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Used 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
28 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

Power Plus

jamminjay, 07/17/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

2003 Sierra with 8.1 liter 345 HP and Alison Auto. Plenty of power for towing. A little hestitant on take off when cold. 20,000 miles in 6 months and it runs like day 1. Fuel mileage is absolutely HORRENDOUS!!!! Towing an enclosed race car trailer x-country avg. mileage = 7.95. Driving enmpty no load at all avg. mileage = 12.98.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Still smiling...

brian0105, 08/04/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

I researched long and hard when deciding on the $$ for the Duramax/Allison combo. Man am I pleased! It pulls my travel trailer like it wasn't even there. MPG has been better than my previous Firebird. Comfort is much better than I expected for a 3/4 ton. Looks? Man, you can't beat the Fire Red color! Don't know what it might take to wipe this smile off my face!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fuel Economy

Chevy Man, 03/03/2010
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful

I've had my 2500HD for just under a year now and I LOVE it. The only problem I really have is its fuel economy. I average around 14 mpg, but where it lacks fuel economy it makes up for it in power. I haul around a skidsteer on a 14 ft open trailer. The skidsteer weighs more then my truck but still no problems pulling it. The fuel economy doesn't really change weather your hauling or not. I just purchased an SLR performance chip that should do the trick. This truck is perfect for anyone with the money to pay for gas.

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4 out of 5 stars

Been driving this truck since new

T, 09/20/2021
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE Rwd LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought the extended cab gas 6.0l engine with the 480LE transmission combo in 2003. Currently has 250k+, and other than a tranny rebuild at 150k and normal maintenance issues, this thing is a champ. Keep up with fluid changes, no problems. Has towing and carrying cap, no problems and it rides better loaded out with 1500 poinds. HEAVY undercarriage construction. Still running smooth and still with original plugs

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Duramax Diesel!

Dave Hardin, 03/07/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Don't want to spend to much time here, but if your thinking about buying this vehicle w/ this motor, all I would say is "do it". It awesome!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Not so happy with my 2500HD

Tim , 12/21/2002
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

I had a dent on the hood when I purchased the truck. The push button 4 wheel drive went out (defective switch). The passenger side door module went bad (haven't got it fixed yet, they can't get the part). The truck has 1300 miles. These trucks aren't cheap and so far I'm not impressed. GMC needs to clean up there act!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Duramax and Allison are superior

Jim T, 10/29/2009
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned this truck since new in 2003. Only in the last several years have I used it to its full potential. I have pulled a 10,000 lb fifth wheel to Florida twice and a new 12,000 lb fifth wheel to GA last week and I averaged a little over 13 mpg. On the return trip I got over 24 mpg running at 70 mph all day. I do have a tonneau cover for the bed which might help. I first took this new truck to Ohio in 2003 and only got 22 mpg with the same configuration. I did add a K and N air induction system before my last trip but this truck pulls like a champ without any additonal brains or Banks kits. The 5 speed transmssion is smooth and I know improvements have been made in the 09's.

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3 out of 5 stars

Not Impressed

cynical13, 11/27/2004
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this truck as a replacement for my 96' 1500 as I needed more muscle to tow a 5th wheel trailer. The 8.1L has plenty of punch, but I struggled with traction on anything less than dry hard surfaces. I have already experienced the typical Chevy/GMC parking light burn out on one side that they can't seem to fix and I have had numerous fuel indicator malfunctions. The fuel consumption is killing me and towing or not is not much difference. Ready to look for an older/smaller model again!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Good, bad, and ugly

Ted Sparling, 02/25/2005
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Isuzu engine is the best part of this truck, along with the Allison tranny. The worst part has been all the GM stuff. Everything from numerous AC problems to leaks, memory features deleting themselves, multiple transfer case problems for auto 4WD, and leaking fuel injectors. If it were not for the dealership's attitude and incompetance i would buy again.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Truck of the Year

Seth, 04/13/2006
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fuel milage is great, 15-18 mpg.Steering column has presented a few small issues allong with sticky power mirror on the drivers side - replaced once.

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5 out of 5 stars

GMC Sierra

myoder, 12/02/2004
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2dr Regular Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Best pickup I have ever owned, plenty of power and is very comfortable

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Nice for towing

john gentry, 08/22/2005
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This truck was bought for towing and does a great job pulling our fifth wheel camper.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

GMC CrewCab 4WD SLT with 8.1L /Allison

Gilbert L., 04/20/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

600 miles and drive-by-wire trottle body left me stranded. Immediately after the dealership replaced with new trottle body, the 4WD Transfer Case Control Module misteriuosly went bad (RE: Service Bullitin Rel. 02/2003). Very poor Service Dept. at dealership. I had very bad experience with unscrupulous mechanic who falsely claimed work that was not performed. Suspension springs incorrectly installed by manufacturer.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Go GMC!!

GeorgeStrait, 06/29/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great Power and Transmission, Had a Service 4WD Problem recently 5/2003 with 4000 miles on truck. Went into 4WD low w/o input from driver. Part not available, waited 3 weeks and a tow truck ride later!! YES I would buy another.

