1997 GMC Sierra Z-71 review from North America
"A good truck for around town.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
For the less than one year I have owned the truck I have had many issues with it.
The rebuilt transmission blew apart cracking the case and striping the gears. The prior rebuild looked to be of good quality... However, it just blew up one day going down the interstate.
The front drive shaft needed to be replaced due to a bad sliding joint.
The rear end blew up, this was due to the bolt shearing off the pin in the differential.
And the ignition switch went bad.
Also, the service engine soon light will come on even after all the codes have been checked and properly serviced...
The front suspension eats ball joints. I think that this may be in part due to the 4x4 nature of the truck.
Gas mileage is down the tube. Nothing that I have tried even gives me a mile per gallon back! I get about 10-13 no matter what kind of driving I do. Hard towing around town or cruising down the interstate.
General comments?
Even though I have had many costly problem with this truck, I am still overall happy with it.
I do however warn to not drive a higher mileage truck over the road, but use it for around town. You never know when something is going to break!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.7/ 350ci Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 135000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 160000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Firebird |
| Date of Entry | 3rd May, 2005 |