2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With its numerous powertrain and cab configurations and stout towing and hauling capacities, the Silverado 3500 is a hard truck to beat for those who need maximum functionality and capability from their work truck.

Pros

Class-leading power, substantial towing and hauling capacity, unique transmissions.

Cons

Spotty build quality, mediocre interior materials.

What's New for 2003

The Silverado 3500 now sports the same look as its light-duty siblings, including a new front fascia and revised side moldings and taillights. Top-of-the-line models also get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. On the inside, the 2003 Silverado offers numerous entertainment options, including a Bose stereo system (with rear-seat controls on crew cab models), XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based entertainment system (crew cab models only). 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. On the hardware side, 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

No bad--but not perfect

Written by: Chris on 01/27/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this vehicle for commercial use and it has been pretty good. Problem areas have been the fuel injectors (replaced under warranty), and faulty gauges. After almost 3 years of ownership, the truck still looks good and drives very carlike. I chose a Duramax for it's smoothness over the Ford and Dodge diesels. My truck has the 12,000 GVW package and I have not been able to bottom out the suspension, in spite of my best efforts!

Favorite Features

Exterior design, controls, engine/tranny.

Suggested Improvements

Gauges that actually work in all temperatures, standard center armrest.

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Great truck

Written by: LB on 12/21/2005


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

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2dr Regular Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)

I drive this truck as my primary vehicle. It has plenty of power when towing less then 12000 pounds or so. IFS front suspension is much softer then earlier 3500's. It has a decent ride for a one ton. The 6 speed manual trans. is a lot of fun. First gear is very low and will get even the heaviest trailers rolling. Quiet inside the cab. Radio controls on the steering wheel are very nice to have. 4WD works easily and always locks in fast. Steaeo is nice for a truck. Good fuel economy. About 19 MPG highway (bobtail), and 17 MPG city. You could improve those numbers by staying off the throttle a bit. Brakes are very heavy duty. Worn less then 50% at 86000 miles. Nice truck.

Power to tow AND pass on the highway.

The 4x4 version should ride higher then it does. Also, an aluminum wheel option would be nice, as would some larger tires.

Like A Rock = quiet for deisel

Written by: wirelesstalk on 12/10/2003


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

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)

Powerful roomy and passes the drivethrough test. The cofee person can hear me while the truck is running!!

4wd and fiberglass bed design

????????????????????????????????????? Better floor matts

My Duramax Dually

Written by: eightball on 12/06/2003


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LT Rwd LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

I pull a 32 ft. fifth wheel which is my home and office. I am extremely happy with the power, convience, ease to drive and mileage I get on this vehicle. It is a little rough to use as a standard mode of transportation when not performing as a tow vehicle as the ride is stiff due to it's stiff suspension etc. The comforts in the cab as far as leather, power seats, Bose sound system, On-star, heated seats etc. makes life a bit easier on long trips. I make long trips for my employment which involve coast to coast travel many times, this vehicle's ability to do that job in relatively good comfort and convience of operation makes me a happy owner.

Deisel Power, Luxury Interior, Mileage and GM Service.

Written by: Bob Itzel on 01/04/2003


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

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

I did alot of looking to find the right truck. Watched the commercial for the silverado,this truck exceeds all of the expectations I had for it. The truck rides better than my Cadillac, and I can't pulls 6 horses with my Sedan Deville. Chevrolet has out done themselves with this truck. Congrats on a job well done!!! The commercials didn't lie

The entire truck

NONE

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Consumer Ratings & Reviews