Used 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Fuel Injector problems
Paid all cash and had hopes for many years of good use. At about 90K we had fuel injector problems which were repaired under warranty. 50K later at 140,000 we began to see smoke from the tail pipe. Took the car into Chevy service and was told that two or three injectors were beginning to fail, but that they still tested to be acceptable by GM standards. The car billowed smoke, a few weeks later we found fuel in our motor oil. Still no budge from GM to repair the injectors which were covered under a extended warranty but still tested within their standards. GM didn't care if we blew our motor as it wasn't covered. We're done with GM.
Beware
Chevy silverado's are one of five most repaired vehicles. "Consumer reporting". I have spent over 8000 on my 03 for repairs not including regular maintainance. Never again! GM you should not be in business!
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- LS Crew CabMSRP: $9,90020 mi away
- LS Diesel Crew CabMSRP: $15,000151 mi away
- Base Regular CabMSRP: $11,750206 mi away
Shocked with all the positive Reviews
1st, I have the 8.1L engine. Pulls great but mileage is disgusting. $80 in the tank and the range says 212 miles. Only have 70K on it (who can afford to drive it). Purchased as dealer demo w/ 7K on it, got home & oil was not even on the stick. Found out that you must add a quart of oil every two fill ups. Dealer told me "that's normal". Gages went out & was part of recall & class action suit but that expired & now its $550 for a rebuilt unit...thanks GM. Garage stored but undercarriage is all rusted! Brakes are awful. Lots of confidence w/ 10,000 lbs behind me on a wet road. This thing rides like a dump truck. This is my last GM EVER. I'm out... My next truck will be a Toyota
Duramax
Get the diesel/Allison combo! I have experienced 23-27 mpg cruising at 70 mph, 16-17 city. Even factoring in the higher price of diesel, the cost per mile has been less, and with unlimited power and towing ability. Only annoyances have been rattling steering column and body squeaks and rattles. Otherwise truck has been very reliable. Comfortable and with very good brakes and handling.
Chevy the only Truck
This is my first 2500HD, I've had Blazers, Z71's, and a 02 Tahoe. This is by far the badass. I love every minute i'm in it. When I'm not in it I'm thinking about it. It's truly the Hammer
Chevy Duramax Diesel Rocks
I had a 90 Chevy work truck then switched to the Ford F250 Super Duty. Now I'm back to Chevy with the 2500HD 4X4 Diesel. I found what I was looking for; all the things that the Ford didn't have. Much more comfortable ride. The LB tracks wonderfully on the interstate at 80-85 mph. Better fuel economy.The diesel has lots of power and acceptable acceleration. Easy to get in and out of and also low enough to work out of. The plastic in the grill seems soft and easily scratches with bug impacts. The tires and wheels are purposely small to max out the torque, but they look too small for the truck. When washed and clean it gets positive stares.
Chevy Silverado Truck reviews
This vehicle is nice looking, comfortable and great on the highway. I really enjoy driving it and would purchase another one again.
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Silverado 2500HD LT
I bought this vehicle new in August and now have 6500 miles on it. It has been back into the dealership 5 times for repairs to the Power Mirrors and Windows. The Power Door locks also had to be replaced. The 6.0 Liter V8 motor on this vehicle is very quiet but seems very sluggish though this may be due to the transmission gearing. There is some wind noise when driving down the road at highway speeds. This vehicle has Anti-lock brakes but on one occassion during a panic stop they locked down.
Very good for first 53,000 miles
I bought this truck to pull a 10,000 trailer part-time and eventually pull a much larger trailer. Never got the heavier trailer. New engine fuel milage was disappointing. Fuel mileage got better as engine broke in. 15/20 empty and 12 pulling. At 53k miles engine spun power steering pulley off the shaft. Replaced PS pump, pulley and serpentine belt. Next week blew ERG pump.
Diesel long haul
I love my truck, it's got great power, fuel economy, looks good, does everything I need it to do with no fuss.The drivetrain on this truck is amazing. The Allison 5 speed is far superior to the Dodge/Ford trannys. Not the toughest 4wd truck though, and the power extendable tow mirrors never like to work properly. I also think it sits too low for a 4x4 3/4 ton in the front, not enough ground clearance like the Fords and Dodges have.
One Nice Truck!
I just bought this truck about a month ago. Only problem was a bad serpentine belt. The power is very nice. I have the 6.0L and I can't feel any weight that I haul - It's like its not there. I used to have a 94 Chevy Cheyenne with a 305, and anytime that I put even just passengers in it, it felt lugged. I love the interior - feels like I am sitting in a recliner in a living room. I average about 10mpg when I am not towing, but hey, its an HD. Love the 3000lbs+ payload. It's very cozy on the highway.
Great truck!
Does everything as expected. Plenty of power, plenty of room. I am very happy with this truck. Just the typical minor maintenance stuff. It pulls my boat like it's not even there. 13 mpgs isn't bad for a 7000 lb. truck.
