2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Road Test
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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,950 -$39,205
- Invoice: $17,150 -$34,304
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Our road test for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 help you decide if a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
In Silverado or Sierra, the V6 often struggles. V8s have enough power for most situations. We recommend them. They're helped by a smooth, alert automatic transmission whose useful Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. Traction control and Autotrac 4WD are class exclusives with great appeal. Test Silverado SS did an impressive 7.2 sec 0-60 mph, and delivered strong passing punch. Similarly powered Sierra Denali should be as quick.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Par for the class. Test 2WD regular cab with 4.8-liter V8 averaged 16.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 4WD extended cab with 5.3 V8 averaged 13.7 mpg. Test 6.0 Crew Cab returned just 7.2 mpg in pure city driving; expect slightly higher with more highway use. Test SS and Sierra Denalis averaged 13.3-14.5 mpg in city/highway mix. All models had automatic transmission. All engines use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Generally more compliant than equivalent Ford F-150s, but still stiff and bouncy except on glass-smooth surfaces. And as with any pickup, the tail stutters some over bumps with an empty bed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Good overall balance for big trucks--a match for any rival. Steering accurate, though less precise than Ford's. Available 4-wheel steering gives carlike maneuvering ease, especially in tight spots, and enhances towing stability.
QUIETNESS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Road, wind, engine noise unobjectionable and slightly lower than in comparable F-150s.
CONTROLS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Gauge layout top-notch, as is switch placement and feel, though wipers deserve their own control instead of being crowded onto turn-signal lever. GM provides engine-hour-meter supplement to usual odometer.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Ample big-American space. Even regular cabs have good rearward seat travel, seatback recline, and adequate clearance to rear window. Supportive seats have integrated safety belts that most testers find comfortably positioned and easy to reach.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 4.4 |
Good leg clearance and comfortably angled seatback make GM's extended cabs the most accommodating among full-size pickups. Crew Cabs are even more spacious and comfortable, a good match for F-150 SuperCrew and better than Dodge Ram Quad Cab.
CARGO ROOM
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 4.8 |
Extended and crew cabs have ample in-cab storage with rear bench seat folded up, but lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Behind-seat space in regular cab beats Ford and Toyota, trails Dodge.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6.9 |
GM leads the big-pickup field in 4WD sophistication, traction-control convenience, and now 4-wheel steering. These Chevy and GMC trucks also offer the best extended-cab rear-seat accommodations, and their crew cabs are as hospitable as any. Factor in performance and pricing, and Silverado and Sierra are easy Best Buys.
Total Score
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 54 | 56 | 61 | 49.8 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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