Although an evolved look on previous years, this is a great looking truck. Interior is extremely roomy, front and back. Driver access to interior controls is appreciated. Wonderful 5.3L V8 motor, that can smoke the competition straight out of the factory. The gas milage seems to be getting better as the engine is being broken in. Quiet interior, both in city and on highway. Smooth transmission shifting.

Although the Z71 option is nice, it makes for a very firm ride. The fuel consumption was initially disappointing, but does seem to be getting better. I don't care for anti-lock brakes, but that helps resale value.

I really enjoyed my search for a new vehicle. Although I didn't plan to get a pick-up, much less a full sized one, I'm happy with my final decision.

I'm not partial to any manufacturer, nor am I biased to any model vehicle. I felt that with all the options in my truck, and what I did afterwards to style the look of my truck, has been worth the purchase.

I'll still look towards any opportunity to modify my vehicle to get the most out of it. Because of the larger engine, enhancing the mpg is a priority.

All in all, this is an outstanding vehicle that is fun to drive. With the exception of the Tundra, this statement can not apply to all the other vehicles.

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I test drove all major full sized pick-ups. The Ford F150 was okay, but seating comfort isn't as nice as the Chevy. The F150 also suffered from significantly louder cab noise from the motor. This seemed to quiet down as you picked up speed, but not much. The Dodge Ram 1500 was nowhere as comfortable as the Silverado, and its handling left a lot to be desired. The Toyota Tundra had a real advantage in engine noise, which was whisper quiet, and transmission shifting, which was incredibly smooth. These two reasons made the Tundra more appealing than the Silverado. However, compared to all the over vehicles, the interior room in the Tundra was cramped . Because the Sierra is essentially a Silverado, I didn't bother driving that vehicle.

454 engine with the 411 rear ends give it plenty of power to pull a 32 foot 5th wheel with a loaded 14 ft. boat hooked behind up to 100 mph. (not smart but had to see if it would do it) A pleasure to drive long distances.

Gas milage is 10 mpg hauling the 32 foot fifth wheel and pulling a 14'boat.
I wish the sheet metal was a little stiffer on the box rails, I left two slight dents in them with my knees while neeling on it, however I weigh 225 lb. that would be approx 55 lb per sq. inch per knee. Using the formula youngs modules of elasticity, my guess is that another .020 added to the sheet metal in that area would elimate that problem up to a 300 lb. person.

I love all three of my trucks however I must admit that because I have the old beat up Fords around I keep the Chevy for Pulling the 5 th wheel and hauling the camper, otherwise it stays in the garage with a good coat of wax on it. It's never been back to the shop for anything (knock on wood)I wish I had the option of having the Duramax turbo diesel with the Allison transmission for better fuel economy in 1997 but I can buy a lot gas, even at $2.00 a gal, for the $25,000 plus my Chevy I would have to put out to up grade.

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I also own two 3/4 ton Fords, a 1985 351 with 140,000 miles on it used for plowing snow and normal farm work, and a 1986 6.9 International diesel with 300,000+ miles also used for plowing snow and normal farm work.

The most significant strenght of this vehicle is the drive train. The Duramax Diesel is an excellent piece of engineering. Quiet, economic, and very powerful. The Allison is THE best automatic trans on the market, bar none. It has a true Tow/Haul mode that actually reprograms the trans to hold gears longer and provides grade braking. It actually senses downhill braking and shifts to a lower gear and uses the engine to assist braking...Brilliant! The 4 wheel antilock brakes on this truck are excellent, providing ample stopping power. Interior is well laid out and comfortable. Gas mileage is 17 mpg 50/50 city/hwy, and over 20 mpg on the highway. It rides more like a 1/2 ton truck. The power is unbelievable! I can roast any stock diesel from the "other" two mfgs.

Leather on the LT package has only leather on the driver and passenger seating area, the rest of the interior is vinyl...that is crappy on a 37k truck! That's it so far! Small Firestone tires.

This Chevy is, by far, the best truck I have owned. Although I have not owned it long enough to provide a "long term" test evaluation, so far the truck is everything promised. I would highly recommend anyone who wants a 3/4 ton truck with a damn stout drivetrain!

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99 Ford F250 SuperDuty SuperCab 5.4L V8 Auto
98 Dodge 2500 SLT Cummins Auto

Chevy trucks are the BEST LOOKING bar none, this truck is a 99 Pewter Silverado v6 auto 4x4 regular cab shortbox, a base model with cloth interior and A/C. Ive added a transmission oil cooler, chrome fender trim from the LS model, and a few other accessories. It still has the original General tires which arent too bad, better than the Firestone ATs on the z71s, i cant believe they are still slapping those on vehicles after the recall. This truck has a tight turning radius which helps parking. Its not too bad on gas, 19 mpg. It has decent power, not like the v8 but adequate since i dont tow much. All the controls work well, and the brakes are excellent. I bought it with 16k miles on it and have put around 3k on it now.

