Used 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews
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Greta truck
This has been a great truck. One person wrote that his wouldn't tow, but he had the 6 cylinder. Why someone would not buy a V8 for towing is beyond me. My 5.3 has been flawless and I often tow a boat, motor, and trailer weighing 7000 lb and the G38 locking differential has allowed me to get up any boat ramp. I added a K&N cold air intake and Gibson cat back exhaust and get 22 MPG on the interstate and and 28 at 55 MPH.
Used Cowboy Cadallic
The crew cab option means you have a short bed. If you want to haul something the size of a sheet of plywood, you have to have the tail gate down. Since this vehicle has a 6 liter engine it gets lousy gas mileage but it will pull 8000# with no problems.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- SLE Crew CabMSRP: $6,99576 mi away
- SLT Extended CabMSRP: $6,99994 mi away
- SLE Extended CabMSRP: $4,950130 mi away
Mostly electrical problems
I bought this truck new in 2005, have put 67k miles on it in 5 years. This is a very comfortable truck. I took it on many 300 mile trips without a rest stop, feeling like I had only driven to town. However the many electrical problems has me wondering about the quality of gmc. Less than 5k the instrument display showed "electrical malfunction". The dealership repaired and did not give me reason. Other problems are evap solenoid, power door lock, brake master cylinder, bumping in steering column, 4wd transfer case switch, speedometer would go to 0, seat heater shorted out, headlights and dash lights flicker anytime you hit brakes or use Windows. The dealer gave an extra 2 yr warr for free due to the issues
GMC Sierra 1500
I have a GMC Sierra I bought second-hand with the optional GFX package. I really like the extra exterior/interior features such as two tone paint, stripe on the side, carbon fibre dash, white gauges etc. At first the 4WD did not work, however after a quick cleaning of the connection from the wire bundle to the solenoid on the side of the transfer case, I have had no problems. It came with the 5.3L aluminum block engine and pulls quite hard. Tow/Haul mode is great for uphill towing. The cab had an annoying grinding noise which was quickly remedied with some hockey tape on the cab door latches. Overall, a great work truck and daily driver.
Best vehicle I have ever owned!
I just bought this truck used and it looks like it just rolled off the factory line. I have owned 2 F-150s and 04 Dodge Ram Quad cab. This by far blows them away. I traded a BMW 525i for it and I actually enjoyed the ride home better. My kids love the factory RSE DVD player and the room in the backseat compared to the other trucks I have owned. I love the driver's seat with the 4 point lumbar support, dual heated and powered front seats and very soft leather front and back. I have always jumped from vehicle to vehicle but I think I have found what I was looking for - a vehicle that has all the comforts of a sports car and the convenience of a pick-up truck.
Friends do not let friends buy GMC crap
My main issue with this vehicle is a bad stepper motor in the speedometer that seems to be a common problem with these trucks. Supposed to be under recall but despite numerous emails to GMC pointing out the Court ordered recall to fix this problem they refuse to fix the problem and told me that I have to pay for the fix myself. Other issues include interior lights will not come on most of the time and headlights do not always come on when they are supposed to. My friend has a GMC Envoy and had a similar issue. The headlights would suddenly go out and was also under recall yet GMC told her that she had to pay for the fix herself. I would not recommend a GMC to my worst enemy. GMC should not be putting out faulty crap then expect the consumers to pay for the fixes under recall.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good truck
I only had to replace a fuel pump and breaks and I have had it for 6 years
- Performance
- Reliability
Denali Hauls!
I have driven about 2200 miles in the first month. Half of the miles are towing a 5,500 lb. ski/wakeboard boat. This truck is incredible for towing. The AWD never spins on the ramp or backing up my 13% driveway with the boat. Loaded, the ride is excellent. Unloaded, it is a little choppy compared to my previous Yukon Denali XL. But, hey it's a truck. Mileage is better than my '01 DXL at 14mpg average. Again, it's a 345HP truck, it's for hauling. Great truck. Unloaded, this thing is fast for a truck and fun to drive. No problems so far.
