2004 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 5.3

Summary:

I wish it had better gas mileage, but I'm glad I got her

Faults:

O2 sensor @ 65000 miles.

Leaking transmission cooler lines due to corrosion @ 80000 miles.

Water pump @ 105000 miles.

4WD module grounds corroded @ 105000 miles.

Highest setting on blower motor went out.

Driver door power window motor is going now.

Rear fender wells are starting to corrode out.

Tranny is starting to slip, not much, but I'm starting to notice it.

General Comments:

She is not perfect, but I've been happy with her most of the time.

You will spend money on her if you keep her for the long haul.

My favorite option is the auto 4WD that GM removed from the later models.

I change my oil only when it tells me to, and I haven't put in 1 quart of oil in her yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th October, 2011

11th Jan 2012, 07:04

Auto 4wd (Autotrac) is still an option on these trucks.

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 5.9L

Summary:

Not good

Faults:

Right and left back exhaust manifold bolts sheared off. Cast iron manifolds bolted into aluminum heads. Nightmare with an inspection coming up, so I sold the vehicle.

The seats are very uncomfortable, no lumbar support.

This had a crew cab and 8' utility body, so it drove like a big truck, which was fine. Got about 10 MPG.

Check engine light went on, 4 and 5 fan/blower speeds stopped working on the dash.

General Comments:

Plenty of power, but do not get stuck with a high mile model, and look for broken manifold bolts before buying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th December, 2010

2004 Chevrolet Silverado LS Z71 Crew Cab 5.3L V8

Summary:

Great truck. Excellent, reliable and tough. Seems to be a good year for the model!

General Comments:

I bought the vehicle at 145,000 km. Now a year later am at 166,000 km, and have only changed the oil a couple of times, no problems as of yet (knock on wood).

Very spacious interior, 6-CD changer, BOSE sound system (all came stock) and an all around great truck. 4X4 Works great, and I really have no complaints whatsoever at this point.

We'll see what the future brings, but thus far, I LOVE IT.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2010

2004 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 5.3

Summary:

Amazing performer and value, excellent gas mileage. What else is there?

Faults:

Alternator died out twice in a month randomly. Since then I haven't experienced any issues, it's been an extremely solid truck.

General Comments:

I was never a Chevy truck guy growing up, I despised Ford and I was all about Dodge trucks. My first vehicle was a Dodge Ram 1500, which was a pretty fun truck. This Silverado is a whole 'nother animal.

This truck is a beast, it looks great, it stands great and it rides great.

I looked at a 2004 F-150 the newer body style, and loved the interior looks, but the gas mileage is terrible in their trucks.

I looked at the 2002+ Dodge Rams, but the interior looked too bland and the ride quality was really only subpar for the 1500 models, and I have no need for the 3500, so I looked into a Chevy.

Lo and behold, on craigslist, the deal of my life. A guy needed money for his business fast, so offering up his truck for $8000 to the first guy that could come out and offer cash. I took that deal in a heartbeat, and it's been one of the best investments I've made!

The ride quality is outstanding for a truck, the gas mileage is wonderful as I'm averaging 20 on the highway in 2WD and about 16 overall for city/highway, and I live in a very hilly area.

The options this truck gives are awesome. I don't really know what package my truck really is, but it has everything except moonroof. Bose, 6 disc CD changer, heated leather seats, digital climate control, towing package, Onstar, auto dimming and folding mirrors, all the steering wheel controls. It's got everything that my old 1999 Cadillac Seville had.

I'm also quite impressed with its reliability. I know not everyone experiences the same thing, so I hate giving reliability ratings on vehicles, but this has performed perfectly. It's never left me stranded, it always effortlessly starts up; even in -30 degree weather. Besides the minor alternator problem, which happened about right when I got the truck, the only things I have had to do were routine maintenance the last 50,000 miles.

I'm very happy with my truck, I love it to death and I will give the review a smiley face, but I'm not happy with the new Silverados that are out.. they are kind of fugly to me, so I'm pretty sure my next truck with be a 2010 or 2011 Dodge Ram when I trade this bad boy in. We shall see! I'm reluctant to give up such a nice truck, but it's getting to about that time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2010