The 2008 Sierra 1500 can last over 250,000 miles with some rare engine issues. At $7,637 – 13,211, it’s affordable for a well-built and capable half-ton truck.
Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Sierra. Owner reviews praise the performance, dependability, and luxury.
- Reliability ratings are good. Models from 2005–2013 are good with a lot more complaints on 2014–2015.
- Performance is bad from the base V6 engine, but the most powerful V8 is very strong.
- The 2008 Sierra is very safe, earning a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is okay for a large truck at up to 17 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Sierra 1500?
- Consumer Reports says the Sierra has a steady ride, but owner satisfaction scores are below average.
- Edmunds gives the Sierra a 4.4/5 liking the quiet ride, but disliking the lack of interior storage.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sierra 4.6/5 and enjoy the hauling capabilities, but complain about the low resale value.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Have?
Problems found on the 2008 Sierra include lifter issues, door lock failures, and water leaks in the cabin.
Engine problems with the lifters are the most serious complaint at around 140,000 miles. The issue is not very common, but if the lifters fail then rebuilding the engine costs about $3,000.
Door lock failures are a common issue in the first 50,000 miles. The actuators tend to wear out quickly compared to other vehicles, and cost about $200 to replace.
Water leaking into the truck’s cabin is another problem mentioned by owners at about 20,000 miles. A clogged drain line is the most common source of the problem, and cleaning it out costs about $150.
There are 4 minor recalls on the Sierra and they include the windshield washer system and air bags, which are not a concern once they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Last?
Lasting over 250,000 miles should be no problem for a properly cared for 2008 GMC Sierra, which is about 50,000 miles more than a Dodge Ram 1500. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than rivals, at $611 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most 2008 Sierras will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the starter for $500, engine oil cooler lines costing $300, and the alternator which costs around $700.
Yes pretty much reliable! Not too many problems with it since we had it most parts can be fixed without taking it to an shop.
To date I have had no serious issues, the brain box did need replacing a year or two ago, but that is the only major issue the truck has had.
I have had zero problems with this vehicle other than a CV boot going out. It is a very well put together truck and is reliable
It is not the most reliable, it had a lot of issues starting when I first got it. I took it to multiple mechanics and different deals who were completely unable to diagnose the issue. My dad was finally the one who figured out that there was a grounding cable problem.
How Much Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Worth?
Blue book values range from $7,637 – 13,211, making it very close in price to the Ford F-150 or Nissan Titan. When new, the price range was $17,590 to $38,600. Depreciation is better than average, losing only around 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Sierra 1500?
There are five models of the Sierra 1500 series available. Technology is good since it was just updated for the 2007 model year, with some new technology added for 2010.
Work Truck is a fleet-focused model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Bench Seating
- Air Conditioning
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
SL is an entry-level consumer model and has:
- Painted 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Remote Keyless Entry
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
SLE is a popular upgrade with:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Cruise Control
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
SLT offers some luxury items such as:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Wood Interior Trim
- Bose Stereo System With 6-CD Changer
Denali is the flagship model and comes with:
- 18-Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels
- Premium Leather
- Upgraded Suspension
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Navigation System
What Engines Come In the Sierra 1500?
- The entry-level engine is a fairly weak 4.3L V6 which makes 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 17 MPG combined.
- Next in line is the more powerful 4.8L V8 making 295 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque, and also gets up to 17 MPG combined.
- A popular choice is the tough 5.3L V8, which has 315 horsepower and 338 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 16 MPG combined.
- The most powerful engine is the large 6.2L V8, which produces 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft of torque and gets up to 15 MPG combined. Towing performance is excellent at up to 10,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Sierra 1500 Come In?
How Big Is the Sierra 1500?
The 2008 Sierra is a large truck, similar in size to the Dodge Ram 1500 or Ford F-150. Three cabin configurations are available including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and larger 4-door crew cab. Passenger space is great in the crew cab, but cramped in the rest.
There are also three bed lengths available including a 5-foot-8-inch short bed, 6-foot-6-inch standard, or full 8-foot long bed.
How Does the Sierra 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The Chevy Silverado is a popular competitor from GM which costs about $1,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Silverado, but the Sierra is more luxurious. We recommend the Sierra since they’re built on the same platform, but it’s a more comfortable truck.
The Toyota Tundra is another rival costing around $8,000 more. Base engine performance is better in the Tundra, but interior materials are nicer in the Sierra. We recommend the Tundra since they last longer and are more affordable to own, offsetting the higher purchase price.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Sierra 1500?
Pretty much yes it is!! Haven't had too much trouble with it since we had it! Some parts were easy to maintain without taking it to a shop.
It is a decent vehicle, I haven't had any issues with it, a bit heavy on fuel consumption, but overall a nice vehicle.
Yes a very good vehicle. This truck has been a great purchase for me as it functions every way I need it to
It runs well but the fit and finish are poor quality. I have had a lot of problems with the details of the vehicle, but it does a fantastic job towing my horse trailer.
