2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab | Review | Buying Guide
Right smack in the center of a three-cab lineup, the extended cab plays the role of the middle sibling to a tee. It is built for rugged applications—like all Sierras—but without the diminutive stature of the regular cab or the full interior roominess of the crew cab.
The extended cab has back-hinged rear doors that don't open independently of the front doors, but do lead to a three-person rear bench seat. As with regular cabs, there are three beds to choose from: 6.6 and 8.0-ft Wideside cargo beds and a 6.6-ft Sportside flare-fender bed.
The extended cab also offers the most variety of trims of all the Sierra models for 2005. There are four diverse levels to choose from, including Work, base, SLE and SLT. In addition, this year sees a hybrid in the form of an extended cab, and a decadent Denali as an extended as well (both models covered individually).
Under the Hood
Extended cab models with a Wideside short bed have a 4.3-liter V6 engine with 195 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. It can be mated to 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic.
Models with Sportside short beds have a 4.8-liter V8 model with 285 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Standard with top-line SLT trims (optional with other models) is a 5.3-liter V8. It puts out 295 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm and only uses 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Sierra comes with rear-wheel drive with optional traction control or with one of two 4WD systems. The base 4WD setup must be disengaged on dry pavement. Optional Autotrac 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement. Both systems include low-range gearing.
Optional on SLT short-bed extended cabs is GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering. Quadrasteer tightens the turning radius at low speeds and is designed to improve stability at higher speeds or when towing.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Top-line SLT models get heated power mirrors, an AM/FM/CD player with in-dash 6-disc changer and rear tinted glass. But that’s not all; there’s also the OnStar assistance system, leather upholstery, 10-way power heated front bucket seats, a memory system (driver seat, mirrors) and dual-zone automatic climate controls.
And to top it off further, there’s a wealth of options in groups and as individual add-ons.
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