2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD Automatic 4WD

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz

Review Notes: GMC Sierra 1500 HD Automatic 4WD
Personality Serious work truck with luxury amenities
Quirks Door handle, brake release placement, cruise control
Unusual features Interesting options, four wheel steering, power and payload
Above Average Braking, capacity, technology – and integration of technology
Needs Work In Lighter liftgate, better e-brake controls, door handles
 

2003 GMC Sierra 4X4

If anyone had told me in 1976 that a work-oriented pickup truck would cost $45,000, I’d probably have laughed at them. Then again, that was before OnStar, built-in video systems, four-wheel steering, or satellite stereo. Indeed, heavy duty trucks were, in the 1970s, often powered by six cylinder engines putting out a hundred horsepower – roughly a third of what our test Sierra 1500 HD’s six-liter Vortec V8 produces.

For a light duty truck, the Sierra HD packs quite a wallop – ours had a load capacity that makes it immune to fuel economy regulations. The end result is a pickup that can comfortably carry five people, yet tow a fairly massive trailer with ease. On the other hand, those who think the built in DVD system – complete with roof-mounted viewing screen, separate rear controls, and headphones for two passengers ($1,295) – make it an ideal family hauler should think twice, unless they already travel in one of the aforementioned heavy trailers. The Sierra we tested, with its big V8 and high capacity, had the very stiff, bumpy suspension we associate with heavy-duty pickups, along with the gas mileage you’d expect – namely, around ten miles per gallon. That’s not bad for a heavy duty pickup, but it’s not what you want around town, either.

The sheer size of a crew cab pickup means it doesn’t fit into many parking spaces, but if there’s room, the four wheel steering makes it far easier to get into those spaces. It cuts the turning radius to sports-car territory, allowing the Sierra to thread so angles one would not expect. That may make the $5,525 Quadrasteer option worthwhile to 2003 GMC Sierra 4X4those who keep their trucks a  long, long time. It comes with roof marker lamps (big-rig style), manual-select ride control, heavy duty trailering equipment, a limited slip differential, and an extra-large 145 amp alternator.

Quadrasteer is an electromechanical system that turns the vehicle’s rear wheels (up to 12 degrees) in relation to the front wheels, resulting in unprecedented low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. At lower speeds, Quadrasteer reduces the 1500 HD models’ curb-to-curb turning diameter by up to 21 percent, to 39.2 feet, comparable to the 37.1-feet turning radius of a Saturn S-Series compact car. At higher speeds, Quadrasteer reduces the vehicle’s “yaw,” or rotational motion, for better control during lane changes and when being passed by a large truck.

Quadrasteer also provides significant benefits to customers who trailer, enabling drivers to change lanes with more confidence and with less trailer sway. During low-speed towing maneuvers, such as backing into a boat launch or parking a camper, four-wheel steering greatly improves the trailer response to steering input.

Two generic GM features were included in our test vehicle: XM stereo and OnStar. The first is a subscription radio service with a hundred stations, featuring music you will not hear on centrally programmed, monopoly-owned commercial radio. There are few ads, little DJ chatter, and an incredible variety of music, and the system is programmed into the radio as just another band, like FM. But the name of the channel (e.g. Bluegrass, DeepTrak, the 1970s) is shown on the display so you know where you are. You can use presets to return to your favorite XM stations. If you’re on the road a lot,  this system is well worth the $325 down and monthly subscription. Likewise, 2003 GMC Sierra 4X4OnStar, which is cleverly integrated into the mirror and speakers (with a microphone hidden somewhere), can quickly make itself useful for those who travel and sometimes need a little help getting un-lost. By automatically calling an ambulance after an accident, OnStar may even save your life.

Our vehicle had a compass and external thermostat unobtrusively built into the auto-dimming rear view mirror, along with OnStar controls on the bottom. Also present, though you can’t see it, is a system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side air bag, based on the weight and position of the passenger seat occupant, to help protect children and small adults from air-bag induced injury.

Commercial operators will be happy with the annual mileage log and separate personal and business trip logs (which also record gas mileage and average speed), built into the odometer display with wheel-mounted controls. The oil life monitor and personal preference panels (e.g. door locking actions) are built into that system, as well. The information makes record keeping easier, and setting your own preferences is a friendly and helpful feature.

