
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
A Great Truck
Great truck, 11/24/2007
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
My GMC turned me into a Toyota fan.
cspu, 11/20/2003
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1997 GMC Sierra K1500 SLT extended cab in 2002 with 67K miles on it and sold it just over a year later with 81K. During that time it became apparent that GM is not building their trucks to last. I won't list everything, but major things include the waterpump, trans, and front axles. The squeaks and rattles were everywhere. The brakes are horrible, even after being replaced, this truck is too heavy for the brakes it comes with.
third gm truck
r3d_elite, 08/28/2012
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
this is my third gm truck and i have yet to be disappointed. first truck was an 87 chevy that i drove until i hit a deer and ditch and the frame warped. second finally gave in when the truck was loaned to a friend (at the time) and they blew the engine.... (friends dont beat friends' vehicles...) this 97 gmc has 220k on it and still running great yeah some maintenance is required but that comes with all vehicles. who needs a jap vehicle. id like to see how many honda's can pull a stump out of the ground then go on a comfortable 3 hour trip back home
Very reliable and FUN to drive
EJA, 07/10/2002
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck has awesome power with the 5.7 engine. It has also been the most reliable vehicle I have owned. The speed speed controlled radio volume can't be beat. You will know what I meen if you travel the open road frequently; turning up the volume at high speeds....turning it down at toll booths. Now, with this feature, I adjust it when I get in and THATS IT! Unfortunatly, for those like me, without the 3rd door, getting into the back seat is a challenge for adults, plus it lacks leg room. On the other hand, it is great for kids. It's guaranteed my next vehicle will be another GMC Sierra.
Transmission Wary
Medic31, 10/14/2002
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The transmission started shifting hard at about 48,000 miles. After a transmission service, it totally burned up the new fluid after about 8-9,000 miles. The dealer's service department was absolutely no help. It was replaced for about $725.00. At about 51,000 miles it started doing the same thing again. This time, GM and the dealer were no help. We then came in contact with a transmission place in Reno, NV and they informed us this was a common problem with these trucks and was due to a GM design defect of a small $21.70 switch in the torque converter. They replaced this switch for less than $400.00 about 9 months ago and we've had no more problems.
No complaints
JGraham, 10/13/2003
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SL 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In the 3 years that I've owned this truck, I've had to do brakes once and one tune up (plugs, wires & a cap), nothing else. My truck has teh 4.3L V6, and a 5sp manual tranny. No word of a lie: in the summer I get 20 miles to the gallon, and the rest of the year she gets about 19 to 19.5miles to the gallon. It is a 2 wheel drive truck, so (living in New Hampshire) I've been forced to get a set of tire chains so that I can crawl out of almost anything, and it works.
Completely Satisfied
Boomstik, 07/13/2004
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Dependable workhorse
Sean Ross, 02/23/2007
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Awesome truck
Karen, 05/18/2020
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 GMC Sierra in 2001 with a little over 56,000 miles on it. I had to replace the brakes and back drums the first year. The fuel pump. The pistons gasket(it is plastic). In 2009 I had to replace the radiator reservoir. In 2013 I replaced the alternator. Over than regular maintenance it ran like a dream. One thing that did happen was the brackets that are riveted to the frame that hold the shocks fell off. Had mechanic at the dealer tell me he has never seen that happen before. Oh had to replace the wiper motor. Inside handles would brake.
Still Going!
RG , 12/22/2022
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
DON’t PAY ATTENTION TO THE TRUCK MODEL MY YEAR Trim is not even listed. It’s a 97 extended cabXLT. Basically, leather, w a 350 TBI and Vortec heads. (Amazing )First year 3 door. (Whet jackass decided that putting you kids in opposite the driver was clever?) Take a life sciences class bro! Typical Chevy paint flaking issues, dash cracked out, leather seats split, headliner drooping…. Runs like a champ. Minus the Dr side power seat, new ac compressor, and alternator, (and normal stuff.ie battery) this truck is amazing. I will be doing a complete overhaul after 25, and letting my kids enjoy the next 25
Awesome GMC
lovepontiac, 06/24/2002
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
When GMC says they're professional grade, they mean it! I've hauled tons and tons with my Sierra and she's performed like none other I've seen. I have a family of six and can take them all on trips.
Jusbob Says
jusbob, 10/19/2002
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
at 75000 intake man gasket leaked, was told it was common on these.plugs bad .used oil. 75.oo to test. justto tell what was wrong,but cost 127.50 instead. all this was supposed to be good for 100000 miles.all fixed now, after about 600.00. just hope it stops using oil!!!! Helpfull hints; buy a ford !!!!!!!
1997 GMC Z71
nip4nowon, 05/29/2003
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The only good thing about this vehicle was the price I got at the dealership in Urbana Ohio. Ive had a lot of electrical trouble; tons of problems with the brakes and the transmission, power steering going out again and you dont want to be out in the rain with it when the windshield wipers quit working. This is the last straw for me. No more GM products. We have always drove GM products and it just isnt worth it anymore. I wish someone would run a red light and broadside me, so I could go and a buy a reliable Jap car with the insurance money.
GMC TRUCK
fresh, 02/10/2003
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No mechanical problems. Very quiet ride with the right tires. Plenty of power.
Old Friend
Dennis, 02/07/2006
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
GMC Sierra
Dakotah, 11/27/2006
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
My sweet Sierra
Amy Y, 09/06/2021
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best truck I've ever owned! I only have minor issues with it and was nothing I couldn't fix myself. She was totaled when my husband and son were rear ended by a man playing with his satellite radio!
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