- 2010
2008 GMC Sierra 1500
- Used GMC Sierra 1500
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 does very well in federal government crash tests, and offers a long list of standard safety features.
The Regular Cab body style receives five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in front impact crash tests, as well as for front- and rear--seat safety on side crash tests. Both the 2WD and 4WD models get four-star rollover ratings.
Accident Avoidance
Every 2008 Sierra comes standard with antilock brakes. Also, standard on all 1500 crew cab models, and available on 1500 extended cab models, is GM's StabiliTrak stability control system, which in difficult driving conditions, applies brake pressure to any individual wheel and adjusts engine speed to help stay on track and reduce the risk of rollover. StabiliTrak automatically compares steering input with vehicle response, and self-adjusts as needed to provide added safety.
For extra safety, the optional navigation system functions as a monitor which is wired to a camera on the rear bumper and allows the driver to see objects that are out of the mirrors' view when backing up, such as small children. Other features include a tire-pressure monitoring system, which will tell the driver exactly how much air is needed in which specific tire, in order to prevent a blow-out while driving, and halogen fog-lights placed low in bumper help the driver see clearly in the worst climate conditions.
Crash Protection
GMC claims it took a "360 degree approach" to protection when designing the all-new Sierra. This is because the Sierra was engineered with the objective of providing features to help protect the driver and passengers from every angle, at every stage (before, during, and after) of a possible collision. The Sierra comes standard with dual-stage driver and right front passenger air bags with head curtain side-impact air bags as an option, and 360 degree impact and rollover sensors which strategically trigger the appropriate air bag deployment. In another attempt to prevent injuries, the front seat belt pretensioners are designed to guarantee that the occupants won't uncontrollably be moving around during a front or rear collision.
GMC engineers are apparently not only concerned about those who are inside the Sierra, but those who may collide with the large vehicle; according to the Chicago Tribune, "The low-slung front bumper is positioned to keep smaller vehicles from submarining under it in a front impact."
Also, all 2008 Sierra 1500s come with a free one-year subscription to OnStar Safe and Sound Service. This three-button system provides convenience and emergency services. The system allows occupants to be immediately connected to emergency service providers, contacts the car if it senses airbag deployment, and if no response is received from someone inside the car, immediately dispatches emergency personnel to the car.
