Would you buy it again?

im not sure how to do this its my first pole...JJ

1. I love my 1999 or newer GM truck and I would buy another GM truck Without hesitation!

2. After owning a 1999 or newer GM truck I would search other truck makers for better quality, before deciding to buy another GM truck!

3. After suffering through all of the GM truck factory defects of the past 5 years models, I will never again buy another GM truck!

I figured it out now...JJ

bump

Factory recalls and occasional fixit yourself jobs arent a problem with me. As long as the factory fixes known issues that they are responsible for and aslong as it's not every week, I'm fine with that. As for the little jobs that I can do myself, this is the newest vehicle I've worked on. I'm used to 80's and older so any knowledge I can gain by working on my own vehicle I love. There's always the occasional bad apple that has extra bug than the rest, sorry some of you have ended up with those. I'm sure it's unlikely it will happen with the next vehicle also.

my $.02

I just found this forum board about a week ago and have already fixed the sticky throttle, fuel sending unit and gotten alot of good technical info on some mods I'm considering. All thanks to the good info everyone submits.

I'd just like to see the 4x4's sit up high like the ford and dodge...

I'd just like to see the 4x4's sit up high like the ford and dodge...

Ditto.....I'm wanting to raise my 2wd. The bupstops in the front are about 1+/- inch from the lower A-arm and I can see that it's been hitting. I'm thinking of either finding some 3/4 ton springs to put all around or just buying a 2-3 inch suspension lift.

Maybe i should have stipulated a milage level, because i think most people turn there trucks over before the warrenty goes out and when the warrenty goes out thats when you are trully screwed with these trucks. JJ

I'm right at 75K and bought the truck second hand at ~60K in sept'03.

Once GM Puts a Dana 60 back on the front of a 4x4 maybe then will I consider buying another.

hmmm, tough decision. I've got 53k on a 2002 and I'm the first owner with no problems. I too wish they'd go to a solid axle, mostly on the 3/4 and 1 tons. I'd like to have a duramax for my next truck and replacement bumper, but I don't have faith in the IFS for a heavily loaded front end. The IFS likes to eat tires as well as parts it seems. I don't like Ford interiors, and Dodge transmissions(automatics) are known for trouble(had one rebuilt three times in 2 years).
For the 1/2 tons, Chevy has me sold. Planning on keeping my Z71 even after I can afford a Suburban. It's fast(for a 4x4), tows well, drives well, and looks great.
my 2 cents.
Jeb
(need to take a new pic of my truck with the new tires for the gallery)

I am 42 years old and have owned approximatley 30 vehicals over the years all but one being Chev. My 99 Silverado has been a real dissappointment. It rides like a tank, has far to many irritating issues such as tailgate cables, Fuel gauge/pump problems, clunk during shifting, etc........

Would I buy again? Never...... This has left such a sour taste in my mouth. I mean when is it all going to come to a head? These are $50K dollar vehicals here in Canada and having to shake them after the warranty runs out due to poor engineering issues is in my opinion criminal. I will never own another GM product. My next truck will be a new Ford ot Nissan Titan.

The only thing right now besides money that would keep me from getting a new chevy is I really do not like the looks of new chevy trucks. That slanted head light thing and the whole front end for that matter is really stupid looking in my opinion, esspecially on the two wheel drive models. Until they change designs again to something more appealing to me I will continue to drive my '98 and rebuild it if ever needed.

the dealer turned me off on buying a another chevy. I had to call chevys main office to get there dealers insurance and extended warranty removed, even though in the contract it said I could cancel at any time. then I had to sit through a two hour pitch on how I should keep the warranty and insurance, that I told them in the first place I did not want to began with.

after sitting in there office with the sales man sticking that paper work in my hand saying sign it then you can remove it latter if you want. I told him I will have it removed any way I all ready have a insurance company.

they kinda got pissed that I would call there main office and complain.

they keep pulling stunts like that with all the paper work.

one service took me 7 hours to drain the hydraulic clutch, the paper work said that the hole operation took 30 min.
I have other problems but no dealer will loan me a truck for a day. I bought a work truck so I could work, I use it for work. a hatch back that mite runs will not put bread on my table.

since I bought this truck I have bought two toyoda pickups for my trucking co. after i sell this truck its being replaced with a toyoda.

