2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The available Quadrasteer system makes this crew cab one of the best vehicles around for hauling the family, as well as the boat.

Pros

Most powerful engine available in a half-ton, can carry six passengers, high tow rating, available four-wheel steering.

Cons

Reduced fuel mileage, spotty 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. Up-level LT models get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. On the inside, the Silverado offers new entertainment options, such as a Bose audio system with rear-seat controls, XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based entertainment system. 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 that deactivates the airbag for children. On the hardware side, the all-new Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system, which increases low-speed maneuverability and towing stability, is now optional. The standard 6.0-liter V8 gets electronic throttle control, as well as the ability to run exclusively on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or a mix of CNG and gasoline.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

junk truck

Written by: Dave on 03/19/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	2	Fun-to-Drive:	3	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

Vehicle

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD 4dr Crew Cab LS 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I've driven Chev trucks since i was 16 and this truck is the biggest piece of junk i have ever had. The front and rear diff's had to be rebuilt twice 75,000 km between rebuilds. It can't keep the transfer case together for longer then 9 months with out stretching the chain. Both exhaust manifolds split making it horribly loud. The truck has 250,000km and is bagged out when guys with super duties are getting 500,000km out of there truck with no where near the repair bills I've had in half the Km's

Favorite Features

the only decent thing I've found about the truck is i can get 650km to 100 liters of fuel or in American terms 390 miles to 32 gallons

Suggested Improvements

make the frame more then 3inces off the ground, through the aluminum transfer case in the garbage, get a solid front axle, make a metal front bumper not 50% plastic, get rid of the muffler thats bigger then a fuel tank on a family car

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Not a bad truck

Written by: John Ellis on 02/06/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	5
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	8

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD 4dr Crew Cab LS Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Has done what I wanted it to do. Not impressed with the cost of ownership due to electrical problems, poor gas mileage, hazard/signal flasher going bad, and the steering mechanism needing lubricated.

Style, comfort

Increase the warranty period for bumper to bumper. The power train to 100k miles is a step in the right direction, but the next new truck I purchase will be the one with the longest warranty coverage

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Best Truck on the Road

Written by: Mike on 12/30/2007


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

I bought this truck from my cousin early in 2007. It had 21,000 miles on it at the time, never towed anything and only had a golf bag put in the box. Since I have owned it I have used it as a work horse. I have had 3,000 pounds in the box and towed a 15,000 pound loaded dump trailer down the road passing fords and dodges all the way. This truck has the tightest steering in it of any vehicle on the road. it feels like it hugs the road. I havent had any problems with it to date.

Heavy duty 4L80e transmisison, 4.10 rear axle, towing capability, ride comfort, overall build quality, Bose sound system.

None

Best yet!

Written by: Buster Brown on 03/31/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	10

I have owned several trucks from Chevy to Dodge.This truck so far is by far the best over all.The 6.0 is strong enough to pull my 7200 lb. camper with room to pass the other trucks having a hard time to stay the speed limt pulling much smaller campers.Of course you use the gas,but you have the power when you need it! If you're going to play you have to pay! Super truck!

Auto 4x4. Power extended mirrors. Room in the back for the kids. The power of the 6.0

Gas mileage. Exhaust needs to be smoother sounding,

Love my truck in Louisana

Written by: james chenault on 10/06/2005


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	3	Exterior Design:	10

I have enjoyed this truck very much. I pull a 21 ft deck boat with it and it has no problem even in the hills of Arkansas. Chevy needs to come up with a new int. design but it is still nice and confortable, even on long trips. I wish it got better gas mileage, (12-13 in town and 15-16 on the road.) the best was 17mpg. Pulling our boat, 9-10mpg. Keep the rpms down and it will do better, but it has to be babied to do so. As much as I love it I am thinking about selling it only because of the gas prices. If you have the money for gas, and want a super truck, then this truck is for you.

I have several, dual climate control, Bose stero system, leather seats, pulling power, looks.

Develop the transmission so you the driver can pick pulling power or less power to help out on getting the rpms down. If Chevy can make a Vette with 400 hp and get 18-20 in town and 28-29 on the road plus run 150mph, then they should be able to do something with the truck.

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD Consumer Ratings & Reviews