1995 Chevrolet K1500 5.7 from North America
Summary:
Best truck I've owned
Faults:
115k, several dash and interior lamps.
120k, driver's side door handle.
125k, starter motor failed.
125k, water pump fitting cracked.
130k, tail gate handle quit working.
150k, driver's side door handle again.
General Comments:
This has been the best pickup that I have ever owned. It must be one of those vehicles that was built on a Wednesday, because I have had outstanding service from this truck, and I work it very hard and often on the farm.
The reliability of this series of pickups is hard to beat. There are some annoyances like door handles breaking, but parts are inexpensive and readily available.
The 5.7 engine has excellent power from towing and hauling, and gives a good compromise on fuel economy. I've gotten 13 MPG - 18.5 MPG over several years and a variety of usage.
This truck does exceptionally well on slick roads, and the four wheel drive works good. My only complaint there is that there is a four second delay from requesting four wheel drive and actually getting it to lock in. Sometimes that four seconds feels like an eternity. I had another problem learning about the transfer case operation using the 4 low lock. I was towing a load of railroad ties up a steep, rocky dirt road, and partway up realized that I needed 4wd to make the climb. I stopped part way up the hill and pushed the transfer case forward until it clunked into gear in 4L, but it wasn't fully forward that last inch push that really locks it in. It made for an unpleasant surprise when I got almost all the way up the hill and the transfer case popped out of gear!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th December, 2012
19th Jul 2013, 06:27
I enjoyed reading your comment on this vehicle. I am currently purchasing one right now. And you described everything that's wrong with it, especially the door thing. The only difference is my door handle works, but sometimes the door won't shut completely; it has swung open while I was driving before. But for a 95 with 200,000 hard towing miles, it still runs beautifully.
For anybody doing mods like me, I put a Flowmaster cat and exhaust on it. Sounds amazing. And I managed to put a cold air intake on the throttle body setup; very easy. I took a wind tunnel from another truck with carburetor setup, and drilled two holes for the throttle body fittings, and there you go. I now have a cold air intake.
3rd Nov 2014, 04:17
I also have Flowmaster on mine and I've got an intake from K&N that bolts right on to the throttle body. It's the old style looking cylinder shaped one right on top.
30th Dec 2012, 13:33
I agree, it's the best truck and/or vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned three 95 Chevy trucks, and loved every one! My husband crashed the first one, and my daughter hit a deer with the second.
Only problem with the third was the driver's side door latch broke. My husband suggested I get a car for gas savings. And now I'm driving a BUICK!!! (YUK). I want my truck back!!!