2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 bad brakes

Written by: Danny S. on 06/09/2007

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab Rwd LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

My first 50,000 owning this truck were great. It drives like a car and works like a truck. However, the brakes started to make noise and vibrate when stopping. I had it serviced and found the entire brake system developed severe rust. The rear brakes did not function and a pad was dragging on the rotor. I had to replace all the brake parts. The job cost me $1800.00. I later check consumer affairs and found this to be a common problem with the new GM tucks.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature is dual climate controls. Body style

Suggested Improvements

I would suggest GM to put better quality brake parts on their truck. The rotors should not have rusted and flake off in chucks. Like the old body panel rust.

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2003 GMC SLE

Written by: john kupetz on 04/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

When I was looking for a truck that I really liked and one my wife could drive, the GMC fit the bill! I test drove every truck out there along with detailed research on all of them. The GMC won hands down. It's easily accessible to the bed and inside the vehicle. I have had a few minor problems, but were covered under warranty. While I have a V8, the fuel economy was a little disappointing. This truck is a regular cab short bed with the towing package. All in all I am very pleased with it, and I plan to purchase an extended cab in 2008.

Favorite Features

Handling, power, fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

SLT in a short bed regular cab

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2003 GMC 4WD Pickup

Written by: Walt Moore on 02/17/2007

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this new and it's generally been great. The windshield wiper control module burned out but that has been the only unscheduled service in 37,000 miles. So far I really like this truck and would buy it again, but I won't really know for another 15 years, which is about how long I plan to keep it.

Favorite Features

Quiet ride, excellent air conditioner, very accurate cruise control - the speed does not vary by more than 2MPH even with extreme changes in slope of hills.

Suggested Improvements

Option for heated mirrors on both sides, not just driver's side.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best vehicle I have ever owned

Written by: Michigan Bill on 01/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLT 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this truck new and have enjoyed over 3 1/2 years of trouble free utility. I've hauled, towed, 4- wheeled, pulled, and just plain driven this truck to great delight and it has met or exceeded expectations all around. Mileage is better than most others trucks averaging 17-18 MPG even with 5.3L, 4WD, SLT luxury package, hard tonneau, running boards, Z71 off- road pkg, and more. Going GMC gives a hiher level of luxury and customer care than you get from Chevrolet. The seat and mirror memory is very useful for getting kids in and out of the back seat. I use the exit position button to bring seat forward enough so they can enter and exit the back easily.

Favorite Features

The computer information and control center makes you feel like you are driving a Cadillac! I get accurate mileage info, trip computers, an oil life monitor, custom lighting settings, and more. My extending visors always block the sun with little trouble. OnStar keeps you safe and connected.

Suggested Improvements

Get a spray on bed liner! You will never regret it. It's practically impervious and is guaranteed. Cleans easily and protects the bed. Side running boards are a must with the high step-in height, also.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Silervado to GMC

Written by: wrench1 on 10/13/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE Rwd SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Traded in a 2002 Silverado for this 2003 Sierra. Got the color and options that I really wanted, plus improved performance with 2003 trucks. Build quality was poor with lots of visits to dealer for minor warranty repairs, but now the truck has been terrific. Looking now to downsize for a smaller truckk with almost same towing for fish/ski boat. Fuel mileage has been 21-23 with 5.3L and 3.42 rear, synthetic oil, tires pumped up to 44 lbs always.

Favorite Features

Bose stereo. Engine. Uncluttered engine compartment. Bucket seats, dual ac/heater controls. Chrome steel bumpers.

Suggested Improvements

Interior components, but looks like they did it on the 2007's.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Truck

Written by: David on 09/05/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLT Rwd SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Can't say enought about this truck. I moved up from a 4cyl Toyota because I needed to be able to tow a ski boat. With a full bed of coolers and ski supplies and 6 passengers plus the boat, I can't even tell there's a boat back there. I drive 60 highway miles a day to work and have yet to find anything that rides as smooth. I had an issue with a low pressure sensor on the A/C but that was under warranty and fixed several years ago. Other than 3 sets of tires and a bunch of oil and filter changes I have had no reason to work on the truck It's fun to drive and has never let me down. Even in the Georgia heat the A/C will freeze you out.

