1999 GMC Sierra Looks familiar, like an old friend who's grown up. By Jim McCraw, New Car Test Drive .com

GMC has completely redesigned its line of Sierra pickup trucks. The new Sierra has smoother ride, better handling, better brakes and new, more powerful engines. It's quieter and more comfortable than just about any pickup truck out there.

At first glance, it looks almost exactly like the 1998 Sierra. But park a '99 and a '98 alongside one another and the differences are quite apparent. GMC changed every panel, every angle, every square inch of sheet metal on the Sierra. But compared to what Ford and Dodge have done with truck design, it doesn't seem like much of a stretch.

The Sierra will come in 1500 and 2500 series models, in regular cab, extended cab, and cab-and-chassis versions. They come in both Wideside and Sportside bed styles (with and without fenders), with short or long beds, in both two- and four-wheel drive, and in SL, SLE, and SLT trim levels. Extended cab trucks come standard with a third door that adds tremendously to convenience.