2001 Chevrolet Silverado LS 5.3 from North America

Summary:

Plastic on a truck sucks the big one

Faults:

I really liked my Chevy Silverado pickup until I was hit from behind. I had a minor collision, although my truck was badly damaged. I have a silverado sport-side, or step side as they might be called. The quarter panels on the pickup box are made from cheap plastic and cracked. It will cost me over $1,400.00 to replace this plastic rear fender well or quarter panel. I did not know that this was plastic, I thought trucks were made from hard metal. This really ticked me off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2003

28th May 2003, 12:29

The bed sides are made from plastic so they don't rust off the truck in a year. you are much better off with plastic then steel.

3rd Jun 2003, 18:32

You've owned the truck for two years and now just realize the rear quarters are plastic?

20th Jun 2003, 17:22

I agree with you on the plastic. I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado and believe it or not a rabbit jumped in front of my truck. It was cold in December and it cracked the entire front grille. To replace this cheap plastic grille is $386.00. In my opinion, a grille should be made out of something more durable than plastic. After all, it is supposed to protect your radiator.

2001 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 4.3 from North America

Summary:

I have high hopes

Faults:

1. My regular maintenance mechanic said the front pump seal on the transmission is leaking (12K miles). Fluid level was still good.

2. At around 45 mph (since new) there is a low level hum and vibration, a growling noise when trying to get up hills at 40 mph range, and also noise on acceleration

3. When stopping after travel when engaging the brake, the truck still pushes (even sitting for a long stop) until I release the brake and reengage the brake. The transmission slips when in first or reverse; I don't notice it always.

4. The radio does not turn on sometimes, tapes are burning hot. I don't have the time to address this until it stops functioning altogether at this point.

* I brought it back to the dealership I purchased at with about 150 miles on it, and the tech (?) told me to go on the highway and go 70 mph - it is probably the tires from sitting. I said the motor is not broken in, he said it does not matter. I did not take his advice, I went by the manual for the break in of the motor, as I felt his suggestion was bad. After driving about 800 miles, I had my first opportunity to get under the truck. I greased the front end - it took well over 5 pumps each before I heard the snap. I am not impressed with that dealership.

General Comments:

I am going to another dealership today to address the leak issue -- will keep you posted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th March, 2003

13th Dec 2003, 11:08

Sounds like you have air in your system or the master cylinder is leaking by on the first application of your brake which indicates you need a new master cylinder. Also check the vacuum assist.

What mileage do you get?

3rd Jan 2004, 07:18

2001 Silverado 1500 w 4.3L. Thoroughly disgusted! I have owned several autos and trucks. I was the owner of a medical courier company for 12 years and used Mazda B2300's, Geo Metros, Dodge Minivans, Ford Tempos, you name it. I have never been as disappointed with a vehicle in my life.

To start with:

-The Parking Brake is severely inadequate.

-The gas gauge works when it wants to.

-I had to replace the transmission at 100,000 ($2500).

-Fuel pump at 123,000. ($700 part & labor)

-Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly ($400 part & labor).

Chevrolet didn't stand behind their product and neither did the junk ass dealership that sold it. I realize that my vehicles travel very high miles. That is no excuse. I maintain my vehicles better than the dealer, and their junk yard dog wrenches. That's why my Geo fleet averaged 225,000 miles per with no major repairs.

Just before the fuel pump went out, I was thinking in my head that the engine had been pretty reliable, which it had. And a fuel pump is no great deal, but $375 for the part alone? PUUUHHHLLLEEEEZZEEE!