Weak drive train
Not a bad truck until the warranty was up. Before then, the only thing to go wrong was the rear door latch adjustment. It worked well in winter (western Canada), got great highway mileage and was reasonably comfortable. For the past two years the following have gone wrong: transmission replaced at 65K, 4WD position sensor replaced three times, tie rods twice, front hubs once. My mileage is 4/5 highway / 1/5 gravel. Its never been driven hard and has had very little mountain driving. Fit and finish are not great but not bad either. Accessories still all work. I bought the truck after having an Olds Alero and Saturn Ion (both had serious drive train issues). I won't buy anything from GM again.
Needed work but worth it.
Bought this in fall of 2007 with 60 thousand miles. Pumped a lot more money into it than I thought I would have to, to start out. Wheel hub bearings on both sides. Tie Rod ends. Ball joints. Air conditioner blower motor. u joints. Overhauled front brakes and rotors. This was over a course over 60 thousand more miles I have pumped into it. 122k on it now. I really do like this truck though, I do not pull very much and I love the feel behind the wheel. If it was 4x4 it would be perfect, but its very dependable and hasn't ever broken down on me on the road. I'm hoping to get several more miles out of it. Only problem now, the wheels never stay in balance or alignment and I never offroad it.
2005 Sierra Denali
The power and acceleration are unbelievable. Handling is very good for a pickup. I only have 1000 miles on it so far, but very satisfied overall. I previously had an '01 Tahoe with the 5.3 engine, and the Sierra Denali with the 6.0 is getting slightly better mileage (if I keep a light foot on the gas). For some reason I could never average better than 13.5 with the Tahoe around town, and am getting just under 14 with the Sierra. I think the ethanol fuels around here are partly to blame for lower mileage. The tonneau cover that came with the truck is OK, but I think an Access brand cover would be better - easier to roll up than the GMC model. The all wheel drive is very smooth.
Not happy for a few years
When I purchased my truck almost 5 years ago, it has had a popping sound coming from the front end. It has been to the dealership 3 times, parts replaced each time. Worked well for the last couple of years, than it has started the popping again. Driver side door sounds like it is falling apart for the last 4 years. Had that repaired before and after a couple of years it is again sounding like it's falling apart. For the last 12 years I've owned 2 GMC Trucks and have enjoyed them. Since this is my second truck and I do enjoy it besides the repeating problems I wouldn't mind owning a 3rd, however the window stickers are a little out of my range now.
2005 Sierra
Truck has exellent performance with the 5300 engine. The gas mileage we averaged on an 800 mile trip was 20 miles per gallon which I thought was exellent for a truck of this size. It has plenty of legroom room in the back seats. I considered an F150, but after comparing the two I went with the GMC
Great Truck
This Truck is amazing. It has great acceleration, and power. I drove from Los Angeles to Bozeman, Montana in 2 days, around 1400 miles, and it didn't even have a hiccup and hadn't lost any oil. We had a snow storm the other day and truck drove like it was on dry pavement. When I was shopping for a new truck I was looking for a truck with plenty of torque, so the japanesse trucks were no in question. I had to decide wheather to choose ford or GM, but i eventually decided on the GMC because I liked the style, and had everything I wanted.
'05 Denali
I have owned several GM trucks and one Ford - this is definitely the best I've owned. The acceleration is very good, the truck handles well, transmission shifts are smooth, and it is very quiet and comfortable for a pickup. Pulls a 6,000# boat like a dream. My only minor complaint is a slightly mushy brake pedal feel. It seems that you have to apply more pressure than on other trucks I've driven. Overall, a very nice truck, and with the current GM offer, a good value in my opinion.
