Used 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Consumer Reviews
Used Sierra 1500 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
5.3 V8 why go smaller?
Schuyler Young, 09/03/2008
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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 vehicle I've ever owned!
Gaines E., 09/18/2020
updated 10/10/2023
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 27 listings
- SLEMSRP: $4,999120 mi away
- SLE Extended CabMSRP: $4,998686 mi away
- SLE Extended CabMSRP: $13,995708 mi away
See all 27 listings
Absolutly Satisfied
Durakingdiesel, 03/03/2008
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
A fairly good all round truck
quickpickup, 11/06/2007
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
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.
GMC's 'Hot Truck' is still a truck
silky, 03/05/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
GMC 1500 Lemon
SC, 10/27/2005
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
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
Stu, 02/27/2005
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
Bob Forsberg, 06/21/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Truck
chance, 10/21/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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...........
Great Truck, Hideous Transmission!
Baystate, 12/14/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
batman1, 12/26/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2002 2WD Basic 1500 PU
julio61, 01/25/2004
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great value
Joe Winieiwcz, 08/08/2005
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
MOVE OVER FORD
PHILR, 03/26/2002
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BEST TRUCK ON THE PLANET
Best Damn truck I've ever owned
Diamond Dave, 04/17/2025
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value