Reminding one of a grown-up Chevy Silverado, the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD is a truck for a more refined crowd. Keeping true to the Sierra lineage, there are various cab sizes and trims to choose from. There are four different engines that grace these various trims: a 4.3L V6, a 4.8L V8, a 5.3L V8 and a monster 6.0L V8. All trims are equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Being a carryover from the 2007 version, the 2008 Sierra has just a few refinements and additions. The main difference here is the new tough look. There has also been a new All-Terrain model introduced.

Responsive handling and smooth-riding performance are two of the founding concepts for the new Sierras. They are designed for comfort and a good bit of luxury, especially for their class. They are, to some, the limos of full-sized pickup trucks. They have a very unique look when compared to the Silverado although they do share the same platform. The interior of these GMC Sierras are available in your choice of two separate styles featuring a differing assortment and placement of dash instrumentation.

MSRPs range from $17,000 for the standard worktruck up to about $40,000 for the Denali trim with the 6.0L engine. The 2008 Sierras rate top-notch for safety features and performance. These stellar safety ratings are due in part to head curtain airbags, rear differentials that lock, GMC StabiliTrak, Rancho shock absorbers, passenger side airbags, OnStar emergency notification, tire-pressure monitoring systems and the Autotrac active transfer casings.

The GMC StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is well worth an extra note as it is revolutionary technology that is highly instrumental in accident prevention. It utilizes an electronically-monitored constant mitigation system that prevents rollovers. It is able to sense fulcrum points during active motion and shift the balance of the truck’s weight accordingly and instantaneously. This exciting feature is unique to the GMC Sierra and is causing quite a upswing in sales.

The wide stance of the 2008 Sierra 4WD truck is highlighted in the front end view. A chrome grille, stacked halogen headlamps, rounded fog lights and a broadened air intake combine to say that this truck means business on the highway or on the trail. The bumper envelops the truck’s front features terminating at the sporty front wheel wells.

The steep windshield is forwarded by a coupling of V-shaped strength swells on the hood. The tilt of the windshield serves to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the 2008 Sierra 1500. This also helps to create the above-class-average fuel efficiency rating present in all trims. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that all engine choices come equipped with GMC Active Fuel Management systems that automatically shut down certain valves when not needed for power. In the rear, similarly stacked tail lamps create a powerful yet elegant visual effect for those left behind in the dust wafted up from these quick and sturdy trucks.

The 2008 model Sierra appears tougher and meaner than the 2007 models. It is very intentional. GMC wanted to combine a luxurious truck with the power and look needed to excite the masses and they have done so effectively with these new Sierra 4WD pickups. These 2008 GMC 4WD trucks are all about pleasing their owners with dependability, performance, power and sporty-looking elegance. That’s quite a combination for any truck to exhibit and it is brought to life very well here.

If you’re in the market for one of the most solid, well-rated, full-sized pickup trucks on the planet, then definitely check into the world of the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD. You just might kick yourself if you don’t.

The history of the GMC is almost the history of the truck. Rapid Motor Company began making trucks in 1901. Their original model sported a one-cylinder motor with a chain drive and plunged through the streets at almost 10 miles per hour. General Motors bought them out in 1909.

In 1911, GMC bought another truck company and the next year merged the labels under the name GMC trucks, and a tradition, perhaps a legend, was born. Within a few years, the chain drive was replaced by a gear drive. These first trucks were large for their day, and GMC has remained a big truck company, but GMC was already getting into light trucks, too. For the first few years, prior to 1916, they were driven by electric motors. Talk about shades of the future.

In the early day, GMC did not make bodies. Owners made or bought their own truck bodies, usually out of wood. Often the owner of a new truck simply removed the body of his old truck and transferred it to his new truck.

From 1918 General Motors was actually making two lines of light trucks. One was Chevrolet, the other started out as Pontiac, but was soon converted to GMC. While there have been differences through the years, they have gradually grown closer and closer together. By 1967 the two trucks were built at the same plant. To this day, however, GMC carries the reputation of being the real work truck of the pair, which is interesting since they also are the most upscale.

Sierra 3500HDs may or may not be duallies, but generally are, and have been for much of their history. On the other hand, four wheel drive did not become popular until after World War II. But it soon made its way into the light truck field. The Sierra name was used in various ways for the GMC light pickup trucks over the years, but was standardized as the name of the line from 1999.

From the first of the new style Sierra, the body has not changed much; however, in 2007 the second generation Sierra added a number of improvements to their hauling and towing capacity. At the same time, they cut both the engines and the transmissions from three to two. Currently the 3500HD comes in either a 6.0 liter gasoline with 353 horsepower or a 6.6 liter diesel motor pushing 375 horsepower, each with its own six speed automatic transmission.