Duramax/Alison 2500HD 4x4
The 2500HD is head and shoulders above the 1500 in capabilities. Towing is much improved with the 6.6 diesel as is fuel economy unloaded (currently at 18.3 mpg all unloaded, I track all fuel use, miles and hours). Build quality has improved, with a better "feel" to the interior. The information center has been replaced with a truely informative data center. You can track all vehicle use, business vehicle use and personal vehicle use, by selecting options. Diesel sound is noticable but in no way objectionable. From the inside, you can't tell it's a diesel.
The truth
Excellent power, great mileage, very comfortable for a 4wd pickup, quality control excellent. 17k miles, no problems whatsoever. Excellent tow vehicle!
2500 HD REVIEW
GOOD LOOKING TRUCK, ROUGH RIDE COMPARED TO THE 1500HD, POOR MILEAGE AND PAR ACCELERATION.
Great truck
Almost 500 cubic inches and the 5 speed Allison automatic transmission makes for plenty of towing and hill climbing power. Gas mileage is better then what you would expect at 12+ MPG on the highway when not towing, but watch the mileage plummet when pulling a load. Reliability has been perfect at 11 months and 17,000+ miles of ownership. Interior is spacious, rattle free and quite. Ride is a little harsh, but dont forget, it is a truck! My only complaint is the Allison transmission does spaz out every now and then and gives me strange downshifts when coming to a stop or clunks when first going into drive in the morning.
tankers
gas mileage could be better,great stereo system,ride quality could be a little softer,a/c could be a little colder.
My 2500HD Deisel with Allison Tranny
You did not list the excellent Duramax diesel option, nor the 5 speed Allison transmission. I recently purchased this vehicle, and can honestly say that I am astounded at it's performance. Since we are going to upsize the trailer soon, I bought the new truck to handle nearly any trailer towing possibility we may have in the immediate future. The torque from this engine is unbelievable, and the Allison tranny hooks up with the engine so smoothly that it is indeed a pleasure to drive. We have seen a 20% decrease in fuel consumption, and feel much more secure in braking situations, and downhill situations. A great truck!
This truck is no good
I have owned 9 new vehicles in my life with 4 of them purchased to use for a business. This truck is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I have never had so many different things wrong with one vehicle. Today was the last straw. 40,000 miles and the water pump is out. This vehicle has had electrical problems and still does, radio issues 5 different factory radios,it is on its 3rd exhaust system, tailgate latch issues, seat covers defective, seat belts wearing out and fraying, suspension issues in the front that a frame shop had to repair steering shaft had to be replaced the threshold on the rocker panel was broken and had to replaced. I am running out of room to name everthing
BEST TRUCK EVER-BAR NONE
Strong truck,hauls my wood, cattle, and my grand children with equal ease !! I love the truck .I have had no major problems, and i use the truck as a truck,no sissy suv. here.
Tow vehicle
Super truck for pulling and long rides. It needs a bigger gas tank. 26 gallons standard when you get 12 miles to a gallon isn't enough. Also needs better quality seats. I have had the driver's seat recovered twice under warranty, and I'm not an overly big guy.
Great Truck
Bought it off lease with 35,000 miles on it. Looks and runs new. Seems to have plenty of power and will be put to the test when I hook up the fifth wheel. I have a 2002 Suburban that is the best vehicle I have ever owned and the reason I bought this.
Strong player
95% of my driving is on highways, in all sorts of weather, over hill and dale. Does great in rain and snow. Pulls strong right from the start (4.10 gears), but milage suffers - avg 12.2 MPG. Better MPG with the 3.73 gears, or get the DuraMax. Quiet ride, Bose / XM satellite combo is amazing, very comfy seats, rides great for a HD truck. Heater is really hot, A/C is mediocre at best. Aux driving lights are actually useful. One gripe - the weld job on the bed is terrible - top of the bed rails are full of ripples. Besides that - Overall, very pleased.
A Few Problems
I have owned a few trucks and the Silverado seems to be the best. I have had to bring the truck back to the dealer a few times for little problems,passenger door had a rattle- steering was not tight,all of the problems have been addressed by the dealerand fixed.I am towing a travel trailer(7700 lbs)with no problem,it has the power when I need it.I will be buying another Chevy in the futher.After comparing Ford, Dodge and Chevy, for the money Chevy was the best deal.
Chevy trucks rule!
I use my trucks for landscaping and snow plowing. I have owned Fords in the past, but Chevy's trucks are by far the best in every category, not to mention, they have the most standard hp of them all. The locking differential and 4:20 gears are all optional on Fords trucks. My Chevy also will beat any 5.4 orv-10 in pick up off the line stock. Buy Chevy hd trucks, you cant go wrong.