We are usually annoyed by automatic headlights, but GM has a headlight-defeat feature which lets you shut them off – giving you a warning light and resetting to defaults with the next trip.

Other features include a towing mode for the transmission and four wheel steering, automatic or manual pushbutton four wheel drive, and an optional, easy to use thermostatically controlled, dual-zone climate system. The fan makes little noise even on high, thanks to large openings.

While GMC designed the optional features very well, some of the basic layout is a bit uncomfortable. The stalk-mounted cruise control is inconvenient to all but GM purists, the door handles are set too far back and rise at an odd angle, and the emergency brake release is under the steering wheel,  further to the right than it should be. The emergency brake goes right down to the floor each time you press it, giving no evidence of grabbing, and slams up loudly when released.

On the lighter side, there are many convenient aspects of the cab, including a massive, Ram-style covered center console with a built in coin holder (no pennies allowed) and cushioned top, a central storage bin including large dual cupholders, and two empty spaces in the center console for sunglasses and such – lined with rattle-removing rubber. The rear seats fold down if needed, and all four main seats are generously sized. The crew cab has enough room for four full size adults to sit in comfort, and will handle five without difficulty. The high roof means your hat can stay on, too. Rear passengers get four cupholders, two from the front console and two from their own console. Our Sierra had an optional rear sound system, too, so they could choose their own music.

On the road, the Sierra HD is very quiet, with a burbling exhaust that sounds as though a massively powerful six-liter V8 engine is on the other side. Handling is surprisingly good on the highway, but it is clearly still a truck, and if you treat it like a sports car, someone will be sorry. Around town, the heavy duty suspension tells, with some loss of traction on rough pavement unless there’s a load to damp down the suspension.

Braking is far better than equivalent Fords, which is reason enough to choose a GMC over an F-150. Four wheel antilock disk brakes with dynamic proportioning are standard on the HD. Since it’s almost a safety feature, we will also mention the standard passlock theft protection system.

The ride is typical of a heavy duty truck, with serious bouncing that calms under a heavy load, and a very stiff suspension that passes along bumps and joints.

Acceleration is very good, which is hardly surprising given the power under the hood. The emphasis is still on torque, so don’t expect to give a sports car a run for their money, but you can get to highway speeds quite  quickly. A very gradual tip-in means that you have a lot of control over when the engine kicks in, handy for those times when you need to move just a little, but a bit hard to get used to at first. The engine provides good feedback. On the other hand, because it is a heavy duty truck, the tires sometimes skipped and squealed if acceleration from a stop was too fast; the same effect also affected sharp turns.

Visibility is good in all directions, thanks to large mirrors and small cab posts. We’re hoping GM’s infra-red parking sensor system makes it to trucks someday, though. Small cars are quickly eclipsed by the tall truck.

With GMC making trucks like this, we have to wonder about all those Ford pickup buyers – have they compared spec sheets or taken a ride in a GMC? The Vortec engines are more efficient than their Ford counterparts, the brakes far better, the interiors a step up, even the heavy-duty hydroformed frames an advance over the F-series. These are compelling trucks.

Overall, the 1500 HD is a top-of-the-heap work truck, even when loaded with incongruent consumer goodies like DVD entertainment systems. Don’t buy one for commuting, though – the gas mileage, ride, and sheer bulk make it less than practical for casual drivers, and the height of the pickup bed make it less convenient for carrying “ordinary” loads. It is designed for heavy towing and hauling, and will be welcome for those who need it.

Specifications

Overview

Models:

GMC Sierra 2500 HD,
3500 Regular Cab Wideside Long Box SL and SLE
2500 HD Extended Cab Wideside Short Box SL, SLE, SLT
2500 HD, 3500 Extended Cab Wideside Long Box SL, SLE, SLT
2500HD Crew Cab Wideside Short Box SLE, and SLT
2500HD, 3500 Crew Cab Wideside Long Box, SLE and SLT
3500 Chassis Cabs

Body style / driveline:

2/3-passenger regular cab,
5/6-passenger extended cab,
5/6-passenger crew cab,
3/4-ton and one-ton,
two- and four-wheel-drive heavy duty pickups,
chassis cabs and cab delete models;
pickups available with 6.5- and 8-foot boxes;
3500 Series with standard dual rear wheels

EPA vehicle class: full-size truck
Manufacturing location: Flint, Michigan; Pontiac, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Key competitors: Ford F250, F350 Super Duty; Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500
Engine
  Vortec 6000
6.0L V8 (LQ4)
Vortec 8100
8.1L V8 (L18)
Duramax 6600
6.6L V8 (LB7)
Type: 6.0-liter V8 8.1-liter V8 6.6-liter V8
Displacement
(cu in / cc):
364 / 5967 496 / 8128 403 / 6599
Bore & stroke
(in / mm):
4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92.0 4.25 x 4.37 / 107.95 x 111.0 4.06 x 3.90 / 103.0 x 99.0
Block material: cast iron cast iron cast iron
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum cast iron cast aluminum
Valvetrain: OHV OHV OHV
Ignition system: composite distributor, platinum-tipped spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires coil near plug, platinum-tipped spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires compression ignition direct injection
Fuel delivery: sequential fuel injection sequential fuel injection high pressure common rail
Compression ratio: 9.4:1 9.1:1 17.5:1
Horsepower
(hp / kw @ rpm):
300 / 224 @ 4400 340 / @ 4200 300 / 224 @ 3000
Torque
(lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
360 / 488 @ 4000 455 / 617 @ 3200 520 / 705 @ 1800
Recommended fuel: 87 octane 87 octane diesel
Maximum engine speed (rpm): 5600 5000 3250
Emissions controls: three-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative collection system three-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative collection system turbocharged, intercooled (no exhaust after treatment needed)

Transmissions
 
Hydra-Matic
4L80-E
MW3 New
Venture Gear
ML6 ZF
S6-650
M74
Allison 1000
Type: 4-speed auto 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed auto
Gear ratios (:1):

First:

2.48 5.61 5.79 3.10

Second:

1.48 3.04 3.31 1.81

Third:

1.00 1.67 2.10 1.41

Fourth:

0.75 1.00 1.31 1.00

Fifth:

0.75 1.00 0.71

Sixth:

0.72

Reverse:

2.08 5.04 5.23 4.49
Final drive ratio
(with all transmissions):
Vortec 6000: 4.10 standard all models
Vortec 8100: (optional) 3.73 or 4.10 on 2500 HD; 4.10 standard on 3500 Series
Duramax 6600: 3.73 ratio standard all models
 
Chassis/Suspension
Front (all models): long- and short-arm independent torsion bar
Rear:  

2500HD pickups:

semi-elliptic two-stage multileaf spring
3500 chassis cabs: three-stage multileaf spring
Steering type: integral power recirculating ball
Steering ratio: 24:1
Steering wheel turns,
lock-to-lock:
3.14
Turning circle,
curb-to-curb (ft / m):
Regular Extended Crew
2500 HD series
single wheel pickups:
2WD: 43.8 / 13.4
4WD: 43.8 / 13.4
2WD: 46.8 / 14.3
4WD: 50.8 / 15.5
2WD: 49.6 / 15.1
4WD: 49.6 / 15.1
3500 series dual
wheel pickups:
2WD: 43.7 / 13.3
4WD: 43.7 / 13.3
2WD: 50.7 / 15.5
4WD: 50.7 / 15.5
2WD: 53.5 / 16.3
4WD: 53.5 / 16.3
3500 series dual
wheel chassis cabs:
2WD: 44.9 / 13.7
4WD: 51.9 / 15.8
2WD: 51.9 / 15.8
4WD: 58.8 / 17.0
 
Brakes
Type: power, HydroBoost brake apply system, four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS
 
2500 H.D. Pickups 9200-lb GVW
3500 Series Pickups, Chassis Cabs 11400-lb GVW
3500 Series Chassis Cab 12000-lb GVW
 
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

Front:

12.8 x 1.50 /
325 x 38
12.8 x 1.50 /
325 x 38
12.8 x 1.50 /
325 x 38

Rear:

12.8 x 1.20 /
325 x 30
12.8 x 1.20 /
325 x 30
12.8 x 1.20 /
325 x 30
Swept area (sq in / sq cm):

