1997 GMC Suburban Consumer Reviews

Old and still running well.

Written by: R W on 07/09/2007

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C1500 Wagon

Review

125,000 miles and still running like a champ. Hauls our 3000 lb travel trailer well, but uses a lot of gas when towing (9 mpg). When not towing I get 18 mpg on the highway. Replaced fuel pump two times in two month (also replaced steering gearbox and alternator, but after 113,000 miles, I suppose that's OK). The engine itself is solid as a rock. 125,000 miles and no leaks. It runs very smooth even on heavy acceleration. I've heard from a lot of people, including mechanics, to watch the tranny. Had a spring break in the tranny, but was inexpensive to repair.

Favorite Features

Seats 7 passengers (sometimes 9 if some don't wear seatbelts) and still enough room for cargo. Cargo rack on top is a plus. The power is nice. Parts are less than Ford, Dodge, or any other SUV's.

Suggested Improvements

Redesign the fuel pump. My last GM product with a 350 had the same problem. Alternators don't last long. Steering gearbox is a problem. Even with these problems, repairs are quite moderate.The vehicle has too many pluses to change to another, especially on a used vehicle.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Car Eating Me Out of House and Home

Written by: fifthavenuegirl on 12/01/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K2500 4WD Wagon

Review

This car looks really cool but I have only had it a year and it has already cost me $3000 in repair bills. It has been a nightmare and waste of my time waiting in the waiting rooms while it gets fixed. And that doesnt include the $900 for the tires I will have to replace if I keep it. I've only had it a year and bought it with under 100k miles.

Favorite Features

Safe, large, handles nicely

Suggested Improvements

Better reliability for sure. I'm going back to Nissan.

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Middle of the road

Written by: texan on 06/13/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C1500 Wagon

Review

This SUV is OK. Not bad but not real great. The fuel pump has gone out 4 times and the AC broke. Not bad for 147,000 miles. Handles nicely but hard to park

Favorite Features

High up seating. Good view of road.

Suggested Improvements

Put adjustable seating in so that I can slide the rear seat back when I dont need the 2.5 ft cargo room, and make the middle 40/20/40 to give me more options. If GM did this they could make it to where there is no such thing as the Ford Expedition because GM has a better drive train overall.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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my favorite vehicle

Written by: waderboddle on 03/04/2006

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K1500 4WD Wagon

Review

This vehicle is over nine years old but is still solid, quiet and dependable. I have owned it for five years. It handles well for it's size, tracks well and is a pleasure to drive. Current odometer is 170k. Motor is still quiet and peppy. I use synthetic oil. The downside of this truck is the fuel pump. If you plan to buy one and can hear a buzzing sound, with the engine running, coming from the rear license plate, replace the fuel pump. Also check the gas tank for rust. I've replaced the pump twice myself. I was blessed, both times when it died it was parked.

Favorite Features

Very comfortable leather seats. Large fuel tank. Smooth quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel pump.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great older ride

Written by: Grady on 05/29/2005

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C1500 Wagon

Review

Had to replace the fuel pump and water pump at 70K miles. Otherwise, a splendid vehicle.

Favorite Features

Interior roominess. Smooth, quiet, and powerful ride.

Suggested Improvements

4 Wheel Disk Brakes

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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4 months and lovin' it

Written by: Mike on 12/28/2004

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C2500 Wagon

Review

I really like this Suburban. This is the first full size SUV I have owned and I love it. I have had minor problems such as the wipers getting stuck, but move after I "help" them. There is also a gremlin in the wiring for the interior lights. They stay on all the time unless I use the override switch. I find these to be minor problems I can live with. I have the 7.4 2wd. Loads of power! Gas mileage the same as my old Grand Cherokee 12mpg. Nine-passenger seating has plenty enough room for three kids and camping gear. Handles great on the open highway, a little tougher to handle in the city traffic. Also, it's a big truck that needs lots of room to stop. Brakes could be better. Great truck.

Favorite Features

Three numbers :4 5 4. Big engine, gobs of power!!

Suggested Improvements

Brakes. At over 5000lbs it could use some bigger binders.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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gmc suburban

Written by: Kirt on 03/15/2004

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K1500 4WD Wagon

Review

Minimul problems. Starter went out at 75K miles due to engine heat.

Favorite Features

Drivablity

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I love it

Written by: sunflower252003 on 11/06/2003

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr C1500 Wagon

Review

I bought this SUV and I love it.I have 5 kids and we can all fit comfy.I love chevy

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Great sooo Far!

Written by: larry brixey on 06/28/2003

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K1500 4WD Wagon

Review

WE just purchased this SUV and soo far soo good! It runs great and has plenty of room for 8! My wife and daughter love the size and the reliability. WE plan on lifting it 3" and upsizing the tires to probably 36" Inches. It is a stylish, comfortable and affordable!

Favorite Features

THe power of the 350 engine is awesome and responds very quickly!

Suggested Improvements

Fuel mielage could be better! I am thinking of adding a tornado and adding platnim plugs. MY brotherinlaw did this to his and noticed a big difference.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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High Cost of Ownership

Written by: dls on 06/04/2003

Vehicle

1997 GMC Suburban 4 Dr K1500 4WD Wagon

Review

By far the most costly vehicle I have ever owned (and I consider myself a GM guy). Although I love this vehicle for trips and towing my boat and motocross trailer it has cost me dearly over the past 12 months. Repairs to the transfer case, power steering pump, rear universals, sway bar connecting rods and upper and lower coolant intakes have cost me just under $2500 this year. With only 70K miles on the vehicle I had hoped to own it for another 70K-80K miles. I expect the poor gas mileage, wear and tear and brake pads and a new battery every three years, it's a big vehicle and I bought it with my eyes open.

Favorite Features

Timeless styling and comfortable room for 8.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability, reliability and reliability.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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