However much they have changed over the years, one thing remains the same. There are few things on earth that give the same feeling of power as getting behind the wheel of a Crew Cab GMC Sierra 3500HD Dually 4WD pickup truck with a long bed. It is truly a man’s vehicle (even if women can drive it).

The 1500s carry an MSRP ranging from $16,740 to $36,420. Models start at the two to three passenger regular cab and move through the extended and crew cabs. Short, standard, and long boxes are available. Engine options include a 4.3-liter as both a V6 and a V8; a 5.3 liter V8 with a version for the use of FlexFuel, and finally a 6-liter V8.

The 2500HDs have an MSRP range of $24,575 to $40,550. The available configurations include a two to three passenger regular cab long box, a five to six passenger extended cab (as a standard and long box), and a five to six passenger crew cab (as both a standard and long box.) Available engines include a 6-liter V8 generating 353 horsepower and a 6.6-liter V8 producing 365 horsepower.

The 3500HDs range from $24,795 to $40,780 and are long box regular, extended and crew cab models. Engine options are identical to the 2500HD. The Denali ($38,995 to $42,095) is a five to six passenger crew cab. The engine is a 6.2-liter V8 generating 403 horsepower.

The 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 series has a towing capacity of up to 10,500 lbs; the 2500HD up to 15,800 lbs; the 3500HD to 16,500 lbs; and the Denali up to 8,600 lbs.

Engine choices include: a 4.3-liter V6 with 195 hp; a 4.8-liter V8 with 295 hp; a 5.3-liter V8 with 315 hp (also available in a flex fuel version); a 6-liter V8 with 367 hp; and a 6.2-liter V8 with 403 hp. (Both four and six speed automatic transmissions with overdrive are options.)

Body style choices include regular, extended, and crew cab with short, standard, and long cargo boxes available. Everything seems to come in multiple selections — powertrain, suspension, and trim — with options for both 2 and 4WD.

The Sierra received a major redesign in 2007 and for the most part is a carry-over for 2008. New features for the coming model year include an available electronic stability system, pedals that adjust, the top of the line 403 horsepower engine, an All Terrain trim level, and on the extended cab, access doors that open to 170 degrees.

Although the Sierra gets high marks for safety, it is disappointing that neither the stability system or airbags in the curtain position are standard features. You get XM Satellite Radio standard but have to pay extra for an airbag in a critical position? That doesn’t seem like good design thinking.

Truth be told there’s not all that much difference between the Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado. Put the two side-by-side and you’ll get a sense that the Sierra is a little more “squat.” Inside the interior quality of the Sierra is superior and comfortable with a wide range of available options and storage configurations.

Comparison wise the Sierra is in the same class of trucks with the Ford F-150, the Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra. With all these choices, you can drive away a Sierra fit for light or heavy duty with just about any towing and payload capacity you require.

There are many different configurations and trim levels available on the Sierra; especially when dealing with the engine and suspension. There are no less than eight engines and five suspensions available. The engines range from a 195HP V6 to a 403HP V8. Available transmissions are either four or six speed, depending on the engine. Obviously, fuel mileage will vary greatly as well. You can expect anywhere from 15 mpg in the city to 20 mpg on the highway.

You can also choose from a variety of cab and bed configurations within the four available trim levels. Regular, extended, and crew cabs are available, as well as bed lengths of 5′9″, 6′6″, and 8′. The 2009 Sierra is the sister truck to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The GMC, however, is offered as a slightly more upscale version of the truck. Its styling is sleeker, and the interior is more comfortable and inviting. They also try to separate the two trucks by changing the design of the bumpers, beds, hood, and grille. The edges of the Sierra are a bit smoother than and not quite as sharp as those of the Silverado.

The interior is quite different as well, with a stylish upscale version, as well as a work, utility version. The Work Truck has simple, easy to access controls that can be operated while wearing gloves, while the upper trim versions focus more on comfort and luxury. The Sierra also continues to be one of the top performing trucks in the areas of safety and crash testing. The upper end trim levels are also receiving more technological upgrades this year, with OnStar upgrades and more connectivity for all of your high tech gadgets.

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD has a starting price of around $19,000 for the base model. There are enough choices and configurations in this truck to accommodate almost any type of application, from work to a night on the town. If you are not a very decisive person, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you enjoy being offered plenty of options, you should give this truck a look. Even though it is related to the Silverado, it definitely stands on its own two feet.

GMC Sierra 1500 2WD became a model name for GMC full size pick up trucks. There was only one generation of this pick up spanning the 1988 through 1998 model years, with 11 two wheel drive configurations available in two engine sizes - the 4.3 liter V6 and the 5.0 V8. Many four wheel drive configurations were also available at the end of the 1998 model year.