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5 out of 5 stars

nice truck

bobby56, 04/07/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

the truck is absolutely awsome. i had a 2002, same truck, traded it for the same payments and love it to death. it's stong as an ox, both in horsepower and towing. (ford who?)

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1.5 out of 5 stars

lemon

darlene, 05/08/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

We have a 2003 gmc that's been a nightmare.the horn keeps blowing fuses,won't start in park,no reverse fuel light doesn't work plus the gas gage stuck on and the thin plastic bottom part of the bumper crack. Trying to get the dealer and gm to take this truck back hasn't been fun. Anyone looking to buy a new truck be careful,when you pay 45000.00 for a new truck you don't expect this.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

GMC 1500 HD

USA DAD, 09/20/2002
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My truck gets about 15 miles per gallon, which is better than I thought it would. It pulls hay like it wasn't back there.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

dura-maxed

workhorse, 09/19/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my gmc for a short while and am very pleased with the Duramax/Allison combination,I have owned powerstrokes in the past,the difference is amazing, the Duramax power range extends for a much longer time, torque is great.Allison transmission holds gear going down steep grades and the mileage for a full size pickup is awesome (average is 18 mpg, I have gotten as high as 21 mpg)

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4.38 out of 5 stars

What A Truck - Diesel/Allison Combo

Happy GMC Owner, 10/20/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this last May, love the Duramax/Allison Combo - pulls my 10000 pound 5th wheel like it wasn't there. 12 MPG @ 65 MPH - nooo problem. Very stable on the road.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

8.1L tons of gas power!

black dog, 08/28/2005
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The torque and power of the 8.1L is incredible, but be aware at the gas pump. An average of 9.1 mpg will be all you'll get. Towing large campers or trailers is no trouble what-so- ever. Especially in lower range gears the 8.1L begs for more. All around I love the truck, including a great interior and stock stereo.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Hot Duramax

J. Carroll, 06/09/2004
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This duramax is bad to the bone added bully dog 75 hp system to the truck now get 19.6 in town and 23 on the highway. pulled my 30 ft 5th wheel RV thought Colarado never missed a lick passed everything on the road and still averaged 13.7 mpg. Truck will white smoke the tires through 3rd gear and out run a new 6.0l Powerstroke no problem.

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5 out of 5 stars

Can't wipe the grin away

D/A Guy, 06/09/2004
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Only service problem was the Service 4WD Problem as well. New module fixed problem. No other problems since. I found the ride to be very comfortable especially for a 3/4 ton. The room inside accomodates the family and kids with room to spare. 6 adults can ride in comfort with good leg and shoulder room. Milage is great for the power and weight. My average milage to-date is about 19 mpg over 17000 miles. The transmission is absolutely incredible and is what makes this truck exceptional. It handles heavy trailers with ease. I have yet to use all the power the Dmax puts out. It is without a doubt the best truck I have owned.

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4 out of 5 stars

Solid Workhorse 6.6 Duramax

RPCarter, 02/11/2018
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great engine and transmission combo. Duramax / Allison ran well for most of the 10 years I owned the truck. Was used as a work truck with a contractors body fitted. Weekends was used to haul a 3 horse trailer. It worked every day of it's life with me. Poor build quality was evident in the front hubs, bodywork (rusted cab corners and rocker panels, roof flexing with windows open) and cab interior (gauges gave up, blower motor repeatedly died, gauge cluster lights died one by one, headliner fell off). Diesels are expensive to maintain when things go wrong, in my neighborhood it is hard to find a reputable diesel mechanic. Normal maintenance (oil change etc.) is probably more expensive but less frequent. All in all a very reliable truck that felt more like a car to drive.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Bad (good) Truck

shasta33, 10/22/2002
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Truck is great. Needs better fuel economy and a bigger gas tank. Great power and transmition (8.1 / Allison).

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Too Much

JailDoc, 02/23/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 8.1L, Allison Trans, this vehicle is beyond awesome, lousy milage but that is what was expected. Pull or tow anything, fast as hell, acceleration is neck snaping, stable anywhere you take it. So far no problems like my last GMC (ABS pump went out), the dealer is lousy, can't trust a thing they say. Time will tell.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

EXHAUSTED

Frustrated Rancher, 08/15/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Crew Cab Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Disappointed in the power. Tried to pull a 16' stock trailer with two bulls. It was all it could do to get over a small hill. Constant air conditioning problems. Unscrupulous dealership tells me it has been repaired. Lies. Electric window problems. Needs larger fuel tanks for a truck that gets 13mph. Wears front tires knobby. Stress cracks in the windshield. Brakes squeel. Tapping in the engine. Would I buy again. No Chance. Off to the dealership for engine noise;AC repairs again. Watch out Ford/Dodge, here I come.

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5 out of 5 stars

??

Ralph gallo, 07/20/2003
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

this is great truck ! no question about it .

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5 out of 5 stars

Bob's GMC

RBob, 08/18/2004
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Drove this GMC across the country, many mountain roads and off highway. One of the most fun vehicles I have driven and I absolutely love the Turbodiesel and Allison transmission combination. I have had zero problems with this truck, you would think it was made in Japan for the quality.

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