2007 GMC Sierra Classic 1500 Review
The GMC Sierra has been completely revamped for this year, but General Motors is still offering the older model as the GMC Sierra Classic 1500. The Classic is essentially the same truck that’s been on the market since 1998. The first incarnation of this truck debuted for the 1999 model year, and was offered in either a regular cab or three door extended cab, with three choices of engine: The Vortec 4300 V6 (200 hp, regular cab only), Vortec 4800 V8 (255 hp), or the Vortec 5300 V8 (270 hp). For the 2000 model year, a four door option was added, and the 4800 and 5300 were boosted significantly (270 and 285 hp, respectively). A 300 hp Vortec 6000 V8 was introduced in 2001, with the Sierra 1500 C3 featuring a modified version of the 6000, capable of 325 hp. In 2002, the C3 was rebranded as the Denali. In 2003, both the Sierra and its twin, the Chevrolet Silverado, received mild styling upgrades. The Classic will only be available for theis model year, as it will be completely replaced by the new Sierra in 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2007 GMC Sierra Classic 1500 is essentially the same model that has been available for almost a decade. The Classic designation has been added to the name to distinguish it from the redesigned 2007 Sierra 1500 model. While they’ve been road-tested and proven, the GMC Sierra Classic 1500 lacks many safety options and upgrades found on the redesigned 2007 GMC Sierra 1500. Bargains may be available as we expect GM to offer steep incentives on the Classic line, but we suggest driving both versions before making your final choice.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The GMC Sierra has been practically unchanged for almost a decade, and for good reason. J.D. Power and Associates gives the Sierra Classic 1500 variations reliability ratings from three and a half to five out of five stars for initial quality ratings. Driver opinions of and owner satisfaction with the Sierra remain high. However, no vehicle is problem-free. The main issue that has plagued the Sierra is fluid leakage, usually in extreme situations. Another issue that has occurred is out of spec parts being installed, such as in 2003-04 when an improper brake relief valve led to difficulty in steering while braking, or in 2000, when an out of spec spring clip was able to disable the anti-lock brake system. However, under normal driving conditions, and with proper maintenance, you should expect average to above average reliability out of the 2007 GMC Sierra Classic. It, like all new GM vehicles, comes with GM’s new powertrain warranty, which covers the powertrain for five years or 100,000 miles and includes free roadside assistance, including transportation, for that period. However, its bumper to bumper warranty coverage is the standard three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2007 GMC Sierra Classic is a rather large vehicle, which gives it an advantage in the case of an accident. Regardless, its crash test ratings are rather poor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Classic only a marginal rating on frontal crash tests, and a poor rating on rear tests. Side tests were not performed. It fared somewhat better on government crash tests, earning four out of five stars in driver frontal collisions, three out of five stars in frontal passenger collisions, and a total of four out of five stars in rollover tests. By today’s standards, the Sierra Classic is seriously lacking in safety features. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and traction control is available on all models, except for the Denali, where it comes standard. However, stability control and side air bags are not available. The 2006 Sierra had recalls issued for a potential fuel leak in the 8.1L V8, and for a weak power steering hose.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Options galore
+ Reasonable price
+ Great warranty coverage
Cons
– Dated
– Poor crash test scores
– Missing safety features
Head-To-Head Competition:
Since the GMC Sierra is a such a versatile truck, the BuyingAdvice team chose to compare its base model (The $15,000 RWD Work Truck) to other competing base models. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is practically a clone of the Sierra, and they cost about the same, but the Silverado comes standard with child safety seat tethers. The Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4X2 fares better in government crash test scores, earning an average of five out of five stars in frontal crash scores, compared to the Sierra’s average of three and a half. However, the Sierra starts out over $5,000 cheaper than the Ram, and includes a better powertrain warranty (five years/100,000 miles vs. three years/36,000 miles). The Ford F-150 also outperforms the Sierra in government crash tests, but also loses out to the Sierra’s powertrain warranty (The Ford-150 powertrain warranty only applies for 60,000 miles) and price, which starts at about $3,000 more than the Sierra. All in all, the Sierra’s strengths are in in its price and warranty, but its competitors have better safety.
What Others Are Saying:
“These trucks are on life support, hanging around until they’re swept off dealer’s lots and replaced by the redesigned 2007 models. About the only reason not to wait for the new trucks is that the prices of these so-called Classics will be at bargain levels.” – MotorTrend
“A well-dressed, if aging, workhorse, the GMC Sierra offers a wide range of body configurations and powertrains to get the job done.” – Motor Trend
“The GMC features a much more mature, classic, and conventional styling than its competitors, and chrome accents with color-matched accessories help complete the look. Overall: GMC is the most comfortable truck in terms of its interior, power is more than enough with the 5.3L V8, and styling is mature and restrained.” – Epinions.com
Read more about the 2007 GMC Sierra Classic 1500 at the GMC manufacturer web site.
