2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE2 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB

The only major upgrades you get when you move up to the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE2 Extended Cab 5.8 SB are a power driver's seat and a larger 5.3-liter V8 that gets 295 hp and 335 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 RPM. It's paired with a 4-speed automatic, and a flex fuel version is available. It also offers more options, such as a power sunroof, a CD changer and rear audio controls, an adjustable suspension, and regenerative braking.

The Extended Cab seats six in two bench rows that split-fold and come with folding armrests. At only 220 inches long (compared to a standard Extended Cab's 230), the rear-wheel-drive pickup features a 5.8-foot cargo bed. Tow hooks are standard, and a trailer hitch is optional (it can tow around 8,000 pounds). Full power features, remote entry, a CD player, cruise control, tilt and power steering, intermittent wipers, a front power outlet, a tachometer, leather wheel trim, and a compass and temperature display are all standard. Options add wheel-mounted audio controls, a trip computer, automatic climate control, leather seats, memory settings for the driver's seat, and a manual sliding rear window.

The SLE2 still earns only three and four stars in crash tests. Dual front airbags feature passenger sensors, but no curtain bags are offered. 4-wheel ABS comes with electronic brakeforce distribution. The 17-inch steel wheels with all-season tires can be replaced with alloy wheels and larger 20-inch wheels. At nighttime, the standard foglights, automatic headlights, and auto-dimming rearview mirror come in handy. Options add the auto-dimming feature to the side mirrors, along with OnStar, skid plates, and mirrors with turn signals.