1997 Chevrolet Silverado k1500 5.7L from North America

Summary:

I consider this vehicle not up to par with others I have owned in the past

Faults:

Power steering pressure hose ruptured at 72000 miles.

Water pump failed at 74000 miles.

Abnormal steering control at approx 35 MPH causing left jerk of the steering. Noticed just after purchase.

Windshield wiper controller failure at 70000 miles.

Coolant leak into engine oil and external of engine due to failed intake gasket at 88000 miles.

Severe engine knock for about 2-3 minutes after staring in temperatures below 30F noticed at 85000 miles.

General Comments:

Most comfortable pickup I have owned, but I will not purchase another of this manufacture. There are service bulletins yet no recalls on most of these problems. Dealership will do the repairs, but the costs exceed that of many independent repair shops.

Repair costs have almost exceeded the purchase price of the vehicle. I have another truck with 300K miles that I have yet had a major repair other than a leaking fuel injector.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th June, 2006

7th Sep 2007, 16:11

There is a Silverado Z71 in the family that has 135000km on it, (roughly 85000 miles). It was babied until the last 20k, and has made a few offroad runs since then, but nothing to warranty the parts that keep breaking. The front end is being rebuilt as we speak, axleshafts are being replaced for the second time, bearings are being replaced as well. In the last several months the truck has had almost 6000 dollars in repairs, while my truck has had none.

I use my 1/2 ton to pull a trailer and occasional high speed offroad use. I bought it with water in the front diff, and we just swapped the fluids, no major issues with the differential, it's just in need of bearings. This is a Ford I have, what ever happened to GMC being far and wide higher in the quality department? The GMC is being replaced with a Dodge ASAP.

6th Jun 2009, 22:24

I own a 1997 Chevrolet z71, best truck on the road. This truck looks sharp and runs great.

1997 Chevrolet Silverado Full Size Extended Cab Short B 4.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

Solid truck would recomend it to anyone

Faults:

Fuel sending unit goes bad a lot. Approximately 50-80,000 miles to one unit.

Seat wore out and broke at 120,000 miles, and again at 250,000 miles.

Head gasket gone out at 280,000 miles.

Engine finally spun a rod at 315,000 miles.

Transmission (4L60E) went out at 180,000 miles, and 230,000 miles.

Pushbutton 4 wheel drive vacuum lines wore and went at all different times, starting at 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

Truck got 22-24 mpg on highway. Pretty impressive for a full sized 4 wheel drive truck. The most I ever had to do is pump gas and change oil. Always had enough power to do anything I needed. From hauling horses (2) to a boat 18' aluminum. Also did well off road also. I have a cabin in upper Michigan on back roads, and never had to fear getting in or out or around in any weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2006

1997 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 350 from North America

Summary:

Overall it's been a good vehicle and I intend to buy another Chevy in the future

Faults:

Rear differential went out at 135000, that was $500, and the replacement differential went out at 150000 (but was still under warranty).

The motor blew at 175000. I put in a 4 bolt main bored .030 over, that was $1650.

I've done the brakes all around.

It had a new fuel pump when I bought it.

I have had absolutely no transmission problems. I don't know the history on it, but it shifts beautifully.

General Comments:

It handles & rides really nice for the miles that are on it.

It has a lot of power, even the old motor before it blew up could throw you back in your seat. I did purchase a power programmer for it and that helped a lot. I have a lead foot so I like the power. When the motor blew, the tach was at about 5800 RPMs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2006