For the first time in about as long as anyone can remember, General Motors (GM) has passed Ford in utility vehicle sales. Considering all the other problems the America’s second largest auto maker is having, why is this not a surprise?

While Ford has focused on growth, acquiring the likes of Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, etc. GM has focused on building a better truck.

GM revamped its truck lineup in 1997, and although the GMC Sierra is technically identical to its sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado, their styling details and equipment packages differ with the GMC tipping the scales on the luxury side.

Both come in three configurations: the 1500, 2500 and 3500. The lineup includes a fair number of different models basically grouped in four families with 1/2 or 3/4 ton capacities available with two or four wheel-drive. Buyers have a choice of regular, extended and crew cabs with long or short beds, Sportside or Fleetside fenders and single or dual rear wheels Available engine choices are the 4.3-liter V6 (standard on the 1500) and 4.8-liter, 5.3-liter and 6.0-liter V8s (standard on the 2500), a 6.6-liter TD and an 8.1-liter V8. Sierras come in three trim levels —SLE, SLT trims or Denali.

Our test model was a 2500, crew cab 4x4, decked out with the SLT trim package and the 6.0 liter V-8 — overall, a pretty nice truck.

The Sierra is built on a galvanized steel ladder frame that boasts nine crossmembers. The independent front suspension features torsion bars while a solid rear axle is supported by leaf springs in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes and ABS are standard. Towing capacity has been increased as well.

I got a lot time behind the wheel of this truck on a trip from Seattle to Phoenix and back that took place over a scant six days. But in that time, I got to know this truck quite well.

Behind the wheel, it’s quite comfortable ergonomically. The cab is functional, comfortable, reasonably quiet and looks as good as some luxury automobiles. Instrumentation is the standard GM set which is easy to read at a glance. Climate controls are pretty self explanatory and easy to reach. The four wheel-drive is engaged with a simple push of a button on the dash, giving a choice of 2-high, 4-high, 4-low or automatic.

The cab is roomier than in previous models and offers more front and rear legroom. The bucket seats are quite comfortable — even for long periods. I had a passenger in the rear at one point in Phoenix who commented on the legroom as well as the comfort of the seats.

The sound system was an AM/FM single in-dash CD with an auxiliary cassette player mounted separately. Sound quality was more than just adequate and better than some standard systems.

A stiffer frame and improved suspension enhance ride comfort as well as provide more confident, car-like handling, but poor road surfaces do remind you this is a truck. A rack-and-pinion system is available on two wheel-drive models, but our four-wheel drive version had the recirculating-ball system that’s a little vague and has a too-wide turning radius.

The 6.0 liter V-8 performed admirably. There was always more than enough power to pass — especially lines of trucks on I-5. It also had no problem cruising at 80+ mph for hours on end. In northern California on I-5 I found myself doing 90+ several times just keeping up with the traffic. It wasn’t a problem for the Sierra. And even at those kinds of speeds, fuel economy was surprising on the road — 19-20 mpg, but in town it had a tendency to guzzle.

Whines: A small inconvenience I experienced was that there were no hooks to hang clothes on in the rear. I ended up using the handle for climbing in and out, but my suit ended up getting caught in the door every time I closed it. The cruise control should be mounted on the steering wheel, and needs to include a coast feature, not just accelerate or resume. In my view, running boards should be made standard on GM 4X4s. Turning radius seemed enormous and getting into most standard parking spaces took more than one attempt.

Applause: Quiet for a truck — especially on the freeway. Comfortable to drive for long periods. I drove from Phoenix to about 50 miles north of Sacramento in one day with little fatigue. The Sierra handled well at high speed on the freeway — 80+, as well as on two lane roads like California 395 between Blythe and Needles. Fit and finish is greatly improved over GMCs of just a few years ago.

Bottom Line: A roomy, comfortable, easy to drive truck that has seen great improvement in the last five years. Brand loyalty aside, if many Ford truck owners get behind the wheel of a new GMC, it could create more problems for Ford than it already has.