I can't speak for the new models but my 2006 Sierra SLT Ex-Cab 4x4 with the 5.3 V 8 is a great vehicle. I think if you want to use it as a TRUCK and haul and tow at max capacity all the time, Ford may be a better TRUCK. But as a daily driver, as a vehicle that does everything I want it to, the Sierra is great. I don't tow anything even thought it has a heavy-duty integrated tow package, and I seldom take it off-highway even though it has the Z-71 haevy-duty suspension, G-80 locking rear diff, etc. I use the old Toyota 4x4 for that stuff. I bought it used when I went to trade in the piece-o'-crap Taco because it was the only thing they had on the lot and I wasn't going to drive that piece-o'crap Taco back home. I get 17+ MPG around town and 20 or so on the highway. It had 25,000 miles when I got it and now has 98,000+. The only problem I've had other than the mice eating all the wiring under the fuse box has been one O2 sensor go bad. The biggest drawback is the heated leather Barco-lounger captains chairs are soooooooo comfortable it's hard to keep from falling asleep in it at 70 MPH.
As far as being an "American" vehicle, well there's just no such thing anymore. The Toyota Tacoma piece-o'-crap I bought in 2007 was made in America except for the Japanese transmission. Current Tundras are made in the USA. My 1984 Ford T-Bird was made in Canada. The Sierra was
assembled at the Fort Wayne plant, but every single part I can see has a bar code or cast-in lettering that says "Fabrique du Canada". Kind of like our "Japanese" Connies were assembled in Lincoln, Nebraska.
www.gm-trucks.com is a great forum for these trucks, a lot like we are here.
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