2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Powerful drivetrains, a revamped new look and unique options make the Silverado a pickup worth considering, but Fords new F-150 has it beat when it comes to interior design and overall refinement.

Pros

Roomy extended-cab models, strong V8 engines, innovative features.

Cons

Cheap interior materials, questionable build quality.

What's New for 2003

The Silverado gets a makeover this year that includes a new front fascia and revised side moldings and taillights. Top-of-the-line models get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. On the inside, the Silverado is the first full-size pickup to offer a Bose stereo system and XM Satellite Radio. The instrument panel and center console have been redesigned, and Chevrolet has added new seats, a more comprehensive driver information center and a dual-zone climate control system. For increased safety, Silverados now feature a standard front-passenger-sensing system and dual-stage airbags. On the hardware side, all 4.3-liter V6-equipped Silverados and California-emission V8s are now ULEV-certified, while electronic throttle control is now standard on all V8 engines. The Autotrac four-wheel-drive system has been modified for less intrusiveness at low speeds, and the brake system received upgrades that provide better pedal feel and improved overall performance.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

I love this truck!

Written by: Pat on 10/14/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4dr Extended Cab Rwd SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

At 170,000 miles now, this truck runs like new. The 4.8 motor has plenty of power, and still gets upwards of 22mpg - although it doesn't do as well in town driving (maybe 14-15 mpg). But compared to other full size trucks, that don't get as good mpg, and some have less power, this truck can't be beat.

Favorite Features

Highway gas mpg 20-22mpg at 75 mph. Easy cruise control. Tough transmission. The engine still sounds new, from start to turning the truck off. Very smooth shift, plenty of power.

Suggested Improvements

Seats area little uncomfortable on long trips. The center console push button breaks easily, and not cheap to replace. Fuel gauge in tank stops working on almost all these GM trucks around 100,000 miles and costs lots to fix (even though the pump still works fine). The pump and gauge are one unit.

Report inappropriate post

Good, reliable truck

Written by: robis on 09/13/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	8

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2dr Regular Cab LS Rwd SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)

I have had my truck for about 55,000 miles. I purchased it certified used about 3 yrs ago. I am about to turn 100,000 miles and the only problems I have had with it is a dead battery and a broken power window motor. The truck runs well and is ultra reliable. I wish the fuel economy was better (I think I get around 14 mpg). I feel like I will get another 100,000 miles out of it before it needs to be replaced. "American" car companies build trucks well...its what they do best in my opinion. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Chevy or GM truck again, but I would aim for an extended cab for the extra room and convenience. Overall, I have been very happy with my purchase & recommend it.

fuel economy, prettier interior/better finish quality

2003 Silverado

Written by: Chevy Owner on 08/25/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Bought this truck used with 83000 miles on it in May of 2008. Now has 100k and no major problems. The speedometer is a little flaky, it sometimes get stuck in one spot but will eventually correct itself- not a big problem but a minor annoyance, from what I hear this is fairly common for this model. 5.3L V8 is great, plenty of power and mpg's arent too bad for a truck, 16 hwy. Seats are very comfortable which is nice on long trips. I tow a 22' boat with ease, you can hardly feel it back there. Overall I am very satisfied with this truck and I plan on driving it until it wont drive anymore which will be a very long time. Great job Chevy

5.3L V8 Engine, comfortable seats, auto 4wd

Speedometer quality

#1Truck

Written by: JAMES on 08/16/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	7

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4dr Extended Cab LS Rwd SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)

I love every thing about this truck.

I like the body design.interior space is great.

cd player is no good

Not great, not bad

Written by: jhunter on 05/29/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	4
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	3	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	5

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck Rwd LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)

I've had this truck for 6 years now - 122,000 miles. Not a horrible truck but had problems right from the beginning. Interior air flow "gate" made noises when set to 100% dash flow. Clunking noises developed in steering/front suspension when turning sharp corners. Then the instrument panel gages started failing (water temp and oil pressure). Had it checked out - it was the gauges. Now getting the "wipers won't turn off" problem that GM trucks have had since 1994. Poor elec design with no desire from GM to fix. Funny that GM issued a recall for the tailgate cable but won't fix or do a recall for problems that cost real money such as these. This is probably my LAST GM product.

Good mileage

Crappy interior. Poor reliability.

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Ratings & Reviews