The intermediate steering sector was replaced under warranty, it had slop in it. They also put AutoTrac fluid in the transfer case, which is just a heavier synthetic fluid. The heat shields rattle at certain rpm. There is a squeak that comes and goes in the dash. Oil spills all over the crossmember when you drain the oil, GM should have better placement of the drain. The passenger side seat should have a recline function!!!! Why not GM??? You chintzy weeners!!!!

I would recommend a Chevy as long as you dont pay too much. The 30k some people are paying for Z71s is ridiculous, these trucks arent worth that much. My boss turned in a 99 z71 with 65k on it and it was a rattlebox of squeaks, it just felt worn out. The z71 package rides way too hard, your better off with the regular suspension package unless you constantly off road it. These Chevys are ok, but not better than a Toyota Tundra for fit finish and ride quality, thats just a fact. But i couldnt afford a 22k 2wd Tundra, so its a compromise. If you take care of Chevys and dont pound them they will hold up ok in my experience. And the v6 is underrated for performance, it will do fine unless you haul big loads regularly.

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This truck replaced a 94 Nissan XE xtra cab 2wd 4cyl which is still in the family and running strong with 140k on it. The Nissan is still squeak and rattle free, i doubt the Chevy will hold up as well considering it already has some rattles.

Good looking truck,The 5.3 has plenty of power,Excellent air-conditioning and heating.Stereo system not to bad for stock equipment. The cab has the most room of any truck.

Replaced both window regulators after originals came apart inside the doors,Replaced the throttle body after the throttle started sticking in the up postion.Wind noise from the rear quarter windows,and had to re-glue the headliner just above the right door.Reprogram the transmission due to sloppy shifts

My overall experience with the truck has been good,but for the amount of money it cost the integrity of the cab concerning the wind noise should have been much better. I ordered the truck from the factory with all the options and colors I wanted in August 98 and took deivery in December 98.It was worth the wait!I would recommend a Chevy over the others anytime.

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Toyota Tundra,Ford F-150,Dodge Ram .The Chevy by far is the best truck due to the choice of engines and available factory options.However it is not for people who are looking for a luxury car ride,Remember it's a truck

Powerful (5300 with 285 hp), fast, comfortable, versatile, roomy, looks great, well built, quiet, good features, good resale values. Whipped the Ford & Dodge in all categories. Especially like the 4-wheel discs with weight/proportioning valve and the auto 4WD select.

Not enough time in the day to drive it.

Can't say enough good stuff about this rig. Not a single complaint. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Nothing. Zero. Thinking of getting one for my wife, also.

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F-150, Ram

Smooth ride; powerful 5.7L V8; decent gas mileage; very roomy and comfortable; sharp looking truck.

Transmission
Power Steering
Fuel System

Sharp truck with a solid feel. However, I have begun to notice problems (with only 37,000 miles). Had to have transmission pan gasket replaced because fluid was leaking. Old gasket had failed in two places. Power steering seems a little jumpy at times, but I haven't noticed any leaks, etc. Fuel pump has recently started making a "whining" noise. Will probably replace soon to avoid being stranded if it decides to let go.

Initially the truck seemed sturdy, solid, and reliable. Recent problems have made me question the future performance and longevity of the vehicle.

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none

5.7 v8 is POWERFUL!!! tows easy. accelloration is unbelievable! "neck snapping" handles wonderful in any conditions. 4x4 is pissa. off roads easy but very very touchy suspension. cd player and sound is great. exta power outlets good. awesome style. chicks dig it

starter went within first year. all four tires blew way before said by themselves. water pump recently blew.

This is my 4th chevy truck and this one takes the cake. its a light green step side z71 off road 4x4 and does everything plus some. it has the same engine as the vette and is governed at 100 mph probably because of tipping hazard at high speed. but this engine is POWER! unbelievably responsive handling. this truck rides easy with a heavy load and a 4 sled trailor. handels awesome in rain, snow, and perfect with good conditions. the accelorator is a little touchy, its very easy to spin the tires. that could be adjusted. other than that this truck is all around fantastic.

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dodge ram, f-250

I looks pretty good

This thing is so weak compared to the Ford Super duty! Ive got a new transmission already after 10000 miles! Not very good offroad. Rides rough, may be tires.

My experience with the silverado was very bad... A lot of people I know always told me chevy was the best so I tried it and... I hate it! Dont buy this truck.

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Ford F-250- this truck will haul some ass! Strongest truck there is.

Smooth Ride, Mean Style, Powerful, comfortable extended cab, good gas mileage for a large truck, standard equipment is excellent. Air conditioning is excellent, Not bad heat in the winter for a Chevy.

Light under hood rarely works, dash guages (fuel, speedometer, ect.) sometimes is not activated, ABS Module Problems!!! ABS motor stays on- you must pull fuze- expensive to replace- ABS internal short circuit, sluggish start when not warmed up

Overall, this truck is excellent, but it needs to be perfected. Light rusting noticed on doors and bumbers, dashboard paint chips away easily. The biggest disaster is the ABS Module failing. Besides these minor but expensive repairs, the truck is second to none. It is just ashame that you have to pay so much money and the truck still has problems.

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Obviously more classy than Ford.
More reliable and better resale than Dodge.