1997 Chevrolet C1500 5.7 V8 Vortec

Faults:

Thought my 1997 Chevy Silverado would be the vehicle I would own for a while, but I was wrong.

The intake gasket is gone, radiator is horrible, and the master cylinder and brake booster went out.

Really wanna buy a newer truck, but I guess fixing it will help.

I tow almost everyday, and never have had a transmission problem like what I been reading. Really it's just engine troubles.

Reliable? Maybe. Dependable. Maybe. But always fixing it is a pain.

Looking at a new/used GMC Sierra. The truck only has 135,500 miles on it.

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

Review Date: 9th December, 2010

9th Jul 2013, 15:39

I HAVE to comment. Clearly, since you bought the truck in 2008 or 2010, whichever, and it's a 1997 model, the problems are caused by the previous owner's negligence and abuse.

Its unfair to you and to the truck that that has happened.

I hope that you can trust another one some day to purchase, because the 97 CK1500, IF TAKEN CARE OF, are the most dependable, longest lasting trucks ever made.

Hope yours has stopped giving you problems after you fixed it.

I seriously LOVE mine. 1997-2013, and still running strong. I have just always maintained it and treat it with respect.

In reply to 9th Jul 2013, 15:39

29th Aug 2015, 17:02

I had a 95 Chevy. The trans went out, brake booster went out, master cylinder went out, radiator leaked.

Got a 97 Chevy 1500, also had a bad trans, bad brake booster too.

Now looking for a Ford truck.

In reply to 29th Aug 2015, 17:02

31st Aug 2015, 08:38

Had the first master cylinder replaced at 187000 miles on our 2003 Silverado. Of course I don't tow everyday like this one. I would imagine towing might affect the braking system vs another vehicle that only has to stop its own weight

1997 Chevrolet C1500 Silverado 305 5L V8

Summary:

Amazing truck for just about everything

Faults:

Intake gasket blew at 75,000 and 194,000 miles.

Drivers seat has broken down.

Occasionally a headlight or tail light goes out.

Replacement distributor caps keep burning up.

Valves on AC leaked Freon out.

Drivers door handle broke 3 times.

Windshield wipers only work on high.

Transmission shifts rough after roughly 30 minutes of driving.

Front suspension parts are getting worn and need to be greased at every oil change.

Fake chrome on the grill is beginning to peel.

General Comments:

My grandpa bought the truck new in 1997. He used it for everything. My dad got it in 2004 with 70,000 miles on it. I learned to drive in it, and now I drive it to school everyday.

It does everything a 16 year old could want. I can carry 5 other people (extended cab) and I've hauled many people and instruments in the bed.

It gets 17-18 MPG highway, but I don't know about city (live in the country). It has plenty of power, but seems choked with original single exhaust.

It has never let me down (always had the problems when my dad drove it). I would take it almost anywhere. It does OK in the snow, with enough wood in the bed.

It still drives and handles fine. It drives like a car, and rides fairly well. It stops like it should. I don't drive it like a sports car, so I don't know how well it does when pushed to the limit. Some of my friends have been been scared to drive it due to its size, but I guess I'm just used to it.

I don't drive it hard and keep it immaculate. The green paint and bumpers shine very nice in the sun. The interior has held up very well and the gray cloth cleans up nice.

Overall this truck has been well taken care of, and wants to keep going. I would keep this truck forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2010

13th Jul 2010, 19:37

Original poster: I forgot to mention that my dad did replace the alternator, 2 fuel pumps, and 2 power steering pumps.

10th Jul 2012, 06:43

Original Poster: The truck now has a little over 230,000 miles. It still runs great and is now giving me close to 20 miles to the gallon (more highway driving).

The interior passenger door handle had to be replaced recently.

At about 225,000 miles, the drain on the original radiator broke, but didn't leave me stranded.

The A/C still needs to be charged every summer.

Overall, the truck has been extremely reliable, and will continue to be with regular maintenance.