1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series Consumer Reviews

1996 Chev C/K 1500, with vortec, 2wd

Written by: Jay Walsh on 12/31/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

Used for commute and ranch work. Occassional horse trailer hauling. Engine very reliable. Only invested $1500 in the in 2007.

Favorite Features

Reliability. Never broke down!

Suggested Improvements

Wish I had purchased 3rd door! Tailgate should be redesiged. Latch is unreliable

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1996 K1500 Poor Quality

Written by: Duke Six on 12/25/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

I bought truck new. At 24,600 miles the transmission went out. Out of 36 month warranty time. Called GM to ask about some help on repair cost. They said I should have bought extended warranty. I guess they know what kind of junk they are building. Alternator out at 39,000. Never ever buy another GM product.

Favorite Features

Looked good when I bought it.

Suggested Improvements

Get a Toyota if you want quality.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1996 K1500 a Workhorse and a sedate Lady

Written by: Richard Clapp on 11/29/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I purchased the truck to be my play thing, my work truck and a family hauler, not in that order.. The 5.7 Vortec engine is great for hauling, power and acceleration, but it rarely skips a gas pump (lead foot). My highway mpg with cruise is in the low 20's (with a T-Cover) The truck is perfect inside and very close on the outside. The only major repair I know of was the 4x4 system overhaul by the previous owner who hauled horses all the time. This is normal for most any 4x4 truck when it is used. It is nice enough to drive to the office and fun enough to haul cubscouts in the local parade. Sound system is excellent. I recomend it for anyone looking for a good all around truck!

Favorite Features

Vortec 5.7 V8 engine. Unstoppable/ unskippable CD player. Beautiful interior on my Silverado. Power seats. Almost instant heat from heater when needed. Cupholders and storage everywhere. Extra power plugs. Storage box in engine compartment (Holds my extra fluids including 2 oils, one transmission, and a rag)

Suggested Improvements

The lumbar support on the power seat is powered by a mini airpump under the seat. It needs to work a little better. A little less cockpit noise would also be good. Better mileage, but hey - it's a truck, and I have a lead foot.. Really very little negative, it is a great truck.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Lil red truck

Written by: Ron Bridges on 09/09/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Cheyenne Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I recently changed from Ford to Chevy. This isn't the first GM vehicle I've owned, but if this one is indictive of their trucks, I will definitely buy GM again. The 4.3 litre engine has plenty of pep and it doesn't cost $100 a week to drive.

Favorite Features

Drive train, appearance, easy to drive. Fuel economy, parts accessability

Suggested Improvements

None at this time.

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Solid Truck

Written by: Travistyne on 08/24/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Cheyenne 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

This has been a rock solid truck and without a doubt the most comfortable I have ever driven. Dollar for Dollar it's the best full sized truck out there.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Drove for last 4 years

Written by: Jon Dahl on 04/16/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Cheyenne Extended Cab LB

Review

i originally purchased this truck for the gas mileage (V6) and to haul my dirt bike in. Installed a K&N filter and MSD for better mileage. Ride is good. Controls and comfort are good. In the last 50K miles had to replace alternator ($100), water pump(~$50), fuel pump($400), ignition module ($500) and the air conditioning compressor ($500). Also all exterior handles. total mileage 96K. Wipers sometimes works, sometimes not. Purchased standard transmission, auto transmission fails after every 70K miles (known several people who have auto trans problems). Will most likely purchase Chevy van as next vehicle, have had worse luck with Ford and Dodge.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage (20 mpg), comfort, dealer gives lifetime warranty on some replaced items like fuel pump.

Suggested Improvements

I understand parts break down, but dealer should charge less for repairs. Every repair seems to be around $500. Also better hardware, changing handles is a real pain to do.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I'd do it again

Written by: Kevin Cencelewski on 03/09/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

this is my second K1500 Silverado, my previous was a 1992, that I loved and drove to 225,000 miles. I bought this 1996 with 225,000 miles on it in Feb 04 for $4800.00, I put about $2400.00 into it and it's like a brand new truck. It does feel like it tends to wander more going down the road and sways more in corners than my 92 did. It was amazing though how much this FELT like I was driving a totally different truck from the 92 to the 96. They drive totally different in feel. This truck has way better interior design than the 92. It's always making strange little noises from different areas, I guess the acoustics are just different too. Over all I really like this truck. I'll get another

Favorite Features

Looks, reliability, accessory outlets, cup holder high in dash, rear cup holders, plenty of interior storage, functionality of center console

Suggested Improvements

Too soft of a ride, feels way less planted than my 92 did

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1996 Silverado Ext Cab 6 cyl stick

Written by: neveragain on 03/02/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

Terrible vehicle. So far replaced manifold gasket, water pump,starter X2, A/C compressor, and clutch because the slave cylinder leaked. I have spent more on parts since purchase than I did over the 22 years I drove the last vehicle. For some strange reason GM did not cover the rails on the bed with the bed-liner - I wonder how much they saved doing that?

Favorite Features

Seats, A/C (when it works!), convenience of having a truck

Suggested Improvements

Use a Toyota body, a Toyota engine, a Toyota transmission, and a Toyota clutch - then everything will be fine.

0 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Truck

Written by: Jeff on 12/02/2004

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought new With regular scheduled maintenance this truck has been great. Did first tune up at 100000 miles and was still running great. Truck has been replaced by a 2005 C1500 1/2 ton crew cab, didn't have the heart to trade it in, will find it a good home where it will give another 150000 trouble free miles.

Favorite Features

The exterior, two tone paint, good riding seats and great sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Reprogram the chip so the truck will go as fast as the speedometer is rated.

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LIKE A ROCK

Written by: Butchie on 09/01/2004

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab LB

Review

In five years, she has never seen a garage other than for standard maintence (oil changes, ect.). Love the first year VORTEC engine. Lots of power if you are willing to scarifice the gas mileage. In my opinion I will never own another truck.

Favorite Features

Body style. Bed length. Power. Full backseat

Suggested Improvements

My only wish is that the retractable cup holder had two real spots to place drinks. The liitle one on the side has led to numerous coffee mishaps.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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