Used 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD Consumer Reviews
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Power Plus
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.
Still smiling...
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!
- Work Truck Regular CabMSRP: $8,99817 mi away
- Standard DieselMSRP: $13,995640 mi away
- SLE Diesel Crew CabMSRP: $18,995684 mi away
Fuel Economy
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.
Been driving this truck since new
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
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent Duramax Diesel!
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!
Not so happy with my 2500HD
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!
Duramax and Allison are superior
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.
Not Impressed
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!
Good, bad, and ugly
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.
Truck of the Year
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.
GMC Sierra
Best pickup I have ever owned, plenty of power and is very comfortable
Nice for towing
This truck was bought for towing and does a great job pulling our fifth wheel camper.
GMC CrewCab 4WD SLT with 8.1L /Allison
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.
Go GMC!!
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.
nice truck
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?)
lemon
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.
GMC 1500 HD
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.
dura-maxed
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)
What A Truck - Diesel/Allison Combo
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.
8.1L tons of gas power!
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.
Hot Duramax
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.
Can't wipe the grin away
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.
Solid Workhorse 6.6 Duramax
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.
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- Reliability
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Bad (good) Truck
Truck is great. Needs better fuel economy and a bigger gas tank. Great power and transmition (8.1 / Allison).
Too Much
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.
EXHAUSTED
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.
??
this is great truck ! no question about it .
Bob's GMC
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.