2006 GMC Sierra 1500

4.6
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side profile with drivers side door open
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 inside of driver's side open door, window open
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 driver's side inside window controls
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front drivers side wheel at profile
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 passenger side taillight
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 drivers side headlight
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 drivers side door handle
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front angle view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Gallery Image
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 trunk open
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 engine
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front seats from drivers side
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Gallery Image
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 rear seats from drivers side
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Gallery Image
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Gallery Image
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 closeup of radio head unit
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 centered wide dash shot
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front center divider
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 seat adjustment controllers
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 speedometer/tachometer
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 cup holders
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 gas cap open
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front angle medium view
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 passenger seat
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front angle view, low wide perspective
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Gallery Image
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 front angle medium view
Avg. Price on CARFAX

$9,567

Starting MSRP

$16,715

Expert Rating
6.2/10
Pros
  • Impressive towing capacity
  • Roomy crew cab model
  • Variety of powerful V8 engines
Cons
  • Low-quality interior
  • Harsh ride
  • Poor fuel economy
Insights
What's for Sale?
Listings With No Accidents Reported60%
Listings With Only One Owner Reported12%
Listings That Were Personal Vehicles 76%
Listings With a Service History Record 100%

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

ByJoel Patel

The 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 is a large pickup truck that can seat up to six people. It’s for drivers who want a large pickup truck with powerful engines, a relatively efficient hybrid model, a spacious interior, and serious towing capability. It’s meant for people who regularly tow big cargo items, need a bed for hauling, require a powerful V8 engine, and want a roomy cabin. GMC offers the Sierra 1500 in multiple cab styles with a variety of engines, as well as with a few different bed sizes so drivers can get a truck that fits their needs. With a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, the Sierra 1500 is for consumers who need something more capable than a midsize pickup.

The Sierra 1500 separates itself from the pack with its powerful V8 engines, upscale Denali trim, roomy crew cab models, and hybrid powertrain. Keep in mind that the Sierra 1500 trails key rivals when it comes to towing capacity, interior quality, fit and finish, and ride comfort. Some of the Sierra 1500’s rivals offer even more spacious interiors with more upscale materials. While GMC offers the Sierra 1500 in an efficient hybrid model, other competitors have more-efficient gas engines. Without an off-road package, the Sierra 1500 isn’t as capable away from pavement as some of its competitors.

GMC Sierra 1500 Changes for 2006

  • New 6.0-liter V8 engine

  • Quadrasteer four-wheel steering dropped

  • Updated front-end styling

Where the Sierra 1500 Sits in the 2006 GMC Lineup

GMC’s vehicle lineup includes SUVs, heavy-duty vans, and pickup trucks. The Sierra 1500 is positioned above the Canyon, but below the Sierra 1500 Hybrid, Sierra 1500HD, Sierra 2500HD, and Sierra 3500.

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. the Competition

A large pickup truck is an ideal choice for shoppers who need stout towing capacity, a powerful V8 engine, and a large bed to haul cargo. The Sierra 1500 competes with these rivals:

  • Ford F-150: Great ride quality, extensive configurations, and intuitive interior design.

  • Nissan Titan: Standard punchy V8 engine, smooth ride, and roomy cabin.

  • Dodge Ram 1500: Massive interior, powerful V8 engine, and compliant ride.

What’s the Best 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value

With features like air conditioning, heated exterior mirrors, power door locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power windows, the SLE has a lot of features shoppers are looking for in a truck. Its list of standard features also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, four audio speakers, a CD player, a digital clock, an AM/FM stereo, and front airbags.

Find a used GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Near You

Best Trim for Fuel Economy

The base Sierra 1500 Work Truck comes with a 4.3-liter V6 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The model can get up to 17 mpg combined.

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Best Trim for Cargo/Trunk Space

GMC offers the Sierra 1500 with an eight-foot long bed.

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Best Trim for Towing

When equipped with the available 6.0-liter V8 engine and the extended cab body style, the SLT can tow up to 10,000 pounds.

