2002 Chevrolet Silverado LS 1500 5.3L from North America

Summary:

Absolutely great truck

Faults:

Blower motor resistor.

General Comments:

This is the best vehicle I've ever owned. I tow and work the snot out of this truck, and it just continues to impress me with its performance, reliability, and durability.

Talked to more than a few Japanese full size truck owners. When I hear about the problems they've had, I'm sure glad I bought a Chevy. The rice burners just can't touch this truck in any category you care to name. Heck I'm getting significantly better mileage with the "big" V-8 than they get with their 6 cylinders.

I can't say enough good things about this truck - I absolutely love it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2009

2002 Chevrolet Silverado basic 4.8 from North America

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

Squeaky week rear springs, Had to get replaced myself.

ABS always comes on regardless of road condition but not the lite.

Brakes need replacing every 30,000 km and don't stop truck very well.

Transmission slips when starting from a stop then clunks when it kicks in. (has done this since new)

Motor started knocking at 41,000km, told by dealer this is normal, Has been getting worse with more mileage.

Starter went 3 times without any warning, Told a chip burns out preventing starter from working and cannot be rebuilt only replaced.

Engine lite comes on quite often, Each time I send to dealer for repair I am told it's a bad connection (never the same as previous) no parts required but still costs almost $300. for diagnoses & turn off lite.

General Comments:

This truck has been nothing but problems since new.

My previous 4 Chevrolet trucks were great and never had any-ware ne'er as many problems combined.

I have learned a lot about these newer trucks & will never buy another.

I am now looking for an older pre computer truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th November, 2008

2002 Chevrolet Silverado LS 5.3 from North America

Summary:

This model year is best avoided!

Faults:

This truck has the infamous GM piston slap that I first started hearing around 50,000 miles.

The transmission has an intermittent shudder between 1st and second gear.

The steering column had a clunk that was repaired under warranty.

The drive line bangs and clunks loudly.

The brake rotors were replaced at 50,000 miles because they were falling apart.

Premature failure of universal joints, (40,000 miles).

Transfer case is very noisy in 4 wheel drive.

The truck is losing antifreeze so I suspect the intake manifold gaskets are failing.

The truck has been recalled for anti lock brake sensors and tailgate support cables.

I also have problems with chassis shake at certain speeds and uneven wear on the front tires.

General Comments:

The truck always starts, has never left me stranded and has lots of power, but with all of the problems, I don't enjoy driving it very much. I would like to get rid of it before some catastrophic failure kills it and costs major money to repair or replace it.

I was told that this model year was the first with 4 wheel disc brakes and those are best avoided.

This vehicle has knocked, clunked, banged and shuddered it's way to 107,000 miles. It is an embarrassment to GM.

I have gotten tired of the dealer and every repair shop telling me, "That's a common problem with these new GM trucks". I have tried to have these problems fixed, but due to the time and money involved have given up and will probably run it until it dies and not buy another one. The smell of anti freeze under the hood tells me that day may not be far off.

This 2002 Silverado has not been a positive ownership experience, compared to my 1991 GMC, this 2002 is a piece of junk.

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

Review Date: 8th January, 2007

8th Sep 2009, 11:25

I have a 02 Silverado V8 5.3 liter extended cab, and never had any problems. I haul huge loads with it that are over the limit, and I mud the crap out of it and I have not had a single problem. All my buddies have these trucks too, and they run perfectly fine.

28th Dec 2009, 16:43

I have a 2002 LT Z71 4x4 that has started chiming when you first take off. And now has a popping noise from the rear. All fluids and oils are fine. Any ideas?

6th Jan 2010, 23:44

I have a 02 LT extended cab 5.3 liter engine, and I have had the same issue with smelling anti-freeze under the hood. I changed my intake manifold and that didn't solve the problem either. Came to find out this problem is caused by a slightly warped head, or bad head gasket.