2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Powerful drivetrains, classic exterior styling and unique options make the Sierra 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

Spotty fit-and-finish concerns, low-grade interior materials.

What's New for 2003

The Sierra gets a revised look this year that includes a new front fascia, revised side moldings and an additional wheel design. Top-of-the-line models get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. Inside, the Sierra now offers a Bose stereo system and XM Satellite Radio. The instrument panel and center console have been redesigned, and GMC has added new seats, a more comprehensive driver information center, optional satellite steering wheel controls and a dual-zone climate control system. For increased safety, Sierras now feature a standard front-passenger-sensing system and dual-stage airbags. All 4.3-liter V6-equipped Sierras and California-emission V8s are now ULEV certified, while electronic throttle control is now standard on all V8 engines. Finally, 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

Beautiful truck but a lemon!

Written by: mondo24 on 05/02/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

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

Review

My 03 Serria Denali is a beautiful truck, but i have had one problem after another. New power steering pump, master cylnder, fuel pump, alternator, 2 starters!, new steering column, lower intake, new front end bearings, and emissions control valve. Now my left blinker turns on my hazards! I give up....give me a new truck!

Favorite Features

Quadrasteer! 6.0L Eng Tow/Haul feature. Sleek and sharp truck!

Suggested Improvements

Hate the bed cover! Wind blows it off! Rip supports are plastic and Break. Car wash really beats up the Cover and Bends Rip supports. If you build a $44K truck do not stick a penny and nickels tonue cover on it! Try a hard top GMC! Come on!

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You can't go wrong

Written by: F. Gibbons on 03/13/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	9

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

Purchased this truck with 48K and am very surprised of the quality of this truck. Being five years old I expected the suspension to maybe a tad loose or at the very least expected to hear cabin rattles and squeaks. Nothing; feels like a brand new truck. I have the SLT with the Bose and heated leather buckets. You never want to get out of it! Looked at all the other manufacturers and now know without question, I made the right choice.

Looks, solid feel, comfort, power.

I can complain about mileage, but know what I was getting into.

Averaging one repair a year

Written by: irishlager on 03/03/2008


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	5

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLT Rwd LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

This is poor quality truck. In five years I have had five repairs and one recall. My repairs have included a cracked transmission case, bad steering mid-shaft, bad seatbelt, bad water pump, and bad wiper switch. In addition, I am currently losing lights in my dash and have lost most of my fan. GM likes to advertise this as 'professional grade.' However, no professional in his right mind should buy this truck. Please save yourself and buy something else.

Does have a smooth ride.

The OE tires are not appropriate. Put some real tires on this truck.

Super Truck

Written by: Robert on 10/08/2007


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	9

I have just turned 70k in my 2003 Denali and its been a solid truck. Regular maintenance and I am told by the lube guy that there is a very small fluid leak from the intake. This is common in Vortec engines according too him. I guess overall I have been very impressed I just hope they have used better materials for the interior of newer models. I don't see myself ever replacing my truck it has been a good ride so far.

Rear wheel steering!

Better interior materials. Improved fuel mileage.

Top Truck

Written by: Chazz on 08/18/2007


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

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

When I first purchased this truck I thought it was the smothest riding and best handling 4x4 I had ever driven. (Wife has purchased a Yukon 4x4 and it is even smoother riding) It has spent a good deal of time off road. I do not get rough or overly abusive, mostly steep hills, sand, mud under 6-8 inches and a little rock crawling. If yours does not have the locking rear differential it is worth the money. I am sure it has saved me more in tow services than it costs to have installed. I have not had any serious mechanical failures, I did have a u- joint start chirping on me after a week in the hills of western South Dakota. The truck has about 50,000 miles on it and gets serviced regularly.

Other than the 4X4, I really enjoy the way it looks. It handles better than my friend's and family's Fords or Dodges and they agree with me. I like the four doors on an extended cab.

The first thing I will say I do not like is the stereo and the stereo options. One has to purchase a leather interior to get a good stereo. Who thought that one up? I found out that the wiring harness to get an after- market stereo installed costs $250. I just want a better stereo and I would be good

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Ratings & Reviews