1998 GMC Sierra 3500 Review
1998 GMC Sierra 3500 Review

Used Sierra 3500 for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sierra 3500 model years
GMC Sierra 3500 types
- Regular Cab
- Crew Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Hulking, go-anywhere ability. Torquey stump-pulling engines. Rugged good looks.
Cons
- Aging design. Too much cheap plastic inside.
What’s new
Diesel engines make more power and torque, extended cab models get rear heater ducts, a PassLock theft-deterrent system is standard and three new colors debut. Second-generation airbags are standard.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 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 N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available for Sierra 3500 SLT
Sierra 3500 SLT
vs
$244/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
GM has figured out a way to steal some thunder from the Dodge Ram and the new Ford F-Series. Their entire line of truck engines is infused with notable horsepower and torque output figures, which goes a long way toward selling the consumer on these aging pickups.
Every Sierra gasoline engine, from the base V6 to the king-of-the-hill V8, benefits from Vortec technology which provides healthy power and torque ratings. For example, the standard 4300 V6 makes an ample 200 horsepower, and the optional 5700 V8 is a much more satisfying powerplant than Ford's new overhead cam designs. Also available are regular- and heavy-duty turbodiesels sporting 6.5 liters of displacement. For 1998, turbodiesels are infused with additional power and torque. All Sierras have four-wheel anti-lock braking.
The optional side access panel makes the extended cab model a true family vehicle. Loading cargo into the rear of the cab is much easier too. To qualify for the side access panel, you must order a 1500-series extended cab equipped with SLE or SLT trim and a Vortec 5000 or Vortec 5700 engine mated to an automatic transmission. In contrast, Ford provides a third door standard on all extended cab models, making life much easier. And, for 1998, Dodge offers optional rear doors on both sides of the truck.
Creature comforts aren't forgotten in the Sierra. Automakers are constantly trying to make their trucks more car-like, so GM has made rear seat heating ducts standard on the Sierra extended cab. Shoulder belts are height adjustable to fit a variety of physiques, and upholstery choices include leather. Heck, you'd hardly know this was a truck, especially with the passenger car tires that give some versions of the Sierra a nicer ride and quieter interior.
Improvements for 1998 include second-generation airbags for front seat passengers, a standard PassLock theft deterrent system, reduced rolling resistance tires on 1500-series models, and three new exterior colors. An all-new Sierra is due in mid-1998 as a 1999 model, so revisions this year are understandably minimal.
Although Chevrolet's own C/K Series garners the greatest amount of publicity, GMC's equivalents are pretty strong sellers themselves. Sierras, in fact, account for close to half of GMC output. Americans continue to clamor for burly pickups, whether for their macho image or for real down and dirty work. Whether you choose a light-duty two-wheel-drive (C1500) or the massive four-wheel-drive K3500 Club Coupe, on a 155.5-inch wheelbase, GMC gives both Chevrolet and its Ford/Dodge rivals a run for their money.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 GMC Sierra 3500.
5 star(83%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
6 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Camper K3500
Gary747, 06/01/2002
1998 GMC Sierra 3500 SL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I use this primarily to haul a slide-in
camper, and after some mods, it
performs this task well. Weakest point
is brakes. I'm on my 3rd front and 2nd
rear set at 30K miles. They work well,
but don't last many miles. With a 454
V8, 4.10 rear end, and automatic trans,
I get 9-10 MPG. It is a great family
hauler, and the 4WD has saved me twice
from getting stuck and … needing a tow.
Mods I did were additional rear helper
springs, air suspension, Bilstein
shocks, and load range G rear tires
(Goodyear). I do NOT have dual rear
wheels.
4.5 out of 5 stars
GMC Pickup
estavela, 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.
5 out of 5 stars
A fine Truck
Jack 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.
5 out of 5 stars
K3500/454
el 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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 3500 since its last redesign.
1998 Sierra 3500 Highlights
Regular Cab
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 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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