No!!! Had a 2000 Sierra with 12,175 miles on it and extended warranty. Nothing but problems with this truck since day one. Dealership never wanted to fix the problem on the first appointment. Each problem with the truck took at least 3 visits to the dealership to finally get it fixed or after I called the 1-800 GM phone number they would all of a sudden find a fix for the problem. It was in the dealership for at least 20 different problems. I know several people with same year Toyota's that have double the mileage then mine with not one problem. Yeah maybe I got a lemon but I will never buy a GM product again cuz of there lousy service and quality. Luckily I just sold my Sierra two weeks ago....toyota here I come.

NO you didnt buy A lemon!! I have the same exact problems with my chevy. Nothing but problems with this truck from day one and not to mention the service. According to the dealerships these trucks dont have any problems! Best selling truck in the U.S right. I think GM better get A reality check real soon because they are gonna loose alot of customers.I know they just lost me.

Me and my dad have a black v6 00 5 spd silverado he's had it since 99' and there have been minimal problems like a clutch here fuel pump there. so hhhhhmmmmm would me or my dad get another chevy .Go figure Hell Yeah!!!!!




CHEVY FAN 4 LIFE!!!!

My last vehical was a 00' 2WD Blazer, which I was not a big fan of. Mechanicaly it was sound, but it was one big rattle trap. I recently went to the 04 Silverado, Ext Z71 5.3 and have loved it. I would definatly buy one again, only next time I may buy a slightly used one and let someone else take the monetary hit. The price was a little hard to swallow.

bump

2000 5.3 4x4 z-71 tranny gone 100klm rear end toast 65klm, power mirror's ,u-joint's,horn 7 time's??? piss me off,just to mention a few and oh dont forget piston slap.com! like a knock.

forgot to say never again! it'll be ford or daimler diesel cummin's or diesel liberty?

When I was looking to buy a truck I literally traveled all over the state trying to find a good deal on a good truck (my job had me traveling at the time). I was on my second generation of Chevy 4x4 but was willing to give all domestic makes a look. As a matter of fact, I thought that Chevy would be my last choice. It wasn't because I had owned "lemons" but I was looking for something different. I liked the looks and power of the Dodge and frankly the Fords were cheaper then GM or Dodge. I "grudingly" decided to at least test drive a new Chevy and after that my mind was made. My 01 rides nice, has a strong engine with decent mileage, and I seem to get more options for the same price as the competitors. I have had the "typical" GM problems like the hoist for the spare not working when I caught a nail, a faulty fuel sending unit, and the cheesy tailgate straps. There is no excuse for this sloppy craftmenship and I wish GM would spend in little more on quality control.

Incidently, my buddy purchased a Dodge V-10 that I was considering to buy. In addition to the poor mileage he as had to have the front end rebuilt, replace the tempature control buttons and his transmission is acting up.

I will still give the other manufactors a look, but I am really happy with my Chevy and will probably get another one.

(sorry it is so long!)

I forgot to mention that the front driver side speaker is going out. I talked to a car audio tech and he said that it is "typical" of this series of GM pickups. The problem is the doors are not sealed better and water gets close or on the speakers and destroys them. He owns a 2000 with and had the same problem. He recommeds install a "bowl" type device that protects the speaker from water leakage. Has anyone else heard of this problem? I do wish GM would fix this crap when they design it!

