Used 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews
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5.3 V8 why go smaller?
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.
Best Truck Ever
This truck was two years old, with 33,000 miles when I purchased it (Certified Used). I use this pickup on our family farm and to drive to work, resulting in 40K miles each year. This is the best truck, fantastic engine 5.3, great power reasonable fuel economy. No complaints with the 4WD, I use it frequently. Currently, the truck has over 200K miles, the service record is brief: 5 years old replace rear brakes (still have not replaced front brakes),6 years old replace battery just to be on the safe side, Fuel pump replaced at 175K miles, my fault for not ever replacing the fuel filter. At 180K had to replace the front UJoint. Plan to trade the truck in on a similar equipped 2008 model Sierra.
- SL Extended CabMSRP: $6,495527 mi away
- SLE Extended CabMSRP: $7,500598 mi away
- SL Extended CabMSRP: $4,599652 mi away
Best vehicle I've ever owned!
I bought my truck new in May 2002 and the only items I've had to replace have been a windshield washer pump, and the headlight switch. Well, the obligatory maintenance items, air, cabin, fuel and oil filters, plus a new serpentine belt, and plugs and wires at 100K. Otherwise, my alternator, AC compressor, water pump, brake booster, fuel pump, brakes, etc are all original. It has never even needed an alignment! And yes, I've driven the truck - it was my daily driver the first 10 years - and currently has 174,898 miles. I have used it to haul a trailer - it's a regular cab, step side, 4.8 V8 - and I put on a transmission cooler and a Class III hitch receiver. I really do like this truck: the cloth interior still looks new, the paint is shiny and not faded anywhere, the dash has not cracked, the leather-wrapped wheel is still supple, however, the center armrest cover - the plastic part - has cracked under the weight of my elbow pressing on it when I get in and settle myself in the seat; it's not noticeable, though, unless I point it out. I can't speak highly enough about my truck. 178K miles now. I've recently replaced the fuel & air filters, however, still no issues. 181K miles and it's still performing well. Best vehicle I ever bought! 184K miles and still no issues. In fact, last summer I polished the clear coat, and it came out beautiful: deep shine on my old metallic ox blood burgundy. I am constantly being asked if it's for sale, and I always swivel my head around and say, "Do you see a for sale sign?" I wouldn't sell this truck if someone offered me $20K. 186K miles and still going strong.
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The Professional Grade!!!!!!
My GMC Sierra is a great truck! It rides great and it handles very well. The only thing i don't like about it, is its a 2WD but I would probably never use it if i did have it and I have to say it has been the most reliable vehicle i have ever had. My dad bought it in 2002 new and gave it to me when he bought a new car. It only has 86,000 miles on it and i have to say for a truck that's not a lot. Knock on wood I have never had to take it in for any work other than to get it serviced. I don't like the gas mileage it gets 13 MPG in town but it does have the 5.3L V8 so what do you expect. But i love the truck and i hope to have it for a long time.
Absolutly Satisfied
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.
What happened?
loved the truck until exactly 40,000 miles. Right out of warranty the sun shell in the transmission wore out. Repaired it for $500 in parts myself. Non-mechanics will find no one to do it, and if they do, likely triple the cost. Also had a ticking sound like a valve from about 20,000 miles. The dealership happily checked it out and even replaced the lifters as a best guess. That lasted 100 miles and the sound returned. Seems to not affect anything and can be heard on only a few of the trucks. Unless you haul, don't get the hauling suspension. You can easily load the bed with solid rock and roll down the interstate like it wasn't even there.
A fairly good all round truck
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.
2002 gmc 1500 4x2 sle
come on GM this is 2002!dated interiors,cheap feeling parts,ergonomically is only o.k.,my last 5 trucks were fords,it was time for a change,giving gmc another chance,but 20 yrs.later i still feel some reslembence to long ago!i need to sell my 97 ford f150 lariat asap! so i can stop comparing the gmc 1500 sle to it. new f-150 for 2004?,cant wait!
Awesome Truck!
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!
