Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Not everybody falls in love with their automotive purchases. This is certainly the case for Eric from Tennessee, who had some buyer's remorse about the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. His disappointment extended beyond the pickup's general ride and unimpressive fuel economy to small touches like storage space and even upholstery. Read his full review for an idea of why the Silverado failed to meet his expectations, then post your own review here.

Comments

Seems to me that a thourogh test drive would have eliminated his problem. He should have felt how week the engine was, how weak the brakes were, and the uncomfortable ride on the test drive before he purchased the truck.

I own a landscaping company and have first hand experience with all of the major truck brands in the past ten years. Two years ago we turned over our fleet buying six Tundras, six Silverados, and two Dodges. We too are disappointed in the Silverado's interior as the seat fabric has to be the cheapest of all the major brands. The brakes could be better too but if you equip the truck with the V8 it's a fine vehicle with a decent ride. In comparison to the other major brands the Toyota's have been our best purchase followed closely by the Dodges. Since we turn over our fleet every three to four years we'll probably just stick with the Toyota and Dodge name brands or go w/ an all Toyota fleet. This recent go around we dropped Nissan and Ford due to build build quality issues. I see some of the same problems in two of our Silverado's already (ie Rear window weather stripping trim was installed backwards).

These negative comments are the exception when it comes to the Silverado. We purchased an 08 Silverado LT and it is a great workhorse and a fuel miser. With the cylinder deactivation system on the 5.3 liter it easily averages 23 to 25 mpg on the highway, unloaded. The EPA says the Silverado should average 17 mpg, but we average 19 to 21.5 between fillups. Our best mileage was 30.3 on a 40 mile jaunt at 50 mph -not bad for a 315 hp truck. There have been no problems in the first 10,000 miles and that is consistent with the Silverado being named best in initial quality by JD Power. We own two other Toyotas but passed on the Tundra because it cost $10,000 more and doesn't offer cylinder deactivation, so the Tundra is a major gas hog. Toyota uses overhead cam technology, which doesn't offer enough room in the engine to include the cylinder deactivation. In my opinion that's why the Tundra is a very slow seller and the Silverado is one of the best selling vehicles.

I recently cross-shopped the Silverado, Tundra, and F-150. I ended-up purchasing the Tundra because I felt it offered the most quality and the drive train was by far the smoothest. I liked the Silverado but I could not get over the questionable interior materials.

Dang that's funny I got 40 mpg in my truck, even while doing 80 mph in the city!! The only time this truck gets over 20 mpg is when the engine is off and someone else is pushing it.

Of all the reviews probably available to this website, why publish the one for the base model with the base V6 engine. This is not in any way representative of the typical pickup buyer out there. And furthermore, did you specifically pick the most negative review for any particular reason?

We always mix up the reviews as far as positive and negative. We usually select based on how complete and articulate the review is, and the fact that it is a relatively new model.
Check out some past picks
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/reader_review_of_the_week/

The writer talks about poor fuel economy - it would be helpful if they offered a mileage number. The 4.3 liter should hit 19 to 20 mpg on the highway. For most people, the V8 with cylinder management is the more fuel efficient choice - when it's in V4 mode, the truck is running on just 2.7 liters, and its relatively easy to learn how to maximize that mode in your driving, just by watching the dash display.

I smell a troll with this review. Also why WOULD you expect top notch materials when choosing the WT option and 4.3L? Power door locks and no Keyless? Once again, it's the WT package - get a clue. Ride quality? Has he ever test drove the Tundra unloaded at highway speeds over raised pavement seams? Apparently not. This review seems overly biased.

i own a 2008 silverado lt ext cab with 4.8 v8 it has 8k on it and have had all kinds of issues w/ mpg cty 11.3 max running high test 19.5 hwy why such a difarance? dealer says not normal but offers no fix rotors look like they have 90k on them turned 2x gm says norm break weare leakes around back window fixed 1x will not pull 1.000lb trailer without going in and out of passing gear constantly dealer knows of problem but has no fix they call it fishing no fix for a$30.000 truck its a peace of junk my 3rd new gm in 4yrs and my last i will end up haveing to sue gm but i will not pay for something thats not what they said it would be BUYER BEWARE good luck to all

I also have a 2008 Silverado LTZ extended cab which replaced a 1999 Silverado LT extended cab. Both equiped with the 5.3 Vortec. The 2008 has the active fuel management(ACM). The 1999 was a much better made truck. There was more room inside and the interier was of a much better plushness and quality. More storage and more comfortable seating with armrests on the front seats. I cannot say there are no improvements in my 2008 just significantly less quality. The tail gate when closed has large gaps between the gate and the fender. I have a fiberglass tonneau cover and when going through the car wash water gets into the bed at the sides of the tail gate. This was not a problem with the 1999 which also had a fiberglass tonneau. I had to purchase an after market weather seal kit to solve the problem. You could actually look into the bed through the gaps when the gate was closed and fit a small magazine in the slots before the strip was installed. The one mistake I made with this purchase is not having 3.73 gears at the rear. The truck came with a 3.42 rear end, however, that is on me. I also don't like the drum brakes on the rear as four wheel disc brakes are adequate for towing and easir to inspect and service. Chevy made the body massive to be in line with the massive bodies on the ford and the dodge and this was not necessary as the product was sufficient as it was. There will always be somting that someone can say they like and don't like. They can't please all of the people all of he time. I just hope that, if and when General Motors gets back on there feet that they focus on doing what they used to do very well, and that was not trying to keep up with the Jone's but just kicking their butts with a better product overall. I want to be loyal to the brand, but, where does loyaly end and stupidity began. Next when I shop for a truck I will have my micrometer in hand. I also purchased an extended warranty. It is a platinum bumper to bumper package that covers everythig that chevy does not cover and there is no deductable. as with every thing buyer be ware. "Always Maximize Your Power"

A couple of months ago, I purchased a like-new 2007 Silverado LT reg. cab, short bed with 20K miles. Most buyers would have no use for that combo, but I'm usually the only person in the truck and I didn't want to rearrange my shop/garage to accommodate a longer vehicle. So far, I'm pleased with the vehcle. With the 4.8L, I average 20.5-21.5 MPG in combination city/hwy driving. I admit I have a light foot. There is plenty of power when needed, but of course with increased power you give up fuel efficiency exponentionally. My only complaint is the rough ride. This truck has HD suspension that I'm going to swap for a "grandpa" suspension if possible. Otherwise, it's a cool ride.
P.S. - I agree with previous writers about the lint-attracting nature of the interior. I have black cloth and it gets a frequent brushing.