I fall in love wth mine alittle more every time I drive it. :smile:

It seems like a lot of what I'm hearing is big complaints about small problems. Yes, I've had to deal with annoying problems (fuel gauge sending unit, valve slap on cold start, leaf spring clank, sticky accelerator) and repairs that shouldn't have to be done on any vehicle (steering gear leak, tail lights on bed quit working, tail shaft seal), but getting the right place (NOT the dealer!) to fix these things before they become problems that disable the truck is what keeps you behind the wheel. I've never seen any vehicle that didn't have some sort of serious problem if it was driven long enough. Even a Lexus will start to blow oil out the tailpipe eventually. Who cares about speakers? OEM stereos SUCK.

The only time I recommend taking a vehicle back to the dealer is for a recall (which both my brothers, my parents, and I have had on EVERY vehicle we've owned since about 1974) or for an electrical problem that someone without access to OEM technical data can't pinpoint.

Personally, I'm pleased as punch I own a vehicle that can go over 60,000 miles on the ORIGINAL tires and 80,000 miles on the ORIGINAL brakes. My five-year-old truck drives GREAT, especially when I'm hauling a couple hundred pounds of dogs, lumber, cinder blocks, etc. Since nothing I've had to pay to repair has cost me more than $300, I'm satisfied.

sorry to bust your bubble guy but i cant call a tranny,rear end,u-joint's,fuel pump small thing all went under 100k and i dont even tow????? many more i guess little thing's crapped out on me too, tell you a little story my old man bought a 1997 merc-mystique new and it has 220k on it the worst thing to go was the cat. was clogged! com-on now i lost hope in chev and wont buy one of these thing's again, BUT i will keep mine since i've changed everything but the motor, so why sell and do this all over again with some other truck. goto pistonslap.com then tell me it's valve slap on a cold start again?

Polls like this one are fun to watch. You have to wonder, how many people will vote for buyibg another GM with out hesitation simply because it's a GM or Chevy.
Chevy has a very loyal following, and in spite of some really poor quality, many loyalists would buy another without even considering anything else.

IMO that's simply foolish. Ford and Dodge make very good trucks, and Ford has out sold Chevy for the last quarter of a century. GM sells more pickups than Ford, but only when you combine Chevy and GMC trucks. Yeah, yeah, I know, they're the same trucks, but still 2 different brands. Ford and Dodge only market trucks under one brand name each. I still haven't figured out why GM preferes to compete with it's self in the light truck market.

There are also two new players in the field, and, no matter what you think of imports, you have to know, if not admit, that both Toyota and Nissan are taking their shares of the segment and then some. I know three people who have recently sold or traded their Ford and Chevies for Full size imports 1 Toyota and 2 Nissans). In regular conversations with them, they all seem to be saying the same thing. I'm paraphrasing here, but they all say until the domestic manufacturers raise they're build quality, performance, and customer service, they will not buy another domestic truck.

Would I consider another Chevy? Sure. In fact, I am. As I stated in another thread, I'm looking to buy 2 new crewcab, long bed, dually, diesels this coming year. It will cost me between $70k and $80K, and I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. In doing my research, I'm finding that all three domestics have something I like about them, and something I don't. I haven't made up my mind yet.

In any case, it would be interesting to know how many of us have had problems with our GM trucks, and still wouldn't consider buying another brand.

Btw, for all of you who think only GM can build a truck that last's, I submit the following information on some of the trucks I've owned in the past:

1976 Dodge B200 Van: Sold it at 286,000+ miles. Major Repairs: Replace Torque converter. New owner rebuilt the engine at 325,000 miles.

1986 Dodge B150 van: Sold at 301,000+ miles. Only repairs EVER: replace starter twice, and water pump twice. When I sold this van, it still had the original carb gaskets and valve cover gaskets on it. I neveropened the engine. I sold it 1 1/2 years ago, and it's still in service with the original engine and drive train, and has nearly 350,000 miles on it.

94 Ford E150 Chateau Club Wagon (van) presently still in service, 224,000 miles, only major repair was to replace the A/C compressor.

