The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado is a reliable, spacious full-size truck that’s still putting in work on farms and ranches across the country. With towing capacity bordering on five tons and plenty of bed and cab options, there’s not much this classic pickup can’t do.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2004 Silverado remains one of the best and most powerful used work trucks on the market today.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Ford was leaning into SUV-like interior design for the F-150 around this time. Chevrolet were sticking to their guns, producing stripped down work-oriented pickups, so the ride is a bit stiff. But you’ll have no complaints when it comes to interior space and cargo capacity.
- Reliability 7/10 – The powertrain might keep chugging for another twenty years, but brake boosters, AC compressors, starters, and various electrical accessories will need to be replaced on a fairly regular basis past 150,000 miles.
- Safety 7/10 – Safety tech is dated and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test scores are less than stellar. But the truck is built like a fortress on wheels, so you won’t feel unsafe behind the wheel.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – The 4.3L V6 averages 17/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The 5.3L V8 gets just 15/18. So the 2004 Silverado isn’t a great choice for a daily driver.
- Value 7/10 – The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado is priced fairly, starting around the $6,000 to $7,000 range. That’s typical for a full-size 2004 pickup, and it’s worth the price, but it may have some buyers wondering if a Colorado would do the job.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?
Consumer Reports note that the 2004 Silverado wasn’t that much different from the 2003 model, or the 2002 model, or even the 1999 model, leaving it to fall behind the competition. They did like the powerful engine and four wheel drive system, but otherwise had little praise for the truck.
Kelley Blue Book users love the comfortable ride, reliable powertrain and classic styling. Drivers were less enthused about the poor acceleration and mediocre fuel economy.
Edmunds liked the roomy Extended cabs and the powerful V8 engine options. They found the overall build quality a bit cheap, with the low-rent interior earning special notice.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Have?
Electrical issues have been a leading problem for Silverado owners, making up more than a quarter of the 1,836 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Issues range from random electrical shorts to failing air conditioners, ultimately coming down to plain ol’ bad wiring.
Brakes have more than 700 complaints on file in total, with a common issue being steel brake lines rusting through and snapping. Drivers report pressing the brake only for it to snap loose and hit the floor without bringing the truck to a stop.
There are 91 powertrain complaints on file, which sounds like a lot, but remember that this is the second best selling vehicle for 2004, meaning that those 91 complaints are spread across hundreds of thousands of units. All told, that gives us a fairly low rate of incidence for transmission failure.
The Silverado’s transmission and engine are reliable, the chassis is solid. But there are a lot of parts that are likely to break before you hit 200,000 miles, and those parts tend to be more expensive to replace in a full-size truck than they would be in a compact car or a crossover SUV.
How Long Will the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Last?
On the low end, Silverado owners typically report 200,000 miles on the original transmission and engine. That’s basically a worst-case-scenario. There are just as many reports of the Silverado hitting 300,000 miles. If you’re buying used, expect a lifespan of 250,000 miles with proper maintenance.
RepairPal report an annual repair cost of $714, which is a bit high compared to a compact or a minivan, but average for a full-size pickup. The priciest common fixes include new fuel tanks, starting at $1,285, and replacement brake boosters, starting at $509.
The 2004 Chevy Silverado is very reliable and I'll get you where you need to be safe. I haven't found any problems with the Chevrolet Silverado
I have trouble when it doesn't want to shift other than that it's a good tuck I get oil change gas it up register it every year I love my truck but some time I will need another truck or car
My vehicle is very reliable it has no problems at all. I have driven this vehicle on many miles and it has always safely got me where I need to go
As it gets older, I have run into more problems but that is to be expected from a truck from 2004. I consider it a very reliable truck.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is adequate, if basic. Higher trim levels come with a CD player and six speakers and that’s about as high tech as it gets here.
Safety technology is likewise basic. You get anti-lock brakes and full airbags, and that’s about it. That’s not bad for a 2004 pickup truck, but it was hardly cutting edge for the time.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado a Good Value?
