1996 GMC Suburban Review

350,000 Km and still humming

Written by: Bill Milne on 02/07/2009

Vehicle

1996 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C1500 Wagon

Review

Purchased this vehicle coming off lease at 160,000km. Used to pull 24 ft 6000lb Bayliner boat for years and family to cottage and run deliveries for a business. Only problem is 3 replacements of fuel pump. Suggest use full synthetic oil for winter driving for quieter startups. Fuel milage: incredable for SUV this size, 21 MPG on highway and 18 in city. Great family and business vehicle

Favorite Features

4wd in winter heavy snow and pulling boat out of the water. Comfortable leather seats and good paint finish

Suggested Improvements

It has a very wide turning radius, can be awkward in tight parking conditions

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Still going strong

Written by: Boze64 on 05/01/2007

Vehicle

1996 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K1500 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought my '96 Suburban from my brother who bought it new. Except for new transmission at 140K, a new head gasket, and typical old vehicle problems, this truck has been very good. 4WD is great in the snow.

Favorite Features

Lots of room

Suggested Improvements

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Problems before thier time

Written by: shade tree mech on 11/02/2004

Vehicle

1996 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C1500 Wagon

Review

Transmission went out at 43,000 miles. The fluid and filter was changed at 30,000. The transmission shop said a bearing in the "reverse plantary came apart. He called it a fluke. I pulled and installed the trans myself but it cost $900.00 to rebuild - an expensive fluke. The fuel pump went out at 51,000± miles. The rear end started whinning slightly at 45,000 miles. It was incorrectely clearanced at the factory. The shim on the left side was too thin resulting in the whin and some bearing chatter marks. I reclearanced the ring gear with the original bearing and it is still running quiet at 71,000 miles. Has anybody had similar problems?

Favorite Features

Large and roomy. A great "kidmobile". Carrys the whole family, luggage and our bass boat without straining.

Suggested Improvements

Move the second seat back for more backseat legroom. Assemble thes vehicles in the USA with the good old American quality control.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Best bet for hauling kids & tack

Written by: big boat on 09/14/2004

Vehicle

1996 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K2500 4WD Wagon

Review

We needed this because mini vans don't go into the woods deer hunting. This is a man's truck, king of the road. Even when my wife drives it, she is Queen of the road. Stay out of the way or get smashed. It once hit a parked car & held not a mark...poor rear end of the other car was BAD. I recommend this to any one who has boats, jets ski's, hauls hunting gear, or just likes to cruise around. Very roomy & string. You won't even know that your're pulling that huge boat behind you.

Favorite Features

Anything fits inside, a couch, 4x8 sheets, dressers, seats fold down and 3rd row seat comes right out. Nice flat cargo area.

Suggested Improvements

I'd like better MPG, with gas at $2.00 a gasllon, it's a hog. The 42 gallon large tank is expensive to fill.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Monster machine 400+ hp w/suspercharger

Written by: deano b on 02/10/2003

Vehicle

1996 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K2500 4WD Wagon

Review

Excellent people and stuff hauler.

Favorite Features

Lots of power and torque

Suggested Improvements

Better MPG

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