1997 GMC Suburban Review
1997 GMC Suburban Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge interior with room for nine and their luggage, excellent interstate cruiser, powerful V-8 engine
Cons
- Hard to park, cheesy dashboard plastic, uncomfortable driver's seat
What’s new
GMC has added a passenger-side airbag and a power lock switch in the cargo compartment. SLE and SLT trim now includes rear heat and air conditioning, as well as remote keyless entry. Uplevel SLT trim also includes a combination CD and cassette player stereo system. All Suburbans receive speed-sensitive power steering, and 4WD models have a tighter turning circle. Two new colors freshen the dated exterior design this year.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not Available for Suburban 2500
Suburban 2500
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
Gaze down the side of a Suburban and all you see is steel and more steel, stretching rearward. Hike yourself aboard and you can't help but feel you're in a truck, ready for the long haul--which is exactly what pleases many owners of these biggies. Compact-vehicle fans have a hard time grasping the appeal, but full-size "truck wagons" have been luring more and more upscale motorists.
GMC claims this mammoth combines the comfort of a luxury sedan with the "tenacity and utility of a packhorse." Except for the nearly-identical Chevrolet model, also named Suburban and priced just slightly lower, there was nothing else quite like it on the market, until Ford crashed the party this year with the new Expedition.
For 1997, GMC has added a passenger side airbag and a power lock switch in the cargo compartment. SLE and SLT trim now includes rear heat and air conditioning, as well as remote keyless entry. Uplevel SLT trim also includes a combination CD and cassette player stereo system. All Suburbans receive speed-sensitive power steering, and 4WD models have a tighter turning circle. Two new colors freshen the dated exterior design this year.
Inside, the modern instrument panel holds a selection of white-on-black analog gauges with zone markings and red-orange needles. Climate controls are easy to grasp and use, within easy reach of each occupant. Dual cupholders ease out of a compartment at the center of the dashboard, but are poorly located so that beverages sit in front of the air vents. Three assist handles help entry/exit. Passenger car tires make less rough-and-tumble Suburbans ride smoothly and quietly.
Despite its pickup truck heritage, the Suburban produces a stable and reasonably comfortable, if not exactly cushiony, ride--at least until you stray away from smooth pavement. We do wish the driver's seat backrest didn't feel reclined when in its most upright position. Gasoline engines tend to guzzle as expected, and if you're planning to carry heavy loads much of the time, or haul a trailer, give the big-block Vortec 7400 V8 a whirl before deciding to accept the base engine.
The Suburban is one our favorites. It's a no-holds barred, no apologies kind of truck that can carry or tow just about anything you'd want to move without professional assistance. With a strong lineup of engines and more room inside than Expedition, we'd take the Suburban so long as we could live with it occupying the driveway rather than the garage.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 GMC Suburban.
5 star(70%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Dependable Family Vehicle
FLEX, 03/25/2002
1997 GMC Suburban K1500 4dr SUV 4WD
This vehicle has proven itself; especially if you have a large size family. Whether in hot/cold climate, the surbuban always started and performed above standards. Very roomy, dependable, and stylish.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best bet for hauling kids & tack
big boat, 09/14/2004
1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Best GMC model ever.
Jack Bennett, 11/20/2017
1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
I've owned my Suburban since '99 and it's never left me stranded even with 273k on the odometer. I'd recommend this truck to anybody looking for a comfortable and reliable daily driver.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Knock on wood
Dennis, 11/08/2010
1997 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
I have done nothing except for regular maintenance on this vehicle. 1 fuel pump. Two sets of front brakes. 1 water pump. The interstate ride is phenomenal if you can afford the gas. 11 miles to a gallon. 1 tune-up in 10 years. We are overdue. We load it up and go. No thoughts of breakdowns so far. Please Lord, don't let this little bit of bragging jinx me
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 GMC Suburban, so we've included reviews for other years of the Suburban since its last redesign.
1997 Suburban Highlights
2500
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 47.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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