The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado is priced fairly. An entry level Silverado with an Extended cab typically lists at around $7,928, with the fair market range starting at $6,032. The truck is worth the price, but sellers know what they have. The Z71 can sell for close to ten thousand dollars, and at that price you might want to look elsewhere.
Ultimately the question is less whether the Silverado is worth the price, and whether you really need a used full-size pickup. There are plenty of smaller trucks out there like the Ranger and the Colorado, which tend to go for about half the price of their big brothers.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?
The 2004 Silverado is sold in six different models, from the stripped down Base and Work Truck to the high-end LT and the off-road Z71.
The bare bones Work Truck features:
- Vinyl seat trim
- Manual dual zone air conditioning
- AM/FM radio with four speakers
The Base model adds:
- Cruise control
- 16″ steel wheels
With the mid-range LS you’re adding:
- Heated mirrors
- Premium cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows
The Z71 is all about off-road, adding:
- Four wheel drive
- Fog lights
- Off road suspension package
The high-end LT includes:
- Heated seats
- Leather seating
- Fog lights
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
What Engines Come In the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?
- The base engine is a 4.3L V6 delivering 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. This is configured in rear wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic, and can tow up to 7,600 pounds.
- Next up is a 4.8L V8 delivering 285 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. 4-speed automatic, rear wheel drive, and towing for up to 8,000 pounds, depending on your options.
- The 5.3L V8 delivers 295 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Paired to a 4-speed automatic and configured in rear/four wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?
Drivers report that while the interior is roomy, especially in the Extended cabs, the suspension can be a bit rigid. After all, the shocks and struts are designed to carry thousand-pound payloads of gravel and lumber. Delivering a soft, cushy ride is a lower priority.
You’ve got 61 inches of hip room in the front, and 63 in the back, so you shouldn’t have any issue bringing the whole crew to the job with you.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Have?
The Silverado is offered with a Short bed at 6.5 feet long, or a Long bed at 8 foot even. Whichever bed you go with, it’s going to be about 63 inches across and 22 inches deep. In short: It’s a full-size truck, you’re not going to have any issue packing whatever you need to pack.
Payload capacity will vary based on your options, but the 2004 Silverado maxes out at 2,114 pounds.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
Chevrolet launched the Silverado in the 1999 model year, with the 1st Generation finally being retired in the 2007 model year.
2002: The exterior got a visual touch-up, but there were no major changes for 2002.
2003: HVAC and audio controls got a redesign for 2003, and that’s about it.
2004: The Crew cab made its debut in the 2004 model year.
2005: Power sunroofs were added to Extended and Crew cabs in 2005.
2006: New interior trim materials included brushed aluminum, burled wood, and carbon fiber.
2007: 2007 saw a redesign for the fascia and an overhaul for the suspension, with coilover struts in the front wheels offering a smoother ride.
How Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Compare to the Competition?
The Silverado’s leading competition, year after year, is the F-150, which tows a few hundred pounds more than the Silverado, and typically sells for a few hundred dollars more. We can split hairs, but the Silverado vs. the F-150 really comes down to personal preference.
2004’s Dodge Ram is a fine truck, but overpriced, frequently selling for more than ten grand, and from trim to trim tows a few hundred pounds less than a comparable Silverado. There’s nothing particularly wrong with a 2004 Dodge Ram, but why spend more than you need to?
The Silverado and the F-150 are both excellent pickups. If you don’t already have a favorite, test drive them both and see which you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?
Yes, it Dries very well, it’s very safe, good with gas. It’s very comfortable and very good looking.
Yes it is a good truck I drive my truck everywhere all day long and every day to go shopping to my doctors appointments
Yes it has been an excellent vehicle for me. I have had this vehicle for many years and I have always kept it maintained it has had very few issues all have been minor I plan on keeping this vehicle for some time.
I think it is very reliable for what I need it for. It is a little dated but I like the truck. It has a great amount of space and has very few problems.