Yes, I've had and have a number of GM vehicles to go over 150,000 mile mark, but my point is, the other guys aren't building junk either. For every Ford and Dodge that need major surgury at less than 100,000 miles, there is also a Chevy or a GMC truck that requires the same.

Now, before those of you who think I'm anti-Chevy start whining, consider this; presently I own 5 Chevy or GMC pickups or trucks, and they range from a Silverado LS to a 3500 HD Dually, and they're all less than 5 years old, all registered and insured, and all used daily.


One more thing, Hey Busta, I think I love your Harley, too! :lol:

I'll add my :2cents:

71 Chevy Blazer...this thing was a tank..couldn't do anything to it to destroy this truck..best 4x4 I ever owned
82 S-10...ran this one for 10 years and 150K...wish it had A/C
93 1500...V6,5 speed....wish I had a V8....good truck, had to put valve stem seals in it
96 Sonoma...traded it with 130K....intake leaked (fixed it an no problems) it did develop a water leak on the inside....traded it.
02 Serria..have 78K on it now...tailgate straps rusted (replaced free ...thanks GM) other than that..no problems
Just bought a 99 Suburban for the wife.....intake leaked and reaction shell tore up..fixed both..she is happy...great for trips..comfortable and gets 20 mpg

FROM GREMLIN96 "since I bought this truck I have bought two toyoda pickups for my trucking co. after i sell this truck its being replaced with a toyoda."
SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE AMERICAN :banghead:
Personally, I would not own a chrysler, however I will buy Ford or GM, and even some Hondas that are built right here in our homeland. God Bless the USA.--------------------------Until the communists build everything and we need to compete that is.

SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE AMERICAN :banghead:
Personally, I would not own a chrysler, however I will buy Ford or GM, and even some Hondas that are built right here in our homeland. God Bless the USA.--------------------------Until the communists build everything and we need to compete that is.



:lol2: Spoken like a true American...:lol:

Greetings Frankendart,

I personally test drove 5 Ford F150s and 2 Nissan Titans. Had no plans to even consider a Chevy (never owned them before). And then I "met" the Chevy Limited Appearance Package truck. Love at first sight and contentment in all ways ever since.

3 other people I know (2 neighbors and a co-worker) - all own 2004 Chevy 1500 series Silverados (all theirs are 4x4 ext. cab Z71s with 5.3 liter).

Mine and their 3 - not a single complaint between all 4 of these 2004 owners.

Me - I own an extended cab 2wd with limited appearance package and high performance package (V8 vortec 6000 heavy duty auto transmission 345 hp) axle ratio 3.73, limited slip differential. I get great mileage for a truck (20.5 mpg highway), smooth quiet luxury ride, and wonderful power, performance, and handling. Nissan Titan was nice - but not like this truck. Never would have thought of test driving a Chevy - sure glad I did. (former Ford and foreign owner for last 33 years).

White Lightening

Greetings Frankendart,

... I own an extended cab 2wd with limited appearance package and high performance package (V8 vortec 6000 heavy duty auto transmission 345 hp) axle ratio 3.73, limited slip differential...
... Never would have thought of test driving a Chevy - sure glad I did. (former Ford and foreign owner for last 33 years).

White Lightening
Is it safe to assume that you've owned a Ford Lightning? Maybe a white one?:biggrin:

hey frankendart , thanks for the love of the hog that's one thing i'd buy again! oh and it's for sale too!!!!

Is it safe to assume that you've owned a Ford Lightning? Maybe a white one?:biggrin:

Greetings Frankendart,

No - not a Ford Lightening. I did own a Ford Harley, a Ford Aerostar, a Ford Courier, and a Ford Explorer. I still own a Ford Thunderbird.

The White Lightening name comes from my current new Chevy 1500 extended cab 2wd. It is white in color - and has the high performance package and limited appearance package. Imagine a rear wheel drive version of a 2004 Chevy SS except in White.

