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Walkaround
GMC Sierra sports an all-new front end for 2003 that ties it more closely to the GMC Envoy mid-size SUV. The new grille consists of three black horizontal bars that prominently display a big red GMC emblem. New chromed front bumpers include two airflow cutouts. Up-level models have a body-colored lower fascia; base models, a light charcoal fascia. Premium models offer new 16-inch, six-spoke, bright-machined aluminum wheels, while a new optional grille/brush guard adds front-end protection. New bodyside moldings create a cleaner side appearance. A single OnStar roof antenna, combining the previously separate GPS and cell-phone antennas into one, adds to the cleaner look. Overall, it's a look that a lot of truck buyers will like: more upscale than the Chevrolet pickup, more conservative than the Dodge or Ford pickups. The 2003 Denali stays with last year's styling. All GMC Sierras are built on the stiffest and lightest truck frame General Motors has ever produced. The frame rails are hydroformed, a process that uses high-pressure hydraulics to shape relatively large steel components. Tubular crossmembers and roll-formed mid-rails increase rigidity further. This stiff structure enhances handling and ride quality immensely, while improving crashworthiness.
Interior Features
The interior of the GMC Sierra is extensively redesigned for 2003. Its cab remains the roomiest in the industry, and its door openings are the largest. New dual-stage airbags deploy with less force in less severe collisions. Three-point seat belts are provided in all first and second-row seat positions of 2003 models. New sound and climate controls for 2003 are more sophisticated, yet easier to operate than last year's. XM Satellite Radio is great for traveling because the stations don't change as you drive across the country, allowing you to keep up on news and weather or listen to your favorite types of music. You still get ads, but XM Satellite seems less commercial than FM. The system comes with AM, FM1, FM2, XM1, and XM2 bands. New audio controls on the steering wheel make it easy to switch among station presets and modes. Set your stations carefully and you can quickly zip to favorite stations scattered among AM, FM, and XM Satellite without taking your hands off the wheel. Seats have been redesigned for 2003. Standard with the bucket seats is a revised and extended center console that flows into the instrument panel. It includes a storage compartment and a 12-volt power outlet at the rear. (All Sierras come with three 12-volt power outlets at the bottom center of the dash.) Vents and HVAC controls for rear-seat passengers are mounted on the rear of the center console on crew cabs and extended cabs. The instrument cluster has been revised for better readability. The Denali's gauges feature blue backlighting and white pointers; other models have white backlighting and orange pointers. A new driver information center reports on as many as 27 vehicle functions (nearly twice as many as the previous message center) with an easy-to-read, single-line LCD display. A compass is incorporated into the overhead console, along with three storage areas for sunglasses, garage door opener, and small items. Extended-cab models offer surprisingly good back-seat accommodations. Climb through the reverse-opening rear door and the rear seat is reasonably comfortable. Rear-seat passengers get their own air-conditioning outlets and a set of drop-down cup holders. When cargo capacity is more important than hauling passengers, the entire rear seat assembly can be loosened from the floor with a wrench and removed through one of the side doors. Not exactly quick release, but a useful feature. The rear seats in the 1500 HD Crew Cab are as roomy as the second-row of seats in a Suburban. This truck is capable of carrying six passengers and feels roomy with four. Ours came with leather and it felt truly luxurious. Rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down, providing a large protected cargo area inside the cab. A Panasonic DVD system ($995) is available for the 1500HD Crew Cab, turning it into a real family vehicle. The system comes with a 7-inch flip-down screen, music-CD capability, two sets of wireless headphones with independent volume control, a wireless remote control and three sets of auxiliary video and audio inputs.
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