2004 GMC Sierra 1500

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$19,545

starting MSRP

2004 GMC Sierra 1500

Key specs

Base trim shown

Pickup Truck

Body style

3

Seating capacity

205.7” x 73.8”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Performance with gas V-8
  • Automatic-transmission response
  • Quietness
  • Maneuverability with Quadrasteer

The bad:

  • Ride comfort
  • Fuel economy

15 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Pickup Trucks for 2023

Notable features

  • Half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton capacities
  • Three cab styles
  • 2WD or 4WD
  • V-6, V-8 or diesel V-8 engine
  • Optional Quadrasteer four-wheel steering

2004 GMC Sierra 1500 review: Our expert's take

By

There’s good truck news at Chevrolet and GMC for 2004 that you likely haven’t heard yet. In a moment, you’ll understand why.

In past tests, I’ve celebrated the innovation called Quadrasteer, a system developed by Delphi that allows for the rear wheels to steer. It was introduced by GMC in 2001 and has moved to Chevrolet trucks and SUVs, too.

With Quadrasteer, an extended-cab pickup, with an overall length of 227.7 inches, can turn in the same space required by Saturn sedan, which is 178.1 inches long.

Quadrasteer revives an idea that Honda and a few other manufacturers tried, and failed, to popularize in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With four-wheel steering, the rear wheels steer just as the front wheels do. If you are turning left, for instance, the rear wheels turn just slightly to the right, to swing the rear end around the corner. Hook and ladder fire trucks have used the system for years.

But when Honda introduced four-wheel steering on the 1988 Honda Prelude, the difference was not dramatic. The Prelude already was a small, good-handling car that was no problem to park – four-wheel steering just wasn’t worth the extra cost and complexity. Honda dropped the option in 1994, and few noticed.

On a big truck, though, four-wheel steering works. It was a hit when it was introduced on the 2002 GMC Denali, but the price is prohibitive. It added $4,495 to the 2003 GMC extended-cab test truck reviewed here.

And now for the good news: On 2004 models of GMC and Chevrolet trucks and SUVs available with Quadra-steer, it adds $1,995.

But you see the problem Chevy and GMC dealers have, don’t you? What do you say to the customer who paid $4,495 for Quadrasteer a few months ago? “Sorry, but you should have waited!” won’t help.

At any price, Quadrasteer is a minor revelation. At highway speeds, Quadrasteer allows the rear wheels to steer slightly in the same direction as the front wheels, which marginally improves tracking. But it’s at low speeds that Quadrasteer earns its keep, since it enables the rear wheels to turn 12 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, thus swinging the rear end around. It’s essentially transparent – you don’t notice anything other than the fact that the truck seems 2 feet shorter than it is. And, if you want, you can turn the option off.

Fortunately, Quadrasteer is attached to a very nice vehicle. The test truck, a top-of-the-line, four-wheel-drive GMC Sierra SLT, was loaded with everything you would want in a luxury car, from leather upholstery to the addictive XM satellite radio. Under the hood, there’s the old-school 5.3-liter V-8, mated to a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. The steering and suspension aren’t quite as precise as the new-for-2004 Ford F-150, but this remains one of my favorite pickups.

The 2004 models are essentially unchanged from this 2003, save a few minor options package adjustm ents. This is a very stout truck, with decent room in the rear seat, but an overall size that won’t overwhelm you.

And then there’s Quadrasteer – several years ago, a GM executive asked me what I’d be willing to pay for the option, and I told him $2,000. They’ve met my price, plus $5. Expect to see a lot more Quadrasteer-equipped trucks – and expect to see a few annoyed Quadrasteer buyers from the past couple of years, once they hear about the price cut.

Base price: $32,492.

Price, tested: $41,990.

EPA rating: 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway.

Details: 4-wheel-drive; 5.3-liter, 285 horsepower V-8; 4-speed automatic transmission.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior design 4.5
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value for the money 4.7
  • Exterior styling 4.6
  • Reliability 4.6

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Most reliable truck you can get.

First truck as a 16 y/o, and its is amazing. handles like a dream on icy/wet/snowy roads. (Im currently in alaska) Pulls 0-60 in roughly 5 seconds. The stock audio system is good, but i would recommend an aftermarket stereo. I highly recommend this truck if you want something that'll never fail you. (its basically the opposite of a Ford) Im going to be getting a FlowMaster Super 44 Muffler for a deeper, and louder sound. 11/10, would MOST DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.

5.0

Very relable

I work this truck hard, it always starts, and gets me there and back. I would recomend this truck to anyone who wants a dependable truck.

5.0

Best truck and newest I've owned

almost 1/quarter of a million miles still going strong ! like the energizer bunny. high mileage motor oil, great running strong engine. yes yes 24 25,,

See all 24 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by GMC
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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