2000 GMC Sierra SLE Ext Cab Z71 review from North America
"Some problems, but a GREAT Truck"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I had the drive shaft slip yoke lubricated 6 times before I could convince the GM Tech Rep that there was a problem. I finally got them to replace the slip yoke. When the truck had approximately 20,000 miles on it, I brought it in for an oil change, and the dealer told me that I complained about the throttle body sticking and they replaced it under warranty. I have since had that throttle body replaced at 50,000 miles.
The biggest problem I had was... 41,000 miles, the oil cooler in my radiator developed a leak and drained my transmission of Automatic trans fluid. This in turn, caused the transmission to eat itself. Fortunately, I had purchased the extended warranty because I have been complaining about piston slap since I bought the truck. Otherwise GM was going to make me pay for half the repairs. The dealer sent my truck out to a trans shop for inspection, and three weeks later I got it back with a completely rebuilt transmission and a new radiator. The next day I brought it back because of extremely hard shifting and a trans service light, to have the valve body replaced. Then I brought it back again because they forgot to hook up the vacuum line to my front differential, giving me a service 4WD light.
After all of that, and I am still complaining about hard shifting, I made GM give me a 100,000 mile power train warranty.
I have also had the front break calipers lubricated because of the brakes grabbing.
At 52,000 had the parking break shoes replaced at dealers expense.
General comments?
Aside from the problems I have had with the truck, I still love it.
The engine has balls and it sounds great even with the stock exhaust and intake.
I am thankful for the auto 4WD on my pushbutton transfer case because the rear does get loose on wet roads.
Besides, hell will freeze over before I buy a Toy-ota, and I'd rather push my Sierra than drive a Fix or Repair Daily or a Dodge.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | My favorite truck of all time |
![]() ![]() | Powertrain is awesome, rest is junk.. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 20 miles |
| Most recent distance | 53000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 13th November, 2002 |