Worst truck ever
I was always a GM fan until I bought this truck.I bought it brand new and had lots of problems with it.I actually started to look forward to bringing it in the shop so I could drive their loaner vehicle. Had to replace brake pads and rotors at 34,000,had to argue to get it covered under warranty.Dont expect GM customer service to help you cuz they wont you are on your own. Replaced air conditioner compressor and condensor, could never get windows and doors to seal right. I don't have enough room to write everything here, but if you see this vehicle anywhere the best advice I can give you is to run away from it as fast as you can.I just traded this truck in on a Toyaota truck in Nov. of 05.
Denali
This is an expensive truck, but everyday I drive it, I think this is worth it. The four wheel steering is awesome - parking lots are a snap! I pulled a UHaul trailor a few days ago - first with a Toyota Sequoia, then the Denali. Everything you've read is true. I did some quick lane changes and the trailor stays right behind the truck. My hats off to GMC on this truck. Outstanding job!
happy!!
I love this truck only had it a year, but 4 wheel steering should come standard on all cars and trucks.The interior is great. The look is even better!! The power of the 6 liter is awsome. Fuel mileage is not so good, but I guess you have to give up something for all the power. Theses trucks have all the bells and whistles This is truly a sports car in a truck skin! Only downside is I can't afford 2
2 Year Old Denali
I have owned my Denali for 2 years now. Up until the warranty ran out I did not have any problems. Now problems with the drive shaft, steering, and transmission. I am have taken excellent care of my truck and wouldn't think of even getting it muddy. However, now I am thinking about trading it in on something with fewer problems. Your adverage Joe will not touch this truck for repairs. Getting parts has been impossible and even dealers can't order the right ones (parts). I love the look, the comfort, the whole package of this truck and hate to part with it. This truck gets more attention than I do!
GMC's 'Hot Truck' is still a truck
Wants: A vehicle to haul stuff and still be sporty. GMC's Sierra 1500 with the 'HT' package seemed a good bet. A 4.8 liter 270 hp motor, auto trans and heavy duty suspension. After 8k miles I'm disappointed. The engine lacks low end torque often shifting in first gear to pass or merge with authority. The ride is choppy on the freeway and gas mileage is poor, best 15mpg.
Sierra Denali
Vehicle rides and handles like a high- end SUV. Vehicle is very agile and maneuvers easily in traffic. All- wheel steering and ample power make trailering seem effortless.
Most dependability
I've had this pickup since I was 18. I'm 27 now. Ots gotten me thru college and many many many spur of the moment road trips. I got it with 142000 miles, it now sits at 342590. I never have a problem with just waking up in the mornings and without a second thought, just hoping in and going 300 miles just because I want. This thing is the best vehicle I've ever had by far! And it's never let me down just to hook up and roll out with over 6000 lbs. I did take my 4.8 out and replaced it with a 5.3l. Just because I do pull anywhere from 6000 to 8500 lbs. and haul over 400 lbs worth of tools and a 300lb bumper replacement brush guard. I love it!
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AWESOME 18 YEARS OLD STILL RUNS GREAT
Keep oil change properly it will treat you good
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GMC 1500 Lemon
The truck ran and performed fine up to the point to where I had about 8000 miles on it. After that, engine knocks, transmission slips, steering problems, brake problems, gas mileage dropped, tires were wearing funny, brake light electrical problems all surfaced. Maintenance shop was cluless on fixing problems and didn't know how to fix anything. I was accused of 4 wheeling the truck when I have never even had it off road. Then I was told that the steering problems, brake problems, and tire problems were not covered under warranty past 1500 miles. Worst truck I have ever owned and I'll never own another.
GMC Forgot Driver's Side Ergonomics
Although the engine has spunk, the 4x4 feature is only suitable for driving straight. While executing even wide turns in 4x4, the entire vehicle shakes and makes squeeking and grunting noises. Traction on any wet or winter surface without 4x4 is non existant without a load in the long bed. The legal heavy load capacity is limited to just a few hundred pounds above the vehicle's own weight. Inside the cab the driver's side is very narrow, forcing you to place your left elbow against the solid door. This results in constant elbow bruising. I must always wear a thick left elbow pad to prevent pain and bruise. The seat is also too narrow, binding the outer right thigh. At 5'8", I'm dissapointed.
