Used 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Reviews
287000 miles Minimal Issues
We purchased this used in 09 with 100k miles and it has been very reliable. The motor does not drink oil like the old 350 motor and the oil color has always been a bright yellow. The transmission was still smooth at 287k mi, a/c still worked fine. the following parts needed to be replaced:Fuel pump, brakes and rotors, spark plugs.
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Almost the perfect truck
I bought my truck with 6 miles on the odometer in March 2004. It was recalled for the instrument panel. Very good experience there. While it was under warrenty, I had it in for new Cats and O2 sensors, three times, but never again since. The last warrenty items I had replaced were the comfort control switches. I now have 190,000 miles on the truck and, get this....I'm replacing the brake pads for the first time, and the rotors have very little wear. This is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned.
- Work TruckMSRP: $8,95090 mi away
- Z71MSRP: $7,995157 mi away
- LS Extended CabMSRP: $8,990168 mi away
Z71 Bliss
My truck is a daily driver in the city but also a back road wonder on the weekends. In the winter I use four wheel drive for duck hunting with my sons in the country. It has been from Texas to California and many Colorado trips. It look good in the field, but when it is cleaned up it looks good under the city lights. Safe, dependable and a real pleasure. Maybe the best vehicle I have ever owned, out of maybe 11-12 cars and trucks.
No planned obsolescence here!
It seems like we live in an age where everything is designed to wear out and be replaced. This truck is the only thing I can think of that is made to last. It has 200k and everything works perfectly. It also drives like it just left the showroom. The few rare times something does break, the part is usually cheap and easy to repair. I bought this as a work truck but I drive it more than my luxury car. The design is very simple. No fancy computers or dials that take three steps to change the radio or AC. Form definitely follows function which just doesn't happen anymore. I have to tip my hat to Chevy for designing something that will outlast everything else I own.
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2004 Silverado XCab 5.3 with Engine Issues
Bought truck new. Put the majority of miles on the truck between 2004-09; then, as planned, kept it as my 'chore' truck. 4-5k miles per year, max. Always light duty use. In 2013, at 79k miles the Head cracked - coolant in engine. $4500 repair. Dealer. There is a 'service bulletin' which implies a manufacturing defect, issued in 2006. CasTech Heads (see #06-06-01-019B bulletin). 1250 miles and 8 months later the 'check oil' light came on. The engine was 4-ish quarts low on oil! So I took it back to the dealer (I was working out of the area at the time so very little use). Their response? Can't find anything wrong; we must have forgotten to put the oil in the engine properly after the repair. Seriously? You told me that after a $4500 repair that your mechanic can't put oil in the engine? Bottom line: they didn't know and they weren't going to do anything. So I continued to drive it - very light duty. 20 months later with 84,600 miles: I check the oil (about 3800 miles since the 'top off at the dealer) and: down 3.15 qts! I take it directly back to the dealer. Dealer won't take responsibility AT ALL. I'm supposed to do an every 1000 mile 'oil consumption' test where I take it in for a top-off to see how much oil it has consumed. Not 1 mile over 1000 miles or start again! All this is to get GM to pay. The dealer assumes no liability for its work (and I might add, premium cost for the repair). Upshot: Be careful of these engines. There is a lot out there about oil consumption on these engines. This one DOES NOT have the 'stop cylinder' technology, but the engines have the same problem over multiple years. Plenty about the head and oil consumption out on the internet. In terms of the rest of the truck, its been ok, but the interior dash buzzes incessantly at certain RPMs. I noted on several of the trucks that interior fit was awful; fortunately I did not experience this. Paint is generally ok. No problems with the tranny, wheels, steering, AC - but it only has 84k miles. So much for buying a quality vehicle I could drive for 25 years (which was the plan).
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Good 4x4
I purchased used with 40,000 miles for the 4x4. I live in a semi-rural area and the roads don't get treated. I have the 5.3 V8, and G80 locker. For the two months I've driven, it has worked like a charm. Been using the AutoTrac 4x4 which is the button system that goes into 4WD Auto, which is AWD. Had to dig the wheels out a little when I drove into 3' high snow in my driveway. I rocked the truck back and forth a couple of times and was out. I get around 20 mpg on country roads and highway. I don't drive heavy footed, usually 65-75 hwy. Only thing that I find annoying is the wipers can't be lifted off the windshield when it snows, because of the hood design. Takes longer to clean the window.
