Used 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Reviews
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not bad over all
Bought used with 29,000 miles on it and it now has 53,000. During that time I have had to replace the fuel pump and a rear brake caliper. The v6 has been reliable and has decent power for everyday driving, but the fuel mileage is no better than the v8. 4x4 system works fine and has done well in mud and snow. Tire wear, steering, and ride comfort have all been very good. I am satisfied for the most part but if I were going to buy again I would get the v8. I got the v6 because it had a cheaper sticker price, but I'm not saving anything on gas. It uses just as much as v-8 chevy's that I had previously.
21 years later still a great truck
I bought this truck in 2018 from second owner with only 145k on it (2022 only has 167K). It still had original plugs, wires, and shocks which I replaced. It still ran and looked perfect even with the old parts. Anyone knowledgeable about 4x4 Chevy's knows 5100 model Bilstein shocks are the way to go on Chevy's. Whether empty on highway, or driving offroad, this thing rides and handles great with a minor shock upgrade (about $80 each). The only issues I had with this truck were the parking brake fell apart at 155k, which was not an expensive fix (they are inside the rear brake rotors). As with most the early 5.3, 4.3, and 4.8's it has a little bit of a cold start knock or piston slap. The newer 2008 1500 5.3 I had at work was the same but neither were bad or a concern. These 1st gen 5.3's were originally 295 HP I believe, a bit less than the modern 5.3's. The fact that in 2022 Chevy still makes a 5.3L (it has 50+ more HP) says something about the bullet proof small block Chevy motor. For my 2001, I added a 3-inch Cat back Magnaflow exhaust with a dry K&N air filter when I bought it to boast the power a bit. Today, (Feb 2022) this is still a solid running truck, on or offroad, towing or empty. The larger exhaust and K&N helped it breathe better so it has plenty of power for this era of 5.3L. It still has the original 4L60-E 4-speed automatic. These are bulletproof transmissions IF YOU MAINTAIN THEM. As long as you keep clean coolant in the radiator (also cools tranny fluid), and drop the tranny pan every 40k or so to drain the fluid and clean the screen, these are 200 to 300k trannies. Overall, I have always been a Chevy guy and this truck has been great. It rides smoother than the competitors, no rattles or leaks even after 21 years, it still does not require adding oil between changes. I am reluctantly looking at getting a 2010 - 2016 3/4-ton model, but I am having a hard time parting with this old 2001 1500 4x4.
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Great Truck, but
This is a great truck. Very high build quality and still drives like a new truck. Usual problem with the parking brake dying early and at about 70000 miles echoes of the 'piston slap' problem. New brakes cost $1300 at 120000 miles partially due to problems complicated by the parking brake issue. At 125000 I've got a minor but annoying rear main seal leak.
Daily Driver
Purchased new and still own. I LOVE this truck, best ever! I dont plan on getting another GM product till they change to another body style that i like.
2003 Chevy Silverado Timebomb
Camshaft and lifter failure at 71K! Pitted cam lobe evident once exposed along with a worn valve lifter. Was diligently maintained including oil changes, routine servicing, etc. Independent repair shop says defective parts were installed at manufacture. Took 70K miles to manifest itself hence the time bomb. GM says off warranty so no help or assistance possible with $4500 repair costs. Also a front shimmy since it was new has been troublesome and apparently is not fixable per Chevy, Les Schwab Tires, and independent repair shop. CD player failed at 45K miles, never bothered to repair. Third new Chevy truck I have owned and it's definitely the last.