Great Truck Bad Transmission
Delivery and paperwork was flawless Price was right. Sierra was delivered in perfect physical condition with only a minor transmission problem noticed. Problem increased, warranty looked into the problem. Problem is claimed by GM as "normal" and not a problem. Suspension has been cheapened translating into less comfort and a harder ride, even with the smooth ride suspension ordered. If this new truck rode like my 1990 GMC 1500 I would buy 3 more for my kids but will be hard pressed to ever buy another one the way they are being made today.
GMC found after years of other brands...
Smooth power transfer of the 5.3/auto is a delight. No one in this weight class can gut with it, draws clear and away going uphill against all Ford, Toyota, or Dodge trucks/SUV's, ticks some of them off too! Tested daily on the Morongo Canyon grade in SOCAL. Owned new Ford, Toyota, and Nissan trucks over the last 20 years; this 2002 Sierra is considerably the best with Ford coming in second to others.
WOW!!!!!
This is my first GMC Truck. I was happy with the over all performance with the 5.3L motor. The large fuel tank will take us about 490 miles on the open road about 19 mpg as long as you keep your foot out of it. That is great my suv with a V6 3.2L only gets 18 mpg and is much smaller.. So buy with Confdince. but try to step up to 5.3L motor you will be glad you did.. Curtis Yucaipa, CA
Go's ta pays da cost ta run wit' da Boss
Very nice truck to own. I'd wait for the '03 to get the better stereo. However, dealers are dropping prices on '02 models below invoice.
Ultimate Road Truck
This is an extremely (in my opinion) good looking truck with many nice touches inside and out. All aspects of this vehicle are as nice or nicer than any truck I have had. Rides nice. Sounds nice. The 4 wheel steering is absolutely amazing. In 2 or 3 years I predict half (if trucks are still being made) of large vehicles will have it!
Great Truck
Z-85 suspension a little stiff for around town. Added dual exhaust and K&N filter. Gas mileage and performance improved with these additions. Average about 21mpg overall...Truck is a blast to drive & stock stereo is very good. Sound proofing is good; however, GMC could have located the emergency brake in better location. Overall no problems in 7 thousand miles...........
sierra denali
this truck is so easy and fun to drive due to the quadrasteer system. i will never be able to drive another truck without it again. great interior
Great Truck, Hideous Transmission!
The defective transmission outweighs all the good things about this truck! The transmission clunks when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. This clunk is so bad that there is no pleasure in driving this otherwise great truck. GM tech bulletin says this is normal! If so, then why doesn't it do it from 1st to 2nd, or 3rd to 4th. Since when is a transmission that clunks and bangs normal for a new $25,000 vehicle? GM refuses to repair! I was told by the dealer to get used to it. Gee Thanks!
maddox
All is fine with truck. Had a 2001 6-cylindar and did not like the pick up from a slow roll or stopped position. Went to the 5.3 and real happy with performance. Only downside is the tires have been swapped three times due to poor quality. Dealer has not flinched once when complaint registered.
The Best truck made.
The is the best truck in the world. Happy to drive it!! Very quiet ride. TOW and Haul mode works great. Very confertable, and alot of legroom space in the rear seats. Very conferable rear and front seats. Very good audio system. And the best fuel milage that I have seen for a 4.8 liter V8 engine!
2002 GMC Sierra SLT X-Cab SB
I've had GMC, Chevy and (one) Ford pickups over the last 30 years. This one is by far the best, although it is the first one in at least 27 years without the classic 350 V-8. The new large V-8 is a worthy successor. The transmission is smooth. The interior is very comfortable, almost as good as my BMW. Alas, it is not as fun to drive as the BMW, but pretty good for a pickup. Only one problem in 20 months, being a shake in the steering column, which I will take to the dealer soon.
Excellent Vehicle
No problems since early on with leaning to left. Dealer changed springs, etc. Most trouble-free vehicle to date, including 4 Hondas, 1 Maxima and many others.
Great Truck
excellent truck no problems looks and handles great
Pleased
Though the vehicle had to have the front differential replaced at 9400 miles, I still would buy another in a second. Absolutely fantastic for pulling my 30 foot travel trailer, excellent fit and finish, and the 4 wheel steering makes it easy to drive and park even in Denver's hectic traffic. Mileage is average, but seating and comfort features are way above average. This is the nicest truck I have ever owned. Leased it originally, then bought it at the end of the lease. Dealer was dying to get it back, but I wouldn't give it up!
