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

So far So Good

Written by: Joe on 07/02/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought used for 10,500. Low miles 56k. My first real truck. I didn't want to afford a Tundra so this fell in my exact range of price. Drives like a truck and runs like a truck. Its been strong for the couple months of ownership. The seatbelt squeked but some wd-40 after taking off the plastic clip cleaned it right up. BEWARE of installing aftermarket cd players in here. I had to pay 120 dollars for a wire harness do my air bags and door chime worked! The truck is roomy and fits side and rear passengers very well. The spare tire holder under the truck won't work but hey, for the price could not beat it. Looking forward to 4wd this winter and owning a nice big truck.

Favorite Features

It's all just ok, no frills but strong.

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

Best Truck on the market

Written by: Russell on 06/16/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	3

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

Original owner. 130k miles. RELIABILITY-I've only had 2 problems, and 1 (speedometer) was a recall. The catalytic converter went out at 115k, but other than that, no rattles, no squeaks, not even a brake job. Overall reliability is good, better than my Toyota Matrix. DRIVETRAIN-GM says this V6 has less HP than Ford's, but this pickup (w/3.42 rear end) sure feels stronger than my brother's (w/3.55). No oil leaks at 130k, no slips in the tranny. INTERIOR-I like it, but most auto critics say it looks cheap. Seats are plush and ride is comfy. Overall reliability may belong to Honda/Toyota, but GM's powertrain sold me. None of the tranny problems typical of Hondas, better engines than Toyota.

-Smooth ride (My single cab p/u actually rides better than the Honda Accord I test drove last week.) -Plush seating -Decent power from the V6 -Overall reliability is good, but expect a few knick-knacks to go out.

-Catalytic converters. -Update the V6. The block is good for 400k, but only because it's the exact same engine they've been using since 1995. 4.8L V8 gets better fuel economy with more power. (V6=16 city/17.5 hi) -Like any other SWB, traction is an issue. Limited slip is worth it.

Best of the best

Written by: Tyler on 04/08/2009


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

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

I just recntly purchased my 2003 gmc sierra z71. I am truly amazed with the truck it has great power along with gread gas milage of a full sized truck. my frien has a 2002 ford f-150 4x4 and does good to get 12 mpg with conservative driving... he is now convienced to but a gm i dont blame him, i tip my hat to gm .. great job!

Power,Gas milage, smooth ride

mabey a better quality sterio system

great design, but GM almost blows it...

Written by: built for work on 03/27/2009


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

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

I use mine as a strict work truck,; cloth seats, rubber floor mat and auto was only option. Easiest vehicle to drive I have own; very docile and predictable. But GM botched the steering shaft coupler; rattles across rough terrain.

Added rear slider, will add posi soon

fix steering coupler issue.

Couldn't ask for anything more.

Written by: rustysmith on 03/03/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	3

6 years later, I'm still happy with my purchase. It's been a great truck with no worries. The only problem I've had is not getting the speedometer fixed before the recall ran out. My own fault. Other than that, only oil changes for over 120k miles. Reliability on these trucks is second-to-none. I have three friends with the same body style (one '04 and two '05's) and all have over 100k miles w/only 3 problems. My speedometer went out @ 105k. On the '05, his alternator went out @ 134k and his tranny went @ 166k. Using the gold standard of reliability, he has an '01 Camry. The starter went @ 150k and the tranny @ 160k. GM seems to be catching up to the Japanese automakers. Great job.

-Far and away the smoothest-riding full-size pickup on the market. Toyota's a distant second, and the rest head up the rear. -120k+ miles and reliability has been better than any other truck I've owned. -More than adequate power from the V6. -Superior ergonomics. Only Ford surpasses the GMs.

-Seats could definitely be a bit more comfy. I love plush, but GM could take a cue from Toyota. -Though peppy, the V6 was never meant for towing. -No matter how much better of a ride GM has than Fords and Toyotas, my singe cab truck will never be mistaken for a good road car.

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Ratings & Reviews