Article Comments - 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test

128 messages, Last post on Mar 28, 2009 at 1:25 PM

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Article comments for Full Test: 2007 GMC Sierra Denali - The 2007 GMC Sierra Denali is GM's top-of-the-line luxury pickup, but it emphasizes the truck part of the equation as much as the luxury part. (more)

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#59 of 128 Re: Buyer beware of Paid Blog reviews [dallasstb] by vadaddy Jul 20, 2007 (12:53 pm)
Replying to: dallasstb (Jul 18, 2007 6:57 am) I bought my 07 Sierra Denali at the end of May and have 3,000 miles on it. Overall I love the truck and have recieved a ton of compliments on it. It's black with black interior, which if you're getting the truck looks awesome and was the only choice for me with a 2year old and 5 year old. I bought it without the sun roof and it has ample headroom for me (6 feet tall, no NAV or DVD but did get the heated steering and sliding rear window (a huge plus) and 20" wheels. I searched for over a year and awaited both this truck and the new toyota, I drove both before deciding. I have to admit that I preferred to go American but would have bought the Toyota if I liked it more. I'll give you my pro's and cons on the GMC and a little reasoning behind my final decission. PROS: (subjective) looks way better than the toyota great acceleration and smoother transmission than toyota The motor feels and sounds better ride and handling are very good Interior is far superior to any other truck Seats are richer and more comfortable and the dash fit and finish are great. The interior fit and finish are a major reason for getting the 07. It's as good as they say. locking rear (makes all the difference when it comes to getting stuck) available aftermarket parts better CONS: Low and painted front bumper I will end up scaping it! would like a more aggressive tire the manual shifgt function won't hold a higher gear so it down shifts anyway thus not as easy to save gas on the highway. I find the trailer shift mode best for the engine braking. This is the biggest complaint. the torque management holds back a little too much some times No bluetooth handsfree the back-up sensor doesn't alert until 18", some adjustment needed. It does run better and get 1-2 mpg better milage on 93 octane than regular. No option for 2 wheel dr. All that said nothing beats the 6.2 and 6 speed and comfort and performance. There is not a better all around truck. On trips the wife and kids love it too. The Toyota had 2 big drawbacks, fit and finish (it looks and felt cheap) and no locking rear I put one side of the Toyota in a muddy ditch and it didn't want to come out without being in 4x4 and even then had to cowboy it. The GMC spun a little locked up and walked out as it should. To let you know about milage the truck gets around 13.5 to 14.2 around town and 16.6 to 18.3 on a highway trip. The bed cover I put on added atleast 1 mpg. The K&N cold airintake is nice adding some throttle response .5mpg and a nice growl under hard acceleration. Replies to this message: markisliev (Jul 20, 2007 2:40 pm)
#60 of 128 Re: Buyer beware of Paid Blog reviews [vadaddy] by markisliev Jul 20, 2007 (2:40 pm)
Replying to: vadaddy (Jul 20, 2007 12:53 pm) Thanks for an honest opinion...I pick up my Sierra Denali in 2 days. It's 2wd...I will tell yall know 2wd milage is in a few days....200lbs less weight and less drive train loss...should be a quick truck if I am graceful with the throttle....
#61 of 128 2007 Denali pickup by gmsutton Jul 31, 2007 (2:32 pm)
I used to own a 2003 K2500 Crew Cab Silveraldo with the 8100 Engine and Allison Transmission. Somebody made me an offer I couldn't refuse, so I was able to go truck shopping. I found everybody had an opinion. The canopy guy swore I should buy a new Tundra. My son thought I should get another K2500 only with the Duramax. My wife wanted something different this time around. Upon taking one look at the new Denali, that was the one I chose. What does it feel like? A Lexus in a truck. It is an awesome looking and driving truck. Sounds great, feels great, drives wonderful! I only have a couple of suggestions...offer more color choices and accessories. I went with a Silver & Black combination and the larger 20" wheels. But, it needs molded mud flaps, a nurf bar, window-hood-sunroof plastic rain shields. It could also use a better insert on the body side molding as I already have a nick in the paint. Seems like it should be molded out of something that is bullet proof. Needs door edge guards, too. Am having a Arma-Coat bed lining installed along with enough under-coating to coat the inner rear wheel wells. One thing I have not found, and am sure somebody probably has it, is chrome wheel lip moldings, too. But all of these items are above and beyond the awesome truck that lies beneath. This is a killer truck and I am happy I purchased it! Happy in Eugene, Oregon
#62 of 128 Denali Truck by gmsutton Aug 01, 2007 (8:56 am)
The more I think about it, this truck is actually an exciting thing for a guy who graduated from high school in 1966! I have had a bunch of neat cars over the years. My dad was a car dealer and started me out early with a new 1963 Split Window Bronze Corvette. Then two years later, he surprised me with a 1965 Corvette Green Coupe and added mags the following year. Then I jumped to a 1967 GTO, what a dog! Then I bought a 1967 Chevelle SS which I loved until it ended up in Watts, striped. Then, dad was going into the AMC Business, I bought a 1968 AMX. Fun little car, but lacked decent interior. Over the years, I have driven allot of new cars because I was in the car business. Had everything from a Pontiac Trans Am, like Smokey and the Bandit, to a Cadillac Allante. But in my old age, I have gone from a Escalade in 2000, to a 03 Chevy K2500 to this new Denali. Without a doubt, the Denali brings back the feelings I had back when I was young. It is beautiful and makes me think about the old days and how much better these days are. We are in the good old days when you can purchase a truck like this 2007 Denali Pickup. Like my dad always said, "the best is yet to come!" Never did I think he was referring to my new truck! Again, very happy in Eugene, Oregon
