2004 GMC Sierra Review: The Same Truck as the 2004 Silverado, but it Might go a Few Miles More

The 2004 GMC Sierra is just a rebranded Silverado, with all the good and bad that comes with that. A little out of date compared to the more innovative F-150s coming out around this time, but still a pretty good work truck at a pretty good price.

Is the 2004 GMC Sierra a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 7/10 – If you’re after a reliable work truck at a fair price, the GMC Sierra, like its identical twin Silverado, is hard to beat.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The interior is roomy, the ride is smooth, and the bed will haul whatever you need to haul.
• Reliability 7/10 – Some drivers are reporting half a million miles on the original engine and transmission. Expect to replace some wiring and accessories before you hit the first 200,000.
• Safety 6/10 – Safety equipment is out of date and the truck’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety scores are unimpressive.
• Gas Mileage 6/10 – The 5.3L V8 averages 17/20 miles to the gallon, city/highway. That’s not terrible for a full-size pickup from 2004, but it certainly disqualifies the truck as a daily driver.
• Value 7/10 – If you know what you’re getting, the 2004 Sierra is a good deal, starting in the low $5,000 range. Just don’t expect anything more than a rugged, all-business work truck.

What Do Critics Say About the 2004 GMC Sierra?

Consumer Reports found the 2004 model Sierra out of date, essentially the same truck GMC released in 1999 with a stiff ride and rough shifting. They did have some faint praise for “adequate braking.”

Kelley Blue Book users were much kinder, giving the truck a strong 95% recommendation, praising the responsive handling, powerful engines, and reporting that the 2004 Sierra has proven very reliable over the years.

Edmunds praised the Sierra’s strong V8 engines and roomy cab options, but they note that the build quality could be better, with low-grade trim materials lining the interior.

What Common Problems Does the 2004 GMC Sierra Have?

Electrical issues make up 175 of 579 total complaints on file for the 2004 GMC Sierra with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drivers are reporting a range of problems from burning electrical odors to fidgety instrument clusters, largely coming down to the wiring being old and needing replaced after so many years.

There are 133 complaints on file for service brakes, with recent reports stating that the brakes may fail to engage owing to excessive rust in the brake lines. Again, this has a lot to do with the truck’s age. Unfortunately, once that rust settles in, it creates a domino effect of problems that might be too expensive to bother fixing, so check the undercarriage before you buy.

Powertrain complaints are remarkably scarce, with just 37 on file, plus 19 for engine problems. After twenty years on the market, those numbers are pretty good, implying a truck that can be counted on to go the distance, just so long as the undercarriage holds up.

The 2004 GMC Sierra has 16 recalls on file with the NHTSA, covering everything from missing amber reflectors to faulty tailgate support cables. These recalls have been fairly successful in addressing common concerns, by and large, and the 2004 Sierra has proven a fairly dependable vehicle over the years.

How Long Will the 2004 GMC Sierra Last?

Drivers typically report getting around 250,000 miles out of their 2004 GMC Sierra. Mechanically, it’s the exact same truck as the Silverado, but it may actually last longer given that the Silverado is a far more popular nameplate and has likely been through more previous owners by the time you buy it.

RepairPal report a typical annual maintenance cost of around $727, with camshaft replacements being the most expensive common fix, starting at around $2,530.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2004 Sierra is adequate. The work truck gets an AM/FM radio that you can upgrade to a CD player, and the SLT trim comes with a six-disc CD player. For a 2004 pickup built mainly for towing and hauling, you could do a lot worse.

Safety technology is as good as you can expect for a 2004 full-size truck. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and that’s about as fancy as it gets.

Is the 2004 GMC Sierra a Good Value?

The 2004 GMC Sierra is priced fairly when compared to other full-size trucks. A work truck model Sierra typically lists at around $5,576, while a comparable Silverado with the same mileage lists at around $5,881.

