Chevrolet Silverado Trucks | Vans
Chevrolet Silverado Trucks | Vans
[May 27, 2006]
treejohnsun
Model Reviewed:
Silverado 1500 EXT cab 6-1/2 bed
Strength:
Fairly quiet ride otherwise. Great cockpit. Mediocre seat comfort. Good fuel mileage avg 19.5 first two tanks acrossed varied highway and city driving. Good acceleration.
Weakness:
Rain drops onto electric armrest controls even with window open just slightly. These should be on left side of dash as this has been a problem for years. Factory installed fender flares are poorly fitted. Lacks former dual position rear seat folddown/up. Poor design of center consoles and folding arm rest and ashtray. Poor placement of accelerator pedal to tranny hump. Large glove box door to very small compartment. Engine noise. Ride doesn't feel as firm and stable as expected. Exhaust noise is loud, but I think its designed in for people who want to be noticed or feel a representation of power. When I got home from the dealer with this rig and parked next to a high rock wall, I 1st heard what some say is a "piston slap," sound reflected back at me. I have the all aluminum 5.3L V8. It sounds like a muffled bell type sound, definately internal and mechanically defective. It is only on one side of the engine. I took it back the next day and had several dealer people listen to it. The first, a service manager was very arrogant and in complete denial of being able to hear anything. As were all but one technician, who would only tell me he definately heard it when we were alone. Some said the aluminum engine only magnifies normal internal engine sounds. Being a machinists familiar with metal properties, this is plausible, but not an acceptable justification for this noise. Knowing cast iron does not "ring" when rapped with a hammer, while aluminum and steel definately do would support the idea it may not be heard in a cast iron block. Still, I don't believe this sound should be there, definately not. The denial of the dealer people saying they didn't hear it bothered me very much. I've listened to several of these engines in the last few days and have heard this sound in every one, although at different levels, and on different sides of the engine. This would suggest it is probably a piston indeed. My second fillup of fuel, and the fuel gauge will not go all the way to full, only to 7/8's. The crank pully does not run true, oscillating on its face very noticeably, will definatly have a negative affect on the serpentine over time. Suggests poor assembly and/or manufacture and/or quality control procedures. Similar Products Used: Dodge, Chev and Ford pickups large and small. |
[May 26, 2006]
lemonowner
Model Reviewed:
Chevy Silverado 1500, 1/2 ton 4.8 lt, Vortec
Strength:
its pretty to look at! and has a roomy enough interior!
Weakness:
Everything about this truck sucks and GM's take on customer service is basically non-existant! Warranty? Yeah right! Lemon Law? Good luck on the buy back process! The stereo was junk right from the start and the front speakers blew right away! Front wind shield cracked under the sun's rays, and spidered down, it shakes, rattles as you roll along, This truck was a lemon from the get-go! From the suspension,right down to the converters! Pure Crap! Have had 4-sets of tires since purchase, has a definate shimmy in the front end, and Chevy says its nothing. It handles great, the posi-traction is right on,but now the converters are shot, and because their
Similar Products Used: 1992 Chevy Silverado - Transmission failure times 4! Alignment |
[Apr 28, 2006]
Daryl Wiley
Model Reviewed:
SILVERADO extended cab w/v6 engine
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM SPITZER ON FEB. 28,2006 AND RETURNED IT FOR SEVICE ON MARCH 7,2006 CONCERNING A VIBRATION.
|
[Apr 21, 2006]
redbird
Model Reviewed:
silverado ext cab
Strength:
Quality I now have 127,000 miles on it and it runs like when I got it. Breaks, tires and 7500 mile oil changes are all I have put into it. This has been a great truck. My work Expedition at 220,000 miles, also purchased brand new needed $2,500 in drive train work at 100,000 and I have been happy with that one. This one has required even less. The only item that was fixed under warranty was door adjustment from manufacture. No concerns since. Solid truck and I would highly recommend it. Reviews of older trucks may not apply. Experience with 1987 chevy pickup almost turned me off for good, but I would swear by the later models. Gas milage about 16mpg. Similar Products Used: Expedition |
[Apr 18, 2006]
goaliedad
Model Reviewed:
Z-71--1500
Strength:
There mst be something, I just have not found it.
