2003 GMC Yukon XL Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

One of our favorite SUVs thanks to strong engines, functionality and features.

Pros

Huge interior space, strong V8-engine lineup, Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system, extensive list of available features.

Cons

Some cheap interior materials considering the price, questionable build quality.

What's New for 2003

The Yukon XL gains numerous functional enhancements for 2003. The Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system is now available on 3/4-ton models for increased maneuverability and better stability when towing, while 1/2-ton versions now offer the Stabilitrak stability control system. Also this year, buyers get a choice of two new optional exterior mirrors: a multifunction power fold-away version with puddle lamps and integrated turn signal lights or extended camper mirrors that are also power foldable. The interior gets numerous upgrades that include tri-zone climate control, an enhanced driver-information center and a redesigned center console and instrument panel. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are now optional, as are second-row captain's chairs and power adjustable pedals. A revised lineup of entertainment options offers buyers a Bose audio system as well as XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based entertainment system. Finally, for increased safety, the Yukon XL now features a standard front-passenger-sensing system, dual-stage airbags and three point seatbelts for all positions in the first and second rows.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Great Vehicle If You Need Big

Written by: gatescrash on 11/03/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought new as 03 leftover in Jan 2004, Had an issue with the AC leaking out and it took a few trips to the dealer to fix, but I blame the dealer for so many trips as they should have fixed in 1 or 2 trips, not 4. As far as big SUV's go this is one of the best. Ride comfort is great, plenty of room for camping, skiing, etc equipment. It tows an 18 foot bass boat like it's not even there and that's with just the 5.3 in it. I'd buy another one in the future but we only put 9K on this one per year so I've go a few years of use left in the old girl. It's a heavy vehicle so you'll replace brake pads around 50K and the e-brake drum rusts out so you end up replacing the rear drums, so use them ofte

Favorite Features

Heated seats, cruise, power everything, traction in snow, rear limited split diff, etc, etc, etc

Suggested Improvements

Captains chairs in second row aren't the greatest option as it really just loses one person's seating. 3rd row could use more leg room and I wish it could be turned around like in my fathers 1978 suburban. Lastly I wish the fuel economy was a little better.

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Not likley to ge back to GM

Written by: DavidB on 09/02/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	7

2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

This vehicle has been, without a doubt, the worst value for money that I have spent. I have purchased 8 NEW GM products. This is the most that I have spent and the most dissapointed that I have been (35% of purchase price on repairs, not maintenance). Head gasket leaked at 70,000 km. Random electrical failures from the onset have resulted in more than 35 dead battery incidents. Random sluggish performance due to fuel issues (new pump has not fixed the problem). Recently has been dieing on the road with 3/4 tank of gas!! This vehicle had great potential but the quality of the components has really killed my opinion. At least OnStar works when these things happened to my wife!

Driving performance and handling. General interior layout. OnStar is a GREAT feature. Too bad we had to rely on it so much for help....

Electrical system, fuel system engine/gasket quality. More 3rd row legroom.

Impressed!

Written by: Doug on 03/10/2009


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

I am very pleased with vehicle. It has 110,000 miles and it still smells and drives like a new one. I have had different brands of vehicles, but not with the quality this Yukon XL has. I would never buy another Toyota after driving this GMC. I am very satisfied with everything this machine has to offer! I have been driving GM vehicles for 40 years now and I haven't found anything yet that even comes close to the quality! Thankyou GMC

I like the stereo that tells me the name of the song that is playing on the radio while the song is playing. I also like the seperate temperature controls. I like the interior engineering design. Inside and out better quality than than other vehicles including Toyota or Ford.

None

No maintenance

Written by: JRod on 02/26/2009


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

I bought new in '03 & spent less than $600 total on maintenance items. Replaced water pump 1 month ago & front brakes @ 60K miles. Wife drove the heck out of it until I took over @ 60K miles. It now has 85K miles & drives & rides like new. GM quality is A+ and even if it breaks down, it doesn't break my wallet to repair. Extremely happy with the Yukon.

The ride

interior (leather)

03 Yukon XL

Written by: Kerry on 11/05/2007


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	10

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

Rides very well. 5.3 is slightly lacking in power, but good enough to tow a 3000 lb boat. Only problem has been tire wear due to previous owner not rotating tires. According to our tire dealer, these wear tires very quickly if not rotated every 6k miles. My wife gets 18 mpg on the highway and 15 in town. I get 16.5 on the highway. Overall, very satisfied.

373 rear end

Cold air / ram air intake

2003 GMC Yukon XL Consumer Ratings & Reviews