1999 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 Review
Price Estimate: $1,010 - $1,721
GMC Sierra Classic 3500 model years
GMC Sierra Classic 3500 types
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy cab, powerful V8 engine options, traditional truck styling.
Cons
- Aging design, interior plastic not in keeping with GMC's premium truck brand image.
What’s new
Mechanical upgrades include new internal components and seals for automatic transmissions, improved cooling system and starter motor durability, and three new exterior paint colors. With an all-new Sierra just months away, changes are limited to a few new colors.
For sale near Boca Raton, FL
Vehicle overview
After a power infusion last year to the entire lineup of GMC truck engines, the GMC Sierra becomes the GMC Sierra Classic to distinguish the old model from the all-new Sierra due in showrooms this model year.
Every Sierra gasoline enginefrom the base V6 to the king-of-the-hill V8benefits 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 turbo diesels sporting 6.5 liters of displacement. Power speaks volumes in the pickup truck market, and having competitive horsepower numbers goes a long way toward selling the consumer on these aging pickups. All Sierras come standard with four-wheel antilock brakes.
Creature comforts aren't forgotten in the Sierra. Manufacturers have been 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 driving environment.
While the side access panel option available on some 1500-series extended cab Sierras had made loading cargo into the rear of the cab is much easier, there is no four-door extended cab model like those Ford and Dodge offer for 99. Unfortunately for GMC, the Sierra's door deficiency will not be addressed until the 2000 model year, at the earliest.
Improvements for 1999 are limited to some mechanical upgrades and a few new exterior colors. An all-new Sierra hit the showrooms in late-1998 as a 1999 model, so revisions this year on the previous-generation truck are understandably minimal. Why bother to introduce the 1999 Sierra Classic with the debut of an all-new Sierra right around the corner? Well, it seems that GMC was running into Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) problems. In order to get around this, GMC began selling 1999 models early. Problem solved, for now.
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 'Classic'' run for their money.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
Not EPA tested for Sierra Classic 3500 SLE
Sierra Classic 3500 SLE
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Large Truck
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Sierra Classic 3500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
1999 GMC C3500 Crew Cab LB 2WD
4.88 out of 5 starsdcswes, 02/27/2009
1999 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 SLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Great Truck! I have had no eng. or trans. problems with this truck. It will pull anything I have hooked to it from a car hauler to a 18ft flatbed trailer with no problem. Gas mileage is alright(15 in town, 18 hwy). Since this is a 1 ton truck I think gas mileage is not bad. Insurance company rates it as commerical (even though I do not use it that way) so insurance is cheaper. As a … mother I am always always concerned about safety. I feel that my family is very secure in this truck. With it being a long wheel base it is somewhat hard to park(takes up more then one space). I have a GMC Yukon XL and I like driving the truck more. If you are looking for a truck I highly recommend this one!!!
1999 gmc k3500 4wd
4.75 out of 5 starswhistler, 10/26/2003
1999 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 SL 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
350 gas eng is strong,fuel:16 m/g
mty,14 pulling large boat.doesn't ride
like luxury car,but very good
considering weight it's intended to
carry
1999 Sierra Classic 3500 Highlights
Crew Cab
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
rear wheel drive |
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 – 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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