1989 GMC Sierra C1500 SLE review from North America

The idler arm and pitman arm had to be replaced at 72,000 miles.

The transmission blew at 72,161 miles. A complete rebuild including all new gears (all four forward and the reverse) was performed by Aamco Transmissions. Cost of repair: $2200 with Maryland tax.

The left front rotor warped and had to be replaced at 93,000 miles.

The battery died and was replaced at 95,000 miles.

The starter died and was replaced at 103,000 miles.

The idler arm and pitman arm were identified at being too loose to perform a front-end alignment. This problem occurred at 103,100 miles.

This 1989 GMC Sierra C1500 Step-side is the best truck I have ever owned. It beats owning any Ford Ranger.

This was originally a Michigan truck, but I bought it off of eBay in 2000 from a dealer in Florida.

The truck still bears the original two-tone maroon/silver paint, and it shines like a new vehicle.

The interior is original and is still in immaculate shape.

The cloth bench seat in this truck is the most comfortable I have ever sat on. I definitely prefer it over any bucket seat.

It seems to me that the original owner of this truck neglected the drivetrain.

Gas mileage and oil consumption were high when I bought it, but with a little TLC and some new parts, I have minimal oil consumption and the gas mileage up. The best gas mileage I have gotten is 17 in the city and 21 on the highway (in the summer)!

The truck is very quick with its 210 horsepower 350.

However, the step-side bed allows for very little cargo. A full bed will drop the gas mileage to 18 (at best) on the highway.

This is an all-stock truck, and it has proved to be "Professional Grade."

My next truck will definitely be another GMC (either a Z-71 or a diesel).

No more headaches with Fords or Silverados again!!!