2003 GMC Yukon Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With room for up to nine passengers, gutsy V8 engines and numerous passenger amenities, the Yukon is a full-featured family sport-ute that's tough to beat.

Pros

Strong engines, roomy and versatile interior, rugged chassis, numerous available amenities.

Cons

Spotty build quality, interior materials could be better.

What's New for 2003

Despite numerous 2003 upgrades, there's not much different on the outside other than optional multifunction mirrors and new machined aluminum wheels for SLT models. Inside, you'll find tri-zone climate controls, an enhanced driver-information center and a redesigned center console and instrument panel. Satellite steering wheel controls are now optional (standard on Denali models) as are second-row captain's chairs. New entertainment options include a Bose audio system, as well as XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based entertainment system. For increased safety, there are a standard front-passenger sensing system, three-point belts for all second-row passengers, adjustable pedals and an available StabiliTrak stability control system. GMC also upgraded the braking system for better pedal feel and performance and retuned the Autotrac four-wheel-drive system for better efficiency and less binding at low speeds. Finally, Yukons sold in California are fitted with a new catalytic converter that earns the truck ULEV certification.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Not worth the money

Written by: kdhuston on 06/25/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	4	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This was a fabulous vehicle but as soon as the warranty came up it's slowly falling apart. Within 2 weeks of the warranty my transmission went out then 2 weeks after that my rear end went out at 69,000 miles. The motor in the driver side window has gone out and the passenger is on it's way. The side panel on the drivers side is pulling apart from the door and the vynal on the dash is starting to peel off. The air vents are cracking and beginning to break and the seats are starting to wear thin. My husband has had his Acura for 8 years and the interior still looks new. I take really good care of it. It's made with cheap products and corners were clearly cut. Won't buy American again.

Favorite Features

Lots of interior space. Comfortable seats.

Suggested Improvements

More Quality interior products to match with the price of the vehicle.

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Only buy it if you like ongoing repairs

Written by: Rick on 05/17/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	4	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	1	Exterior Design:	4

One problem after another with this vehicle. Rear air shock ($800), cat converters ($1500), rear axle seal (? $). This is the second GM SUV we have owned and the previous one had issues as well. Never again! We were simply sick of wondering what the next repair bill would be for this truck. We recently dumped this vehicle for a 2006 Honda Pilot. It our Pilot lives up to the normal reliability Honda provides, our piece of mind is worth the loss we took when trading in the Yukon.

Gobs of power (but it comes with the high price of dismal gas mileage)

Improve mechanical build. When the original MSRP is $35K+, I expect more. Every manufacturer is subject to problems, but the issues in GM products (especially as they age) quickly rack up repair costs in the thousands of dollars.

I'd only trade it for a newer one!

Written by: Spoil Myself on 03/26/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

2003 GMC Yukon SLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

I bought my '03 Yukon SLT 5.3L V8 2WD in 9/03 with 500 miles on it. Since the day I bought it, I've said that the only car I'd trade it for would be a newer version of the same vehicle. I now have >96K miles on my Yukon, & love it just as much. I drive 75 miles/day round-trip to work, & given the time I spend in my vehicle, wanted a car will all of the amenities--this has them! I've only ever had 2 things go wrong with it--the driver's seat warmer went out at 95K, & the fuel pump at around 60K miles. I've never had any other mechanical issue or service issues with local GM mechanics not being knowledgeable about my vehicle as reported by others.

Smooth ride, comfortable heated seats; Bose sound system with steering wheel controls; Sunroof; V8 engine's power; Interior room for my kids in their car-seats & anyone else who wants a ride; Self-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, computer display of instant fuel economy, captain's chairs

Fuel economy--18 mpg hwy & 16 mpg overall isn't bad at all for the power & size (especially since I have a heavy foot) but improving it would help the cost of owning this car. Flex fuel doesn't help cost, the fuel economy decreases when using E85. 3rd- row seats that fold flat in the floor.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Autoride is amazing!

Written by: Chad on 02/08/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	1	Exterior Design:	9

The Autoride is amazing! Black with 20" makes this a stand-out truck. Easy to operate and park in the city. Feels like your driving on glass, even on the roughest roads. GMC resales better than Ford or Tahoe.

Steering wheel controls, comfort, power, styling, second row captain chairs.This is a head turner with 20" rims folks!

Mileage, electronics are sub-standard,

Love My Yukon!

Written by: My03Yukon on 01/29/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

I bought my Yukon brand new. I absolutely fell in love with it the moment I saw it. I knew I had to have it. It rides great, my kids are comfortable, & I'm comfortable driving it. The third row comes out, so when we have company from out of state we put the seats in and when it's just us we take the seats out. Mileage is good too.

Third row seat, captains chairs, and third row seat.

I had some trouble with the gas gauge, but GMC finally replaced it. My CD player never worked very well& that never got fixed but fortunately I have Sirius radio. I wish they would of put the seat heating on all the trucks. And the turn arrows on the mirrors.

2003 GMC Yukon Consumer Ratings & Reviews