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Here’s a bumper sticker we’re all familiar with, usually found plastered on the back of a battered pickup truck:

“Cowboy Cadillac.”

It’s a message that’s both mocking and self-effacing, that the wrangler behind the wheel has his own notion of success and little need for the usual trappings of wealth.

Well, here’s the Cowboy Cadillac for the next millennium, a fully loaded GMC Sierra, equipped for heavy hauling and fitted with enough luxury appointments to make Tex Ritter blush.

The Sierra is a cosmetic variation on the Chevrolet Silverado, which has been lauded for its carlike driveability and solid construction. This duo is all new for ’99, their first major makeover in 10 years, and represent an evolutionary progression for General Motors trucks as they vie for supremacy over the perennial bestseller, Ford F-series.

GMC was once the workingman’s truck source, with heavy-duty versions of Chevrolet trucks and other, bigger haulers. Now linked with Pontiac at dealerships across the nation, GMC has a different mission.

GM’s game plan for the Sierra and other GMC trucks is to be the upscale version of their Chevy counterparts. So where a Silverado can be bought in pretty much stripped-down trim, the Sierra starts out laden with features as standard equipment.

The Sierra test truck, an extended-cab half-ton SLE, came with a hedonistic level of comfort and convenience amenities, including leather seating and trim, power everything, a decent back seat and a fabulous stereo. It’s the prestige setup for the gentleman farmer, the successful contractor or a cowboy who’s hit the lottery.

The high level of features shows on the bottom line. The SLE’s starting price is already fairly steep, and the options add on about $5,000. These include a package of interior upgrades, for nearly $2,400; another $565 for power seats and stereo upgrade; $700 for the 5.3-liter engine; and $285 for heavy-duty towing equipment.

The least-expensive Sierra, with a V-6 engine and stick shift, starts at about $16,000.

Where the Sierra and Silverado differ greatly is in body styling, with the GMC bearing its own set of fenders and headlights, as well as the characteristic big-rig grille and red GMC lettering. The Sierra styling is more distinctive and interesting than the Silverado’s, which looks like a carry-over from past design.

Aside from its lush comfort features, the Sierra is really a good-driving pickup, with responsive steering, decent cornering and an excellent set of standard four-wheel disc brakes. The suspension of the test truck, a four-wheel drive equipped with an off-road suspension package, was jouncy but never harsh or punishing.

On a short trip from Phoenix to Wickenburg, the Sierra was supremely comfortable. The cab with its new interior is spacious and accommodating. At highway speeds, the truck feels competent and relaxed.

Then there’s that sensation of security and serenity that big-truck drivers crave: sitt ing up high, reigning over the highway. This is part of the appeal of a full-size pickup. The marketers call it “bulk.”

Like the Silverado, the extended-cab Sierra is available as a three-door, allowing entry to the rear seat from the right side. With the competition offering four-door stretch cabs, this is a flaw, but I don’t think it’s any big deal.

Rear seating has been improved greatly, with enough space for life-size humans to sit in reasonable comfort.

The Sierra’s ride is solid and rattle-free, tracking straight over road irregularities, the body feeling solid and well-constructed. GMC touts its truck’s modular frame, stronger body and new suspension system for the improvements in ride and handling over previous years.

Four new-for-’99 Vortec engines are available for the Sierra (same as the Silverado): a 4.3 V-6 for economical driving, a 4.8-liter 255-horse unit, the 5.3-liter version on our test truck, and a 6-liter behemoth that cranks out 30 0 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque. The big engine is available only on the three-quarter ton.

A 6.5-liter turbo diesel also can be ordered for the three-quarter ton. This is the ticket for serious towing, mustering 440 pound-feet of torque starting at a low 1,800 rpm.

The 5.3 is strong and smooth, with only a bit of roar under acceleration. The truck is a gas hog, though, with an EPA rating of just 15 city and 18 highway. I ran through a 26-gallon gas tank in short order.

The brawny engine is linked to a well-tuned four-speed automatic that is seamless and responsive. It includes a setting for towing and hauling, which holds each gear longer to let the engine wind out and downshifts more quickly. Towing capacity for this setup is rated at 8,000 pounds.

The full-size-pickup market is a tough playground. Ford sold about 800,000 F-series trucks last calendar year, with Silverado/Sierra coming out as runner-up. And Dodge Ram, with its popular tough-as-nails styling, has moved up from the back, stealing from the leaders.

Could this be General Motors’ year to catch the top dog?

1999 GMC Sierra

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, three-door pickup truck, rear/four-wheel drive. Base price: $27,210. Price as tested: $32,463. Engine: 5.3-liter V-8, 270 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 315 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Transmission: Four-speed automatic. Curb weight: 4,248 pounds. Wheelbase: 119 inches. EPA fuel economy: 15 city, 18 highway. Highs: Solid driveability. Nice styling. Good rear seat. Lows: Poor gas mileage. Steep base price. No fourth door.