Front:

245.5 / 1583.8 245.5 / 1583.8 245.5 / 1583.8

Rear:

235.1 / 1516.6 235.1 / 1516.6 235.1 / 1516.6
 
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size & type:
Standard: 16-inch steel 16-inch steel 16-inch steel
Optional: aluminum / chrome Bright Rally trim rings w/bright hubcaps Bright Rally trim rings w/bright hubcaps
Tire size & type: LT245/75R-16E all-season steel belted radials LT215/85R-16 D&E all-season steel-belted radials LT215/85R-16 D&E all-season steel-belted radials
 
Dimensions
Exterior
2500HD / 3500 Regular Cab Long Box
2500HD Extended Cab Short Box
2500HD / 3500 Extended Cab Long Box
2500HD Crew Cab Short Box
Wheelbase (in / mm): 133.0 / 3378 143.5 / 3645 157.5 / 4001 153.0 / 3886
Overall length (in / mm): 222.1 / 5641 227.7 / 5784 246.6 / 6264 237.3 / 6027
Overall width (in / mm):        
With base fleet
mirror folded
2WD: 79.7 / 2024; 4WD: 96.1 / 2441 79.7 / 2024 2WD: 79.7 / 2024
4WD: 96.1 / 2441
79.7 / 2024
With std. YE9
mirrors folded:
2WD: 81.5 / 2070; 4WD: 96.1 / 2441 81.5 / 2070 2WD: 81.5 / 2070
4WD: 96.1 / 2441
81.5 / 2070
With extended YE9 mirrors 2WD: 93.1 / 2363; 4WD: 96.1 / 2441 93.1 / 2363 2WD: 93.1 / 2363
4WD: 96.1 / 2441
93.1 / 2363
Overall height (in / mm):        
2WD: 2500
HD: 76.2 / 1935
76.2 / 1935 2500HD: 76.2 / 1935 77.0 / 1956
  3500: 76.7 / 1948   3500: 76.3 / 1938
4WD: 2500
HD: 76.5 / 1943
76.5 / 1943 76.5 / 1943
77.4 / 1966
3500: 76.7 / 1948      
Min. ground clearance (in / mm):
Front, 2WD: 2500HD: 8.6 / 218.4
3500: 8.8 / 223.5
8.5 / 216 2500HD: 8.5 / 216 8.7 / 221.0
Front, 4WD: 2500HD: 8.9 / 226.1
3500: 8.8 / 223.5
8.8 / 223.5 2500HD: 8.8 / 223.5
3500: 8.7 / 221.0
8.9 / 226.1
Rear, 2WD: 2500HD: 7.5 / 190.5
3500: 7.6 / 193.0
7.4 / 188.0 2500HD: 7.4 / 188.0 7.4 / 188.0
Rear, 4WD: 2500HD: 7.5 / 190.5
3500: 7.6 / 193.0
7.4 / 188.0 2500HD: 7.4 / 188.0
3500: 7.5 / 190.5
7.4 / 188.0
Step-in height (in / mm):
2WD: 24.9 / 632.5
25.5 / 645.2
24.4 / 619.8 24.4 / 619.8
24.9 / 632.5
24.6 / 624.8
4WD: 25.4 / 645.2 24.6 / 624.8 24.6 / 624.8
24.9 / 632.5
25.1 / 637.5
 
 
Crew Cab
Long Box
Crew Cab
Chassis Cab
Reg. Cab
Chassis Cab
DRW
Extended Cab
Chassis Cab
DRW
Wheelbase (in / mm): 167.0 / 4242 167.0 / 4242 2WD: 137.0 / 3480
4WD: 161.5 / 4102
4WD: 185.5 / 4712
Overall length (in / mm): 256.2 / 6507 246.7 / 6266 2WD: 225.0 / 5715
4WD: 249.5 / 6637
4WD: 273.5 / 6947
Overall width (in / mm)

Base fleet:

79.7 / 2024 2WD: 79.7 / 2024; 4WD: 94.0 / 2388 94.0 / 2388 4WD: 94.0 / 2388

With std. YE9
mirrors folded

81.5 / 2070 2WD: 81.5 / 2070; 4WD: 94.0 / 2388 94.0 / 2388 4WD: 94.0 / 2388

With extended
YE9 mirrors

93.1 / 2363 2WD: 93.1 / 2070; 4WD: 94.0 / 2388 94.0 / 2388 4WD: 94.0 / 2388
Overall height (in / mm):

2WD:

2500HD: 77.0 / 1956
3500: 77.3 / 1963
2500HD: 77.0 / 1956
3500: 77.3 / 1963
76.0 / 1930

4WD:

2500HD: 77.0 / 1956
3500: 77.3 / 1963
2500HD: 77.0 / 1956
3500: 77.3 / 1963
76.0 / 1930 76.0 / 1930
Min. ground clearance (in / mm):

Front, 2WD:

8.7 / 221.0 8.7 / 221.0 8.8 / 223.5

Front, 4WD:

8.7 / 221.0 8.7 / 221.0 8.8 / 223.5 8.8 / 223.5

Rear, 2WD:

7.6 / 193.0 7.6 / 193.0 7.6 / 193.0

Rear, 4WD:

7.6 / 193.0 7.6 / 193.0 7.4 / 188.0 7.4 / 188.0
Step-in height (in / mm):

2WD:

2500HD: 24.6 / 624.8
3500: 24.7 / 627.4
2500HD: 24.6 / 624.8
3500: 24.7 / 627.4
25 / 635

4WD:

2500HD: 25.1 / 637.5
3500: 24.8 / 629.9
2500HD: 25.1 / 637.5
3500: 24.8 / 629.9
25 / 635 25 / 635
 
  2500 HD 3500 Series
Track (in / mm):

Front:

68.6 / 1742 68.6 / 1742

Rear:

66.0 / 1676 74.7 / 1897
 
 
GVW (lbs / kg)
Base Curb Weight
(lbs / kg)
Payload (lbs / kg)
Weight Distribution (% front / rear)
2WD pickups / chassis cabs:
C25903 reg. cab
long box
8600 / 3900.2 5059 / 2294.3 3541 / 1605.9 57 / 43
C25903HD reg.
cab long box:
9200 / 4173 5153 / 2337.0 4047 / 1835.4 55 / 45
C25753HD ext
cab short box:
9200 / 4173 5402 / 2449.9 3798 / 1722.4 56 / 44
C25953HD ext
cab long box:
9200 / 4173 5556 / 2519.7 3644 / 1652.6 56 / 44
C25743HD crew
cab short box:
9200 / 4173 5615 / 2546.5 3585 / 1625.9 55 / 45
C25943HD crew
cab long box:
9200 / 4173 5779 / 2620.9 3421 / 1551.5 55 / 45
C35943 crew
cab long box:
11400 / 5171 6168 / 2797.3 5232 / 2372.8 52 / 48
C35953 ext.
cab long box:
11400 / 5171 5951 / 2698.9 5449 / 2471.2 53 / 47
C35003 reg.
cab chassis cab:
11400 / 5171 5530 / 2507.9 5870 / 2662.1 53 / 47

C35053 ext. cab
chassis cab:

11400 / 5171 5971 / 2707.9 5429 / 2462.1 54 / 46
C35403 reg.
cab chassis cab:
11400 / 5171 5612 / 2545.1 5788 / 2624.9 55 / 45
C35453 ext. cab
chassis cab:
11400 / 5171 6057 / 2746.9 5343 / 2423.1 55 / 45
 