2002 2WD Basic 1500 PU
My very plain 2002 GMC has had NO problems and I have not had to take it back to the dealer for service other than scheduled maintenance. Very nice ride and quite adequate power. Has never failed to start and always runs well. No complaints.
Love my GMC Sierra Denali
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.
Pricy? You get what you pay for!
The quadrasteer makes handling this truck a breeze in tight spots. I haven't had it out of 4WS since I tried it. The seats are far more comfortable than my Ford Expedition EB. The ability to adjust the power lumbar support while driving is great. Plenty of power for passing, even while towing. This is, by far, the best truck I've ever owned.
Best PU on the road
This truck has the comforts of a car, and the abilities of a truck. Interior is comfortable, and it will haul and tow like nobody's business. 4 wheel steering is amazing! You can u- turn on the average city street and the manueverability in parking lots is unbelievable. Drive one. Try to drive something else. Enough said.
Great value
Purchased used and in great shape. Runs strong and looks new. Fuel mileage is around 18mpg. This one has the 34 gal tank and a 373 posi rear. Fast acceleration and great braking. Trailering package stiffens the ride but it is a truck after all. Very pleased so far.
A great truck
This is a great truck, it performs as advertised and delivers 20 MPG at 70 MPH. It has the 5.3 and drags my 20 foot fifth wheel like its not back there. Will repost after one year. This is my third GM truck, my last one was an 88 and before that a 67.
2002 GMC 1500 SLE
If this vehicle got better gas mileage it would be a 12. I've driven pickups as my primary vehicle for the last 9 years. They ride far better than a car, can carry whatever I need to carry, get me where I want to go in the worst weather imaginable, and they don't cost any more than a car, except for the gas mileage thing. I'm a big man who needs room in a vehicle and these trucks give me that in spades. If you don't want to squeeze into a small car, get a truck.
Great Truck!
Bought the truck as a family vehicle for the wife an 2 kids. Plenty of room for every one. I would have preferred the crew cab version if they weren't so dang expensive!
This one is a keeper
Mine is a 4.8L with a 3.73 rear end. Gas milage is a consistent 16mpg, regardless if its in town or freeway. It has plenty of power, is built well and a PLEASURE to drive. And it turns heads. People come up to me and say they like the lines of the truck, as opposed to the other brands. The body work is excellent with no defects in the finish. The interior is roomy and my teenagers don't bump their head on the rear window as in the Ford. After almost a year with this truck, and I have no complaints whatsoever. I'm definitely hanging on to this one!
great
great
MOVE OVER FORD
BEST TRUCK ON THE PLANET
solid hard working truck
i love the 02 sierras, have owned several different models over the years, they are dependable in even extreme cold and in the heat of summer as well. weak points come with age as the fuel pump, alternator and starter fail after 250,000km. the 5.3 models offer both good power and great fuel economy, 4wd models are a must in winter although i have driven 2wd models and done ok with winter tires and some weight in the box. by far the best and least complicated truck gm ever made and probably the best bargain out there.
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Very reliable with minimal issues.
Had been extremely reliable and done all jobs required. Rides smooth and gets good fuel milage for the size of vehicle.
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Best Damn truck I've ever owned
Bought my truck with 40,000 miles on it in 2014 and it currently has 117,000 on it.The only thing I've done to it is replace the fog lights after a rock hit one of them and busted it.Other than that I haven't had any problems whatsoever with my truck,only performing preventive maintenance such as changing the oil,new spark plugs and fuel filter at 100,000 miles.If GM would build a truck as reliable as the ones they built in the late 90's early 2000's (instead of the unnecessarily complex nightmares they currently offer)I would buy a new truck tomorrow,but barring a miracle I'll stick with old faithful.I would recommend to anyone looking for a dependable truck to search until they find a relatively low mileage 99-04 Chevy or GMC because these trucks are among the most dependable ever built in my humble opinon.My truck has the 5.3 liter V8,not sure why that isn't an option on this review
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