For reference, a 2004 STX F-150 typically lists at around $5,214, so, no matter what brand you go with, we’re in the same ballpark. Across the board, used full-size trucks tend to sell for considerably more than comparable compact SUVs or mid-size cars.

What are the Different Models of the 2004 GMC Sierra?

The 2004 Sierra is offered in four trim levels, from the bare-bones Work Truck to the high-end SLT.

The stripped-down Work Truck comes with:

• Vinyl seating
• AM/FM stereo
• Manual dual-zone air conditioning

With the entry-level Base you’re adding:

• PASSLock theft-deterrent
• Premium cloth seating
• Cruise control

Next up is the SLE, which adds:

• Heated mirrors
• Fog lights
• Remote keyless entry
• Power windows and door locks
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• CD player

Finally, the top-of-the-line SLT gets you:

• Leather seating
• Automatic air conditioning
• Heated front seats

What Engines Come In the 2004 GMC Sierra?

• The starter engine in the 2003 Sierra is a 4.3L V6. This engine produces 200 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s configured in rear wheel drive, and paired to a 4-speed automatic with an optional 5-speed manual available (that goes for everything else on the list, too). Expect to tow up to 7,900 pounds with this one.
• If you’re after a V8, the next one up is a 4.7L Vortec at 285 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is four wheel drive capable, and tows up to 8,400 pounds.
• A 6.0L Vortec V8 most powerful engine available in a standard 1500, delivering 325 lb.-ft. of torque and 325 horsepower, towing up to 10,000 pounds and configured in all wheel drive.

What Colors Does the 2004 GMC Sierra Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2004 GMC Sierra?

The 2004 GMC Sierra is about as comfortable a 2004 pickup as you’re going to find. The Extended cab offers 61.5 inches of rear hiproom, and leg room comparable to something like a Ford Explorer. 2004 Sierras are a throwback to a time before pickups were built like SUVs, but there’s plenty of space in the Sierra.

Your main concern is whether the suspension has held up. While the ride is smooth, if the truck is in good shape, premature corrosion has been reported in high enough numbers that you’ll want to take a look at the undercarriage and see how it hits speed bumps before you buy.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 GMC Sierra Have?

The 2004 Sierra is offered with a 6′ 5″ short bed, or an 8′ long bed. You pretty much know what to expect of a full-size truck. It’ll carry whatever it is you need to carry. Both beds are 63 inches across and 22 inches deep.

Payload capacity varies based on your options, of course, but a totally optimized 2004 Sierra maxes out in the area of 2,114 pounds.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2004 was the fifth year for the GMC Sierra’s 2nd Generation, and the second year for the Silverado’s 1st Generation. Both nameplates shared all major changes from year to year.

2002: The truck received a minor visual redesign in 2002, but there were no major mechanical changes.

2003: HVAC and audio controls were redesigned to be more intuitive and modern for 2003.

2004: The Crew Cab makes its debut in 2004.

2005: Crew and Extended cabs received power sunroofs.

2006: Some of the higher trims received burled wood and brushed aluminum interior materials.

2007: The new GMC Sierra debuted with a number of changes, most noticeably being the new dimensions, with the truck measuring an inch and a half wider and three inches longer than the previous year’s model.

How Does the 2004 GMC Sierra Compare to the Competition?

A 2004 GMC Sierra is literally the same truck as a Silverado, just under a different nameplate. So any comparisons you can make between the Silverado and the F-150 apply here. The F-150 is offered in a broader range of options with three boxes to choose from, and leans more into the SUV side of the market for interior comfort and convenience. But, ultimately, this choice comes down to personal preference.

From trim to trim, the 2004 Dodge Ram generally comes up a few hundred pounds shy of the Sierra when it comes to towing, and sells for more than ten thousand bucks. There’s plenty to like about the Ram, but it might be the worst value for a 2004 full-size pickup.

If you don’t already have a favorite between the Sierra/Silverado and the F-150, your best bet is to test drive one of each and see how you like them.

Do Owners Recommend the 2004 GMC Sierra?