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 21 through 30 of 65.00
  • Almost perfect - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I have allways been a GM man, and this truck doesnt disapoint. The heated leather captains seats with two person memory are very comfortable. The steering wheel controls for the Bose stereo are great. Some interior wind noise though, and the suspention is very jumpy on the concrete highways. It is in the shop as I write this having the tranny pulled to find out why it started shifting hard from first to second gear at 15900 miles.

  • Great Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I can not be happier with my Sierra. I needed a truck that would tow our 17 foot ski boat and what I got was much better. I traded in a beautiful 1993 Toyota 2.4L pick-up that had 253,000 on her and was still going strong. I hated to do it but I had to have something that would tow a ski boat. I will admit that I looked at other trucks including the Tundra but nothing came close to the comfort of the Sierra. I drive 72 miles round trip in Atlanta traffic daily and this truck is more comfortable than any car. After I replaced the factory GoodYear tires with Firestones, I had no trouble on wet roads and the ride is whisper quiet. No problems with the truck or repairs needed.

  • Worst Vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. It has 8000 miles and is always in the shop. It rattles (has been down 1 dirt road for 3 miles), master brake cylinder went out, new front brakes, passenger p/w doesnt work properly (3X to dealer and still not fixed). The rear axle seals have now started leaking. Will never buy another U.S. built auto.

  • American Made - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    With 50,000 miles on the odometer I couldnt be more pleased with the way this truck has held up. Dont try telling a GMC owner that his truck is a Chevy. I have been more than pleased with this trucks reliability, fuel consumption and overall satisfaction. Equipped with the 4.8 and an aftermarket Hyptertech chip gives this truck enough power to scare V8 Mustangs and Camaros. Add that with a bed to haul pretty much anything and a good tow capacity make this truck ideal for a high school or college student that can be assured of safety in an accident should that occur. Overall a great buy!

  • Review - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Bought new in late 2002 truck has been average for comfort and mileage is good. Reliability is not good to many small issue my truck only has 60k and have replaced both front wheel bearings, replaced two power window motors, had to replace sensor for ABS brakes, steering gear box and now the cluster is going bad. GM know the cluster unit is an issue but refused to help on the repair cost. I think I am going to look at the Toyota Tundra for my next truck. GM just need to have a better warranty on the little things that are always going bad on their vechiles.

  • 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 bad brakes - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    My first 50,000 owning this truck were great. It drives like a car and works like a truck. However, the brakes started to make noise and vibrate when stopping. I had it serviced and found the entire brake system developed severe rust. The rear brakes did not function and a pad was dragging on the rotor. I had to replace all the brake parts. The job cost me $1800.00. I later check consumer affairs and found this to be a common problem with the new GM tucks.

  • great design, but GM almost blows it... - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I use mine as a strict work truck,; cloth seats, rubber floor mat and auto was only option. Easiest vehicle to drive I have own; very docile and predictable. But GM botched the steering shaft coupler; rattles across rough terrain.

  • Nice Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    Excellent truck. Electronic controls replaced under warrenty. Get 19.5 mpg on a 30 mile trip to work one way. Great sound and very comfortable ride. 5.3L engine that would pull a house up a hill.

  • just like a beautiful woman - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I got this truck used with 80000. It had a bad intake gasket and got replaced. Engine has not given me any issues since. z71 4x4 is pretty dang nice, its hard to get this this thing stuck in the mud. Issue with the motor in the transfer case... but never stopped working (says service yada yada. been checked. not a big issue). basic maintenance and think I can give this vehicle to my kids (not soon either). GMC seems like a good truck with some quirks, but solid and runs when you need it. The 5.3 has some passing power, and tows like a champ. If you like your girls a little high maintenance, go on and get it. If not, then buy an old truck and forget about all the gadgets. good luck.

  • Best Full Size Truck....Bar None! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
    By -

    I bought this truck about a year ago. It was previously owned and I was the second owner. I shopped around looking at all of the "big three" offerings, I even checked out the Tundra and new Titan. I drove all of them. The Dodge was fastest (Hemi Powered) The Nissan Seemed to be the most Techie, Ya know gadgets and such. But the best overall was this GMC, Towing power is top shelf even with the baby 4.8 ltr. I still tow nearly 7000 lbs and its rated for even higher, not too shabby for a 1/2 ton, If you need to tow more, then obviously youd be 3/4 ton shopping. But all things considered, The GMC has the all around best value, Mabye not the best in all areas, but certainly superior in most.

GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews By Year:
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