GMC Sierra 1500

Name: 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
Brand: GMC

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The Sierra full-sized pickup is competent all around. The interior is quiet and roomy, handling and braking are good for a truck. The four-door extended-cab versions are also the only such pickups with habitable rear seats. The front seats are not particularly supportive. Four-wheel-drive models offer a selectable system with a full-time mode. The Sierra Denali is an expensive AWD model with a 6.0-liter V8 and four-wheel-steering called Quadrasteer (also available on the Heavy Duty models), which enhances maneuverability in tight spaces and improves stability while towing.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 Pickup Trucks Reliability

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GMC Sierra 1500

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

2003 GMC Sierra 1500

$3,625 - $7,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

$3,650 - $6,075

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

$3,450 - $8,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Ram 1500

$3,475 - $6,350

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Ram 2500

$3,700 - $9,000

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Ram 3500

$5,725 - $10,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford F-150

$3,500 - $13,225

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford F-250

$3,475 - $7,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford F-350

$3,550 - $8,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 GMC Sierra 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Tundra

$4,650 - $7,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

extended cab

regular cab

crew cab

3 front, 3 rear

4WD, AWD, Rear

4.3-liter V6 (200 hp)
4.8-liter V8 (270 hp)
5.3-liter V8 (285 hp)
6-liter V8 (325 hp)
6-liter V8 (300 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The Sierra is essentially a Chevrolet Silverado. Power delivery is smooth and responsive, and fuel economy is 17 mpg overall for the 5.3-liter, V8 engine crew-cab four-wheel-drive version. The ride is stiff and snappy, but the cabin is very quiet. Handling is sound and secure. The infotainment system is easy to use. Rear-seat room in crew-cab versions is immense, but the high step-in requires a climb. Helpful options include a power liftgate that can be opened using the key fob, a tailgate that can be configured into a workbench, and power running boards can shift back to help reach the bed. The luxurious Denali version has a 6.2-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic. Blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking are optional on higher trims. Updates for 2020 include an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel pulls strongly, feels refined, and returns 23 mpg overall. Other changes for for 2020 saw suspension tweaks improving the ride, and the availability of adaptive cruise control. FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW became standard for 2022.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

Sierra's 2014 redesign brought a more spacious cabin that is nearly as quiet as a luxury car's. The truck's relatively low ride height eases access, while the dashboard controls are simple to use. The Silverado also provides impressive towing and payload capacities. An assist system makes the tailgate easy to lift and prevents it from flopping harshly when it drops open. The 5.3-liter V8 hits the sweet spot, combining plenty of power with a high towing capacity and strong performance. We'd only get the 6.2-liter V8 if we had to frequently tow a heavy trailer in hilly terrain. The optional Driver Alert Package includes lane-departure warning and forward collision alert.

2007-2013

2007 Redesign Year

GMC's 2000-06 full-size Sierra has powerful, efficient engines and an inviting interior, but expect a stiff, choppy ride. A 2007 redesign brought more responsive handling and improvements to the ride, but the powertrains still aren't as refined as some competitors'. High-end interiors have attractive fit and finish -- all have simple controls. Fuel economy from the 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic are decent, and its crash test scores are improved over previous versions. Cabin access is easy, while towing and payload capacities are generous.

1999-2006

1999 Redesign Year

This full-sized half-ton pickup ("C" is used for 2WD versions, "K" for 4WD) was fundamentally unchanged from 1991 through 1998, though upgraded powertrains and an optional third door for extended-cab models were added in 1996. A complete redesign for 1999 brought powerful, more efficient engines and friendlier interior packaging. Braking and handling were also significantly improved. Extended-cab models received a fourth door for 2000, and the pricey AWD C3 model, later called Denali, joined the line in 2001.