#63 of 128 Pics of the New ride... by markisliev Aug 01, 2007 (9:22 am)
New Pic's...07' 2wd
#64 of 128 Sierra Denali: Buyer beware by skytop1 Aug 01, 2007 (3:46 pm)
You buy the new Sierra Denali with the 6 speed tranny and based on my Denali AWD purchase experience, you will certainly live to regret your purchase. GM acknowledges they have major problems with the transmission and accompanying engine problems. The entire adaptive learning torque control computer system and network is plagued with bugs. GM acknowledges these many problems and openly states they have NO FIX FOR THESE PROBLEMS for at least the next 6 months or more. Also, they have major problems with the computer system running the A/C.The A/C stops working on a regular time cycle (in any mode or temp setting) blowing warm stagnant smelling air. GM cannot fix it!!! How's that for a $50,000 vehicle in 2007?? Consider it!! I have a brand new Denali and I regret my purchase. The myriad electrical problems, disasterous shifting transmission, unintended acceleration problems while braking, sudden violent downshifts, jolting upshifts, clanking rear end noises, the soft vibrating suspension, the illegible dash board (being replaced by GM due to poor design), unsupported steering column, electric window switches that drain the battery DEAD, rear parking assistance system glitches, worthless tilt steering wheel adjustment, dangerous unintended foot actuated hood release, stupid console design all conspire together to make this the WORST truck purchase I have ever made. Yes, it is a handsome design, but the Denali 6 speed is rotten inside. I own one and I am speaking straight objective facts.
#65 of 128 Hmm I like mine so far by markisliev Aug 01, 2007 (3:59 pm)
Hmm I like mine so far....I don't have any of these bugs you speak of...I paid 37 for mine w/2wd,nav,sunroof
#66 of 128 Re: Buyer beware of Paid Blog reviews [skytop1] by 1oldcarguy Aug 10, 2007 (10:55 am)
Replying to: skytop1 (Jul 16, 2007 6:21 pm) I am the exclusive driver for a gentleman who had a 2004 Sierra Denali extended cab, with AWD and 4 wheel steer. About 25% of the time was dedicated to towing a 30' RV weighing between 9000lb-9500lbs., pending cargo. It's a shame that GM discontinued this featured instead of refining it further. Safety, stability and the unmatched manuverability made this an extremely enjoyable and desireable vehicle. With the odometer approaching 100k miles on the 2004 Denali, my employer recently decided to purchase a new AWD Sierra Denali. I make the following observations for the first 30 days of use: The addition of a 400+hp motor is a very nice feature but reducing the towing capacity to 8500lbs (from the previous 2004, 6 liter set-up of 9900lbs tow capacity), makes no sense at all. Using a 3.42 rear end ratio does indeed achieve the 19mpg on the highway when driven with a light foot and staying under 70mph. But I think the 3.73 rear end ratio would have been a better choice. Premium gas is requested. The ride is acceptable and it is quieter than the '04. The brakes are much improved. We have not experienced the transmission problems mentioned in this forum, but the transmission did have a clunk or two on the first day which has not reappeared. What is very disppointing to me, is the 'de-contenting' that GM has decided to apply to this vehicle. I list the missing standard features (compared to the 2004 Denali) accordingly and in no particular order: no electric shocks no step bars no tonneau cover no mud flaps no bed rail protectors no overhead console no interior sunvisor extension or auxilliary sun visor no cab roof lamps no perimeter lamps integrated in the bottom of the side - view mirrors no front seat integrated arm rest (and of course, Quadrasteer) Something that was dropped years ago which should be made as an available option: An extendable underhood lamp. Paying this kind of money for this particular vehicle should assure an owner of certain conveniences that are useful and for us, needed in day to day transportation. Although most of these items are available aftermarket, I think this truck should have been more 'turn key'. (We were not looking for the 'bling' of an Escalade but when towing in all types of weather, AWD helps. The interior is handsome, but I guess ergonomics are a thing of the past. Too many small buttons and controls require a distracting amount of attention from driving. Gone are the days when certain controls fell to hand and the shape and feel of these controls were easy to distinguish and operate without distraction. I am sure this will be a very decent truck over the next 3 years; but I hope that Quadrasteer makes a comeback and more intuitive and less distracting layered electronic contols becomes an important goal inside the cab. Replies to this message: skytop1 (Aug 10, 2007 12:06 pm) 1oldcarguy (Aug 10, 2007 3:58 pm) skytop1 (Aug 10, 2007 4:28 pm) guysykes (Aug 18, 2007 12:24 am) skytop1 (Aug 18, 2007 4:56 am)
#67 of 128 Re: Buyer beware of GM Denali problems [1oldcarguy] by skytop1 Aug 10, 2007 (12:06 pm)
