Used 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Silverado 3500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Silverado 3500 since its last redesign.
Sad to part with old friend
rick194, 02/06/2011
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
It is now time to trade in the Duramax/Chevy. I have not pulled a trailor in the last 18 months so I am getting something smaller (Suburban). I have over 230,000 miles on it, averaged 17 mpg, pulled trailers from TX to 36 states. It brokedown twice. The alternator went out at 200K+ and a wire rubbed in two shorting out the electrical system at 180k+. The injectors were replaced under warranty and that was it, other than routine wear items, brakes, belts, hoses, ball joints. Do not need a truck like this any more but have kept it for 18 months because it is such a good one.
Love My Truck
txgrandma, 11/18/2008
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW w/OnStar (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm a grandmother and use my truck to haul grandkids to the rodeos, get hay, and just general travel. It is the most comfortable truck that I have ever driven. Mechanically we have had only minor problems and it has over 170,000 miles on it. I can't really think of anything I don't like about it. If it ever gets replaces it will be with another Chevy 1-ton. It will pull anything I've put behind it and is extremely reliable on the road. Nothing but a Chevy for me!
Very Happy Aussie
Billydriving, 09/05/2010
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LS 2WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased with 7000 miles on clock to tow my 33 ft.Fifth Wheel touring USA for eventual shipping to Australia for touring Australia with fifth wheel also shipped home. Extremely happy with incredible power from 8.1 L/Allison. Great ride even on our sub-standard roads. I cannot complain about 7 mpg towing over 10000 lbs. Love this truck!! Big size a problem in city driving/parking but excellent in purpose truck was bought for-towing.
Chev 3500 4x4 Dually
Bubba Camper, 01/05/2004
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Never had any problems with this truck, which I use to commute to work and carry my Lance 1161 model camper. Gas mileage is 9 MPG without the camper and about 8 MPG with the camper. Power to spare. Can be a rought ride on a bumpy road.
DuraMax
Ray Gaskill, 02/07/2003
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I tow a 18,000 lb trailer to all the Nascar events and love this truck. I originally drove Fords, but after looking at the numbers and talking to another DuraMax owner (who also had a Powerstroke and swithed to Chevy), I order the DuraMax and leave Fords and Dodge in the dust!
Big power
Kurt J., 10/26/2004
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 2WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This has been an allaround great truck. I use it for roadside service along with my firefighting duties and let me tell you i run this truck hard. Weather its passing a hemi (LOL) with the 8.1l engine or towing cars and boats with the Allison 5spd, it just dosent get any better. Add a few lil performance mods to the engine and holdon for ride (seems odd to others that i have a dually racing by them) i can tow anything ive been told to with no lag on this truck it always give the same great ride.
Good truck
doug, 07/20/2007
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had all three brands of trucks. This one hauls and rides the best. As far as reliability, I have been more than pleased. GM hit the right cue when putting this truck together. Duramax/Allison, best combination. I tow a 44 ft trailer @ 26000lbs and get 10-11.5 mpg. I will be hard pressed to go back to a different brand. Great work GM!
3500 DURAMAX DIESEL dually 4x4
Nemecek, 03/09/2002
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
after having Dodge diesel for couple years, this new Chevy truck has huge power when used to tow boat or move building materials, but is very friendly inside with a lot of every day features to make anybody happy.
Chevy 3500 Crew
Kenneth, 12/28/2005
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very comfortable truck - could enjoy better mileage in this pricing climate. Will PULL ANYTHING and still get decent mileage.
Piece of Crap
chevy guy, 09/23/2002
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I had this pickup of about a month then it broke down. I had to have it towed and repaired. Found out that the engine was messed up. That's the last time that I buy a chevy!