4WD pickups / chassis cabs:
K25753 ext,
cab short box
8600 / 3900.2 5524 / 2505.2 3076 / 1395.0 59 / 41
K25903HD reg.
cab long box:
9200 / 4173 5440 / 2467.1 3760 / 1705.2 57 / 43
K25753HD ext
cab short box:
9200 / 4173 5631 / 2553.7 3569 / 1618.6 58 / 42
K25743HD crew
cab short box:
9200 / 4173 5892 / 2672.1 3308 / 1500.2 57 / 43
K25943HD crew
cab long box:
9200 / 4173 6056 / 2746.5 3144 / 1425.9 57 / 43
K25953HD ext
cab long box:
9200 / 4173 5828 / 2643.1 3372 / 1529.3 58 / 42
K35903 reg.
cab long box:
11400 / 5171 5841 / 2649.0 5559 / 2521.1 54 / 46
K35943 crew
cab long box:
11400 / 5171 6459 / 2929.3 4941 / 2240.8 54 / 46
K35953 ext cab
long box:
11400 / 5171 6231 / 2825.9 5169 / 2344.2 54 / 46
K35003 reg.
cab chassis cab:
12000 / 5443 5800 / 2630.4 6200 / 2811.8 55 / 45
K35053 ext.
cab chassis cab:
12000 / 5443 6262 / 2839.9 5738 / 2602.3 55 / 45
K35403 reg.
cab chassis cab:
12000 / 5443 5906 / 2678.5 6094 / 2763.7 57 / 43
K35453 ext.
cab chassis cab:
12000 / 5443 6341 / 2875.7 5659 / 2566.4 56 / 44
 
Cargo Box
Short Box (6.5-foot)
Long Box (8-foot)
Cargo volume
(cu ft / liters):
56.9 / 1611
70.7 / 2002
Length at floor
(in / mm):
78.7 / 1999
97.6 / 2479
Opening width at
floor (in / mm):
64.8 / 1646
64.8 / 1646
Opening width rear
at top (in / mm):
61.9 / 1572
61.9 / 1572
Cargo width at wheelhouse (in / mm):
50.0 / 1270
50.0 / 1270
Length at top
(in / mm):
77.8 / 1976
96.7 / 2456
Inside box height
(in / mm):
19.5 / 495.3
19.5 / 495.3
 
Interior Regular Cab Extended Cab Crew Cab
Head room (in / mm):

Front:

41.0 / 1041.4 41.0 / 1041.4 41.0 / 1041.4

Rear:

38.4 / 975.4 39.0 / 990.6
Leg room (in / mm):

Front:

41.3 / 1049.0 41.3 / 1049.0 41.3 / 1049.0

Rear:

33.7 / 856.0 39.1 / 993.1
Shoulder room (in / mm):

Front:

65.2 / 1656.1 65.2 / 1656.1 62.5 / 1656.1

Rear:

66.3 / 1684.0 65.1 / 1653.5
Hip room (in / mm):

Front:

61.4 / 1559.6 61.4 / 1559.6 61.4 / 1559.6

Rear:

61.5 / 1562.1 62.9 / 1597.7

Seating:

3 6 6
 
Capacities
Fuel tank (gal / liters):
Short Box: 26 / 98.4
Long Box: 34 / 128.7
DRW chassis cab: 50 / 189.3
Trailer tow maximum (lb / kg):
2500 H.D. alt fuel with 6.0L V8, auto trans: 8200 / 3718.8 with weight distributing hitch and sway bar. Alt fuel vehicles are neither designed nor intended to tow 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers.
2500 H.D. with 6.0L V8, manual or auto trans: 10,600 / 4807.3 with weight distributing hitch and sway control or with 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer
2500 H.D. with Vortec 8100 8.1L V8 or Duramax 6600 6.6L Turbo Diesel, manual or auto trans: 12,000 / 5442 with weight distributing hitch and sway control. Increases to 16,100 lbs for 8.1L and 16,000 lbs. for Duramax 6600 with 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer
3500 with Vortec 6000 6.0L V8, manual or auto trans: 9,900 / 4489.8 with weight distributing hitch and sway control or 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers.
3500 with Vortec 8100 8.1L V8 or Duramax 6600 6.6L Turbo Diesel, manual or auto trans:

12,000 / 5442.2 with weight distributing hitch and sway control. Increases to 15,500 lbs for Vortec 8100 and 15,400 lbs for Duramax 6600 with 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers.
*For alternative fuel vehicles, trailer tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of total loaded trailer weight. On other models, trailer tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of total loaded trailer weight up to 1500 lbs. On all models, the base cooling system includes all content required to attain maximum trailering rating, and the Z82 Heavy Duty trailering package includes the trailer hitch platform and trailer electrical connector.
 