Completely new for the 1999 model year, the redesigned pick up received a new look inside and out as well as increased towing capacity, a stiffer frame, more passenger and cargo room and some much appreciated comfort and convenience features. For pick ups outfitted with a regular sized cab version there were two trim levels, the SL and the SLE, and 6 total configurations of the light duty Sierra 1500 2WD, all with 4.3 liter V6 engines.

The exterior of the 1999 model was more rounded and detailed than previous models. Larger headlights and new colors helped to give a brand new appearance to the GMC workhorse. The interior was also upgraded to include cup holders, head rests, optional premium sound systems and additional heating and air conditioning vents. Instrument panels remained truck-like, but were slightly softer in appearance than the previous generation.

It was not until 2007 that the Sierra would once again receive a major overhaul, though many improvements were incorporated throughout the 1999 to 2006 model years. The 2007 Sierra 1500 2WD with a regular cab is available in two trim levels, 10 possible vehicle configurations, with three available engine sizes from which to choose. The smaller, most fuel efficient model is equipped with a familiar 4.3 liter V6, while those who craved more horses and towing capacity were offered their choice of either a 4.8 liter V8 or 5.3 liter V8.

Even with the comfort and convenience features, the GMC Sierra 1500 2WD is still one of the best bets for towing and hauling. Years of research and improvements have kept this full size pick up popular with consumers and able to work round the clock when necessary-so having a little touch of comfort and convenience makes the Sierra 1500 2WD all the more attractive.

The truck is incredibly similar to the Chevrolet Colorado and has been marketed as a relative of the Colorado. Available with either a manual or automatic transmission, the Canyon 4WD has been touted as one of GMC’s best ever trucks. Two engine options have been available since the beginning - either a 2.9L LLV I4 or a 3.7L L5R I5. Every year since the Canyon’s inception has brought about an increase in its horsepower. In 2004 the pickup truck only produced around 175 horsepower; however, now in 2008, the Canyon can reach 295 horsepower with a 5.3L V8.

Rumor has it that all of the vehicles sharing the GMT-355 platform, including the GMC Canyon 4WD, will be undergoing a complete makeover. However, GMC has yet to confirm the gossip that the new model year will reveal a Canyon facelift. Also spreading in the automobile rumor mill is that GMC will partner with Apple and give away the popular iPhone to all new buyers. Nevertheless, this too has yet to be confirmed by GMC. With the massive price at the pump, GMC is said to be developing a new 4-cylinder diesel engine for the Canyon 4WD. Critics are concerned that if GMC releases a 4-cylinder, then other makers will downgrade to the smaller engine. While the vehicle would certainly get great fuel economy, the decrease in power would be significant too.

One of the most impressive features of the Canyon, since its origination, has been its price. Listed for around $15,570, the GMC Canyon 4WD beats out many of its competitors by thousands. Also, the Canyon comes standard with a one-year subscription to OnStar; whereas, many competitors provide similar safety services, but for only three to six months. In 2007 the Texas Auto Writers awarded the GMC Canyon with the “Best Mid-Size Pickup” award, an incredible feat for such a young truck.

Ultimately, the GMC Canyon 4WD defeats most of the comparables on the market with 17 city MPG and 22 highway MPG, a difficult accomplishment for a 4WD truck. There have been a few problems during the Canyon’s lifetime. Being the Chevrolet Colorado’s twin, many buyers were choosing to go with the other maker’s version of the truck. Though the Canyon may be priced lower, the Colorado was available with more features, so consumers naturally wanted the truck with more additions. However, GMC has corrected the problem and provided the Canyon 4WD with just as many added features as its counterpart.

GMC Sonoma in 2004. This small pickup was initially made available in various configurations, including the Canyon 2WD and 4WD; crew, extended, and regular cab, as well as your choice of three different suspension systems and two engine selections.

The three suspension systems available for the 2004 Canyon 2WD included a standard heavy duty suspension, an off road design and a street performance package to accommodate various trucking needs. The standard heavy duty suspension is more than suitable for every day driving, while the Z71 off road package increases the height by three inches on two wheel drive models. The Z71 suspension package also includes an underbody skid plate, a locking rear differential, larger tires and heavy duty shocks. The ZQ8 street performance suspension package reduces the overall height of the vehicle by two inches and includes Bilstein shocks. The ZQ8 package gives the truck a more customized look and provides better handling and control.

The two engines available for the Canyon 2WD are both realtively fuel efficient and suitable for a compact pick up truck. The 2.8 liter inline 4 cylinder engine will put out 175 horsepower and the 3.5 liter inline five cylinder engine deliver 220 horsepower. Both are capable engines, though neither are powerhouses, and for the size and utility of a smaller personal pickup truck they are very capable engines.