Nice ride, too many problems.
libertynh, 11/22/2006
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Transmission position sensor failed just out of warranty. Truck starting shutting off while driving at 40K. GM no help. Found online info re: bad crank position sensor and replaced to fix. Both problems known to happen on other trucks. Exhaust stud broke and flange warped. Tailgate latch rusted inside gate and does not catch. Transmission slipping after stop and go. Toyota went 3 times as far with no problems.
Just an awesome workhorse
Kurt, 12/31/2021
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This 8.1 liter gas engine is a work horse when coupled with the Allison automatic. Gas mileage is, of course, not good. I average about 8-9 mpg loaded or empty.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A whole lotta truck
lopinl, 12/24/2009
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you looking for a truck that pulls, tows,or just hauling the family this truck is it.My diesel 4x4 extended cab is sweet pulls anything I have asked of it.Tows like there is nothing behind it. The purr of the diesel lets me know I am sitting on nothing but power. This is my 2nd 1 ton chevy won't buy any thing else but.
Awesome
racer_1, 10/31/2002
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Damn nice truck....best on the road
Reliable
dickies320, 10/02/2002
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck is reliable and can pull anything. A great buy and a good truck to drive.
My Duramax Dually
eightball, 12/06/2003
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LT Rwd LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
No bad--but not perfect
Chris, 01/27/2007
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Awesome Truck
ElectricBill, 03/17/2024
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 2WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 4 door extended cab 3500 dually with the 8.1L and Allison trans. I've owned it since 2017 and has about 150,000 miles. I use it for towing a 37 foot Keystone Everest 5th wheel with 4 slide outs. I bought new aluminum wheels and 6 tires after purchasing the truck in 2017. What a difference it made in the trucks appearance! Upgraded stereo system to a double din Sony, Android Auto, XM-satelite with three camera inputs. Trailer has rear camera and left/right side view cameras. The only issue I have is the Allison trans leaks a little bit. Recently added Lucas additive, yet to see if that has fixed it. The automatic downshifting is wonderful when towing in the tow mode.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A lot of truck for the money
Kyle Rodrigue, 05/26/2002
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 2WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Duramax diesel is worth the option price!
Chevey beat's Dodge counterpart
ThomasWilson, 02/27/2002
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this truck to replace our 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 & there is NO comparison - the Chevy wins hands down! We had desiels on both trucks - the Chevey is much smoother & quieter
2002 3500 SILVERADO
evy, 12/09/2002
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What an improvement over my '98. This Duramax engine and Allison trans really make a trailer puller, and so nice to drive.
Chevy stuff
nmn.strabel, 11/08/2005
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After accepting delivery of my expensive 2002 3500 duramax equipped Chevy truck I was very disappointed to discover that my 1 ton dually truck came with the cheapest steel wheels that are made. After only a few thousand kilometers there were rust spots appearing on them. After going as far as I could with GM Canada and getting nowhere, I ended up sanding and repainting myself. Ford & Dodge do not have this problem. A $50,000 truck with 10 cent wheels. The rest of the truck is pretty good.
BIG BLOCK DUALLY
Craig C., 06/06/2004
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 2WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great truck. It has plenty of power with the 8.1 motor and the Allision transmission. I am thinking of tradeing it in only to replace it with the same truck but with the Duramax diesel. I wish that the gas motor would do a little better on MPG. I can get around 12 MPG on the high way not towing. If I pull my 10,000 lb. trailer the best it can do is 8.5 MPG. I have talked to owners of the duramax and they can get 20 MPG!!! I like my big block and it has plenty of power but, gas is over $2.00 a gallon now so what can I do? I did not want to spend the extra $6000 for the diesel when I bought my truck.
Awsome Truck
Travis Hendew, 06/06/2003
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my truck.
Great truck
Bob Itzel, 01/04/2003
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Like A Rock = quiet for deisel
wirelesstalk, 12/10/2003
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Powerful roomy and passes the drivethrough test. The cofee person can hear me while the truck is running!!
Great truck
LB, 12/22/2005
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2dr Regular Cab LS 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.