2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
65 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Roomy extended-cab models, strong V8 engines, innovative features.
Cons:
  • Spotty fit-and-finish concerns, low-grade interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 65.00
  • Great Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I bought the truck new in 2003.I needed something for the snow and thought I would try a GMC for once.There have been no problems with the truck until the 4WD module went out at 55k miles.The truck seems to dance around in the rear end in the snow abit.havent had any problems to speak of until 85k miles when the left front hub bearing went out. Tires lasted until 68k miles and still have the original battery in it.The front/rear brakes still have 50% left and should be good until 150k miles.The interior is still solid and everything still works like the day I bought it.

  • Top Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    When I first purchased this truck I thought it was the smothest riding and best handling 4x4 I had ever driven. (Wife has purchased a Yukon 4x4 and it is even smoother riding) It has spent a good deal of time off road. I do not get rough or overly abusive, mostly steep hills, sand, mud under 6-8 inches and a little rock crawling. If yours does not have the locking rear differential it is worth the money. I am sure it has saved me more in tow services than it costs to have installed. I have not had any serious mechanical failures, I did have a u- joint start chirping on me after a week in the hills of western South Dakota. The truck has about 50,000 miles on it and gets serviced regularly.

  • Love it but diappointed - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    This truck has the potential of being everything I want it a truck. It offers a very smooth ride and the leather seats are some of the most comfortable Ive sat in. A friend recently purchased a comparable Ford model. After riding in my truck, hes quick to point out the superior ride and comfort of the GMC. Disappointment: I recently scheduled my 2nd service visit because the outside temp gauge constantly reads in the 90s if the temp is above 38 degrees. There are rattles in the dash. This is the 4th GM truck I have owned and this is the least smooth transmission of any of them.

  • awesome truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    this is my first truck purpose and the reason i graduated from college. i dreamed of owning a powerful truck and the gmc was everything i could imagine. the engine is incredible and i have had no problems with it. the bose rocks and power everything makes life easy.

  • Too many small problems - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Overall, a nice truck, but too many small problems that are now adding up. So far, Ive had the steering shaft replaced 3-4 times, the passenger back window replaced, the heated seats on the drivers side replaced, and now the instrument cluster has gone haywire. Oh yeah, Ive been complaining about the awful noise the front end makes when the 4WD is engaged, but the dealership (not where I bought it) says that it is normal. Are you kidding me? I still like my truck as it rides and drives great, but I sold a 13 year old Toyota when I bought this one that was a better truck. I probably wont buy GM again if there are other options out there. Too bad.

  • THIS IS THE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    THIS TRUCK IS BEYOND EXPLANATION - FULLY LOADED - WITH ALL THE OPTIONS 0% FOR 5 YEARS. I DONT WANT TO TALK ON THE PHONE ANYMORE WHEN IM DRIVING. I JUST LOVE THIS TRUCK. I REALLY LOVE THIS TRUCK - AND IM IN IT 8 HOURS A DAY. SHOW ME A WOMEN THAT DOES THAT FOR AND ILL GET MARRIED. AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 2003 GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    The comfort of the ride is outstanding. Able to pull trailers with ease. Not bad gas mileage for size of vehicle.

  • Super Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I have just turned 70k in my 2003 Denali and its been a solid truck. Regular maintenance and I am told by the lube guy that there is a very small fluid leak from the intake. This is common in Vortec engines according too him. I guess overall I have been very impressed I just hope they have used better materials for the interior of newer models. I dont see myself ever replacing my truck it has been a good ride so far.

  • You cant go wrong - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Purchased this truck with 48K and am very surprised of the quality of this truck. Being five years old I expected the suspension to maybe a tad loose or at the very least expected to hear cabin rattles and squeaks. Nothing; feels like a brand new truck. I have the SLT with the Bose and heated leather buckets. You never want to get out of it! Looked at all the other manufacturers and now know without question, I made the right choice.

  • I Hate this vechile - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    i bought this truck in june of 2003. i am very disappointed in the performance of this truck, the service from this dealership, and the warranty work performed. to tell you a little about this truck at 2000 miles the ac went out, at 4500 the heater went out, at 16000 miles the distributor cap went out causing me to have it towed. other things that have gone wrong from the shocks going out, the steering vibrates as you drive, the transmission kicks hard when put in gear. i strongly advise no one to buy this truck.

GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews By Year:
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