Used 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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A real long term test
After 13 years and 252,000 miles, i think it's time a write a review. The engine is all original, and runs as good as the first day. The transmission failed after 150,000, but the new one is flawless. Aside for the normal consumables, I have had to replace one wheel bearing. That's it. That, and the fact that I have two rather expensive cars sitting in the garage, but my wife always prefers the "truck" for it's comfort and ride quality. I'm sure someone out there will beat me up on how much better they're doing with their Ram or Ford or Toyota, and I can't fault them... I don't know those trucks. But this truck doesn't show any signs that will give it up any time soon. Thanks to Edmunds for the opportunity to provide my last review at 279,000 miles. My last because it's been passed along to a father who needed to haul his son to all the bike races around the state of California. At that time the truck was still flawless, and I was very confident it would soldier on for them.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
dependable ride
purchased new in 01,in 8 yrs the truck has had very few problems. passenger side seat belt tightens up on its own, & the interior light switch had a short.Oe tires had to be replaced at 35k, & the on star system is no longer compatible with the new digital system. fuel mileage averages about 17 in mixed driving, 20mpg is achievable on long highway travel.I would buy another gmc if we wear this one out, brakes still have about 60% life left.
- SLEMSRP: $11,995624 mi away
- SLE Extended CabMSRP: $6,950701 mi away
- SLE Extended CabMSRP: $10,995742 mi away
I love this truck
I have driven this truck cross country several times, a few of these trips required towing another car behind. I went through Colorado and had no trouble keeping up with the rest of the traffic even though I was fully loaded and towing a loaded car behind me up the mountains. I have driven in snow in Minnesota and even though I do not have four wheel drive I did not have any problems, I did have snow tires installed. I get 20mpg, which is great for a truck. I cannot say enough good about this vehicle.
Pleased with my Sierra
I love my truck...most of the time. It has been 100% reliable. Excellent mechanically. The interior is a little cheap feeling with lots of hard plastic. The one complaint I have is soft paint. Rock chips and scratches on the body from branches are horrible. The dark red paint has a white primer which shows everything.
very reliable
The best car/truck Ive ever owned. I trust it to go anywhere.Has towing package but anything 7000-8000lbs fells like a struggle for the engine. Like the 4 wheel disc brakes.Factory a/c delco batteries gave trouble(leaked acid). In 91k miles only 1 visit to dealer to repair abs warning light(abs unit died). The drive train is good(change limited slip gear lube every 30k miles) or limited slip rear can stay locked up after a hard acceleration.)Truck has been lowered 2-4 inches (It sits nice, not too low). Installed airlift load assist air bags for towing/hauling (highly recommended!) Flowmaster 70 series dual side exhaust system. 20 inch centerline wheels. The truck 'Ive always wanted. Very happy.
Good truck with lots of extras
I have 11,500 miles on this 1-year old truck. I've owned many vehicles in my 25 years of driving, and honestly think this is the best truck on the road. The ride is smooth (better than many cars), the 5.3 liter engine is strong, and the fuel mileage beats the heck out of a Dodge. I've owned Chevy and GMC trucks before, and I agree with many other people who say the re-design of these vehicles put them in a class to be envied.
Super truck
looked at Ford and Dodge...but after I test drove this one, I knew this was what I was looking for, my only regret is tha I didn't get the full front- hinged four door, and that GM doesn't offer it other than with the 6.0 300 horse engine, my extended cab 5.7 litre V8 has 285 H.P. but gets over 5 miles to the gal. better than the 6.0.....to big of a trade off for 15 horses. But I love the truck!
Whoa there
Truck runs good but there have been some problems. The brake light goes on most of the time, brakes are in working order says dealer. I need plenty of distance to stop. Gas gauge goes up and down intermitantly if you fill-up, at 1/2 tank it will go away. I have racks and boxes which has made body panels break away at tailights. Pro-grade not. Response was too much weight on bed? Vibration or shudder on launch. Mechanic found bearing in tail of tranny is worn. Remove to repair, too much weight?. Engine knocks on start still, response was could not replicate. Taigate cables were only repair that was correctly solved. The rusty bumper+driveline clunking was ignored.
