1989 GMC Sierra SLE 5.7 V8

Summary:

This is one good truck

Faults:

The paint (white) has chipped off on the hood and roof over the last few years. I keep the truck waxed and clean so that was unexpected even for a 15 year old truck.

Replaced rear main seal at 160k.

It is now on its third clutch, last one replaced at 160k also.

Replaced alternator at 140k.

Headliner is getting a little saggy.

Replaced steering box and most front end components at 130k.

Left power window motor is now intermittent.

General Comments:

This truck is very well built and durable. I have not had a "major" repair yet and the engine still runs strong (I have kept the oil changed regularly at 3k intervals).

Interior still in very good condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2004

12th Oct 2006, 09:33

I'm not sure if you are aware of this or not... But if you are the original owner, GM will repaint this vehicle for you at no charge!!! I had a 1990 Chevy S-10 and the paint started chipping a peeling. Evidently GM had a 'silent' recall that would allow 'original' owners of all GM vehicles between certain years, I think 89-95, free paint jobs. They never sent out 'recall' notices because it wasn't a 'safety issue'. I'm not sure if they are still honoring this or not, but it wouldn't hurt to check...

1st Jun 2012, 11:32

I have a 1989 GMC Sierra 1500 5.7L.

I LOVE MY TRUCK.

The only problems I have with it, are that the white paint is chipping, flaking and peeling off... down to the metal. I keep it clean and washed, so it surprised me that it would have done this. But, all I see on the road is 1989 GMC Sierra 1500's with peeling, flaking and chipping paint.

The other problem I have had is the steering column with tilt broke... while I was driving my truck... YES, while I was driving... it broke and I had it in my hands, trying to put it back in place, it was connected by the wiring... So, I won't have another vehicle with tilt steering. I had a straight column put in... Much better.

But now if I could only get GMC to repaint my truck at no cost to me... I will be a VERY happy camper and truck owner.

I might be a girl... BUT I LOVE MY TRUCK. It sounds good, runs great, gets it when I want to go, and like I said, it needs a new paint job.

Donna May Johnson, Millen, Ga 30442.

1989 GMC Sierra c1500 5.7 350

Summary:

Best money I ever spent

Faults:

The water pump has only went out once, at about 220,000 miles. The alternator has gone out twice since owning the truck. The transmission went out just before 300,000 miles. seats worn badly.

General Comments:

Love the truck, good acceleration and handling. Can't seem to find it in me to get rid of the truck. Never have had the engine rebuilt, and the only seal changed (other than the ones in the water pump) was the rear main. The only reason it was changed was due to having the fly wheel turned, so I just changed it while I was there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2004

1989 GMC Sierra C1500 SLE 5.7L V8 (350)

Summary:

GMC is the best truck ever made

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st January, 2004

4th Mar 2004, 01:36

Maybe someone should let this guy know that a Sierra and a Silverado are the exact same truck with different badges and emblems. If you don't know that then you're not worthy of driving a GM product.

12th May 2004, 15:20

Yes I would have to agree.

30th Apr 2008, 07:11

An 89' Sierra with a baffed out, oil burning 350, with 210hp, I find hard to believe. However I agree with a Chevy and a GMC are the same trucks just a trim option. Same as S10 and Sonoma are the same trucks.