I get alot of jokes for getting a Chevy after all the years of Fords and foreign vehicles - but nobody has laughed at the truck yet :-)

I have a ' 99 Silverado shortbed 4x4. Over all I love the truck. I guess my main complaint is the service of the dealer. I have had 5 things go wrong in the 4 short months I have owned it.
1: The fuse box cover was broken, prvious owner tried to put in his own fog lights and broke the tab. no biggie
2: The rear window leaked, The dealer had it fixed cause I was still under the thirty day warenty.
3: The mirror spring that holds it in place broke, butt-head dealer said they wouldn't fix it. That cost me 75 bucks for a after market mirror, but I think the dealer should have fixed it. The car wash manager where I go said they have alot of trouble with those mirrors breaking.
4: The switch for the 4x4 went, I also had to pay for that.
5: now I think I'm going to have to replace the cables for the tailgate.
All this small stuff is enough to piss me off after only 4 months.
I didn't have this much stuff go wrong with my old 84 ford in 15 years. All I ever did to that thing was change the heater blower, and regular main.
This truck rides awesome, has good power, but I will look harder at other options next time. For sure will never get one at the dealer where I got this one.

Rick, there is a recall on those cables, I just had mine replaced for free. The factory cables were made of mild steel, and the new ones are stainless.
It only took about 20 minutes and I was out of there.
Got to the dealer and let him know you need your cables replaced per the recall. I would argue any charges.

White Lightnin...

I'd love to have a truck like that. I know you didn't order it, but how the heck did you get such a truck? Just run across it or something? I want an extended cab 2wd b/c I already have a play toy...check my Sig out.
I dont need 2 4wd's

White Lightnin...

I'd love to have a truck like that. I know you didn't order it, but how the heck did you get such a truck? Just run across it or something? I want an extended cab 2wd b/c I already have a play toy...check my Sig out.
I dont need 2 4wd's

Greetings Jeverett,

Unfortunately trying to buy a truck like mine was a lot of work. The Chevy website doesn't list it - the dealers in many cases claim they don't exist. Customer service at Chevy claims the same. The brochures and Silverado CD don't talk about the options. Here's what I ended up doing.

1. I found out about the existence of the Limited Appearance package. About 1 in every 15 or 1 in 20 Chevy dealerships will have one (20 inch wheels, 20" tires, and high performance suspension). I found one locally and test drove it - and found it superior to other Chevy's trucks, superior to Nissan trucks, Ford trucks etc - in ride quality, handling, smoothness, etc.. These Limited Appearance packages have 5.3 liter engines. Its the suspension that makes the difference (and I love the appearance of the 20" wheels from Chevy).

2. Then I started using the power of the internet in a backwards manner. I went to Chevy's website. My truck is an LS - yet on the website supposedly the only time you can use the configurator to have a Limited Appearance package - you have to choose the LT version first. Anyway - then I went to look at the "Locate this vehicle" area which lists dealers within a radius of your zip code.

3. Then I pulled up each individual dealer listed to look at their inventory - then click on each truck showing over a certain MSRP price - then look at each individual window sticker detail by detail for what I was looking for.

4. I kept doing this until I was searching a 150 mile radius of my city. I found a total of 3 trucks with the Silverado Performance package (6 liter high output motor, 20" wheels/tires, performance suspension, hd transmission) in that 150 mile radius. Its alot of dealerships and alot of window stickers - but it was worthwhile.

5. I ended up finding the one I wanted about 125 miles from my town. It had been in the dealership 6 days and three of the employees were interested in it. I got a good price - great truck - decent mileage and wonderful performance. Best of all - it is what I "learned" that I wanted. Alot of late night hours looking - all well worthwhile.

