2003 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Silverado HDs share new front styling with their lighter-duty Silverado 1500/2500 siblings, and add optional satellite radio and rear-seat entertainment system for 2003. This report covers mainstay 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 pickups, though chassis-cab and chassis cutaway models are also offered.

Both HD Silverado series are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. An electronic-shift transfer case (replacing a manual lever) is standard on 4WD LTs, optional on LSs. Both 2500 and 3500 come in a choice of regular cab, an extended cab with rear-hinged back half-doors, and a Crew Cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and Crew Cab include a three-person rear bench. HD 3500s come only with an eight-foot cargo box; 2500s offer a 6.5-foot box as well. All 3500s have dual rear wheels on each side.

All models have standard dual dashboard airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes; some offer GM's OnStar assistance system. Base engine is a 6.0-liter V8. Optional are an 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. The base engine teams with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode. The two larger engines have a 6-speed manual or optional Allison 5-speed automatic with Engine Grade Braking, an electronic feature that makes an automatic downshift when descending steep slopes. Newly optional on LS and LT models for '03 are satellite radio, a rear-seat entertainment system for Crew Cabs, and power-extending camper mirrors. Silverado HD is similar to GMC Sierra HD.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles, this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD and convenient 4-wheel steering.

Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.