04CLUNKER
overall i really like this truck, i am alongtime ford man. the only thing keeping this truck from being a "10" is the "CLUNKING" shifts that is so popular GM trys to say this is normal, but we all know that is bologna!! They really should stand behind their 29,000 dollar vehicles!
90000k
This truck still has 1/4" brake shoes left (f+r), which includes towing tandem trailer daily for 1 1/2 yrs. No one I work with owns a more reliable truck even those that cost 40-50K$. I peg the tach almost every day, uses nearly no oil, mpg avgs. 16+ city with AC; 17-19 hwy; 10-12 towing. Interior is very comfortable and no pickup has a colder AC. Here in FL I never have to run the fan past "3" for more than a minute to chase out 100+heat. The x- cab still has a 6'6" bed, Dodge has 6'3" which isn't enough. Much better ride than Dodge, and way better interior instrumentation than XLT Ford. Engine compartment is roomy, allowing ease of maintenance. The bed is low allowing easy loading of very heavy items.
Former Ford Owner
I have previously owned 3 new Ford F- 150's. I was looking for a change. I went to the Toyota dealer to buy a Tundra. I was not impressed with the ride and comfort of the Toyota. I was on my way to buy another Ford. I passed a Chevy Dealership and took a test drive. I was very very impressed with the size and comfort of the Silverado. You can actually put people in the back seat. P.S. My wife loves it. Finally, I tow a 23 foot boat and this truck just eats up the hills. Great vehicle for work and comfort, the combination can't be beat.
Cheap build quality
I have always loved the Silverado but I have come to believe that they are getting more and more cheaply built. My last two Silverados have had the same airconditioner problem by the second year. My 2004 with 53000 miles just had the rear differential cover replaced because it rusted right through the middle. (And, this truck is kept garaged and underbody washed in the winter. It is'nt even my primary vehicle.) The metal used for the differential cover might as well have been aluminum foil. Not even a coat of protective paint. As I look at my 2004 compared to my 2002, I see a lot of cheaply done work and parts in the newer model. That's why my next truck will be a Toyota
Good Truck, but...
I purchased new in late 03. Has been a very good truck for me. About 1000 miles a year I would tow loads that are 75% of max according to the tech manual. No issues on engine or trans for 50k miles. In fact, it towed like a dream. At 53k miles I lost my transmission. No excessive driving or cliff jumping. It broke without warning coming out of a church parking lot and costs me $3k to replace the entire transmission. IMHO theres no excuse for a transmission to break at 53k miles. Truck is out of warranty so the cost is on me. Chevy dealership says, so sorry. What a rare oddity to lose a trans at 53k miles. Ill remember that at trade-in time.
365,000 and still going
Perfect 4 wheel drive truck
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great truck
great for hauling, ext. cab good for child seat. comfortable to drive.
GM Excellence?
1. We had engine performance issues from the start. The computer was reflashed 3 times. 2. At about 45,000 the engine began to knock when first started in the morning which sounded like piston slap, at 75,000 it was getting hard to start and compression on 3 cylinders was measured at 70-75 pounds. The motor had to be replaced. Since the motor, the transmission has had to be replaced. 3. We had performance issues, engine problems because of a poorly designed pistons and transmission failure, all were asked to be addressed under warranty and promises were made and in the end ignored. 4. Would I by another Silverado? I,ve been a GM customer for 30 years and can safely say NOWAY!!!!!
TNT SS
This is a nice truck. Driving, handling, and towing ability is great. The AWD is a nice feature. If you tow a boat, getting out of the water with those steep ramps is easy. The truck has a great look. The gas mileage could be a little better, but compared to the 5.3 gas mileage, that's not bad for 50 more HP. There are not many SS out there, so if you want something that is real and draws attention, this is a great truck in all categories. Just for a few more grand, you will be satisfied. Test drive says it all. I own two SS, 1990 454SS and 2004 SS. Both trucks are excellent.