6. I wanted something unique. I'm not a racer, but I like the handling of a good motorcycle. Would I go thru all the work, time, and visits to distant dealerships to find one again. In a heartbeat. (pun fully intended)

P.S. for those who might wonder why I just didn't buy an SS. Well I test drove a couple - same engine - same transmission - same tires - same suspension - same size wheels (but different). But I found I didn't like the SS all that much. My rear wheel drive is 450 pounds lighter, more efficient because it isn't all wheel drive, and it was about $12,000 less, yet my gas mileage is better, handling is better (because of weight) and maintenance costs will be less. At least that was my reasoning. Plus - I like rwd - even in Wisconsin's winters.

White Lightening

i have had a 2004 silverado with 22's for about six months and i love it ... i haven had any problems with it and i just smoked one of those hemi dodges down the track.. so its not to shabby in the power department

got any pics stang?

I can't imagine anyone that would compare the drivability of the Chevy with any other brand (imports excluded), that would buy anything else.
Most of the dodges that I have driven are about comparible to herding a goat?? And the Ford half tons that I have been around (excluding '05s because I haven't had one of those yet) are little better. Chevys drive the best and get the best fuel mileage of the three brands, hands down.

I know that they have some quality problems to address, and these forums show that, but I also think they are the best domestic trucks on the market.

Hopefully GM will see that they need some tweaking on many of the things that you all are complaining about and get their act together.

The Imports kicked their butt over quality problems in the 70s and 80s, and it could happen again.

my:2cents:

-slacker

I have a 99 silderado 2wd with the 4.3 v6 and a 5 spd Right now it has 155,000kms on it. I am the second owned of this veichle and Have had it for about 6 months now. I get decent gas mileage for a full size truck and I have had no problems at all with it. I have owned 3 chev trucks now and besides this one the other two had more than 400,000 kms on them when I got rid of them. I ll try to rack up that much on this one too which shouldnt take too long for me.

I'd love to find a Performance Package silvy down here. I've shopped around, but the only chevy (Bill Heard) dealer that might could get it acts like a huge rectum if you don't want to finance through them...

I'd love to find a Performance Package silvy down here. I've shopped around, but the only chevy (Bill Heard) dealer that might could get it acts like a huge rectum if you don't want to finance through them...


Greetings Jeverett,

I know from personal experience that both Limited Appearance Package trucks (performance suspension/tires/wheels) and the Silverado Performance Package (same as above plus 6 liter HO engine and hg tranny) are on lots. The ones I found were not neccessarily geographically placed (all the ones I found were in the S.W. corner of WI S.E. corner of MN, and N.W. corner of IA. And they weren't neccessarily in big dealerships either.

Maybe broaden your search just a bit more - my guess is - you could find one - if rwd is your desire (only way they come).

White Lightening

i have owned an 81, 85, 88,93 chevys and with proper maintenance never had a problem with these trucks. both the 88 and 93 had aver 400,000 kilometers on them and still are running today. as for my 2000 chev , it has been nothing short of a piece of junk. with a 150000 kilometers on it there is much left to fix because i have had to replace everything on this truck. GM has built a disposible truck. once these thing are 4 to 5 years old they are going to start costing you lots of money. my next full size will defenately not be a chev.

Hey, I see now that Chevy is offering a 2wd SS for 2005.

Things I find annoying about my '04:

Clunk! I'm going to try the Auto Trac 2. (I understand the 04's should already have a nickel-plated yoke?)

The seat heater switches are too close to the power window switches. Open your window in the summer and get a hot seat - yow!

The seats are just not comfortable no matter how you adjust them. (take a hint from Ford). I think the bottom section is just too short.

No power pedal adjustments (relates to above). How come you can get them on the Avalanche but not the Silverado?

Cheap-looking plastic interior. (Maybe designed by the Pontiac Aztec team)? (Again, take a hint from Ford).

Why does the dome light switch have to activate the front map lights too? Why can't the dome light have a switch that the rear passengers can operate?

Why does't the Bose radio come with a front-mounted Mp3 input?