Favorite Features

Engine, smooth ride, A/C will freeze you out.

Suggested Improvements

I wish there had of been a real 4 door option when I bought the truck. Have to always remind passengers in the front to let the back passengers close their doors first so not to damage the doors.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Best Full Size Truck....Bar None!

Written by: Denny on 06/30/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this truck about a year ago. It was previously owned and I was the second owner. I shopped around looking at all of the "big three" offerings, I even checked out the Tundra and new Titan. I drove all of them. The Dodge was fastest (Hemi Powered) The Nissan Seemed to be the most Techie, Ya know gadgets and such. But the best overall was this GMC, Towing power is top shelf even with the baby 4.8 ltr. I still tow nearly 7000 lbs and it's rated for even higher, not too shabby for a 1/2 ton, If you need to tow more, then obviously you'd be 3/4 ton shopping. But all things considered, The GMC has the all around best value, Mabye not the best in all areas, but certainly superior in most.

Favorite Features

Outside looks, clearly a mature truck, not a "plastic looking" toy. It has a very pronounced grille, and very clean lines down the side.

Suggested Improvements

Power rear windows on the extended cabs (instead of the "pop out" type.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love this truck!

Written by: Scott on 06/01/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab Denali AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned a Ford F150 extended cab and Z71. I was a little leery of this truck because everybody complained about gas mileage. My Z got about 13 and my F150 got about 14. I'm getting a solid 13.7 so big whoop. I love this truck performance and comfort. My wife drives a Yukon and gets 17. For the 3 difference I'd rather have the quadrasteer and the comfort. I've put 30,000 on this truck and about to turn 50,000 (bought it used). With GM droping the quadrasteer, I plan on keeping it for some time. The big chrome grille let them know you're comin' and the 6.0 let's them know you gone!

Favorite Features

Quadrasteer, all wheel drive, 6.0, unique grille, comfy interior

Suggested Improvements

Improve interior components (scratches easy), move heated seat buttons from busy areas.

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2003 GMC 1500HD

Written by: GM 1500HD on 03/04/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLT 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Great truck, only 1 issue. With a little over a thousand miles, sounded like loose sheet metal under the truck. Ended up going back to the dealer 6 times before I went to another dealer. Found out it was the A/C compressor. Mechanic stated that it would build up too much pressure. Thank goodness I didn't put it off. Over $2500 in parts & labor. Not a single problem since. For such a big truck, get wonderful gas mileage. Only one thing I would change... get better viewing side mirrors. Lots of blind spots with the OEM mirrors.

Favorite Features

I like the visibility My wife LOVES the heated seats My kid wishes the back had heated seats

Suggested Improvements

Better viewing rear view mirrors... too much blind area especially when parking or backing. Offer front & rear heated seats. Pre wire for DVD & other items so FM modulator accessories aren't the way we go for after-market accessories.

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American Made

Written by: Evan on 01/25/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab SLE Rwd SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

With 50,000 miles on the odometer I couldnt be more pleased with the way this truck has held up. Don't try telling a GMC owner that his truck is a Chevy. I have been more than pleased with this trucks reliability, fuel consumption and overall satisfaction. Equipped with the 4.8 and an aftermarket Hyptertech chip gives this truck enough power to scare V8 Mustangs and Camaros. Add that with a bed to haul pretty much anything and a good tow capacity make this truck ideal for a high school or college student that can be assured of safety in an accident should that occur. Overall a great buy!

Favorite Features

The 4.8 liter V8 is deceiving as it allows for good gas mileage with strong power. 40/20/40 seating allows for a third passenger or drop the console for arm support Great Visibilty and Dual Climate Controls are a very nice feature.

Suggested Improvements

Possibly more stow away room behind the seats in the regular can A locking tailgate would be beneficial as well as having the seat belts located on the pillars instead of being integrated into the seats for taller drivers.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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