Steve Cornell
08-11-2002, 18:24
My company vehicle broke down last week and I had to rent a vehicle which just happend to be a new (500 miles) 2003 1500 ext cab 4x4, I know this is not an HD but thought I'd post my thoughts and findings...........
The front end - I can take it or leave it, I don't "dis" like it like so many here have posted, the grill and hood appear to be Avalanche, the front fenders are different, the rest of the body appears to be the same as the 2002.
Interior - This truck is an LS with the bench seat and floor mounted 4x4 shifter, the seats are now firmer and have better support, the radio is now a double DIN size replacing the standard GM 1 1\2 DIN size, the climate controls are new with separate temp. controls for the driver and passenger, the "yellow" message center is gone replaced by a new message center incorporated into the odometer, there are now only 2 12v outlets compared to 3 in the 2002s, there is also a new "useless" compartment near the bottom of the dash under the 12v outlets, the buttons and labels have changed on all the controls, the steering wheel is new, the speedometer is now 120 mph however the speed limiter is still in place smile.gif the interior lights are now the "theater" lighting style that go out slowly, the DRLs, puddle lights, and backup lights stay on for a bit at night after locking the doors by remote, the headlight switch now has the option of auto or manual headlights,the passenger side air bag is now weight sensing and turns on or off automaticly depending on the weight in the passenger seat, there is an airbag indicator located in the rear view mirror, other than that the interior is unchanged.
I have seen the bucket seat \ center console models and the center console is all new but I can't report in detail.
Other Exterior - The mirrors on this truck are black, they are power, heated, have puddle lights and turn signal indicators, the tail lights are all new, the truck (although only a 1\2 ton) has a big aluminum driveshaft, this truck is also the new Arrival Blue.
My Impressions - I don't mind the new front end, I really don't think it will keep GM from selling trucks (unless it's to some of the people I read posting on here) :D
The new seats are nice (better support and feel IMO) the other interior changes are minor, I like the double DIN radio, now you could actually install an aftermarket head unit and DVD player in the same opening.
The new turn signal mirrors are cool.
I really like the new Arrival Blue and would be my choice if I was ordering a truck, which I actually did yesterday, dealer has been after me to spec one out for him so we ordered one (2500HD, CC, D\A, LS, leather buckets, my name's on the order so it's mine if I want it but only if I can afford to trade and can talk the wife into it :D :D
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]</p>
The front end - I can take it or leave it, I don't "dis" like it like so many here have posted, the grill and hood appear to be Avalanche, the front fenders are different, the rest of the body appears to be the same as the 2002.
Interior - This truck is an LS with the bench seat and floor mounted 4x4 shifter, the seats are now firmer and have better support, the radio is now a double DIN size replacing the standard GM 1 1\2 DIN size, the climate controls are new with separate temp. controls for the driver and passenger, the "yellow" message center is gone replaced by a new message center incorporated into the odometer, there are now only 2 12v outlets compared to 3 in the 2002s, there is also a new "useless" compartment near the bottom of the dash under the 12v outlets, the buttons and labels have changed on all the controls, the steering wheel is new, the speedometer is now 120 mph however the speed limiter is still in place smile.gif the interior lights are now the "theater" lighting style that go out slowly, the DRLs, puddle lights, and backup lights stay on for a bit at night after locking the doors by remote, the headlight switch now has the option of auto or manual headlights,the passenger side air bag is now weight sensing and turns on or off automaticly depending on the weight in the passenger seat, there is an airbag indicator located in the rear view mirror, other than that the interior is unchanged.
I have seen the bucket seat \ center console models and the center console is all new but I can't report in detail.
Other Exterior - The mirrors on this truck are black, they are power, heated, have puddle lights and turn signal indicators, the tail lights are all new, the truck (although only a 1\2 ton) has a big aluminum driveshaft, this truck is also the new Arrival Blue.
My Impressions - I don't mind the new front end, I really don't think it will keep GM from selling trucks (unless it's to some of the people I read posting on here) :D
The new seats are nice (better support and feel IMO) the other interior changes are minor, I like the double DIN radio, now you could actually install an aftermarket head unit and DVD player in the same opening.
The new turn signal mirrors are cool.
I really like the new Arrival Blue and would be my choice if I was ordering a truck, which I actually did yesterday, dealer has been after me to spec one out for him so we ordered one (2500HD, CC, D\A, LS, leather buckets, my name's on the order so it's mine if I want it but only if I can afford to trade and can talk the wife into it :D :D
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]
[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]</p>