Known as the twin to Chevrolet's Silverado, the GMC Sierra first hit American sales lots in 1999. However, for several years prior to the standalone model release, the Sierra was known as a trim level of the C/K pickup truck. As the baby brother to the larger three-quarter ton and one-ton pickups, the GMC Sierra 1500 4WD was intended to gain a wider audience in consumers searching for an everyday truck. Generally known as a more luxurious version of the Silverado, the Sierra 1500 started off running but quickly fell short as critics claimed it was made with poor quality materials and buyers simply preferred the Silverado instead.

Fitted with a range of V8 engines, the Sierra 1500 also featured the option of 4WD. This gave buyers the ability to take the model off-road and gave it more appeal as a truck that could handle towing and hauling large loads. A few changes were made in the two years following its release, including the addition of a fourth door on extended cabin trims and the OnStar safety feature was added as well. Ever since, GMC has been using the OnStar program in most of their models; providing roadside assistance, instant accident alerts, and even turn-by-turn navigation in some of the higher end models. Nevertheless, even this program has been criticized, with some saying that the turn-by-turn navigation provided by live OnStar reps is not as convenient as simply plugging in a destination and receiving digital directions.

In 2004, the Sierra 1500 was no longer available with the HD badging. Instead, the trim was replaced with the basic crew cab version. A more advanced audio system was introduced in the 2004 model year as well. When the model was finally redesigned in 2007, most critics kept quiet. The maker had implemented all new higher quality materials, and a V8 and several V8 engine options were introduced. The Sierra SLT - the high-end trim level - received interior wood accents and polished chrome trim. With the 2008 model year came the addition of standard satellite radio (three-month trial subscription to the service provider) that allowed drivers to listen to a wide array of channels without commercial interruptions.

GMC plans to introduce a Sierra Hybrid in early 2009 that is said to improve fuel economy by up to 40 percent. While some are pleased by the upcoming addition, others claim that GMC is simply pulling at strings to regain their previous fan base. Rumors have been spreading that the Sierra will soon be pulled off of the market if the hybrid edition does not end up with great fanfare. Nevertheless, GMC has released no information regarding the future of the Sierra 1500 4WD for after the 2009 model year.