Overview:
Wow, this weeks test of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab with Quadrasteer was the most innovative car/truck I’ve tested in some time. Quadrasteer is an all-wheel steering feature where the rear wheels pivot in concert with the front wheels.
The effect is exhilarating. The truck steers corners as if it were on “Rails” and it’s an “E” Ride for sure. Literally it corners better than most sports cars.
What problems are caused over time in maintenance is, of course, an unknown. One has to wonder what it would do to the alignment and therefore tire wear. You can choose 2-wheel steer or 4-wheel steer by pressing a button on the dash while in neutral. When I expect to be driving long distances on relatively straight roads I leave it in 2-wheel steer.
I didn’t tow a trailer but a good friend with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) did have the vehicle towing a long trailer. He said it worked wonderfully for that application.
General Info:
Parts – USA
Assembly – USA
Class: – Pick up Truck
Cars: Envoy, Safari, Savana, Sierra, Sonoma, Yukon.
Envoy Safari Savana Sonoma Yukon
Handling & Performance:
Like a lot of trucks with heavy suspension the ride was “Bumpy” as I mentioned in the Toyota Tacoma review, about this truck. Again, cement highways are awful and I’m sure you’ve noticed Black top being much smoother.
Styling:
Even Rodney Dangerfield would get respect in this truck. It is impressive and classy – for a truck. I especially like the amber lights on the top of the cab. It reminds me of a tractor for an 18-wheeler.
Fit and Finish:
Trucks today, like this GMC, are better assembled than the best cars of just a generation ago. No exception here. Good job GM.
Cost:
Well now, you get what you pay for and you’ll have to pay a bunch for the 4-wheel steering package. Try $5,525.00 if you have to have the latest and greatest in gadgets. I truly did like this feature and if it were less money it would be a no-brainer. Truth is, $5 grand is a lot.
Consumer Recommendation:
Without Quadrasteer and equipped as noted below, the price is about $33,000. If you have the bucks, (about $5,500), 4-wheel steer is cool.
The Competition: * (in order of ranking)
(1) Toyota Tundra $16-31,000, (2) Dodge Ram 1500 $18-34,000, (3t) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $18-39,000, (3t) Ford F-150 $19-37,000, (4) GMC Sierra 1500 $19-44,000.
* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.
Good News:
Crew cab convenience, wide range of features available including the 4-wheel steering package and powerful V8.
Bad News:
Bumpy ride without a load, poor gas mileage.
Standard Equipment:
6.0 liter 300 hp V8 Vortec engine (no options), 4-speed auto trans, 4-wheel antilock long life disc brakes, tinted glass, carpets and mats, 6/40 fold down rear seat, 40/20/40 front bench seat with cloth trim, dual front seat recliners, dual air bags, auto control halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, tilt wheel, 8 bolt wheel hubs, theft deterrent ignition system, trailering wire harness, dual front hooks.
Gas Stats:
14 City and 18 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $33,620.
