2002 GMC Sierra SLE from North America - Comments

1. Fuel economy is terrible. 5.3 L VorTech V8 was a trade-off between economy and power. Did not realize that I would get the bad deal of both, I.E.: No power and very poor fuel economy (approx 14 Highway mpg). Numerous complaints to dealers went nowhere. Absolutely no torque or power unless engine rpm is at 2000. Seems like it takes forever to merge into highway traffic. Evidently engine computer retards timing and throttle to 140 foot pounds of torque until 2000 rpm. GM explanation for doing this is to keep engine damage down since this is when most engine damage occurs at full throttle take offs. By comparison, neighbor with same truck, but with larger 6.1L motor gets better fuel mileage and also has the power. My 95 Ford F150 Ext Cab 1/2 T truck with 5.8 L V8 gets 18 mpg hwy and has the power.

2. Transmission: The transmission can't figure out what to do when I'm going up relatively minor grades and trying to keep a constant speed between 30 and 50 mph. The whole truck stutters as the transmission seems to keep changing gears with the corresponding jumping up and down of eng rpm. I cannot use O.D. because the constant shifting up and down is even worst. Dealer says normal operation. Transmission will also shift into OD when engine is cold at 30 mph The early wearout of the transmission clutches will of course be at my expen$e.

3. Seats: No storage of anything possible under front seats (even road maps). You also cannot put anything onto center seat without it sliding off onto the rear floor through the seat. No storage cubbyholes anywhere in the front console. Door pockets are not available to driver or passenger without opening door unless your arms are super-long. Center drink cupholders not removable. Unable to store folding umbrella under seat. Have to store under back seat which means that I have to stand in rain opening and closing doors. Unable to install standard dimension gunsafe under either front or rear seat. Seat fabric wears easily, fabric under child seats is quickly showing wear.

4. Headlights: Cannot shut off automatic headlights without having to repeatedly press an unlit button four times. A real pain in the butt when camping or to move car in driveway. Headlight glare reflecting off of garage door during rain makes seeing to back up safely a real challenge while fumbling for an unlit switch.

Excellent looking red extended cab 4wd truck with Z-71 pkg, fog lamps in spoiler, 60/40 seats, 5.3 engine with 3.73 locker axles. Runs great above 2000 rpm. 22k miles on truck.

What year did U buy? I just bought a new GMC Sierra with still less than 1000 miles with the 4.8 Vortech V8 and already getting a solid 20 miles per gallon Sold my 1990 Silverado with a 350 engine and 242,000 miles outright that I was the original owner on.

Sounds like you have I problem. I owned a 2000 GMC Z71 with the 290Hp 5.3L engine. This truck had power to spare! At 35,000mi the rear universal joints failed. At 37,000mi, the trany would make a slight moaning sound in overdrive at low speeds and sometimes slip under acceleration. I had the trany flushed, added new oil (Mobil 1 ATF) and replaced screen filter. This solved the transmission problems. I traded the truck at 67,000mi and enjoyed 19mi/gal highway economy the entire time. I had added dual 2.25" exhaust with K&N, s FIPK set-up. This got me 22mi/gal highway with the tailgate down. I now own a 2002 GMC Z71 with 295Hp 5.3L engine. Same thing; tons of power and great mileage! The rear universals on the '02 went bad at 42,000mi and now, at 45,500mi, the trany is moaning & slipping -time for a transmission service. Fuel economy is at 23mi/gal with a K&N FIPK and 2.5" straight pipes (no muffler).

I owned a 2002 GMC Sierra SLE with a 5.3 liter. It got around 20 miles to the gallon and had plenty of power below 2000 rpms. On regular take offs we would run 1500 to 2000 rpms and could start out faster than any other stock vehicle on the road.

I own 02 GM Z-71 SLE. At 75000 ks (45000 miles), I replaced left front hub and both universals. E brake cable inside was next followed by low speed fan resistor, now I have oil coming out the tail stock. The so called cup holder in rear of center console won't hold a bottle of water, turn the corner and it falls out. Time to trade it in won't buy another GM.

I own a 2002 gmc sierra 2wd ext cab sle 5.3l never will buy another chevy... sun gear in the tranny went out at 40,000 miles and I just replaced the tranny for $3200 on new years the planetary gears went out. plenty of power... oh and I don't pull trailers all the miles are southern california freeway miles bought it new and that's the last chevy ever!! Next truck will be a dodge diesel 4x4

If you didn't like the storage options in the vehicle why did you buy it??? Comparing your 5.3L to your neighbour's 6.0L is pointless. Of course he would have more power! Maybe you do have a problem with your engine. As someone who has worked at a dealership (not GM) the best way to get your vehicle fixed is:

1) Don't diagnose the problem. Simply relay to the service advisor what is happening. Don't suggest parts to change or procedures to do. This forces the technician to do all of the troubleshooting steps.

2) Don't complain about what a piece of crap you own when you are in the dealership. Dealers can adjust your final repair bill and save some money if you aren't in their face the whole time. I've seen it happen. Just be nice to them and stay calm.

I have a 2003 GMC 2500 HD which I bought brand new. I averaged 17 mpg on the highway right off the bat. You must replace your fuel filter every 12,000 miles or you will see a major decrease in fuel economy. Fuel pump failed at 30k due to allowing the truck to run on the last 1/4 of the fuel tank. Always keep the truck no less than a quarter tank or you will have fuel pump failure. My experience with G. M customer service was not the best,but this is still a great truck despite $80 a fill up.