Weakness:
Junk engine
It seems as though the "normal" piston slap in the 5.3 liter will last about 72000 miles, at least that is what happened to me. I am having a different engine installed as I am told this one is trashed with three damaged pistons. Similar Products Used: I'm going back to Japanese made, all you have to do is put gas in them and change the oil. |
[Apr 14, 2006]
RB
Model Reviewed:
Chevy/silverado 1500 4wd
Strength:
tow button. bed notches nice for hauling diffferent things
Weakness:
front end, rear end, transmission, overall ride feel and handling absoulty horrible I bought this truck intially for light towing and light home hauling. While this truck is pretty much bare bones except for tow package and a/c, i'm really disappointed with it. First off the steering clunks especailly going around an on ramp. Like a long californina swooper. (I don't seem to be alone with this problem) Also the rear end clunks when shifting from a start or going up hill. (again not alone on this problem) Chevy needs to own up to these issues. Many people across the board have them. Overall I think the power is decent and I like the tow button. However I would not buy one again. Similar Products Used: never owned a truck |
[Feb 11, 2006]
Mundiku
Model Reviewed:
Silverado 5.3 LS Extended cab
Strength:
Three things really stand out. The 5.3 has Excellent power, and towing ability. The radio is oustanding for a stock system. Speakers are full, and loud, never crack. The extended cab 4 doors are to die for, can easily access the back bench seat (vs the 1999 model with the 3 door).
Weakness:
None. Outstanding truck. I have read 5 or 6 pages of reviews, and I'm really surprised to hear so many complaints. I have been extremely happy with my Silverado, its outstanding in every way. Maybe I'm lucky, but I haven't experienced any of the drivetrain noises, in fact I haven't had any problems at all. I purchased the truck with 36k miles, and now I have 71K. I regularly change the oil, but have never had to have the truck serviced for anything... I am extremely pleased with the truck, its the best vehicle I've owned by far. I fully intend to drive this for the next 15 years, seriously. I used to frequent dealers to just look around (and dream), but I haven't visited one in a year now, I'm just happy and content. Similar Products Used: 1996 Dodge Dakota 1999 Dodge Dakota extended cab (nice truck too, but bad gas mileage, the Silverado V8 gets better gas mileage than the Dodge 6 cylinder.) 1999 GMC Sierra |
[Dec 04, 2005]
newz71
Model Reviewed:
Silverado LT 1500 ext. cab Z-71
Strength:
gutsy engine, beautiful inside and out, seems to handle very nicely, although not even close to how well my 96 handled both om and off-road.
Weakness:
I am scared of the drive train noises and 4-wheel drive racket, especially with just over 11k miles on the vehicle. All else is GREAT. Have had GM 4x4 products my entire life, including a 79 Blazer with small block 400 that lasted over 400k miles for me. I just traded in my wonderful 96 GMC 1500 Z-71 Ext cab (186k miles) 350cu. for a lovely 2002 Chevy Silverado LT 1500 Z-71 Ext cab 4-dr with 5.3 V-8. Gutsy engine and absolutely beautiful vehicle, but when in 4-wheel drive, it sounds and feels life the entire front end is falling apart, with grinding sound that it did not make during test drive. Also, the rear end seems to take a few seconds to catch up to rest of drive train when coming to a slow stop, and pounds hard. This is Dec 2005, and I just got the vehicle last month after shopping for nearly 1 year. This one had only 10,600 miles on it. It is GM certified "used", but has just passed it's initial 3-year warranty period, and I fear serious drive train issues in the future. Can anyone let me in on what I have in store here? THX Similar Products Used: GM and Chevy trucks for over 40 years. |
[Nov 12, 2005]
woofer
Model Reviewed:
Silverado 1500 LS
Strength:
Efficient, powerful and smooth V8; roomy interior, strong chassis and build.