Best purchase of the year
Purchased this truck used with under 26000 miles. Great truck and plenty of room for me and the crew inside the cab. Traded in my 1979 Silverado and haven't looked back. These Chevys are built to last as my last truck was a testiment to that fact. The 04 drives like a car and handles like a dream. The 5.3 liters is more than enough power to pass the folks doing 75 MPH in the fast lane. The Bose stereo has lots of thump for the headbangers and air guitarist. Caution air guitar is not recommended while driving. If I could do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing except for not buying this truck sooner.
Perfect homeowner truck
Bought it new Jan 2004. At 60,0000 miles I bought the first set of tires and brakes. ]I get 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway with 4.8 liter. ] The 4WD is great in the northeast. Truck cruises at 70mph feels like a sedan, yes, there is road noise, its a truck. Nothing replaced so far, did not have to bring it to the dealer once! If you need or want a truck, take a serious look at a GM.
Silverado Clunker
This is a good looking vehicle but the constant clunking is very annoying. GM says that it is normal due to torque buildup between transmission and transfer case. They also say they have changed the transmission for 2005 model to eliminate the problem. They offer an extended warranty for free but I already have it. They sent an engineer out to drive it and he reported a definite problem but they still claim that it is normal. Why won't they stand behind their vehicle and repair the problem . Very unhappy with GM over this vehicle.
What you need.....a good basic truck!
I bought this truck used with 41K miles on it. I was looking for a small truck but at the price and what shape it was in I could not pass it up. I bought this when the gas spiked up so I got it for $7,000. The V6 is a little under powered but gets you moving. I commute 30 miles everyday to work and I have gotten it to average 20, not bad. I have had zero problems with it. I would say if you need a truck for weekend work and want something comfortable, easy to drive, then a basic 1500 is what you should look for.
Not too sure
I think I got a lemon. I have had it for only seven months and already had to replace the 4wd switch and e-brake sensor. I also have a rattle in the dash I can't get rid of. I am trading it in on a Toyota.
noisy and bad ride
has alot of wind noise, vibrations and there is a glunking in drive train when shifting up and down. dealer told me its normal for Z71 package terrible rides
worktruck
Recently purchased a 2004 Silverado worktruck package. I use it for outside sales. Comfortable to drive. Im averaging 23 mpg which I consider good for a full size truck. The v-6 has good performance and great acceleration from 3 gear through 5.First seems to be geared a little low for avewrage driving. second is wound out at 40mph. Interior is roomy and instruments and controls are always at hand. Its quite a bit better than the dodge dakota I traded.
ONE BAD ASS SS
Best vehicle ever made. It is definately the best vehicle I have ever owned. I look forward to the next opportunity to drive it. I have added dual exhaust with two flow masters on it. It sounds even better and of course the duals coming out the back look even better.
Still going
I have owned my Chevy since 2005 and have only had to replace normal wear parts like brakes, alternator and water pump.
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Best Truck
This is the best truck I have ever owned.It has the bwst toughing of all the trucks I have had.It has the bwst toughing of all the trucks I have had.
Probally the best 1/2 ton on the market.
Just bought new 2004 LT Z-71 ext cab, 327 v8 (vortec 5300), love the leather heated seats, xm radio, onstar, Bose sound system. love the ride-very smoothe for a 4wd. love the power/sound/performance of the 327. ride puts ford 4wd and dodge to shame. ext cab is very roomy for an ext cab. this is my 4th silverado, 2nd z-71, all have been excellent. only minor problems on every chevy truck I've owned, the doors eventually start to flex making a slight rattle noise. adjustments of the doors or just re- lubing the hinges will stop this. definitely reccomend 2wd or 4wd. opt for the 5300 327ci v8 over the 4800.
Don't buy this truck
I bought this truck in Aug. I have had problems with lugging and am told it is normal by the dealership. Shift points are off. Dimmer lights have stopped working.I have had it in two times they still have yet to fix problem. If you want reliabilty and something you can be happy and proud of don't buy this truck. It is really junk.
Dependable
I bought this truck used. This truck has gone through hell and back. I have never had any major problems with it. Great truck for the northeast and the snow. For a truck it is not bad on gas. I get 16 in the city and up to 23 on the highway.
My first and last pickup...great!