No More GM 4 me
Bought truck new and totally disappointed. Truck now has over 104k miles and here is list of repair. Passenger hub replaced under warranty and driver hub replaced at 76k. Trans rebuild 75k. Torque converter replaced @ 83k. Power steering has been terrible since 30k. Front diff passenger seal leaks since under warranty and driver front diff seal leaked at 101k. Now water pump gasket leak @ 103k. U-joint at T-case & drive shaft replaced at 86k. Interior makes noises and this is considered normal. Noisy cab when cruising at over 45 miles. Rust is everywhere on the chassis. My last GM light duty truck
My GMC Truck
My GMC truck is very reliable. The body integrity, motor and drive train have given me nothing but good service. I drive it to work every day, which is about 120 mile round trip, and find it comfortable and safe to handle and control in heavy traffic. Too bad you don't have one too.
Velvet glove, Iron Fist
This truck is the ultimate Great American Vehicle, a fast, powerful and exquisitely beautiful truck. I grew up in the seventies, and loved cars. This truck is quicker than Vettes of that era, with a ride equal to that of luxury cars of today. With its Z-71 suspension system this monsterous beast can cut around corners like a sports car, not bad for being able to tow 4 Mazda Miatas down the road without breaking a sweat. Gas mileage can stink, but this truck also comes with a sophisticated Driver Information System, one of its abilites is giving instantaneous fuel mileage. Steady 60 MPH kicks back 24.9 mph. That is phenomenal! Gunning the rumbling 5.3 motor is addicting however! I LOVE IT!
2nd GM truck
I started with a 99 Chevy Z71 that I drove 200k miles and beyond it's last leg so I traded it in for this GMC Crew 2WD with the 5.3 L. I was disappointed with the extended travel in the front suspension and huge turn radius. It's great on long trips for comfort, but gas mileage averages around 14 in the city and 16 on the highway. It feels real solid until you tow ANYTHING more than 500 #'s, it struggles over 55 mph with shifting a lot, due to lack of torque. The steering pops and clunks like my 99' did, the same for the rear-end chirp on start/stops. Bad design still being used from 99, that's just annoying. I like the comfort and prefer cloth over leather on long trips and in hot Texas.
No more GM products for me
Second GMC I owned and the "MO" is the same: Things started going wrong, repairs started to add up and had to sell the truck before something serious happened to it. Lots of electrical issues especially with climate control system. Stay away from any vehicle with the dual-zone HVAC. Some of these issues can only be solved via dealership who kills you on parts & labor. Traded it in for a more reliable "American" truck: Toyota Tundra. It is built in San Antonio, TX with American labor & parts. Mine was built in Mexico...go figure!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Happy so far
Love this truck so far.. 7 months old no problems yet. Added an ARE cap over bed and love it, got the Suburban look minus the $15,000 difference in price. Fits the car seats easily and the adults even easier. Haven't done a long trip yet but Summer is aproaching and a looking forward to the drive. (Even if the gas costs $4.00 per gal.) Wish I could get better gas mileage but it's a full size truck not a Honda CRV, which is easy to remember when I load it to the hilt , shopping or constructing, get it all in. Only things added was remote starter and sliding rear window (vital) which were negotiated during sale.
The Truck
This is our third GMC extended cab z71 we had a 99 a 02 now a 04 which we see a improvements such as the duel climate control, the bose sound system with the xm radio is fantastic, the 02 pickup's speakers blew out with in a year.. much higher quality sound's.. the previous two pick up's with in a year the rear windows leaked air. making riding almost unbearable... which would be my two main complaints. which the 04 appears to be a much better truck. I won't go with the extended cabl on my next one i will go with the four door. but love the GMC product line, and will keep buying the yukons, and pickups. Mark G. of Niles Michigan
Mostly Happy
As soon as I saw this vehicle I loved it. Victory Red w/ GMC 20" wheels. I am on my 3rd year and just under 36k miles. I have pulled my 22' boat to the Ozarks which is around 300 miles each way through some hilly country. The truck shifts down a lot to keep up the RPM's. The interior seems a little on the cheap side & reminds me of some Mattel toys I had as a kid. I did have the intermediate shaft in the steering fixed at 25k miles. Now that my warranty is up my check engine light is on and I guess the vaccum canister needs replaced which is $500(for plastic). Overall I love the truck and use it for everything from towing to hauling. I just wish the standard warranty was 100k.