Replying to: 1oldcarguy (Aug 10, 2007 10:55 am) I certainly hope your air conditioning actually works in the heat. Mine cycles with cold air and then warm smelly air in roughly 45 second cycles. Dealer cannot repair it and engineering department acknowledged the problem. They state there will be no fix for at least 6 more months. This is a generic defect in the computer system. Also, notice that as soon as you apply the gas in any kind of meaningful way, the A/C system goes off (compressor turns off) which will blow warm air in your sweaty face for about 30 to 45 seconds. This is what YOUR truck will do. It is the way the A/C system is designed. When have you ever sweated in a Hundai, a Honda, a Toyota or a Yugo etc. Only General Motors in 2007 premium truck has the balls to turn off their A/C system when you apply the gas. I especially enjoy that in our 97 degree heat. Since you love your Denali so much, I certainly don't want you to open the hood in sunlight and see that about 30% of the metal is NOT painted with color or clear. It is left in greenish prime. I checked the line of new Sierras in three dealerships and found this is how GM paints their trucks. No care in the build, whatsoever. No other manufacturer would have the nerve or stupidity to finish a vehicle off so poorly as GM does. Also, wait till your paint starts to mysteriously start chipping off. They have NO PRIDE or care in the way they produce, paint and finish these turds...and it shows. Oh yes, watch out for your electric windows switches. They are draining batteries and driving GM crazy with this endemic problem that they cannot fix. In traffic or slowing up under 20 mph, watch your transmission act like it is a 1957 hydramatic clunking and banging into gears. Also, if you have to pass or need power to safely avoid an accident, there is a 4 second delay before the transmission responds (see Edmunds review) Why? GM's state of the art learning adaptive torque control transmission is unfortunately unable to interpret what the driver is really trying to do so it will accelerate the engine whey you are braking getting as if you were in stop-go traffic and not approaching a stop sign. Insideous! Also, try stabing the gas on the highway and watch what happens. Nothing! Hit the gas a few times and your gas pedal will go TOTALLY DEAD. If you were in a dramatic traffic situation, the computer will put you in the gravest of danger. You might as well stomp on the carpet. The computer turns off. GM should have it's face slapped for this major safety defect. Another big plus in design advancement from General Motors brain trust. Tip into the gas while you are going at any constant speed between 40 and 60 mph and your sterling truck DECELERATE as you watch the engine rpm's DROP. You have to really put your foot into it (and then wait to see what the transmission decides to do) substantially before you can get this overweight hulk to move. 403 HP ? Ha. The truck is only 'fast' out of the hole. At speed, it is a slug. The midrange torque is marginal and you must sit their waiting for the transmission to decide which gear to stay in before it will finally begin to move. Another disappointment, big time. When you get into your big brand new 4X4 rig, hoist yourself up by grasping the steering wheel and pull. Say, there is NO GRIP handle on the A pillar like every other manufacturer installs. GM forces you to use the steering wheel as a grab handle instead. This is a real inconvenience to the owner each time you enter the truck. Additionally, a problem is created. A a short while, you will damage the thrust bearing in the major column assembly causing your column to become loose and 'click clank' as you apply any pressure to it. this is yet another great GM feature on your new premium truck. Enjoy the loose wheel and noise, you paid for it! While driving, watch out where you put your feet. If you adjust your left foot location for comfort sake while driving, you can very easily engange the hood release! This happened to me at 75 mph on the interstate. Yes, after 100 years of making vehicles, the MORONS and IMBECILES at GM design have created an unsafe hood release that is phenomenally easy to accidentally operate possibly causing a supremely dangerous accident if the second interlock fails and your hood completely flies open. This design flaw is so serious and so blatant it is astounding the government doesn't force a full blown recall on the design. Remember GM's current Sierra motto "We examined everything and overlooked nothing." What a major LIE and total INSULT to the consumer. GM has NO REGARD for the integrity or safety of the buyer. How do they manage to design a vehicle with these major defects in design???? I sincerly believe GM is engineering deficient and seriously incompetant based on the blatant defects I see in my Denali. I won't even discuss the service departments since it is such a deplorable experience. The Denali is a true disgrace and disappointment. I am finished with GM. Hope you have better luck with yours. Replies to this message: 1oldcarguy (Aug 10, 2007 3:58 pm) skytop1 (Aug 10, 2007 4:28 pm) guysykes (Aug 18, 2007 12:24 am) skytop1 (Aug 18, 2007 4:56 am)
#68 of 128 still loving it! by markisliev Aug 10, 2007 (2:53 pm)
Hey skytop how much are they paying you? 4k miles on mine...still loving it! Folks who knock the 3.42 rear end do not understand overall gearing and just bitch because they hear "3.42". 6L80 has a very steep 1st gear giving a hole shot near the same as a 4.56 on the previous 4spd...gotta look at the tranny gearing as well... Replies to this message: skytop1 (Aug 10, 2007 3:29 pm)