Weakness:
Suspension; interior needs some updating Excellent value - a real truck with some pleasant surprises. I purchased this to replace my large Toyota truck as I needed more space for a growing family. I tested and evaluated Ford, Dodge, Toyota and Nissan. Chevy offered the best value to meet my requirements. The V8 engine achieved the best MPG of the bunch. As my first Chevy product after being satisied with my Toyota trucks, I was unsure of what to expect--turns out that I am pleased. The V8 engine is excellent, and in some ways more advanced than Toyota's engine--and provides better fuel economy. The pushrod V8 is proven & refined with less moving parts than others which is probably why it gets better gas mileage. It also has a chain instead of a timing belt--no big future bill for replacement. The automatic transmission is superb, in fact MUCH better than the transmission in my '02 Honda. It always does the right thing, shifts smoothly, and conserves fuel when I don't push it. If I need more power, I can tap the "tow button" or push on the gas--it shifts smoothly and responsively: seems to know what I want it to do. The truck is very quiet, smooth, and comfortable. No rattles or squeaks--all controls work as expected. The chassis is massive and strong. Unlike some of the Toyotas I've owned, the tailgate and bed are VERY strong. While the interior is relatively spartan (this is a truck, afterall) the interior lags the competition in some aspects. This may or may not be an issue to you. The seat upholstery, fabric, headliner, carpeting are good; I'd opt for a nicer dash with less hard plastic and nicer door panels and hardware. Instrumentation and control layout are very good. Many nice "electronic" features are included. While the ride is generally smooth, the suspension could be improved for better control on rougher roads. Possibly a good set of gas shocks would do the trick. Handling, with little roll, is better than I expected for a large truck, but I'd still opt for quicker, more nimble & responsive steering. One big plus is the availability of accessories for this popular truck--and most are priced much lower than what I found for my Toyotas. A look under the hood reveals a clean layout that should promote easy maintenance. Brakes work well but I think I'd like (may not really need) larger front rotors. I really like the big, strong chrome bumpers instead of plastic panels now on some trucks. Generally, a lot of truck for the money. Similar Products Used: Toyota trucks |
[Jun 26, 2005]
snapcutter
Model Reviewed:
Silverado LS Z71
Strength:
Good on gas. Looks pretty good. Brakes lasted a long time.
Weakness:
Low quality parts. Poor workmanship. Always being told these noises are normal by dealer. ( at least when it was still under warranty) I had always bought GM trucks for the last 28 years and had very little problems, if any with some of them. Until this one. Transmission slips occaisonally at take-off, clunking noises from rear end and the piston slap on start-up. I faithfully serviced this vehicle with synthetic products at all recommended service intervals. First the "Service 4WD" light came on at about 80,000 km, I found out this was a faulty 4WD selector, which they wanted $442.00 to replace. I found a sight on the internet which showed you how to change the switch, so I bought the switch for $121.00 ( probably with at least a 400% mark-up on it) and changed it myself in 7 minutes. I didn't even need any tools. The reason I brought this up is they first had a problem with this switch in 1999, but continued to use the switch up to 2003. This must have be a moneymaker for them at a profit of approximately $350.00 per switch. Next, the gas gauge, $769.00 just for the sending unit and another $500.00 in labour to change it. Now the water just poors in the back window everytime it rains, I don't know how long this has been going on because we normally don't have as much rain as we have had lately. The rear window defogger is now rusty on the metallic strip, i assume this is going to quit next. Upon inspection, I noticed the rear window gasket is all folded under in the area it is leaking. Back to the piston slap, I had talked to someone the other day that had bought a new Z71 and he said the piston slap noise isn't there anymore. Does this mean that they corrected this problem and any vehicles that have this noise are now going to have major problems? I don't want to wait for the other problems to start that I have others have had like the transmission, rear end and motor. After I noticed the back window leaking, I ordered a new Toyota Tundra. I know it won't be as good on gas, but after test driving a used 2001 Tundra with a 100,000 km on it and it felt tighter than the Z71 even when it was new. Hopefully Toyota won't let me down. |