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.