2003 GMC Yukon XL Consumer Reviews

My Last GM product

Written by: Chris on 07/12/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Owned the vehicle for 3 yrs. Clanking noise and vibration in front end was steering column that they replaced under warranty (recall) and has had subsequently needed "lubed" two additional times because the problem shows up every 12K miles. I have had to pay each time for the "fix" which is out of warranty. Water pump out at 42K miles. Heat Shield for the muffler had to be replaced. Out of warranty. Noticing the transmission slipping at 57K miles and transmission was shot. New transmission and out of warranty. GM offered no help. When purchasing the vehicle we debated over this vehicle and the Toyota Sequoia. Have had Toyota products with no problems but thought we would try GM. LAST GM

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I Just Love It

Written by: Gayle Davis on 06/23/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Even the gas mileage has been better then the sticker claims. No problems at all now at 25,000 miles. No disappointments at all.

Favorite Features

I love the computer stuff. It is so easy to use.

Suggested Improvements

NOTHING!

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Buyer Beware

Written by: UpsetYukonOwner on 05/11/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

To all who want to know how GM takes care of its customers I suggest you read my post. I am a 2003 Yukon XL owner, owned a '97 GMC Suburban prior. Be forewarned to anyone who puts miles on the '03 and forward Yukons and Chevy equals. There is NOTHING Professional Grade about these vehicles!!! To date my vehicle has had to have both front hubs replaced. I have 4 friends with a total of 7 Yukon’s including mine. On these vehicles 5 hubs have had to be replaced. Sounds like an issue to me. If the truck was used in city driving or off road I would understand but for an on the road truck this is not an acceptable quality level for a $48,000. truck.

Favorite Features

XM Radio

Suggested Improvements

Better plating and painting on components. The engineers I know say they test these vechicles but maybe they should put big miles to see the flaws that would be so easy to fix. Yet still after all the updated Yukons the still have many minor flaws that when put together create a sub-standard vehicle

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Real Happy after 3 years!

Written by: Mike on 05/03/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my Denali new and I do a lot of towing. At the ramp, it will jerk my 6,500 pound wet boat out of the water with ease. Never any skidding or hesitation. It has also held up much better than expected and has been exceptionally reliable. No problems except one battery in 3-years with 45k miles. Better than Japanese cars I have owned. I added an K&N free-flow air filter and acceleration has noticably improved. When punched, it really moves out. While no econo car, it will take me over 500 miles on one tank while cruising at 80+. I calculated it around 16 MPG. In pure city driving I get around 12 to 13. I would buy another without question; I just don't want to part with my 2003!

Favorite Features

Lots of power, exceptional towing capability, lots of room and exceptional reliability. Great looks.

Suggested Improvements

Add the Duramax Diesel as an option please.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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the best

Written by: dana williams on 04/13/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I always wanted a Denali. Now that I own one I am happy. I am very satisfied with this suv. It drives well, Looks good, is big enough for my whole family. The engine can get loud but that all that horse power.

Favorite Features

It is a spacious vehicle. Looks good from the outside. It has enough space inside for cups and nick nacks. The seats adjust to your height and weight.

Suggested Improvements

gas mileage

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Yukon XL

Written by: rsa240 on 03/09/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This is the 2nd Yukon XL we bought and they are outstanding. Tried all the competition and they can’t touch the ride quality, especially with Autoride. Good power, nice ride, great utility, good looks, quite, you name it. We have had only minor issues that were covered under warrantee. Both vehicles have gone through multiple batteries and I cannot understand why GM uses the same battery on the Yukon that they us on a Malibu??? I wish they had better seating arrangements. Having to choose the bench seat with more seating or captain chairs that are more comfortable is tough. GM should offer an option to have 3 captain chairs in the middle row like some mini vans. On-Star not worth $.

Favorite Features

Bose system, heated seats, looks, Autoride, 10.4’ aftermarket video system, steering wheel controls, 3-way climate control, power folding mirrors, utility, Universal Home Remote, Driver Information Center. Great overall vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Rev. warning, 18” std tires w/ opt 20” priced right, bigger video system, bluetooth to radio, better battery, move seat heat switches, more fnt leg room (box in the way), more leg room in 2nd row, opt for 3 capt chairs in the 2nd row, radio cntl in rear hatch /remote for radio, 3rd row floor mats.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Lemon law should have been used

Written by: gravy on 01/12/2006

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This SUV has been towed three times for a faulty fuel pump. The dealership knew of an ongoing problem but would not replace the fuel pump until an in- flight recorder was used to determine that it was the fuel pump. I have had two replacements of a shaft in the front end that wasn't lubed from the factory. The right side electronics went out costing $450.00. The motor for the left driver window went out, the heater in the right side mirror went out, I have the same squeaking dashboard as others have complained about, and more. This is the second Yukon (1998 GMC Suburban) I have owned but will be the last. The first one had to have a rebuilt transmission. Major diappointment!!

Favorite Features

Smooth ride and good exterior look.

Suggested Improvements

Higher quality and better serevice

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A Monday Yuke

Written by: FllRick on 11/05/2005

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Must have been built on a Monday. Battery dead on third day. The two front wheel caps weren't aligned with the wheels. Hung a coat on rear coat hook, and it pulled out of the ceiling. Check master cylinder, and check stabilitrack messages. All within first 1500 miles. Engine makes a soft rattling noise like a bearing is off, but fortunately, the GMC service person assures me GMC designs the engines to make rattling noises, so guess I'll turn up the XM radio and relax. Except for the disturbing noise that can only be heard by me, GMC has fixed everything else under warranty. It's not that it's a lemon. I actually like the thing. I'm just disappointed with initial quality control.

Favorite Features

Drives well, comfortable, carries almost anything.

Suggested Improvements

Just build it better. It wasn't cheap. I've bought a lot of new vehicles in my life, and I've had the good fortune to not have a single problem with any of them. This thing has been ridiculous.

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Great!

Written by: DaveyDave on 08/20/2005

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

So much better all the way over my '98 version. 320 hp, Cold AC, Bose, seats, style, and mileage better, but still not great. I bought a Mini to commute in, and this is really the family trip vehicle. It is the best road vehicle I've ever had or been in. After owning it, it gave me the feeling that GM really wanted to be in the auto business instead of thinking of just financing the usual average dull boring unreliable vehicles they have put out for years.

Favorite Features

Bose, satellite radio, seat adjustments, build quality (which is really unusual for a GM vehicle), Temp control, icy air, and quick heat. Heated seats are the best ever. Rear seat radio.

Suggested Improvements

Leather 3rd seat. For a vehicle north of $50K, don't skimp here. Floor mats are chintzy. Squeak where console attaches to dash should be better engineered. Ipod docking station.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Everyone rides with me!

Written by: football mom on 08/14/2005

Vehicle

2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

The great thing about our GMC YukonXL is we have room for the book bags, sports equipment bags, grocery and friends! We never have to tell someone we don't have room. However, we end up driving more than we would like to. We purchased this vehicle with 14,000 miles and the ride is wonderful. We previously bought Suburbans and the difference is unbelievable. The GMC is has a better ride and the interior and exterior appointments are much nicer. However, it rattles and squeaks a little more than I like. For all the comfort I turn the radio up. The kids can watch a DVD while we listen to XM radio. The GMC is the way to go!

Favorite Features

Heated seats, DVD, XM Radio, the ride

Suggested Improvements

Squeaks, rattles that is my only complaint

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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