1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series Consumer Reviews

The heartbeat of America

Written by: dukes on 12/11/2007

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

I've only had my truck for about a year and bought it with 129,000 and it now reads 144,000 and I have already had to put brakes, tires,alternator, intake gaskets and fuel pump in that period of time but other than that my truck runs strong.

Favorite Features

The one thing I like most bout my 97 is the hp and the transmission. On the highway I average about 16mpg. But that's with headers, exhaust, and k&n air filter.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel mileage and ride quality.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Awesome Z71

Written by: Tino on 06/13/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I bought my Z71 truck in July of 2002. At first I was hesitant because the truck already had 150,000 miles on it. But test driving and having my mechanic inspect the truck and the great deal I got, I took it. Aside from the gas mileage I get but what can you expect from the 5.7 workhorse? Four years later and the truck about to hit 200,000 miles happy to say I have not had any major problems with the truck. Everthing is still working and it runs like a champ.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Lucky

Written by: Ron on 06/11/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Cheyenne Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

From looking at the other reviews I should consider myself lucky to have only replaced the altenator & battery @ 36k miles,Power Steering pump @46k, Rear Axle @ 54k and the water pump @ 75k. The rotors lasted until the 3rd set of brakes @ 88k.The Uniroyal Tiger Paws tires were junk from day one they pulled like the front end was out of alignment.The problem fixed itself when I had the tires replaced @ 32k. They were not worn out-i just couldn't take them anymore.Windshield Wiper Controller is defective according to NHTSA id# 03V159000 and has the potencial to affect 1,755,876 1997 Chevy trks-BUT NOT mine.I had the same symtoms that caused 1.7M trks 2b recalled-but my trk was not covered.

Favorite Features

Smooth ride (once you get the factory installed Uniroyal Tiger Paws off) Plenty of power and good fuel economy (approx. 17mpg) Resell value is great.

Suggested Improvements

Braking is real spongy. It takes a few seconds the brakes to apply during a hard braking situation. Durability of major components needs to be improved. I have never had a rear axle fail in anything I have ever driven. Chevy should be fair-when they make a defective safey part replace all of them.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not bad at all

Written by: Z71 on 03/22/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I bought this truck with only 23,000 miles on it and as of now (2006) I have close to 107,000. For the most part is has been a great truck overall. The Z71 package and the 5.7 make this thing a workhorse. Towing and hauling never have been a problem. Mechanically though, there has been a list of problems including the valve body on transmission, water pump, intake manifold gasket, oil cooler line leaks, broken door handle, idler pulley bearing went, bad brake pedal switch that controls brake lights- 2 switches and the same problem, finally went aftermarket. Overall it is a great roomy powerfull truck, just wish gas mileage was better though!

Favorite Features

Roomy cab, third door, 5.7 liter engine

Suggested Improvements

Better brakes. They are too soft. Cup holder placement, and a better location for the oil filter

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not for the long haul!

Written by: sledspeedracer on 03/21/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Cheyenne 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

This truck has been one problem after the other. I have put one engine, 2 transmissions and a long list of other parts over the years into this truck. It is underpowered for my needs. I can say the ride is car like and a better ride than any other truck I have had. I am going to try a Dodge next.

Favorite Features

Car like ride. Nice seat.

Suggested Improvements

Engine life and transmission life.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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97 CHEVY

Written by: koryharper on 12/27/2005

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

Good at first, had to change brakes and rotors, fuel pump, and intake manifold in first 1 1/2 yr. After that no problems then had to change tranny shift modulator. But other than that truck runs well with scheduled maintenance.

Favorite Features

Seats are really comfortable and interior lights everywhere

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great truck

Written by: cavercarl on 05/16/2005

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Great truck! On road, off road, hauling people/gear/building materials, whatever! 80,000 miles and NO PROBLEMS. Have had this vehicle in places where mud is up to the doors and Jeeps got stuck, and got out no problem. Anyone who hates this truck and says they will buy foreign next time is biased against American made vehicles to begin with. Relative has a Ford and has gone through a transmission, 2 sets of brakes, and 4 clutches in 27,000 miles. Friend has a Dodge which is a bit better, but not as good as Chevy. 3 friends with Toyotas all complain of bad handling, lack of power, lack of payload, boatloads of strange noises and frequent expensive repairs.

Favorite Features

Gotta love the motor! Also, 19MPG is darn impressive for a loaded V8 truck with high rear end gear ratio. Friends with Fords and Dodges are hurting at the gas pump. Friends with Toyotas can't keep up on uphill stretches of highway.

Suggested Improvements

Can't figure out why the frame rails drop down below the body in the center of the wheelbase, this hurts offroad clearance just a little, Chevy changed this on later models.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Like a Rock with a Cadilac Ride

Written by: Walker on 02/23/2005

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr K1500 Silverado 4WD Standard Cab LB

Review

Had this truck for 6 years. Nothing major at all. Replaced water pump @ 75000. Changed filters regularly and (Mobil) oil every 2500 miles. I am a firm believer in preventive maintainence. I don't abuse the truck, but I don't drive it like a little old lady either. I've had 7 Chevy used trucks in my life. I refuse to by new. Get the bugs worked out first. If this truck ever turns on me, I'll never buy a Ford or Dodge. Chevys obviously the truck for me!

Favorite Features

The ride is awesome. The body style is second to none. The interior is layed out nicely. I have no wind noise or rattles as of yet. Solid Truck!!

Suggested Improvements

I really can't think of any. It's hard to improve on quality.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Long Lasting

Written by: Russ Woods on 02/08/2005

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

My truck now has 170,000 miles (2005) and still going strong. The only major issue I have with my truck is that I have had to replace the alternator 3 times since 82,000 miles in 2000 when I bought the truck. A good tune up, and new shocks and I'll be on the way to another 100,000 miles. I would drive it across the continent, provided that I carry an extra alternator for security.

Favorite Features

The truck is comfortable. I like the power of the 5.7 litre engine. Tows well too. With 4,000 lbs or less, I can't feel any strain on the engine. I like it better than than the newer Chevy trucks.

Suggested Improvements

Check the electrical system. I shouldn't have to replace the alternator 3 times in 3 years. Also, the brakes have always been a little spongy, but have functioned well.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Like a Rock

Written by: Sharky on 12/03/2004

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2 Dr C1500 Silverado Extended Cab SB

Review

This truck has been amazing. 140,000 brutal miles, and only two repairs. A high pressure line on the transmission burst at 62,000 miles, it cost $110 to fix at the dealer, and the water pump went out at 105,000 miles (another $100). Tomorrow I am replacing the front brake rotors and pads (it still has the factory pads) for $250. This truck has been driven hard and abused for seven years (but maintained well), yet it drives and looks like a year-old truck. I got my money's worth out of this one!

Favorite Features

The 5.7 Vortec engine, the leather power bucket seats, the overhead console, the auto-dimming mirror with compass, the CD stereo, the 3rd door, the keyless entry, the ride, the power, the reliability.

Suggested Improvements

This is my second C1500 extended-cab Silverado, both have had annoying differential whine at all speeds. More fuel capacity would be nice. The outside door handles feel junky, and the door hinges pop. The 1-2 transmission shift can be abrupt at times, yet the other two shifts are silky smooth.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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