1990 Chevrolet Silverado Reg. Cab Short Bed Sport Side 350 5.7L from North America

Summary:

Old reliable. never let me down yet

Faults:

Repaired the differential 250k miles.

Replaced the U joints after 250k miles.

Radio buttons work intermittently.

Replaced Radiator at 200k.

Replaced flex plate on transmission at 280k miles.

Alternator fan flew apart at 160k miles. Luckily the fan missed all the major components, but did put a couple tiny dents in the hood.

General Comments:

This truck has been very reliable. Except for the problem with the alternator the car has never died while driving or has ever failed to start. The bench seats are OK for general driving, but will take their toll on you off road, and I sure wouldn't want to get rear ended because the bench seats have no head rests and your head would hit the rear glass. Overall this truck has served my family well. The repairs and maintenance have been relatively cheap considering how much this truck gets driven and how often we have used it to tow various things from old cars we were rebuilding to trailers, it has never let us down. It also still has the original engine which has never been rebuilt and the original transmission which has only gotten a few repairs (flex plate and tail gasket).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2004

1990 Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne 5.7 Liter 350 from North America

Summary:

V8 muscle on a budget

Faults:

The odometer went out at 169999.

The master cylinder needed to be rebuilt.

The shifter needed to be re-bolted to the transmission (had to tap new holes).

It leaked oil bad when I got it.

It ate up antifreeze when I got it.

Paint was starting to come off on the top and the A pillar.

General Comments:

I fixed the oil and antifreeze leaks with some formulas and new parts, easy fix. Once it ran out of coolant and I did not know, while I ran inside to pick some one up it heated to nearly 300 degrees (F). I had the body shop fix the paint, you cannot even tell that it was missing now. The shifter is really tight now that its re-tapped. The clutch was useless when the master cylinder went out, but we had it fixed and it cost about $200. We also had some body parts replaced (hood and driver front fender), which cost about $900 with the paint.

When you get some air into its throttle bodies it will really run for such a little pickup (mine is single cab short bed). It will brake stand for over a minute before it starts to heat. It is LOUD with pipes (but they are illegal, no converter). The 4 low gears (this is bad for it, mind you) can make the front end pick up (off the ground) a little. It has good horsepower, but isn't a race car. I beat a few cars in a few races, but still its just a little pickup. This is an ideal 1st vehicle for some one. Great little pickup!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2004

1990 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 5.7 V8 from North America

Summary:

A value-priced workhorse/daily driver

Faults:

The alternator had to be replaced.

The starter had to be replaced.

The compressor quit working, but has yet to be replaced.

Transmission was rebuilt at 132,000 miles.

General Comments:

This truck has experienced no significant mechanical problem other than the transmission.

The interior is roomy and provides a clear field of vision, however, the seats are very uncomfortable.

At high speeds (60+ MPH), wind noise becomes a problem and gradually increases with the speed of the vehicle.

This truck uses very little oil and needs no add-in between oil changes (beware of synthetic oils in an engine this old, it can damage the seals).

The stock dual side exit exhaust has a nice "throaty" sound, which is enhanced by the rust holes.

This truck has good towing capabilities. It easily handles a medium-sized cargo trailer, but uses ridiculous amounts of fuel to do so.

The fuel economy is not terrible, but not fantastic. 22 gallons averages about 400 miles which is roughly 18 MPG (figure is a combination of highway and city driving).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 2002

1990 Chevrolet Silverado 350 from North America

Summary:

I made the best deal of a lifetime in one package

Faults:

Starter: Went out at 200,000 miles.

Fan Clutch: Broke and slammed the fan into the radiator. (miles=202,000.

Speedometer/Odometer: Quit after 358,000 miles.

Interior head liner: Separated and hung down after 487,000.

Transmission: still the original!

Driver Seat: Adjustment lever broke at 487,328 miles.

Drivers Door: Window motor gear quit after 358,000 miles.

The air conditioner needed replacement at about 300,000 miles. (unable to know since odometer quit)

Radio: The radio selector switch, the tuner and volume control work intermittent.

General Comments:

I contacted Chevrolet Company to let them know the Silverado did not leak oil after 400,000 miles. Their to me comment " Bring it in and we can fix that."

My Silverado was purchased off the show room floor, never test driven, and purchased from Marks Chevrlot in California via the phone. ($17440)

I am now looking to repaint to the original colors and I am going to restore it to original condition.

Why rid yourself of something that has served you well?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2002