• After a 1999 redesign, the 2001 GMC Sierra continued as GMC's widely customizable pickup truck, according to MSN Autos. The 2001 Sierra came in a wide range of trim packages, powertrains and optional features, continuing the truck's role as GMC's best-selling automobile. The truck came with an original retail price of between $16,690 and $38,370, depending on the trim version.
  
  

Engine

• The 2001 GMC Sierra came with one of three engines, according to MSN Autos. Automobile engines are typically described by the number and configuration of their cylinders, and measured by how much horsepower and torque they provide. The first option, Sierra's 4.3-liter V-6, for example, has six cylinders arranged in a "V" shape. This engine provided 200 horsepower (a measure of overall engine performance) at 4,600 rpm and 260 foot-pounds of torque (a measure of twisting power applied to the axle) at 2,800 rpm. The 5.3-liter V-8 provided 285 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 325 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the larger 6.0-liter V-8 produced 325 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 370 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.
  
  

Performance

• The Sierra came as either a four-speed automatic overdrive or a five-speed manual overdrive, according to MSN Autos. All trim versions were available as either a four-wheel-drive version or a two-wheel, rear-wheel-drive version, though GMC did offer the C3 Extended Cab version as an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The truck had a maximum towing capacity of between 8,600 and 10,300 pounds, depending on version, engine size and transmission.
  
  

Size

• The 2001 GMC Sierra was 203.2 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, 71.2 inches high and had a wheelbase of 119 inches, according to Edmunds. The truck had a curb weight of 4,058 pounds, a gross weight of 6,100 pounds and could seat between three and five people, depending on the version
  
  

Safety

• The 2001 GMC Sierra came with standard driver and passenger air bags, as well as anti-lock brake, according to MSN Autos. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave the 1999 Sierra the highest possible rating of "Good" for head and neck, chest and leg protection crash impact tests. The truck received a "Marginal" for overall safety, and a "Poor" for structural safety and vehicle restraints.