2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Review





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Used Sierra 1500 for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sierra 1500 model years
GMC Sierra 1500 types
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V8-engine selections, numerous configurations, comfy cabins.
Cons
- Spotty fit-and-finish concerns, low-grade interior materials.
What’s new
The Sierra C3 gets a name change to Sierra Denali in addition to a trick new four-wheel steering system. On standard Sierras, the previously optional Z85 firm-ride suspension is now standard on all 1500 models for improved handling and towing capacity. Base SL models now include air conditioning while uplevel SLE and SLT models add deep-tinted glass to the standard feature list.
Edmunds says
GMC advertising claims Sierra is a "professional grade" truck. With stout engines, roomy cabs and rugged good looks, the Sierra impresses. But the cabin is constructed of rather cheap parts, and we've found fit-and-finish concerns on several Sierras. That doesn't spell "professional grade" to us.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$262/mo for Sierra 1500 Work Truck
Sierra 1500 Work Truck
vs
$265/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Now entering its fourth model year in current guise, GMC's full-size Sierra pickup continues along the refinement trail for 2002. While it shares a platform and components with Chevrolet's Silverado, the Sierra benefits from styling and feature enhancements to position the GMC as a "professional grade" truck.
Looks and special content aside, the biggest draw for GMC's half-ton pickup is a first-class engine lineup. The base Vortec 4.3-liter V6 provides a solid 200 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for light-duty towing and hauling. If a V8 is more to your liking, there are two to choose from. A 4.8-liter V8 rated at 270 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque is standard on all half-ton extended cab Sierras. For a little extra get up and go, order the 5.3-liter V8 rated at 285 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines move the Sierra along with surprising speed while delivering as much as 20 miles per gallon on the highway.
Transmission choices are limited to a five-speed manual or a four-speed overdrive automatic. The five-speed manual is standard equipment on all Sierra 1500s equipped with either the 4.3-liter V6 or 4.8-liter V8. The four-speed automatic that features a driver-selectable tow/haul mode for firmer shifts under load is optional with the 4.3-liter and 4.8-liter engines and the only choice on 5.3-liter-equipped Sierras.
Underneath, all Sierra 1500s utilize an independent suspension in front (coil springs on 2WD, torsion bars on 4WD) and a straight axle leaf spring setup in the rear. A notable change for this year is the switch to the Z85 firm-ride package as standard equipment on all half-ton Sierras. For a cushier ride, the Z83 soft ride suspension is still available. Or you can check the ZX3 option, which provides a dash-mounted switch that can alternate between both firm and soft suspension settings. With the proper equipment, a Sierra 1500 can tow up to 9,200 lbs.
Like most full size trucks, the Sierra comes in a variety of configurations, including regular (two-door) or extended (four door) cabs, short (6.5-foot) or long (8-foot) beds, Wideside or Sportside box designs, and rear- or four-wheel-drive versions. A choice of three trim levels (SL, SLE or SLT) and a dizzying array of options and equipment packages are available to customize your truck exactly the way you want it.
For the ultimate half-ton Sierra look no further than the Sierra Denali. Debuting as the C3 last year, the renamed Sierra Denali features a luxurious interior, sharply styled exterior, and exclusive hardware not available on any other GMC half-ton. The Sierra Denali gets the first application of GM's new Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system that shaves nearly ten feet off the Denali's turning circle as well as improving high-speed stability while towing a heavy trailer. A 6.0-liter, 325 horsepower V8 provides the power while a heavy-duty four-speed transmission and full-time all wheel drive put all the power to the ground. Heavy-duty ¾ ton brakes, a performance-tuned suspension and a standard towing package round out the Denali's impressive equipment list.
Upgrades to the Denali's interior include six-way power heated bucket seats, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, a comprehensive trip computer, and two-tone leather upholstery.
All Sierras feature a roomy interior with ample storage space, straightforward controls, and a full complement of safety and convenience features. Rear seat accommodations in extended cab Sierras are surprisingly comfortable with easy access provided by clamshell-style rear doors on both the passenger and driver sides. All the available options and features are too numerous to list here, but needless to say, if you can't find it on a Sierra, it probably doesn't come on a full-size pickup. So whether you're looking for the most basic V6 regular-cab, or the fully decked-out Sierra Denali, GMC's half-ton Sierra has something for everybody.
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Also Consider

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Pro
Starting MSRP$46,700
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GMC.com
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 GMC Sierra 1500.
5 star(71%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
5.3 V8 why go smaller?
Schuyler Young, 09/03/2008
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Truck Ever
Joe K., 08/12/2009
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutly Satisfied
Durakingdiesel, 03/03/2008
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SL 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
The Professional Grade!!!!!!
mwheeler88, 03/14/2010
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 2WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
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.
2002 Sierra 1500 Highlights
Regular Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP | $17,976 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $262/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,400 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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