It's a great truck. Im 6ft 9in, 290, so room and extended cab is perfect. I got it with 166,000. And excellent condition. Well cared for. Came with worn out radio but I was going to replace anyway. I wanted a toy so Gibson headers and dual exhaust. Then cold air filter and WOW! it'll fly, and sounding good also. I rebuilt front end and new brakes but really premature. Nothing was wrong. I wanted a little more HP (no reason, just for fun), but mechanics said any more HP I'll probably need a upgrade transmission, but no problem now. All the upgrades increased gas mileage!!! Who knew. I've taken on new Ford trucks and 5.0 cars. They can't keep up. I want a Bully Dog tuner. Any suggestions?
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Bad Drivetrain with No Factory Support
After 6000 miles the drivetrain started clunking loudly any time I drive backwards (in reverse). The clunk does not occur when I shift to reverse but clunks when I accelarate faster than normal. The clunk also occurs frequently when I accelarate hard and then let off the throttle. It sometimes occurs on 1st to 2nd upshifts or downshifts. I can feel the clunk in the floor and passengers ask me about it. This problem takes all of the joy out of owning this new truck. The dealer did the transmission reprogramming which did not correct the problem and they told me that I have to live with the problem. Many other owners are having the same problem.
chevys
the truck will pull but has hesitation off idle and when going down the road in passing gear @80 it sounds like lifters rattleing,holds weight pretty good though,if i had it to do over agin i wouldnt buy this over rated over priced vehicle again
Excellent truck
I have owned several Chevys over the years and I have yet to find a better truck out there. Design is good reliability is good and you can't beat the resale value on a 4WD Chevy truck. Overall it's a versatile, comfortable, reliable, American made vehicle.
All-Wheel Steering!
I bought this truck with 150,000 miles on from someone that I knew and I knew the mechanic that did 100% of it's maintenance and repairs. Both told me that the truck was a gem with very few repairs during it's 1st 8 years. In keeping with that repair history the truck has seen only 1 or 2 minor repairs plus a transfer case replacement (mostly my fault). My 1500HD has about 238,000 miles now that it is over 18 years old. If you ever had a chance to drive a vehicle with 4-Wheel steering you'd fall in love with it as I did. When in 4-whl drive, I can turn 180 degrees in 10 less feet that the exact truck w/o the option. It was only available in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 pickup trucks. It was discontinued due to it's high option price of $4,500. Granted it was lowered to $3,000 the second year and - I hear - it was lowered even more in it's final year - 2004. Chevrolet just didn't sell enough units to make it worth their while. You'll find almost entirely praise on various chat rooms dealing with pickup trucks and I found no one who ever needed a repair of their 4-wheel steering. I have never needed any work done to mine but the alignment shop had to buy a special book from GM with the specs on aligning a truck with this option. Very little extra work and he charged no extra 'cause he was fascinated by the unit. Update : April '22... I now have 240,000 miles on this truck and have had nothing go wrong since my original review 4 years ago. Everything still works. It has been one of the best purchases that I've ever made. I live in Minnesota with lots of salted roads and even after driving every winter with this truck there is hardly any rust. It still looks great.
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Chevy still #1
Purchased in Feb of 2004 and used for service vehicle until retirement. Had truck recalled for bad instrument panel but our fantastic dealer took care of it. Took it on vacation to CO, WY, and SD. Street driving gets 18MPG and interstate at 75 - 80 MPH gets 22 to 23 MPG. My 9th new GM product since 1968. I drive them 135,000 to 180,000 and have never had to replace brakes. Luv my Silverado.
one fast SS 1500
this truck is great. handling is outstanding. fuel milage is a about 14.5 city 16.5 highway. having a great time driving the truck. im 36 years old and the young guys break their necks look at the outstanding black paint. had alot of great comments on the truck. looking forward to many years of fun
Best truck going
I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado LT extended cab 4 door and this has been the best truck I've ever owned. It's 16 years old, and rides and drives like a new one. It does have 214,000 miles on it and it's perfect. I have owned a few Cadillacs before but this truck has more luxuries in it than any of the Cadillacs I've had in the past. With a 5.3 Vortec V-8 it has plenty of power to pull a trailer, the engine is quiet, smooth, and runs clean. The interior: leather seats, heated both sides, electric, A/C, heat, Sirius XM radio, Bose system, heated mirrors, fold in mirrors, On Star, automatic light mirrors, signals on the mirrors, it's easy to work on. All around excellent truck to own. I HIGHLY recommend this truck!
