03 Trucks

[JLeosnow]

Does anyone know when the 03 trucks will be available for ordering and when we will know what 'options' will be offered?  I guess what I am wondering is when we will start to see them on the road.  Also, I'm curious when Chevrolet will have the option on thier web-site in the "build your own" category for the 03's?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[TxDoc]

http://www.wheels.com/reference/referenceFrame.htm

shows the build dates.

[SnakeEyeSS]

Why are they discontinuing the 3500HD?

[TxDoc]

I think that is simply a parsing of words.  Since the new body style, i.e. new hood, lights, grill, are coming out, they are apparently going with the simplistic 2500, 3500 and you chose a 6.0 or 8.1 gasser or Duramax.  That is the info I have been given.

[GREGGO]

Maybe this has been asked already somewhere, but will the Full size SUV's (Tahoe etc...) be changing along with the trucks or will they follow next year for 2004 ?

[hsum]

you can order a 2003 now.  the option list is available, the only thing missing is pricing.    prices should be out in a few weeks.  i ordered mine last friday.

[sk]

Why are they discontinuing the 3500HD?

The 3500HD (which was the C/K body style in 2002 and should not be confused with the 3500 which was the new body style in 2002) has been replaced by the 4500 (which is the new medium-duty body style). So basically the 3500HD gets replaced by the 4500 in 2003.

 

Confusing isn't it?  Basically the entire GM offering for 2003 goes something like this:

 

- 1500

- 1500HD

- 2500 (see below)

- 2500HD (see below)

- 3500

- 4500

- 5500

- 6500

- 7500

- 8500

 

The 1500HD comes in Crew Cab form only, and the 4500 to 8500 models will not be offered in Crew Cab trim until later in the year.  Also, the 1500 up to the 3500 will have the "Avalanche-ish" look and the 4500 to 8500 have the medium-duty look (cab similar to the G vans).  The only point I am not sure about is whether the 2500 will still be offered in both a "light-duty" and a "heavy-duty" version.  If only one version is offered (presumably the heavy-duty one) I would expect GM to drop the "HD" from behind it and just call it a "2500" as TxDoc said.

 

Personally I wish all manufacturers would drop the "HD/SuperDuty/whatever" from the title and just give the trucks model numbers.  When I go shopping for a pickup I don't shop for a "1/2", "3/4", or "1" ton truck -- I look at the GVWR and tow ratings for the trucks and then price the model that fits my needs.  All the other words and letters in the titles just make it more confusing .....

 

 

Scott

[TxDoc]

And, to answer your first question, you can order a 2003 now. Call your dealer and see about the truck you want to order.