2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 2WD New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500?
In the face of increased competition from Dodge, Ford, Nissan and Toyota, General Motors upgrades the 2004 GMC Sierra to keep it competitive. New for 2004 is a 1500-series crew cab model to replace last year’s Sierra 1500HD pickup. A new Work Truck version slots in beneath the Base Sierra to attract commercial buyers with a lower price tag, and Base models receive additional standard equipment such as cruise control and chrome finish on the grille, rear bumper and wheels. Fog lights are standard and leather is available on the mid-grade SLE model. Gone from the Sierra this year is the Ride Control adjustable suspension option, and if you want a truck with a V6 engine and a manual transmission you’ve got to get the Work Truck or the Base model. Also, buyers can now order Quadrasteer without popping first for the Trailering package. New options include an underseat storage system on extended cab models, a Limited Appearance Package on the 2WD extended cab that includes a high-performance suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels, and two different tonneau covers for the bed. A new 17-inch wheel design and revised colors summarize the changes to the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup.

Advantages of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500:

• Stout powertrain combinations
• Slick Quadrasteer option
• Rear seat DVD entertainment on crew cab model
• Wide variety of configurations from which to choose
• Ever-present rebates and incentives lower the prices

Objections to the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500:

• Front seat comfort could be improved
• Interior materials look and feel inexpensive
• Structural rigidity not up to the standards in the class

Editor's Advice:
Truck buyers are a brand-loyal bunch, and so our advice likely won’t sway any decisions. We like the GMC Sierra’s engines, transmissions and feature content. We don’t like the GMC Sierra’s interior materials or seat comfort. Plus, newer trucks from Dodge, Ford and Nissan are built on sturdier frames and exhibit better structural rigidity. Bottom line: if you’re a GMC truck fan, nothing but a Sierra will do. AutoSite’s money is on the Dodge, Ford or Nissan.