Can't Go Wrong
This is the pickup I always wanted, and now I have it. It rides smooth, has plenty of features, and runs great.
short changed
heater, wouldn t shut off for about amonth. service 4 wheel drive light comes on often, dealer checked it, said its ok, service brakes comes on, thats ok too. memory seats dont hold memory, heated seats dont come on right away, steering wheel knock developed. paint comming of radio knobs, and steering wheel controls, compass likes to point southwest, expensive piece of junk, lists $39,000. G.M., your done! as far as I'm concerned.
Solid Truck
This is a solid truck. It is used for trailering, hauling, commuting to work, etc. Only down side is it's turing radius.
TOO MUCH FUEL
LOVE THE TRUCK HATE THE FUEL ECONOMY.IM AVERAGING 10 MPG. THE WORST FUEL CONSUMING TRUCK IVE EVER OWNED
2003 Duramax 2500HD, What a truck!
This truck is amazing. We purchased for farm use and I cannot believe the ease of towing. Great for long road trips, too. Extreamly comfortable and a the quietest diesel I've ever heard! Chevy out did its self with this one.
Big Dog Motor Rocks
I traded my 94 K2500, 6.5 diesel for the 8.1 vortex with the Allison tranny and all I can say is wow!!. The Big Dog Motor pulls my 5th wheel with no effort at all especially when it comes to climbing long......hills. Combined with the Allison tranny, this is the best power drive train that a RVer could dream for save for the Duramax. I get about 10.5 mpg when towing and 14 mpg when not which is not to bad with 4.10 gearing. My wife likes the quiet ride although it's little stiffer than the old truck (new truck has the camper package). The 03 exterior stying is Ok but a prefer the older 02.
Silverado Rules
Great puller with the DuraMax and Allison trans. Traveled about 10,000 miles this last year (first year of ownership) with a 28' travel trailer got 10 MPG usually driving 65 or faster.
I Love my Duramax
I have enjoyed my truck very much and it has not had 1 problem yet. Mine has been modified with a performance module,exhaust system and a air induction system. My corrected mileage as I have 305x70 tires is 19.5 to 20 mpg in the city and about 22-23 mpg on the highway. This is not bad from a truck that is running over 400 hp.
DuraMax/Allison towing machine
I pull a medium sized (10,000# dry weight) 5th-wheel RV, often in mountain and hilly terrain. This truck is absolutely perfect for this application. The Duramax diesel with the Allison transmission is the best matched "power pulling" combination I've seen outside of the big rigs. Quiet and strong, the truck is ALWAYS in the right gear for the situation. The downhill performance is almost spooky, since the Allison automagically downshifts to save your brakes on long downhill runs. The LT interior(leather seating, dual zone independent climate control, etc.) is every bit as plush as any luxury car, and makes long trips downright pleasant.
my truck
the front dash panel is popping out and is of poor quality,also I got a flat and could not lower the wheel to change it! I had to take it to the dealer!
No problems
Purchased vehicle 2 years old with about 32000 miles. I have had zero problems with the truck. It has fifth wheel for pulling gooseneck trailers. Long bed has plenty of room for large tool box and extra gear. Normally carry 3000-4000lb payloads when needed, it does this effortlessly.
Wife's Truck
I thought this was for me. I get to drive the car and she takes the truck. The 8.1 L engine combined with the allison automatic is perfect. Get 12+ mpg on the road and 9 to 10 pulling the 30' trailer. This is much better than my '93 ford ever did. The allison does make noise at low speeds but that is to be expected with heaver gears. We have made several trips and it performed perfectly.
Love my Chevy HD. This is one bad boy.
I love this truck! The 6.0 litre is powerful and smooth. With a locking differential and 4.10 gears this baby hooks for a 2wd. The one big complaint is bad MPG I average 12 to 13 no matter how I drive it; city or hwy. As far as its intended purpose it huals everything I want with no effort! Including, but not limited to cornering at 60-65 with a big heavy trailer and tractor very little sway and with the HD trans and cooler it never gets over 160 degrees with a load. Interior very spacious and well laid out. The suspension is tight and rides a little rough with no load but who cares its a HD.
2003 4x4 ext-cab bought in 2002
Bought it new for a camper trailer tow vehicle. 6.0L 4.10 gears HD cooling remote engine and transmission coolers. Repairs were the gauge cluster ($135), clutch fan ($130), right front wheel bearing ($250), Starter/pully's/alternator/washer pump and tank ($1150), 3 batteries, on forth set of tires. It's 18 years old and looks/drives like new and on ORIGINAL brakes! It gets a whopping 7-9mpg towing a heavy trailer and believe it or not 14mpg combined highway and town when not towing. I went up a size on the tires to 265/75R/16's which actually helped with the fuel mileage. Running BF Goodrich KO2's(32"tall) from the 29" factory size and can drive on the beach in the deep sand no problem. I will keep this truck running forever, is now retired from towing and is my daily driver. Best vehicle I've ever owned. P.S. bought it on 28 Dec 2002 with $10,000 off the sticker price.
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