2005 GMC Sierra
- Engine Size: 6.0L - 8 Cylinders 8.1L - 8 Cylinders
- Style: Crossover
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Model: Sierra
- Year: 2005
- Class: Pickup Truck Crossover
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GMC Sierra 1500 2WD SLE
Pros
Styling, seat comfort, power, interior features
Cons
highway speed ride quality on large evenly spaced bumps
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I recommend this truck for its balance of features, comfort, and classic truck styling.
I started off like many truck buyers looking at the big 3: Ford, Chevy/GMC, and Dodge (no red-blooded American would be caught dead in one of those Japanese trucks). I eliminated Dodge quickly due to commonplace transmission problems, so I was down to Ford vs GM. The new Ford F-150 was a tempting competitor, but I was not impressed with the interior comfort/styling and I thought the exterior design was a bit over-the-top; the ride quality was exceptional in the Ford, however. As for deciding between GMC and Chevy, aside from the usual upscale trim packages on the GMC, Chevy has unfortunately decided to develop horrendous styling for their entire line of cars, the Silverado being no exception. The front end (grill, fascia, etc.) is simply hideous in my opinion. So basically I ended up with a 2005 GMC 1500 extended cab SLE with the 5.3L Vortec V8 and optional tow package.
Exterior: The GMC features a much more mature, classic, and conventional styling than its competitors (no exposed fake plastic rivets on the fender flares here!), and chrome accents with color-matched accessories help complete the look. This truck seems smaller and lower than many of its competitors; I think this is mainly due to the "bigger-looking is better" frenzy currently sweeping most other truck companies. This truck simply looks like a slick, polished regular truck. The standard 17-inch chrome accented steel wheels are a sharp addition.
Interior: This truck has the most cockpit-like feel. The seat is far and away the most comfortable in a domestic truck, with power adjustment on the driver's side. The controls for the XM Radio/CD/Cassette player are conveniently located on the steering wheel along with the Driver Information Center controls (displays avg. gas mileage, engine oil life, trip meters, odometer, engine hours). The regular controls on the dash are easily accessible. The side view mirrors are power adjustable and heated. The rearview mirror features a compass and outside temp guage along with an auto-dimming feature which works excellently at night to prevent blinding from headlights. The console is large and opens from the driver's side toward the passenger; this can be annoying if you ask the passenger to get something out for you. The truck is OnStar equipped for help in emergencies (12 month subscription included; 3 month for XM). The rear seat does not offer much leg room (as to be expected), but it decently comfortable considering the amount of space available and offers separate A/C vents and fold-down cup holders. The rear seat folds up (but not flush) against the back of the cab, leaving a very respectable amount of floor space for storage or your dog. The interior stays very quiet even at highway speeds, which helps to enjoy the spectacular Bose speaker system. Dual Zone A/C controls keep driver and passenger both comfortable.
Performance: The 5.3L V8 is more than enough for this truck. The throttle is VERY responsive and accelerating onto the freeway is effortless. Although the commercial magazine truck comparisons rated the GMC competitors as faster, the GMC feels MUCH faster (possible comparisons were done with the smaller engine?) and the throttle is much more responsive. Braking is strong with no worries about sudden highway stops. The transmission shifts smoothly (although in tow mode the computers allows the trans. to shift harder to avoid excessive wear) and keeps the engine in its power band adequately. The ride quality is difficult to assess. The ride is smooth at slower speed over rough terrain and always maintains truck stability. Most highway bumps at speed are handled well. Continuous or regularly spaced bumps can leave the truck feeling bouncy with a sensation that the suspension is having a hard time keeping up. It is not a major annoyance, but I think the Ford edged out the GMC in this category. The ride quality is probably stiffer on the Z71 packages. Gas mileage is usually around 16-17 mpg.
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.
Exterior: The GMC features a much more mature, classic, and conventional styling than its competitors (no exposed fake plastic rivets on the fender flares here!), and chrome accents with color-matched accessories help complete the look. This truck seems smaller and lower than many of its competitors; I think this is mainly due to the "bigger-looking is better" frenzy currently sweeping most other truck companies. This truck simply looks like a slick, polished regular truck. The standard 17-inch chrome accented steel wheels are a sharp addition.
Interior: This truck has the most cockpit-like feel. The seat is far and away the most comfortable in a domestic truck, with power adjustment on the driver's side. The controls for the XM Radio/CD/Cassette player are conveniently located on the steering wheel along with the Driver Information Center controls (displays avg. gas mileage, engine oil life, trip meters, odometer, engine hours). The regular controls on the dash are easily accessible. The side view mirrors are power adjustable and heated. The rearview mirror features a compass and outside temp guage along with an auto-dimming feature which works excellently at night to prevent blinding from headlights. The console is large and opens from the driver's side toward the passenger; this can be annoying if you ask the passenger to get something out for you. The truck is OnStar equipped for help in emergencies (12 month subscription included; 3 month for XM). The rear seat does not offer much leg room (as to be expected), but it decently comfortable considering the amount of space available and offers separate A/C vents and fold-down cup holders. The rear seat folds up (but not flush) against the back of the cab, leaving a very respectable amount of floor space for storage or your dog. The interior stays very quiet even at highway speeds, which helps to enjoy the spectacular Bose speaker system. Dual Zone A/C controls keep driver and passenger both comfortable.
Performance: The 5.3L V8 is more than enough for this truck. The throttle is VERY responsive and accelerating onto the freeway is effortless. Although the commercial magazine truck comparisons rated the GMC competitors as faster, the GMC feels MUCH faster (possible comparisons were done with the smaller engine?) and the throttle is much more responsive. Braking is strong with no worries about sudden highway stops. The transmission shifts smoothly (although in tow mode the computers allows the trans. to shift harder to avoid excessive wear) and keeps the engine in its power band adequately. The ride quality is difficult to assess. The ride is smooth at slower speed over rough terrain and always maintains truck stability. Most highway bumps at speed are handled well. Continuous or regularly spaced bumps can leave the truck feeling bouncy with a sensation that the suspension is having a hard time keeping up. It is not a major annoyance, but I think the Ford edged out the GMC in this category. The ride quality is probably stiffer on the Z71 packages. Gas mileage is usually around 16-17 mpg.
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.