Its a good one
I like the performance that it offers.This one is quieter than my 02 was and very much improved fit and finish on the interior.What I greatly dislike is the color choices especially for the interior.!!!!
Awesome truck
Plenty of power from the v6 and great mileage too. With the 5-speed manual I get an average of 25mpg on the highway and 20 in the city. Not bad for a full sized truck.
GMC 1500
Good trucks with everything you need for everyday use and work.
Outstanding value
This truck is incredible! It has to be the best value on the market considering its peformance vs. price. I bought it for my wife, and she loves it! Fantastic product, great price, super service at the dealership! You need to drive this truck, then go buy one.
watch out
the defective casteck heads in my 5.3 leak coolant. this causes what sounds like bad lifter. know what heads are in your 5.3 before you buy, otherwise you could wind up with truck with repairs more than its value.
Opinionated Mechanic
Performance is important to me. The engine pulls hard at higher RPM but lacks low end torque. I have a 3.42 rear gear ratio. If you're using the truck for trips and highway use, thats a perfect ratio. If you want to do towing or be quick between red lights I would get a 3.73 or 4.10 ratio to make up for the lack in low end power. The transmission performs Okay if you're looking for smooth shifts. I prefer a firm shift which you don't get, even in the towing mode. Towing mode just runs out each gear to a higher RPM. Which is good for towing. They advertise a locking differential. Its not a true locker like GM and Ford used in muscle cars. This unit sends power to the wheel with the most traction.
AWD Denali
Lots of power, quiet and smooth ride. The only major issue after16 years is the fuel gauge.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good truck!!
I bought this truck after driving the Ford, Dodge and Chevy. I had a trade and the dealer offered me the best deal. The P rated tires that came standard with the Z-71 package were junk, so I spent a few more bucks and got the same size 17" BFG's. That dropped the mileage from 22-23-to 18-20 depending on speed but the reliability is much better. The auto transmission does seem weird at times but the all aluminum block V8 with the higher H/P is just fantastic.Overall the trans is good. I tow a light weight camp trailer and I forget it's behind me. No problems so far. 12,000 miles through all kinds of weather. For the money, best truck I ever owned and I have had a few. Good looking truck..
Dead Reliable
This is my 4th new GMC full size. They are more reliable than the 3 new Mercedes automobiles I have also owned. Comfortable seats...easy highway cruiser. The 6000 engine is great, but loves gas!
Great, but in need of some perf options
Highest quality of any GM pickup I've ever owned ('74, '87, '89, '92). Not a rattle/buzz anywhere. HO 5.3L runs better than the 454 in that '74 shortbed 2wd, though I've had the PCM custom tuned and running 4.10 gears. I also changed the OEM alloys with 265/70's for 20x9.5" & 305/50 Avons. Handling astonishingly improved and quieter!
Not quite professional grade
Doors/cab seals are too tight, shouldn't have to slam the door. Only 18 mpg, not the 20 as the window sticker says. I get better gas mileage from my '98 Suburban. Knock in the steering. AC vent door noise. Front windshield not sealed correctly. Cheap radio and even cheaper speakers sound terrible. Very uncomfortable driver seat- No adjustments. Fuse box in the way of your left foot. Very disappointed in the engineering and material quality. Very little thought went into designing this truck, only profit. The whole truck is fake, proven by the fake chrome rims. I bought this truck planning to keep it 10+ years, now I can't wait to get rid of it, ASAP.
I wish I bought a Dodge
Was a decent truck when I bought it. But it wouldn't tow worth a dang, piston slap, horrible trans, creaks, squeaks, parts breaking, clunking from steering shaft, burnout lights, sound system, tires, brakes, and so much more wrong with it. My 2nd gm and last. I'm buying a Dodge.
'05 GMC SLT Crew Cab
I am handicapped and this truck is very easy for me to operate. Everything is in clear reach, no need for any modifications. My wife, grand- daughter and I took a trip from Texas to Florida after buying the truck with no issues. Gas mileage is fantastic.
