2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.40/5 Average
209 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Silverado gets a makeover this year that includes a new front fascia and revised side moldings and taillights. Top-of-the-line models get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. On the inside, the Silverado is the first full-size pickup to offer a Bose stereo system and XM Satellite Radio. The instrument panel and center console have been redesigned, and Chevrolet has added new seats, a more comprehensive driver information center and a dual-zone climate control system. For increased safety, Silverados now feature a standard front-passenger-sensing system and dual-stage airbags. On the hardware side, all 4.3-liter V6-equipped Silverados and California-emission V8s are now ULEV-certified, while electronic throttle control is now standard on all V8 engines. 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:
  • Cheap interior materials, questionable build quality.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 209.00
  • POJ - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    Real bad build quality. The brakes are horrible - expect to replace all rotors and pads especially the back every 20,000 miles. Items replaced under warrenty: Steering column (twice); passenger window motor + track; heater element. Here is what went after warrenty: anti-lock brake sensor (40,000 miles) ~ $250; water pump (48,000 miles) ~ $450; the steering column that was replaced twice is cluncking again. Numerous other defects too small to mention. This truck is literally garbage.

  • A loaded truck for once - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    This truck replaced a 91 S10 2wd that was bought new and was faithful its whole life but the rust finally deemed the little truck a loss. This time 4wd and extended cab were musts and this truck was sitting there waiting for us with 27k on the clock and clean as can be. As you can imagine the difference between the 2 is huge and this brute makes you king of the road with the height, the 5.3 under the hood, and these leather seats that Id never think would be in a Chevy pickup. This truck is wonderful and with a couple personal touches it will probably be in the family until it turns to dust.

  • Silverado 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    Very comfortable ride due to 6-way power seats and roomy interior. The instrument panel is easy to read with extras such as an hour meter for the engine. The engine seems to be easy to maintain with the 100,000 mile scheduled spark plug change. A very nice experience so far....

  • 2003 Z71 2DR - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    Have had this 2003 Z71 2-dr since new. It currently has 134,000 miles. No complaints about reliability with just basic maintenance. Original tires only lasted about 40,000 miles. Replacements have lasted about 80,000 so far. Only parts that have broken on me are two rear U-joints,water pump seal seeps, and the battery died after 7 years. Clunking noise from steering column is a little annoying, but apparently common for this model. Under-body rust is a problem even though I regularly wash the underside of the truck. 4x4 system has been rock solid in snow, ice, mud, you name it. Tows/hauls with no problems although trailer brakes highly recommended for heavy loads/high speeds.

  • Unsafe to drive - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    Transmission pauses after coasting or when starting out. After coasting causes a heavy jerk on driveshaft and rearend. Dealer put rubber in springs to damper clunk. When turning a corner the pause in the transmission causes a sudden acceleration that causes the rear wheels to loose traction putting the truck into a sideways slide causing loss of control of vehicle at times. Also the small V-8 that GM puts in this truck has piston slap that the dealer says is "normal". I call it a design flaw. Hopefully it doesnt fall apart before I decide to get rid of it. Im a GM employee, and I beleive in supporting my paycheck source, but I believe in getting a quality product for my buck.

  • SS 4 Ya! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    Moving from an SUV to a mans vehicle was an easy choice, but finding out which one was the tough part. Nissan has reliability problems and Ford (fix or repair daily) was out of the question. The Toyota sat too high and wasnt wide enough. The Chevy had the power, looks, and "truckability" that I wanted. The power from the 6.0L HO V8 is phenomenal. Plenty in reserve when cruising @70 mph. The interior is great with everything ergonomically in place. The climate controls are easy to operate and keep the cabin confortable. The Bose sound system is awesome especially when coupled with the optional XM radio. AWD is a boon when in rain or snow. Get em while they last! You wont be disappointed!!

  • Had To Have One - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    WOW!!! Saw one yesterday in a mall parking lot....HAD to buy one TODAY. AWESOME AWD. Looked at the standard Lightning...was impressed, but just couldnt buy. Drove the Harley- Davidson model too...didnt like the sound of the supercharger at full tilt. Too noisy. It shrieked like it was coming apart. Plus I didnt like the bucket seats out back. Ths styling is controversal....having owned many Fords over the years, I loved the clean styling of the Chevy. I also liked the Hemi from Dodge, but the Chevy SS won out overall. Hope it holds up to all the hype. I think the gas mileage is the best of all 3. Fords are always THIRSTY, and Premium is required.

  • Great Performer - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    4.8 V-8 very smooth and strong. Red color very deep and luxurious. Hauling capacity excellent. Short bed ride a little choppy when bed empty. Handles superb in snow and ice with 4 WD engaged. Great vehicle!

  • My 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    Its a great versitle vehicle for all uses. Its roomy and the z71 offers plenty of power.

  • Best GM since my first in 1964 - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    By -

    I have had what appears to be the worst GM vehicles ever produced (excluding my Corvettes)since my fist new one in 1964. My first aggrivation was the always hesistating "73 LeMans (5.7L); Next came the "5.7L" Diesel nightmare; and the never ending problematic Safari Van. They finally got their act together with this 4.8L Silvarado Truck. I cannot give enough praise. Everything works, AND VERY WELL. Great performance ! Great economy ! Great looks ! Thanks GM. I nneded that.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area