  Vortec 6000 Vortec 8100 Duramax 6600
Engine oil with filter
(qts / liters):
6.0 / 5.7 6.0 / 5.7 9.3 / 9.8
Total cooling system (qts / liters):

Manual trans:

15.2 / 14.4 23.6 / 22.3 21.8 / 20.7

Automatic trans:

14.4 / 13.6 23.1 / 21.9 21.4 / 20.3

 

 

Model Lineup – Options & Pricing

 

 

Engines

Transmissions

Vortec 6000
6.0L V8
Vortec
8100
8.1L
V8
Duramax
6600 6.6L V8
5-spd
man (MW3)
6-spd
man (ML6)
4-spd auto
(Hydra-Matic 4L80-E)
5-spd
auto (M74)
Pickups

 
 
C25903HD 2WD/ K35903 4WDReg Cab Wideside Long Box
s
o
o
s
o
o
o
C/K25753HD 2WD/4WD Ext Cab Wideside Short Box
s
o
o
s
o
o
o
C/K25953HD, C/K35953 2WD/4WD Ext Cab Wideside Long Box
s
o
o
s
o
o
o
C/K25743HD, 2WD/4WD Crew Cab Wideside Short Box
s
o
o
s
o
o
o
C/K25943 HD, C/K35943 2WD/4WD Crew Cab Wideside Long Box
s
o
o
s
o
o
o
Chassis Cabs C/K35003, C/K35403 2WD/4WD Reg Cab
s
o
o
s
o
o
o
C/K35053, C/K35453 2WD/4WD Ext Cab
s
o
o
s
o
o
o

 


 

What’s New For 2003

  • Redesigned instrument panel and clusters, including standard new driver information center
  • Extended floor console, standard with bucket seats
  • Manual and automatic multi-zone climate control
  • Optional eight-button steering wheel controls
  • More flexible daytime running lamps, automatic headlamp control
  • Advanced infotainment systems and segment-first Bose audio systems
  • Optional Panasonic DVD Passenger Entertainment System for crew cabs
  • Fully integrated, multiplexed electrical system, with more powerful generator on selected models
  • Safer, more comfortable and stylishly sculpted seats
  • Upgraded standard exterior rearview mirrors and optional camper mirrors
  • Upgraded fog lamps
  • Expanded alternative fuel system availability
  • New exterior styling features
  • Interior colors: Medium Neutral II, Pewter and Dark Pewter
  • Exterior colors: Carbon Metallic and Marine Blue

 


Sierra HD Pricing (As of Oct 2002 / Prices Subject to change)

  Model Pricing
Sierra 1500HD 2WD HD Crew Cab – SLE or SLT $30,965
  4WD HD Crew Cab – SLE or SLT $34,365
  Destination Freight Charge $745
     
Sierra 2500HD 2WD Regular Cab – Standard Decor $24,472

TC25903 model

2WD Regular Cab – Work Truck Pkg. $23,922

TC25753 model

2WD Ext. Cab – Standard Decor $28,042

 

2WD Ext. Cab – SLE or SLT, 4-Door $30,406

TC25743 model

2WD Crew Cab – Standard Decor $29,822

 

2WD Crew Cab – SLE or SLT Decor $32,109

TC25943 model

2WD Regular Cab-Standard Decor $30,122

 

2WD Crew Cab – SLE or SLT Decor $32,409

TC25953 model

2WD Ext. Cab – Standard Decor $28,317

 

2WD Ext. Cab – SLE or SLT, 4-Door $30,681

TK25743 model

4WD Crew Cab – Standard Decor $32,847

 

4WD Crew Cab – SLE or SLT $35,134

TK25753 model

4WD Ext. Cab – Standard Decor $30,824

 

4WD Ext. Cab – SLE or SLT, 4-Door $33,188

TK25903 model

4WD Regular Cab – Work Truck Pkg. $26,767

 

4WD Regular Cab – Standard Decor $27,279

 

4WD Regular Cab – SLE $29,461

TK25943 model

4WD Crew Cab – Standard Decor $33,147

 

4WD Crew Cab – SLE or SLT $35,434

TK25953 model

4WD Ext. Cab – Standard Decor $31,124
  4WD Ext. Cab – SLE or SLT, 4-Door $33,488
  Destination Freight Charge $745

About Rick Webster

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