Faults:

Random dash lights go on and off and have no relevance to the actual condition of the car.

Radio does not hold presets.

Reverse lights only come on when you hold the shift lever up.

General Comments:

We bought this car from the power company in 2002 and it was a special order truck. Bare-bones inside (AM radio only, no AC or power windows), but a beefy power-plant with the 4.3 L Vortec V6 and a limited-slip differential.

This truck is an amazing vehicle if you just need a good truck to haul stuff around in. It's not designed for comfort, nor is it designed for fuel economy (I get 15-17 mpg), but it hauls tail down the highway (I have eaten 6 cylinder Mustangs alive with it) and takes a 950 lb. load of mulch like its nothing.

With the few electronics that this truck has, they are shabby. lights flicker, radio doesn't hold a preset, and the E-brake release doesn't work. Mechanically, however, this truck has no issues and it is a cinch to work on.

I have had it about 13,000 miles and have only dumped oil in it and changed the spark plugs. A very reliable workhorse. When I purchase my next Volvo, this truck is staying around to help tackle the next project, big or small, that I have.

Faults:

Had a hose come loose for air conditioner but was an easy fix, had to replace starter in 2003, radio display stayed on and drained battery, had to replace radio.

General Comments:

This has been a good choice in vehicle. I need a truck, but drive nearly 100 miles per day, and at one time, was driving 120 miles per day. Good combination of utility, comfort, economy, however, I am consistently getting 20 mpg on highway, but feel it could be a little better. It has the 4.3 6 cylinder with automatic and a camper shell. Extended cab has jump seats, great for small kids, but as my boys have gotten older, not as good. Bed is a little narrow to put lawn mower in, have to tow trailer for lawnmower instead. Have had less mechanical problems with this vehicle than most other GM products I've had.

Faults:

Transmission has been the only mentionable problem with this vehicle. I'm the only owner and I bought it new and have had the transmission out of it twice. It's a manual, but has been a freeway vehicle. It was back in the first year for transmission work and was never the same again.

The window cranks brake also, they are pot metal and brake on a bi-annual basis.

General Comments:

Solid truck that has been worked a good deal. We use it for are business and it has had some miles with a trailer behind it and on occasion it has been overloaded a good amount.

Good power, and good handling. I have had it a long time and can't seem to part with her.

A great truck for light duty work, and a reliable well built vehicle. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

Faults:

Front shocks had to be replaced shortly after it was bought.

Battery needed replacing when bought.

Donut gasket/Spring and Bolt kits had to be replaced this past summer.

Front passenger side speaker cuts in and out.

General Comments:

This truck has been very reliable, and efficient.

Mechanical problems have been minimal.

The 4.3 has lots of power for almost any job required for a truck this size, although it does like it's fuel.

All in all, a job well done by GM.

Faults:

The Brakes have been my worst problem. I have had to replace them approximately every 40K. The pedal has continuously been spongy.

At 60K I had to replace serpentine belt.

At 85K I had to replace the Alternator.

At 120K I had to replace water pump.

At 125K I had to replace the serpentine belt.

At 130K the multi-position switch in steering column started failing intermittently. The turn signal stopped automatically turning off around the same time. The windshield wipers are also connected via this switch, thus they fail intermittently.

At 135K the right side view mirror control motor or associated circuitry failed.

General Comments:

I have changed oil every 3K or 3 months.

At 100K I had the engine bilstien flushed. Made a world of difference in power.

The interior has held up very well.

The ride is very comfortable for a small truck. I have made several 15 to 25 hour trips in it.

At 140K I wouldn't hesitate driving this vehicle on a 10 hour trip. I make 4 to 5 hour trips regularly.

I have made the following modifications:

-Hypertech High Performance Chip

-Flow Master catalytic converter

-Flow Master Single inlet, dual outlet muffler

-2.5" Dual Exhaust from muffler back

-K & N Air Filter

-8mm plug wires

-Tried using Bosch Plus Fours, but they made engine run hot and reduced performance. Replaced with AC Delco's and ran great.