2003 GMC Sierra 2500 Review
Price Estimate:Â $1,536 - $2,617
GMC Sierra 2500 model years
GMC Sierra 2500 types
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Class-leading engines, substantial hauling capacity, roomy interior.
Cons
- Cheap interior materials, spotty build quality.
What’s new
The Sierra gets a revised look this year that includes a new front fascia, revised side moldings and an additional wheel design. Top-of-the-line models get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. On the inside, the Sierra now offers a Bose stereo system and XM Satellite Radio. The instrument panel and center console have been redesigned, and GMC has added new seats, a more comprehensive driver information center, optional satellite steering wheel controls and a dual-zone climate control system. For increased safety, Sierras now feature a standard front-passenger-sensing system and dual-stage airbags. On the hardware side, the standard 6.0-liter V8 gets electronic throttle control, as well as the ability to run exclusively on compressed natural gas (CNG) or a mix of CNG and gasoline. The Autotrac four-wheel-drive system has been modified for less intrusiveness at low speeds, and the brake system received upgrades that provide better pedal feel and improved overall performance.
Edmunds says
Why buy more truck than you can use but settle for less than you need? The GMC 2500-series light-duty Sierra exists for those who want a truck that slots between the 1500 and the heavy-duty trucks.
For sale nearby
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 2dr Regular Cab Work Truck Rwd LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Wisconsin.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
Not EPA tested  for Sierra 2500 Work Truck
Sierra 2500 Work Truck
vs
$217/mo
Avg. Large Truck
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Sierra 2500 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(78%)
4(22%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great truck for work or play
5 out of 5 starsVince, 10/25/2015
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I picked this up to replace a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 V10. I use my trucks for towing my toys and for getting to my hunting camp. I bought the GMC used with very low (50K) miles and I received the service records. The previous owner had a few problems with the worst being the door handle. I have had no major problems. Mine is the 3 door 2500 4x4. The interior is good with very comfortable … seats. The seats have some play in the tracks and I have a kit to fix it, but never got around to doing it so I'd rate that minor. Gauges are great with tranny temp and steering is good. 4 wheel disk brakes are excellent. HVAC works well and has not had any problems. Ride is above average. Fuel economy is 15 -17 with the 3.73 gears. The 4L80E transmission (TH400 descendant) is excellent and is heavy duty. It has push-button 4x4 shifting. Auto, high, and low. You can from high to low on the fly, and to low below 5 MPH. Auto works well on wet roads. My 4x4 shifter has not malfunctioned. Mine has the rear locking differential and gets through sand very well compared with the Dodge. This truck has a nice off-road feel and feels very capable The 6.0L LQ4 engine does make the piston slapping sound at start-up, but goes away when warm as designed. Engine makes good power, but power is a bit too high in the RPM range for serious work with the 3.73 gears. This model uses the power steering pump to boost the brakes and my unit had a bit of a leak. Flushing the power steering unit with Prestone anti leak pwr steering fluid fixed it. The stock radio is below average and the speakers were blown when I got it. The body has not rusted, but the black paint is starting to fade on the hood. The 3 door is kind of a pain just having one door and when putting groceries in the back seat since you can't fit the cart in the opening. Other than that I like this truck very much. I've only performed maintenance. Oil every 3K, brake flush, transmission flush, and diff fluid changed.
jacks toy
3.63 out of 5 starsjackj, 03/21/2004
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.3L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
rear brakes and parking brake leave
something to be desired. Rear rotors
rust decreasing overall braking power
and make the parking brake all but
useless. Good power and excellent
towing vehicle for horse trailer.
Two piece drive shaft failed during
our second towing excursion.
Dealership replaced with a single piece
unit. Now it hums while you drive but
has … proven to be reliable.
Unit stuck in 4wd during -20 degree
weather. Again dealership repaired.
Dealership was cooperative in making
repairs.
GMC ONLY
4.5 out of 5 starsMark, 08/18/2005
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I like my GMC very much,it is snappy and has good torque for pulling a medium weight travel trailer. The only complaint I have with this truck is a persistant knock in the engine that is very noticable in the morning starts. My previous truck was a 1976 3/4 ton 4x4 GMC long bed. The ride on the 2000 was my first consideration in buying a new truck. My next step up will be the Duramax.
Service 4WD Light
4.88 out of 5 starscw4915e, 02/23/2005
1999 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
4WD light comes on intermittently lately. Poor troubleshooting procedures from a Chilton manual led me to replace the front diff actuator motor. Seems the real culprit is a sticky selector switch. Humidity may be affecting this switch, apparently the resistors are shot for each position and loses ability to keep voltage signal to transfer case module. Original battery lasted 6 years so … that was awesome to get over 6 years from a battery. Also developed a leak at the front differential. First thought it was the output seal but ended up being the plastic vent cap that screws into the diff.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 2500 since its last redesign.
2003 Sierra 2500 Highlights
Regular Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 10,700 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sierra 2500 include:
- Alarm
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