The Canyon 2WD saw no significant changes for the 2005 model year, which is typical for a vehicle that is new to the market the prior year. However, other manufacturers had begun to step up their game by producing competing compact trucks with more interior room, more comfort and convenience features and more powerful engines, causing a decline in consumer interest of the sharp little GMC pickup . In 2006, the street performance suspension package was enhanced and the SLT trim package was made available as an available option for crew and extended cab models.

The concerns over power were addressed for the 2007 model year. The 2007 GMC Canyon replaced the previous two engines with two new variable valve timing engines. The 2.9 liter 4 cylinder with variable valve timing replaces the 2.8 liter 4 cylinder and produces 185 horsepower. The 3.5 liter engine is replaced by a 3.7 liter, 5 cylinder with variable valve timing that delivers 242 horsepower. However, expressed desires for something more than the basic, drab interior truck interior have not been satisfied.

GMC continues to satisfy large families and the desires of those with intense cargo needs with the 2007 introduction of the GMC Acadia. The first cross-over SUV manufactured by GMC provides room for up to eight passengers and approximately 19 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seat, with the ability to increase that cargo space by folding down the rear seat.

The Acadia is available in three trim levels; all trim levels come equipped with a 3.6 liter V6 engine that is available in either four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and seating configurations to accommodate seven or eight passengers. All seating configurations include a folding third-row seat while the eight-passenger model includes a 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the second row and the seven passenger models include second row captain’s chairs. The second row of seats on both seven and eight passenger configurations easily slide forward for easier entry, exit and overall access to the third row of seats. The extra cushioning in the third row seat finally addresses the comfort of those who are seated in the third row of an SUV, and is one of the unique interior features to distinguish this SUV from other vehicles in its class. The Acadia SLE is well equipped with remote keyless entry, individual front and rear air conditioning controls, 18 inch alloy wheels and a premium six speaker stereo system with MP3 jack.

The Acadia SLT1 includes or enhances the features of the SLE with a combination of sport, luxury and convenience features including heated leather front seats, a ten speaker Bose sound system with audio controls located on the steering wheel. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals and heat and machine polished wheels are also included. The Acadia SLT2 is top of the line and features a power lift gate, park assist feature and rear seat entertainment system.

Overall, the GMC Acadia is a good looking SUV with the convenience and utility associated with a minivan. The interior materials are high quality, with controls well positioned for ease of use. The Acadia provides a smooth ride and handles well for a vehicle of this size. Although not intended for everyday off-road use, the Acadia is capable of handling the occasional hazardous road conditions and can tow up to 2400 lbs.

However, along with this huge truck comes a huge price tag. For the smallest and least equipped trim, the Sierra 2500HD is base priced at $28,535. Nevertheless, you’ll be happy to know that the 2008 Sierra was voted Best Expected Resale Value by the Automotive Leasing Guide and was also awarded Consumers’ Most Wanted Large Truck by Edmunds in 2007, beating out formidable foes like the Dodge Ram with ease.

The Sierra 2500HD can either have a Vortec 6.0L SFI V8 or Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 mounted under the hood. The Vortec can produce up to 353 horsepower, while the Duramax can reach 365 horsepower. Both are excellent options for a heavy duty truck. A 6-speed automatic is standard on all trims, but the transmission can be upgraded to an Allison 1000 6-speed automatic also. An off-road suspension package is available on the SLE1, SLE2, and SLT trims. However, the Work Truck trim is not available with the off-road option.

GMC has given its Sierra 2500HD 2WD a massive payload of up to 3,892-lb. The 4WD version can reach up to 3,646-lb. The Regular Cab Long Box 2WD with the Vortec engine gets a whopping 10,400-lb towing capacity. But watch out for the Sierra 2500HDs equipped with the Duramax engine, they can pull an even higher 13,000-lb. All trims feature an external transmission fluid cooler too.

Just by looking at the Sierra 2500HD a consumer can tell that this is a tough and rugged truck. Chrome front and rear bumpers add a bit of bling to the otherwise dull exterior of a heavy-duty truck. Also, a chrome-surrounded grille graces the front end. Either 16″ or 17″ wheels are available. Buyers get a choice of either painted steel, chrome-styled steel, shiny forged aluminum, or even machined aluminum. All the trims also come with a steel spare tire.

Unfortunately, GMC does not provide estimated miles per gallon for the 2008 Sierra 2500HD. Being that the MPG will vary incredibly based on towing load and payload, as well as engine choice, the MPG cannot be set with any real accuracy. This may put off some buyers. However, those that are looking for a truck with real heavy-duty features will be happy to know that the 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2WD has all of the attributes needed. A robust build, optional crew cab, long or short box, and incredible payload and towing capacity round out the Sierra’s list of big boy features. While the price is a bit high, buyers will content knowing that they certainly get what they pay for in the 2500HD. Also, GMC offers warranty options that simply surpass the competition.

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