Why do the rear passenger air vents hardly blow any air?

On the plus side, while I was totally in love with the looks (both exterior and interior) of the Ford, I could feel every in the road on the test drive.

The seats are just not comfortable no matter how you adjust them. (take a hint from Ford). I think the bottom section is just too short.

Have you sat in a late model F-150? it's like sitting on a wooden bench. Very little padding and hardly any contours. Even the dealer said I wouldn't like them. They had an '04 f-150 on the lot that I "test-sat"

Have you sat in a late F-150? it's like sitting on a wooden bench. Very little padding and hardly any contours. Even the dealer said I wouldn't like them. They had an '04 f-150 on the lot that I "test-sat"

I didn't get that sensation. I test drove the F-150 (Z71 equivalent), with nice leather seats. Absolutely gorgeous interior, but felt like a rattle-trap.

My Z71 has leather seats, and the bottom section feels like it could be another few inches longer to support my thighs (and I'm only 5'10").

:disappoin

I didn't get that sensation. I test drove the F-150 (Z71 equivalent), with nice leather seats. Absolutely gorgeous interior, but felt like a rattle-trap.

My Z71 has leather seats, and the bottom section feels like it could be another few inches longer to support my thighs (and I'm only 5'10").

:disappoin

I am also 5'10". I really didn't like anything about the F-150's interior; the dash is flat and plain, and I found the seats uncomfortable. However, with that being said, I think Ford has improved the exterior tremendoulsy. I absolutely hated the last body style (the "aero" design). It's better, but it's still not a Chevy :wink: Like they say, you can't polish a turd.

You Know I Use To Love My Truck Hell I Even Put 40,000 Dollars Into It But Ever Since It Started Giving Me Problems Starting And Fixing All The Factory Defects And Wiring I Dont Think I Will Buy Another Chevy Truck

What the heck did you do to it for $40k?!?!?

Have you sat in a late model F-150? it's like sitting on a wooden bench. Very little padding and hardly any contours. Even the dealer said I wouldn't like them. They had an '04 f-150 on the lot that I "test-sat"

This is a quote from USAToday's James R. Healey:
LT's seats are upholstered with scrumptious, tight leather, perhaps the most attractive visual feature of the whole truck. The flat cushions don't provide much side support, though, and the lumbar adjustment might not suit your back, giving you a serious ache after a short drive. Just like in the F-150.

Someone agrees with me, and, apparently, the Mark LT has the same trouble.

Here's a link to the full article: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2005-04-28-drive-lincoln-lt_x.htm

It's better, but it's still not a Chevy

Is that a good or bad thing?

I don't care for the looks of the old or new F150. However, I think the Super Duty's are really good looking trucks. After keeping my wife's Tahoe only 3 months (after TWO fuel pump failures and a hub/bearing replacement my wife said "get rid of it") I seriously considered buying a Blue Oval. I came ver-r-ry close. Hopefully this HD restores my faith in the General, but so far is off to a rough start with an exhaust leak at the cylinder head.

Once GM Puts a Dana 60 back on the front of a 4x4 maybe then will I consider buying another.

Hell, I'd be happy with a Dana 44 Solid Axle!

I leased a '00 Z71 LT 1\2 ton ex\cab for 3 years and loved it. (midnight blue) You gotta love the looks and the way it rides (on the street)

Actually I wish that I had bought it instead, because when the lease was up I could have turned it back in and bought it back from a dealer $1000 (or more)cheaper than what they wanted from me to own it.

At the time ('03) our family car was a '98 Burb and I ended up buying my wife a new Tahoe and taking over the Burb.

The only thing I didn't like about the Silverado were those damm 4ply Firestones they put on them. I think it should be illeagle to put 4ply's on any 1\2 ton anyway.

After owning a 1999 or newer GM truck, I would not hesitate to buy another GM truck!

for what its worth , this is my story.


