1996 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
Price Estimate: $484 - $825
GMC Sierra 3500 model years
GMC Sierra 3500 types
- Extended Cab
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Vortec, a new family of engines, is introduced, providing more power and torque than last year's offerings. The Vortec engines available on the Sierra 3500 pickups include a 5.7-liter V8, rated at 250 hp at 4,600 rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm and a 7.4-liter V8, capable of 290 hp at 4,200 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.
Noteworthy comfort and convenience additions include illuminated entry, additional 12-volt power outlets, an electrochromic inside rearview mirror and height-adjustable front safety belts. Also the crew cab body styles get rear-seat heating ducts.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) are added this year as well.
For sale near Lansing, MI
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
Not EPA tested for Sierra 3500 SLE
Sierra 3500 SLE
vs
$242/mo
Avg. Large Truck
GMC Sierra 3500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
K3500/454
5 out of 5 starsel durbo, 06/01/2002
1992 GMC Sierra 3500 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Bought used with 45000 actual miles. In
last 4 1/2 years replaced clutch,
starter, and distributor. Costs of
replacement were very reasonable due to
cost of parts being surprisingly low.
Truck is a 1 Ton 4X4 that sits much
lower than Dodge and Ford 1/2 Tons --
so wind resistance is far better than
newer oversized trucks, which allows me
to get 13 to 17 mpg with a 454. … This is
a real truck with a real truck engine --
not a street hot rod -- but can it
haul.
GMC Pickup
4.5 out of 5 starsestavela, 12/12/2003
1994 GMC Sierra 3500 SL 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
This has been a good truck and we have
had no major problems with it. we have
enjoyed it to the fullest.
A fine Truck
5 out of 5 starsJack Nichols, 12/29/2020
1992 GMC Sierra 3500 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
It's been a reliable, fun and good looking truck. I have standard cab non dually fleetside w/454 and just turned over 140,000 miles. doesn't burn oil and has plenty of power. Getting ready to paint and replace things like grille, all exterior lights. This 1 Ton is well worth this minor restoration. Going to continue with it's original colors camel beige with cherry red sides. It's … always been a head turner.
Great Truck
4.5 out of 5 starsGM Man, 12/10/2004
1993 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought my 1993 GMC Sierra 3500 with 230,000 miles on it two years ago. It now has 265,000. In that time I have only replaced the alternator, battaries, radiator, shocks, and two tires. This truck uses no oil, and doesn't smoke at all. It has recently been a little slugish when first started after setting for a few days. I guess I should change the plugs. This truck pulls my car, … and trailer beautifully. And is great for taking the family on trips. I just wish gas was $0.50 a gallon. Oh well.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 GMC Sierra 3500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 3500 since its last redesign.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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