2008 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L from North America

Summary:

Too expensive to maintain.

Faults:

One broken leaf spring on each side.

Exterior paint flaking off.

Check engine light for emissions (twice).

Bad CV joint.

Rear brakes already needed replacing, plus drums.

Front wheel bearing.

Upholstery worn through on driver's seat, exposing foam.

General Comments:

After only 5 years, have spent $1500 on maintenance in just the last 3 months. And that total does include all dysfunctional items.

The engine is the style that automatically shuts down cylinders when not needed - but this feature provided zero fuel economy improvement compared to the 2004 model I owned.

The design of the 2-door cab leaves too-big blind spots as the driver looks over either shoulder.

The power train gearing is adequate.

I would prefer it if power lumbar support was still available in both seats with cloth upholstery and split bench.

The ride is good.

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

Review Date: 24th November, 2013

11th Jul 2014, 23:37

For almost 100k miles, that doesn't look like too many problems. The check engine light is the most usual issue among most car brands today; some have it since almost new, and most times it's emissions system related. Brakes are maintenance items and it's normal to have them replaced with such miles. A CV joint, front springs and a wheel bearing are not wear items on a 100k miles car, but are still not that much trouble.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado LT 5.3 from North America

Summary:

Best vehicle I have ever owned

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I have owned many Fords in the past, and this truck hands down is the best I have ever owned. It's great on gas, very comfortable riding, has a tight feel to it, and absolutely no problems to date.

This is my first GM vehicle that I have bought in years, and am very impressed with its performance so far. What made me look at GM is the positive experience with other GM trucks that I drive at work. It seems the only time someone makes a review on a vehicle is after a bad experience; I thought I would make the time to report on how happy I am with this truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2010

2008 Chevrolet Silverado LT 5.3 from North America

Summary:

One big, heaping pile of rattling crap

Faults:

Idles rough.

Transmission not downshifting.

Grinding noise when turning.

Tons of electrical failures.

More interior rattles than I can count.

Fuel gauge had to be replaced.

Cruise control stopped working, have yet to have it looked at.

General Comments:

When I purchased this truck, I was quite impressed with it. It was quite, smooth, and seemed solid. Obviously, that ended quickly...

Since the truck had 5000 miles on it, it has idled extremely rough, of course, the dealer cannot duplicate. I have had numerous transmission issues with this truck also. Coming to a stop, and it just doesn't shift down, kind of sputters for a few seconds, and then shifts. Naturally, the dealer cannot find it. I actually had it to a few different dealers, any of which have any luck.

If I had a dime for each of the electrical problems with this truck has had, I would be a rich man. All gauges at one point have stopped working, the gas gauge has completely stopped working twice, which is nice...

I also cannot believe how many rattles this truck has. I'm not expecting complete luxury from a truck, but this is ridiculous.

I have always driven Dodge trucks and have really enjoyed them, and have had very minimal problems with them, even with high mileage. So, for me to switch, was tough to do, but I was willing to give this truck a chance, especially after I was so impressed after the test drive. However, I just recently drove both the new Ram and F150, both of them are light years above the Silverado, (Sorry, I still don't have a reason to switch to Toyota when both Dodge and Ford make fantastic trucks) and if I remember correctly, the Silverado was either the 2007 or 08 Truck of the Year?

Perhaps I was expecting too much. I know that GM can build some solid automobiles, The new Malibu and CTS are perfect examples, but this truck is mediocre and best. It's going to be a while before I buy another GM product to say the least...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th November, 2009

2nd Dec 2009, 20:45

GM is notorious for using cheap materials and poor fit and finish. I drive GM vehicles at work and have not been impressed by the quality. The Silverando at work, an 09, does ride nice though.

4th Dec 2009, 13:48

I agree with most of this review. I have a 2008 Silverado as well and I hate it. I swear to God, it feels more cheaply made every mile I drive it. Not to mention, I have had several different transmission issues with mine, and I do not drive it hard or even tow anything for that matter. This is my second Silverado, and I'm sad to say I will not be buying another. My last one was a 98 that was, for the most part, pretty reliable. Cannot say the same for this one. The wife and I really like the new Ford, and we will probably drive the new Dodge this weekend. I really feel bad for the people that paid $30k+ for a new one of these, at least I got mine cheap with only 6k miles on it. Good luck to other owners!

23rd May 2010, 13:08

I purchased a 09 Silverado Z71 LTZ built in the Indiana plant. The paint chips easily, poor quality (fit and finish) and tons of orange peel. The sheet metal imperfections are numerous, most notably on the front fenders above the front wheel wells, and the rear bed sides are just as bad. The sheet metal is so thin there is nothing anyone can do to straighten, except purchase new body panels that will be just as wavy.

The new Tahoes, Yukons and Avalanches seem fine. If GM would have stuck with that body style rather than trying to copy the Japanese, they wouldn't have some of these issues, and of course use the correct gauge metal.

I have 600 miles on mine, and it's been to the shop once to review the flaws in the sheet metal. It also has a bad vibration about 65-70 mph that GM's first attempt failed to repair.

The rattles are numerous, etc. I plan on asking the GM Regional manager for a refund! I've owned GM products back to the 60's and have been GM fan; now I'm looking at Fords.

What a shame! I would have to discourage anyone from buying Chevrolet or GMC products until these sheet metal issues are resolved.

Sticker price on this truck was $41,000; with discounts and rebates and my GM points, I had $28,000 invested, what a waste.

Good luck.