1998 GMC Sierra 1500

Chevy's Silverado and GMC's Sierra debuted in 1989 and took the pickup market by storm. Compared to the trucks of its day, it was modern and luxurious. Car-quality fabrics, and a futuristic interior made GM's new trucks feel like less of a wheelbarrow and models like the Chevy SS 454 made people actually want to drive a pickup truck.

Facing new competition from Dodge's Ram, GMC redesigned the Sierra's interior in 1995 and introduced the more powerful Vortec engines in '96. Upscale SLT models got a luxurious, leather-lined interior and a revolutionary 3rd door was offered on the Club Cab short bed.

As with most full size trucks, you can find a GMC Sierra in a variety of shapes and sizes. There's the one-ton, 3500 series, 3/4 ton 2500 and half-ton 1500 series. Engine choices include a 4.3L V6, a 5.0L V8, a 5.7L V8, a big-block 7.4L and a diesel. Transmissions choices are either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual and of course, 4-wheel drive was available.

Though these were best sellers in their day, they paled in comparison to their competition. Ford's F-Series rode much better and build quality surpassed the GMC's by a mile. While Dodge's Ram had much more usable interiors and, dare I say, looked better. The horsepower, payload and tow ratings are all about the same, regardless of which brand of truck you choose. At this point, it's all about personal preference.

If you're thinking about buying a truck this old, try to find out as much as you can about that particular truck. Since trucks see much more abuse and higher miles than cars do, it's likely that the motor, transmission and/or rear end has been replaced at some point. Knowing the mileage of the drivetrain is an important factor in deciding on which older truck to buy, no matter who makes it. . YEAR TO YEAR CHANGES FOR THE GMC SIERRA: 1995: The revised interior got a driver side air bag, and 4-wheel ABS was add to all models. 1996: The more powerful Vortec engines arrived in '96. The Vortec 4.3-liter V6 gained 40 horsepower, jumping to 200. The 5.0-liter V8 gained 45 horsepower, the 5.7-liter added 50 horses, and the 7.4-liter (454ci) V8 got 60 extra horsepower and now made 290-hp. The heavy-duty 5.7-liter V8 now was rated 245 horsepower (up 65). An optional rear side door (on the passenger side) was available only on the C/K 1500 series Club Coupe short-bed SLE and SLT. It cannot be used unless the front door has been opened. 1997: A passenger-side airbag was added to all 1500 models and the rear-drive 2500 models. A dashboard switch was added to shut off the airbag if a rear-facing infant seat was installed. 1998: Only minor trim changes occurred in 1998. . COMMON PROBLEMS FOR THE GMC SIERRA: Cruise control - The cruise control module can become sensitive to vibrations in the brake pedal and will need to be replaced (1995) - $300 Excessive Engine Noise - Exhaust valves on 4.3-, 5.0-, or 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication, causing a tap or vibration in the engine. Switching to a better quality oil and oil filter can help (1995-1998) Transmission leak - The pump bushing can protrude from the valve body requiring a rebuild (4L60-E automatic transmissions only) (1995-1996) - $1,200-$1,800