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2004 Silverado
Unlike any other truck on the market, I find that the Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab combines the interior space and comfort of a full size, 4- door SUV with a full-length extremely practical pickup bed. Big, roomy fun to drive, good sounds (music)....very comfortable and a go getter on the highway. I find that it gives me a very good response with a minimal amount of effort. It just goes. Great Truck.
Supercharged Sport Truck
I love to drive this truck! It has a Radix Magna Charger, Volant Cool Air Intake and an aftermarket MAF sensor. Needless to say it is very fast, pushing around 500 hp. Looks much better than the Ford and Dodge. It gets about 19 mpg on the highway and 15 in town, If you take it easy
2004 Z71
Traded in my 03 Pathfinder so I could haul my boat. Hauls good, wish I had gone with the 5.3L towing package. Clunking noise in transmission gets crazy - dealership says Chevy has designed a new slip yolk to rid of this noise (we'll see). Overall a great purchase
Love My Truck
My truck is my baby. It's ready for a night on the town or to help a friend move. It's never let me down and I feel safe and comfortable driving in rain or snow. The auto 4 wheel drive function is what gives me this feeling. 47000 trouble free miles and counting. My second Silverado and I will have it for the next 5 years at least.
Great truck!
Great all around truck with a lot of muscle.
lead slead returns from the dead
I have enjoyed my many trips to the gas stations in my area as this thing is very thirtsy. Its heavy, hard to park due to 4 wheel steering that it dosent have but needs. It is how everever, fun to drive and it tow my trailer with little problems..since adding a blower to the motor adding 150 horse power. Maintence is straight forwrard and the dealer has been excellent on my normal service routien. the soound system is great and its a breese to drive down the highway with not too much cabin noise. I would rate this vehicle as an 8..due to the turning radius. As far as relialble....couldnt be happier!!!
Great for every day use
Great everyday truck. MPG average 15-17 hilly /mountain driving. Hard to tow heavy loaded trailer 7000lb up hills. 67000+ no major repairs required. Love this truck.
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SS
I have always owned 4 wheel drive trucks, never have I driven one with more traction than the All Wheel Drive SS. I tow a large trailer, many times on glare ice, and feel confident and safe!
Well...
I'm a little disapointed for the money I spent. The sticker was 33K+. For that much cash it should include a walnut dash, power seats, a decent sounding XM/multi-CD radio, etc...I find the base seats to be miserable on any trips over an hour. NO MANUAL LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT! Hell, even Kia has adjustable lumbar in their cheapest models.
My Blue 2004 SS
I have had this truck since 2004. It had a little over 3000 miles when I got it. Other than scheduled maintenance it's not been in the shop. Now with a little over 135,000 mile it's still one of the best-looking Silverado's on the street. True duals running out the back with flow master mufflers, there ain't no better sound, especially when you fire her up in the morning. I've enjoyed this vehicle more than any other I've ever owned except for my 1965 Chevy C-10 fleet side (Black Beauty). The Silverado SS, it's number one with me.
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Gold for my Silverado
Great truck. Made when u.s. auto makers realized Japan and Germany were taking over and making them look out of date and needing to make a statement and quality vehicles again. My truck has been awesome.
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best truck ever
This is the best truck i ever had. It is fast and useful. Because of the all wheel drive I can use it in the winter. I can also pull my boat with no problems.
Love my Chevy
This was my 1st bought new truck & I love it. I live in the country so the 4x4 gets used due to snow & mud and it has always worked like a charm. This is my everyday going to work, pulling stock trailer & my going on vacation vechicle all in one & it does it all. Other then routine oil changes I've never had to put any repair work into it. Only thing that ever happened was the overhead console came loose & I had to tighten the screw that held it. I love this truck & sorry dealerships, but I'm not going to be getting another for years probably even decades cause this is the one for me & is built to last. It still looks brand new inside & out. This is my go there go anywhere reliable truck
chevy man
Maintain your cars
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