General Motors has released an all-new, completely redesigned version of its GMC Sierra pickup truck for 2007. But because that truck is being released late in the model year, there are two GMC trucks for 2007, with the carried-over model renamed the Sierra Classic.
Because it is the last of the line, the 2007 Sierra Classic is virtually unchanged from the 2006 version, with the exception of recovery hooks standard on all heavy-duty models.
The Sierra is available in 1500, 1500HD (heavy-duty), 2500HD and 3500 sizes (they refer to half-ton, ¾-ton and one-ton), in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab configuration, and in three box lengths of short (5-foot-8), standard (6-foot-6) and long (8-foot).
Engine choices are a 4.3-litre V6 or five V8 models: 4.8-litre, 5.3-litre, 6.0-litre, 8.1-litre and the 6.6-litre Duramax diesel. Depending on the engine, transmission choices are a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic or Allison six-speed automatic. Two- and four-wheel drive versions are available, and trim levels are SL, SLE and SLT, as well as the top-of-the-line Denali.
SL trucks include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, anti-lock brakes, chrome bumpers, air conditioning, tilt wheel, 40/20/40 front split-bench seat and AM/FM stereo.
The SLE trim line adds keyless entry, heated power mirrors, mini overhead console, electric rear window defogger, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped wheel, power windows and CD player.
The SLT adds OnStar, fog lamps, deep-tinted rear windows, heated power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals and auto-dimming driver’s side, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather bucket seats with power ten-way adjust and memory, and six-CD stereo.
The Sierra, which also appears as the Chevrolet Silverado, can be customized with a number of suspension packages, preferred equipment groups and special packages that range from bare-bones work truck to seriously luxurious hauler. The powertrains are pretty much bulletproof, but Sierra’s interiors tend to look and feel cheap. That is solved admirably on the all-new models, along with sleeker styling and an improved chassis, but expect dealers to offer good deals on the outgoing models, turning an already good truck into an even better bargain.