Find a used GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Near You

Best Trim for Off-Roaders

The SLE model with the available Off-Road Z71 package is the best option for drivers looking to go off-roading. Its list of features includes upgraded shock absorbers, heavy-duty stabilizer bars, skid plates, a high-capacity air cleaner, anti-lock brakes, 16-inch wheels, tow hooks, cloth upholstery, and a tilt steering wheel.

Find a used GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Near You

Top-of-the-Line Trim

The range-topping Denali is the best choice for maximum luxury. It comes with 20-inch wheels, fog lights, chrome tubular side steps, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer, a Bose audio system, six audio speakers, a memory setting for the driver’s seat, a 6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive, and chrome exterior trim.

Find a used GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Near You

Should I Buy an Older GMC Sierra 1500 Instead?

The Sierra 1500 is in its second generation, which was introduced with the 2003 model. Any older second-generation model (2003-2006) will be broadly similar to the 2006 Sierra 1500. You can save money by purchasing a used Sierra 1500.

You can find a used GMC Sierra 1500 with Carfax’s used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the Sierra 1500 from other model years

Key Features

MPG Range
15 city / 20 hwy
Standard Powertrain
195 hp, 4.3-Liter, V6
Standard Seating
3 Passengers
Standard Drivetrain
RWD
Max. Towing
8,400 lbs
NHTSA Safety Rating
n/a

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Trim Configurations

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates how vehicles perform in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways.

Frontal Crash Rating

Overall

n/a

Front Driver Side

n/a

Front Passenger Side

3/5

Side Crash Rating

Overall

n/a

Combined Side Barrier & Pole

Front Seat

n/a

Rear Seat

n/a

Side Barrier

Overall

n/a

Driver

8/5

Rear Passenger

8/5

Side Pole

Overall

n/a

Rollover Rating

Overall

4/5

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Features

  • Child Seat Anchors Standard
  • Antilock Brakes Standard
  • Front Drive Airbags Standard
  • Front Passenger Airbags Standard
  • Daytime Running Lights Standard

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews

Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.6
91 Reviews
5 Star
69%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
interior, rating 4.4 out of 5
exterior, rating 4.3 out of 5
performance, rating 4.5 out of 5
family, rating 4.3 out of 5
cost, rating 4.2 out of 5
Write a Review
Read reviews that mention
5/5
By Satisfied GMC owner on Nov 22, 2025
Not a Toyota!

Once the trans front pump leak and upper steering shaft assembly were warrantied this has been my best vehicle to date. Almost bought a Tundra, my GMC turns 20 soon

interior, rating 5.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 3.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
5/5
By GMC and MTME on Nov 11, 2025
Great

Good on gas and as smooth

interior, rating 5.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
5/5
By KT-off-road-adventures on Oct 24, 2025
Reliable.

They don’t make them like this anymore. The thing is a beast, the most reliable four-wheel-drive I’ve had.

interior, rating 5.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
4/5
By Good truck on Oct 05, 2025
great work truck

Probably one of the best purchases i've made. It's been a great work truck. And I think it's outperformed Some of my other work trucks I have had. It's getting up there in its age.But still runs strong and steady. Planning on putting some money in it to bring it back up to par. Paint interior et cetera.

interior, rating 3.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 3.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 4.0 out of 5
cost, rating 4.0 out of 5
4/5
By Romedogg87 on Oct 05, 2025
Longest lasting truck ive ever had

Great power... easy to work on... all ive had to do is keep up with my maintenance and i have 408k on my truck currently

interior, rating 3.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 2.0 out of 5
performance, rating 3.0 out of 5
family, rating 3.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
1 - 5 of 91 reviews

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Pricing

The data below is updated daily, based on used car inventory for sale on CARFAX.

Original MSRP $16,715 - $39,650
Avg. Price on CARFAX $9,800
Avg. CARFAX Value $9,567
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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Pricing By Trim