I had a 2002 silverado 5.3 Z71 bought it brand new, great truck but after 9000 miles it started slapping. It continued to get worse and at 30,000 miles it was slapping almost constantly. It was diagnoised by 5 diff. dealerships as piston slap, but GM wouldnt do a thing but give me a warranty.
When I first noticed it back at the 9000 mile mark i wasnt to concerned cause it would go away after a few seconds and never realy return through out the day. By the 30,000 mile mark it would slap at any start up and when driving you could hear it on deceleration or engine rev.
No other real problems though.
But since everyone was talking about piston slap and what i found on the web at www.pistonslap.com spooked me , I decided to trade it in on a new 04 Ford F-150.
this truck ended up having a new motor put in it at 3000 miles, not a misprint 3000 miles due to cam phaser problems and main baring failure. Ford bought it back in full. Fords service dept and corporate customer service was first rate for me.
But I couldnt live with a new truck that just had to have a new motor put in it plus there were some other issues.

So I decided on a new less expensive 05 Dodge Ram Hemi.

With my new Dodge I ended up back with piston slap, that started right away at 500 miles and a bunch of other loud tapping, and knocking noises. Took it in and was told by Dodge that all Hemis make noises and have piston slap, and worse then any chevy ive heard, but since it started so soon and was getting louder by the week, I didnt trust the dodge drive train quality. My Dodge had way too many other problems also .

So I am back with a brand new 05 silverado Z71 5.3 aluminum block and so happy to be back with GM. 1500 miles and no sounds and after all ive been through with the other 2 trucks even if it develops piston slap ill try and deal with it, cause in my opinion GM is better then the Ford and Dodge. (Just my opinion from my experiences) .

My neighbors 01 Z71 just turned 98000 miles and has had piston slap since around 15000 miles, is still running strong, and my other friend has 130,000 HARD miles on his 01 with med loud piston slap but still runs great, im pretty convinced it wont kill the motor.

I actualy wish I never got rid of my original 02 Z71 I was just getting used to the piston slap. It would have saved me some money too.

Just my story, hope it makes some of you feel better about your trucks and experiences.

s

I forgot to mention that the front driver side speaker is going out. I talked to a car audio tech and he said that it is "typical" of this series of GM pickups. The problem is the doors are not sealed better and water gets close or on the speakers and destroys them. He owns a 2000 with and had the same problem. He recommeds install a "bowl" type device that protects the speaker from water leakage. Has anyone else heard of this problem? I do wish GM would fix this crap when they design it!


yea i have heard of that as of right now both of my front speakers sont work , started out at the right one and now the left one is going too , too it to the dealer after i got it and they said it needed a new speaker said it was blown but it would still come on and work , when i first had the truck it was in the shop 5 times in the first 3 week i bought it , had to put it in the shop 2 times to get the heater working , the had a bad fule pump/sending unit , tranny was acting up, all the lights are messed up there is so much more but i will leave it at that , my next truck will be a dodge

Just a quick note. In MArch I responded to this thread when it was new. I very much liked my 2004 at that time - and now - some 5 months later - its more than it was before. Would I change anything from what I have now? Yep - I want to alter the torque management - so a Nelson Tune is in my future. Other than that - everything is running top-notch.

ttt

I would most definatly buy another GM truck, I bought my first one in 02, its a 99 Z-71 had 30k miles when I bought it. My only complaint so far has been u-joints being replaced every 30k, but i was told that these trucks are just hard on the joints so oh well i dont mind. I absolutly love my truck it has 79k miles on it now and i have had no problems, truck runs strong tows good and off-roads with the best of them, even without a lift. I have been loyal GM since I started driving in 96, I recently strayed though, I purchased a Dodge Magnum for my wife, the chevy dealership here in Hawaii said they wouldnt honor the GM employee discount(wanted Trailblazer). Dodge had a sale and that what i got (oh well) Next truck will definatly be a Chevy, either a 2500 or a Z-71.