Rusting away
I have had fuel line, brake line rust problems, I have also had rear brake problems having 4 sets of brakes on the rear since purchase. Very disappointed in this truck. Steering noise problems. And from talking with other owners these problems are common place with GMC and Chevrolet 2001 trucks.
flimsy body panels
Be aware of service bulletin # 01-08-66- 014 which addresses sheet metal fracture with accessories such as tool boxes,and ladder racks. My truck has a rack on it which was also on my '99 GMC(which had no problem in 94000 miles).At about 70000 miles the body panels just in front of the tail lights on both side ripped apart and the bed rails collapsed onto the tail lights. Since I am out of warranty(too many miles, not time) that this repair is on my dime - actually $1800. This was my third truck from this dealer and all of them have used the same rack. They told me that when GMC went to the new body style in 2000 they just aren't as strong. BE AWARE!!!
Problems to plan for
Be aware that when you get your GMC, on the freeway or expressway that you will feel "freeway hop". This is a problem that GMC knows about but will do nothing to fix. Because most people will not test-drive a new vehicle on a freeway, this is a problem that will not show up until that first time you drive your new truck on the freeway, and think the alinement is out, and take it back to the dealer, only to be told that GM is aware of the problem, and put a lot of weight in the rear of the bed. Contacting the 1-800 number did not produce any results either. Hope this helps at this one other person before they buy.
POOR GMC
THE 4.8 WILL NOT TOW ANYTHING. IT HAS TROUBLE PULLING ITSELF UP SMALL HILLS IN OVERDRIVE. POOR GAS MILEAGE.
Professional Grade???
After 2 Fords with over 100000 on each and relatively no trouble, I suddenly have a hole in my 2001 GMC engine block. The GMC hotline has been very vague about service since I am now at 42000 miles and the dealer tries to ignore my calls every time I try to get an answer if this is a factory issue. If this thing ever gets out of the shop I will NEVER own another GMC product!
The Sierra, #1 Pick
If youre looking for something larger than a S-10 that will pin you in your seat when you want it too then the 5.3 Sierra should be a top choice for the consumer. With the proper trim, you think youre riding in a Escalade
Still love it after 9
110000 mi and still original brakes and I tow a 5th wheel. Always serviced at dealer. Driver's seat leather needed replacement - outside edge, otherwise excellent wear and reliability.
Awesome Truck
Truck has exceptional power (5.3). Towing 7000# skid loader a breeze. Fully satisfied with truck. Seating is great with the center console. Just like captain's chairs in a van. The only change I would make is to opt for 4 full doors versus the extended cab.
knock knock
this truck is running very welland i likethe powerand ride. the brakes are weak ,no feel to them . you have to stomp on pedal. i am discovering a knock on start up and when idling.i willtaketo dealersoon to check. haveowned truck 1 yr. and enjoyed driving immensely.
Great Truck
Bought this truck, to have fun driving and fixing it up to scream. So far so good, it screams. Cold air intake, flowmaster, Jet stage 1 and Jet shift. The 5.3 now breaths better. 16mpg in town, 20+on the hwy.[if I keep the pedal off the floor]
Color mine yellow
What can I say...bought it in May, 02. In the shop four times by Sept. 1 02. Quality, workmanship, seems like it was just slapped together. GM has been no help.....preparing my lemon paperwork...brakes, cracked exhaust manifold, trans spline sheared off, starter failed, and for some reason the right side headlight has burned out 4 times since I bought it!
Move over
Powerful,I have towhaul package pulls with ease and still has Excellent passing power while towing. best truck I ever owned and driven, owned for two years haven't had one problem.
Damn Good Truck
My personal all-round vehicle... Use it for everything from going to church to hauling my boat in my charter- fishing business.... Very roomy and comfortable...
Great Truck!
Overall this is a great truck. Even with the heavy duty suspension the ride is very comfortable. Excellent power train so it makes a great truck for hauling. I also like the four doors when I need to haul the whole family but the back doors are a pain to get the kids out of in tight spots. I've had the truck two years and have had no problems with it.
Love my Seirra
My Seirra has never let me down yet. With 63,000 miles on it in just two years it's still running great and I love the way it handles.
Best vehicle I've owned
I love this truck. I have the 5.3 liter V8 Sierra 1500 SLT. This truck is almost like a car in comfort and features. For the driver and passenger it's hard to tell that you are in a truck. The engine has power on tap. Almost 2.5 years of ownership and I've had only one small manufacturer warranty item replaced: the gas gauge.
