GMC - Sierra

Impressions: Developed in lockstep with the new Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra is essentially the same truck with the same cache of powertrains, although the image of this GMC is skewed more toward the down-in-the-dirt, cage-match-type workhorse end of the spectrum. The 2007 Sierra uses a stiffer chassis than the previous version designed to make the pickup ride and drive better while reducing cabin noise. Obviously a stronger frame means more loading and towing capacity. Even light-duty "half-ton" (1500 series) models can tow up to 10,500 pounds. While the new Sierra ramps up this fall in SLE and SLT trim levels with regular, extended and four-door cab configurations with a variety of bed lengths, GMC will cover all the bases and continue to offer its 2006 models using the cliche "Classic" badge. The 2007 Sierra uses the same range of engines as the Silverado, from a 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 and a 295-horsepower 4.8-liter V8, to one of four versions of a 5.3-liter V8 (all rated at 315 horsepower) and a 367-horsepower 6.0-liter V8. A 400-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 is reserved for the top-shelf four-door Sierra Denali, an enticing vehicle since it largely parallels the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup in terms of features (although the GMC has no collapsible Midgate that increases the bed length), only for a substantially lower monthly payment. The 5.3 and the 6.0 employ cylinder deactivation that essentially cuts four cylinders during light-load and cruise/idle situations. All Sierra models sport four-speed automatic transmissions (there's no five-speed manual). The Denali, however, uses a six-speed automatic. As with the Silverado, GMC tries to build a truck for all uses. That includes five distinct and separate classes of suspension, from "smooth ride" to max-duty towing, not to mention 20-inch wheels that comes with a street performance suspension package. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard (18 on Denali). Base price: $15,800 (new style, not Classic) Type: Two-/four-door full-size pickup Base engine (hp): 4.3-liter OHV V6 (195) Optional engines (hp): 4.8-liter OHV V8 (295); 5.3-liter OHV V8 (315); 6.0-liter OHV V8 (367); 6.2-liter OHV V8 (400, Denali) Layout: Front-engine, rear-/four-/all-wheel drive Transmission: Four-speed automatic six-speed automatic (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): tba Safety: Front airbags (with passenger-seat deactivation); side-curtain airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes; stability control (opt.) Weight (lb.): 4,000 (est.) Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: gmc.com