Not good for towing
Have you ever wondered why GM truck owners have to turn their hitches upside down. Even with Z-71, the suspension and trailering provisions are too soft and too low. Also the standard rear-end is going to be a 3.42. Great for milage, not so good for loading. Even with the 5.3 the engineers have turned up the computer trying to hide the small rear end. Posi-trac, not so good. One slick boat ramp and you will glad for 4WD. Even empty on the highway using cruise, the drivetrain cannot maintain enough power on hills to keep from down shifting and raising the RPMs. I pull three trailers ranging from 900 to 5100 pounds. All will wag this truck around easily. Brakes/rotors are on 3rd set.
Best Truck For the Money
I read all the reviews on this truck before I bought. And most of them were positive. So I went out and bought used from a trustworthy dealer. Drove home over 400 miles that afternoon and night and totally enjoyed the ride home. Truck is very nice ride, and good looking. 5.3 engine has it all also. Gmc is easy to work on, and do your own services on. Save money right there.
Love my truck
I switched from a Ford F150 to my GMC, and I love the GMC. I do wish the bed was longer.
Gmc crew cab
Mileage has been above what I expected for a vehicle of this size. Very comfortable on the road. Handles very well on trips and the 5300 has plenty of reserve power
My 5th and last GMC
Air conditioner took three dealer visits to repair. Drive train problems have been present in this truck since the first 700 miles. Lack of towing power and loud whining noise has been present when towing a small boat. And to top it all off, the service manager at the dealership refuses to give me a necessary third visit so I can file a Lemon Law complaint. I have had 5 full size GMC(all from the same dealer) and this one will be my last.
Nice Ride
I considered the Tundra and new F150 and am very happy with my choice. It is powerful enough to easily pull my 20' powerboat and the ride is like a big, roomy luxury car. I like that I can select the automatic 4WD mode and forget about it on dry pavement without hurting anything. Unlike on the Tundra, the back seat of my extended cab version is actually usable for adults.
Bill's 05 by Bill B
Truck was selected over the F150 feel the GMC was a better buy. Took it on an 800 mile trip and averaged 20 miles a gallon. Has plenty of power available when needed.
first time truck buyer
i recently traded in a 2003 cadillac, for the new 2005 gmc sierra, and what a vehicle. It rides better than than the cadillac, and is usefull, for more things, (obviously). what a great truck, gas mileage is okay, what do you expect for a v8. i would suggest anyone to buy a gmc, what a great vehicle.
Great Truck!
I've been satisfied with the truck so far. It's a bit under powered, but that's expected with 6 cylinders. Enough power if you don't tow anything. My only disappointments have been with interior design. There aren't enough useable storage bins. Pencils constantly fall out of the ones on the dash board. The cup holders are in a strange and unhandy place. They make the middle seat useless. There is no storage space under the seats. Seats are very comfortable on long trips. Interior and exterior fit and finish are very good. No rattles. Gas mileage could be better.
black beauty
excelent sound system,quiet,plenty of power. some wind noise at high speed
GMC Sierra Crew Cab
Responsive, strong, quiet, and comfortable ride. Excellent fit and finish. Pleasure to drive:-)
Great Ride
Mine is a two door sportside with the small V8. The truck handles great, and corners like a sports car. It's a fun vehicle to drive. I have a black truck with a tan interior and I had to go to Arkansas from Texas to get that combination. There were only three in the country that had the combination I wanted. If you are looking for a good looking and fun truck, look at the GMC Sierra.
GMC Sierra
This is my 1st crew cab, I've owned quite a few extended cabs in both GMC and Chevy. I believe this truck is the best handling of all the trucks I've owned. This has a 5.3 V-8 which is what I needed to pull my boat. It is a SLE model which has cloth seats, which I like better than leather. The seating is very nice and comfortable for large people and small alike. I would highly recommend this truck.
2005 GMC crewcab
I consider the truck an outstanding buy with the rebates and other incentives that were offered. This is my 4th GM truck and it is the best one yet. The gas mileage is great for a truck of this size. It averages over 18 mpg in my daily driving, and 21 on the road.