GMC SIERRA
If GM built cars as good as their trucks they would put a lot of people out of business.
2001 Sierra SLT 5.3 V8
This has been a great vehicle; hasn't needed service in the first 25,000 miles & doesn't seem like it will anytime soon. The SLT package gives it a near luxury ride feel, which is unexpected of a pickup. If you want to do yourself a favor, replace the stock stereo. And the stock tires; they are bad on wet pavement.
Looks aren't everything!
SLE Ext Cab, Sportside,5.3, tow, HD suspension. The truck rides like a frikkin' wagon train. Absolutely loathe driving iy. I don't understand how everyone says it rides great. I'm going to put Bilstein's "comfort" shocks and hope it provides a cure. Other than its ride, the truck is great! Nice, comfortable and roomy inside. Looks fantastic! Reliability has not been an issue. Has more shakes and rattles than I prefer. Gas mileage has been consistent around 16mpg. Contemplating a Radix supercharger. Decent power is not enough. I'd recommend buying this truck, but looks alone does not make for lasting love.
Great all around truck
This is a great all around truck. It's comfortable and makes a good daily driver, while rugged enough to do the odd jobs such as hauling lumber, dirt, gravel, and the family. One of the things that impressed me the most is the ride comfort, while still be able to haul a big load.
My 01 GMC
The truck drives out great, a lil bit of oil consumption on 5.3l engine, had a rear wheel bearing go out HMMM. Clunking when going into gear, possible yoke. Does everything I need it to do.
2001 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT
I bought this truck used from a local dealership. This is my first full sized pickup, and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.
Not bad!
Bought my Sierra new and still enjoy driving it. Only had a few warranty items to take care of in the first year (rear seatbelt retractor, clunking sound from front wheels when going over bumps & front wheel alignment problem). Other than that, have just had it in to the dealer for regular maintenance. It handles great on curves & turns and has plenty of power. However, it does drink lots of gas. I average about 13.5 mpg in the city & around 16 mpg on the highway. The factory tires were terrible (Firestone Wilderness AT) and I only got about 36,000 miles out of them. Have replaced them with Michelin LTX M/S and they have been great in giving the truck a much smoother ride.
Great Truck
Overall this was a fun truck to own and drive. The fact that I'm sitting here typing is a testiment to how well it's built. I rear ended a semi- trailer at approx 50 MPH on the ice. Bumper went under read of trailer and engine took full impact. No air bag deployment becuase of this, but I was safe and sound. My only complaint would be that ALL GM trucks 1999 to 2001 have an issue with air leakage on the passenger side, making it extremely uncomfortable for the passenger in cold climates. Despite the fact I have a repair bulletin on this GM acted dumb abouot the problem the times I called to complain.
GMC Hard to Beat
Absolutely almost 3 years trouble free use, everything from pleasure driving (500 mile trips) to hauling hay or livestock. Never a wimper, never a miss. Pull a 4,000 pound tractor plus implements and trailer and you never know you have anything in tow using the tow mode. Will surely buy another.
GMC Sierra 01
I have had very limited troubles with this truck. It is a little harder on batteries due to the heated seats, etc. but that is the price you pay for the luxury. The OnStar option seems nice, but I have not taken advantage of it. I believe the SLT is the (affordable) Cadillac of trucks. I look forward to being able to upgrade to a crew cab soon.
Great Truck
I have had no problems at all with this truck. It can haul, cruise, or simply get around town with no problems.
Best truck we've had so far.....
We just purchased this truck. It is a very nice and comfortable vehicle to have. We have averaged around 18 to 20 miles to the tank this has been in city so far. It is a quiet ride also. We use to have a ford ext. cab with a 1 ton chassie 4x4 (diesel)and the only thing i can tell that is different is you can feel the small bumps on the road more. Thats only because we were used to a heavier truck. I would highly recommend this truck as of today
Big Man Review
We bought this truck new. I'm over 300 lbs. We are 2 adults, retired with one vehicle to drive. Therefore confort, reliability, etc all have to be in the top of the scale. We have pulled fith wheel Travel trailer with this truck around SE USA wirh no problems. I expect we were close to 13K going down the road. Always performed like a champ. Only minor service things; 1) Daylight lamps had to be replaced. 2) OEM Tires replaced before 40K miles with Michlien LTX. 3)Drivers seat frame broke, replaced under extended warranty. I did have reservation about pulling TT, but there has never been a problem associated with this. PS Note having been a one TRUCK famil
excellent vehicle
2001 GMC Sierra ext. cab 5.3 liter, 38,000 miles. Excellent truck, no problems, the 5.3 is quick. mpg not the best, only 16.5-17. no problems. recommend GMC to anyone.
2001 GMC Sierra 4WD SLE LB 5.3 Liter
I gave lower scores on the interior design only because of the seat belts. All GM seat belts are really poorly designed for comfort. Also, all GM vehicles seem to have some kind of electrical problems or "glitches". Otherwise, this is an awesome vehicle with little or no problems. This truck does seem to lose about 1 quart of oil within the first 1,000 miles after each oil change, for some reason. I was told this is normal, however. Even if the synthetic oil is used, it will lose about a quart & needs to be added before next change schedule after about 3,000 miles.
GMC (Grand Ma's Chariot)
Have driven on different vacations R/T East - West, North - South. Each time the grandkids were present and traveled comfortably. A good feature is that on "Antiqueing" trips, I can purchase an item and not have to worry about the cost of freighting the items. Recently, I test drove a Tahoe, Yukon, and and an Expedition because I needed a set of step sides/running boards. Afterwards, I decided to keep my GMC truck and buy the accessories.
GMC Sierra
We bought this truck with traveling in mind. Haven't retired yet, but we drive the truck every day and also driven it during vacations. Its equipped with a vortec 5.3L engine; in our opinion one of the best; along with many ammenities. We've driven it for 5 yrs and it's reliability is second to none. The cruise control is simple to use and the large bucket seats are comfortable. Also like the tilt steering wheel.
I will cry the day I sell it
5.3L V8 is a damn powerful engine! More so with a few aftermarket goodies. We absolutely love this truck, chose it for being much sexier than Chevy counterpart. I am a street truck enthusiast, and appreciate that the aftermarket is chock full of parts/accessories for my truck/engine. I only marked down on comfort b/c you can find a roomier back seat in a smaller truck (Dodge Dakota Quad Cab). We have two kids in car seats and I am a six-footer, so the back is getting pretty cramped. Also I thought the SLE should have fancier "upgraded" materials in the interior. Fuel economy is not great, but better than you'd expect from an engine that size - a little maintenance goes a long way in this truck.
great truck
great truck, updated Dec. 2021, still a great truck!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Chevy like a Rock!! Older models
I have a 2001 GMC Sierra SLE extended cab short bed two wheel drive and I opted for the 5.3 l V8 I do not tow anything with my truck have owned it for about 7 years now. Unfortunately I have had some things go wrong with it first thing I needed to replace was all four shocks second repair was all the hubs on the entire truck The hub / wheel bearings I did all four of them new sway bar links and bushings new inner and outer tie rods. All of them, new battery all new belts tensioner tune up plugs wires rear differential cleaning and new faceplate and bolts. Overall I invested $7,500 into this truck this is the first major repairs that I've ever had to put into it out of the 7 years that I've owned it I'm a little upset with how much it cost but boy it rides like a new truck and I'm very satisfied with this truck it's never let me down. The truck still started and brought me to point a to point b it just needed work they don't build them like they used to five star on this truck once you fix them they stay fixed for a long time so if you can find one in good shape snag it. Especially if you're looking for a very dependable pickup truck that will last you years before you have to put anything really into it I would definitely recommend this truck the model year 99 to 2004 in between those years are the best GMC Chevy trucks that they've ever made in my opinion true pushrod engines are the most reliable V8 or any pushrod engine in but in particular the pushrod V8 vortec. Chevy like a Rock. What happen to you GM very sad after 2004 there quality started going downhill not that bad at first but by late 2012 2013 Chevy started getting complaints with everything and now they're 2021 Chevy Silverado is the most unreliable truck on the road consumer reports that is absolutely sad general motors stop building your damn vehicles in Mexico they aren't tightening the rear ends up to the right specification they're obviously doing stuff wrong. I went to a Chevy dealership and that's all I hear from other people is Chevy Silverado suck the 1500 models they break down the transmission blow the engines blow the rear ends go out anything 2019 or above has issues with that type of problem. General motors is a great company they just have to step their game up a little bit.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value