Used 1999 Chevrolet Suburban Consumer Reviews
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1999 1500 LS Chevy Suburban
Great vehicle, towing power, and easy to drive. Great on road. Paint and quality good.
1999 Suburban - OK, but could be better
My wife bought used in July 2007 from used car dealer. Looked good on lot, everything appeared to work. Dealer said transmission had already been replaced. As previous postings said - door locks and actuators not working properly. Would not start, could not find problem. After major tune-up restarted. Had to replace brakes. Serpentine belt broke. It's OK, but could be better for the money.
Great Truck
Great vehicle very little problems even with 113k on the odometer. Plenty of room inside for my family of 6, plus a friend or two. It's great for long trips, very comfortable to drive. Tows the camper or Jeep great.
I love my truck
Purchased this truck used with 47,000 miles on it in 2001. Have taken several major road trips, now have over 160,000 miles on it. Last summer, in the mountains, fuel pump went, not good. Need to expect some major repairs on a vehicle with this many miles tho'. With soaring gas prices I have entertained getting something more economical, however, after reading these reviews, I am encouraged that reliability, power and comfort might be worth the trade off in gas dollars. There's no beating it for hiway driving, so much more visibility and appreciate the higher profile. Still hauling kids, think I've convinced myself to keep it til it dies! Been told they can go for 300K
Dependable at times
Bought used with 78K to tow our 21 foot Outback TT. Tows OK. Replaced battery, altenator, starter and original tires at 80000. Fuel gauge needle vibrates. Changed engine oil to synthetic had minor leaks, went back to regular QS. Installed Magnaflow muffler with dual outs, K&N air filter and throttle body spacer. HP and mileage improved. Front discs warped did complete brake job. Manifold gasket replaced at 111000 and new starter. The DRL's worked when we bought it. Now they come on whenever. Fuel pump very loud since we bought it and is hanging in there. Small leak in A/C system. Water leaks from hard rains cleaned drain no luck. Headlite lenses dull bought new ones. Buy again? Newer maybe!
My 1999 Suburban
The only major problem experienced was the computer/transmission glitch where code 1870 kept coming up after "Check engine soon" warning. First happened at 12,000 miles. At 60,000 miles I had to replace valve body ($1,100) but that did not fix the problem and the "bumb" rough shifting from start thru 2nd. Replaced valve body again at 160,000 and all is fine. Chevy tried many times to sell me a $3,000 tranny.
Lots of room, that's it
Love the room. Thats all. Man, this thing has been expensive to maintain. At 110,000, had to put an $800 fuel pump in it while on vacation. The ac/heat blower motor only works on high now. Mechanics say a $40.00 sensor is bad, but since it requires the removal of the dash... labor alone is $450.00. Power locks usually dont work. Left rear window only rolls down half way. Passenger seat heater comes on and off.
Utility at a price
The 1999 LS 2wd was our fourth Burb, but the first one purchased new. Replaced transmission at 41000. Seems like new brakes every 16000 miles. My biggest irritation has been a periodic starting problem--probably 12 times so far. It will decide not to start. You turn the key and it sounds like a normal start, except it does not progress to idle. The illness can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Then, it starts and runs as if nothing has been wrong. Typically, these incidents occur when we're out of town.
I enjoy it!
I bought my 1999 used (70K) and don't have anything negative to say about it. I really enjoy driving it. I also drive a 2002 Mazda Miata and frankly it's a refreshing change of pace to drive the Suburban. It's very comfortable and I feel extremely safe.
199 subur4ban
I bought the car with 35k miles and have spent $1000 on brakes, The rotors are nearly gone, they squeal when new and old and everything in between and have never worked very well. But the worst is the rear differential.I pull a trailer, about 5000 lbs,and the differential has gone out twice. It definitely can not handle the load claimed by the factory for towing and the factory won't stand behind it. Also the gas gauge stopped working at 80k miles and the dealer says it is $750 to fix and no offers from the factory. I have talked to other people who have had the same problem with chevy trucks gas gauges.
a hoss
Bought used 89,000 miles. Now have 205,000 have had no problems except brakes. Am on 4th set of brakes and 2nd set of front rotors. Interior not of great quality too much plastic. Have had to put Freon in a/c only once but discovered has a large capacity. Replaced battery once. Do not like screw terminals they vibrate loose. Has 44 gallon tank gets 18 mpg on hwy and 14 city. In terms of bang for the buck I feel I for once got the better deal. I will probably replace once I get to 250,000 and have really fallen in love with the Nissan armada. I think the suburban has been overpriced for the cheap interior but give it an "a" for the past 6 years
Good Road Vehicle
I purchased this Suburban new in 1999. At 21,000 miles it began to use oil. The number 5 cylinder valve guide had to be replaced. At 55,000 miles the right side head gasket began to leak antifreeze and had to replace gasket. However, I will say this is the best highway vehicle built. It rides better than the best cars. The 5.7 L (350) is too small for this size of a vehicle and that is a downer. The 4wd works like a champ in mud and slick roads. The auto on the fly is great. This will be the last "beast" I will own as gas goes up in price.
Best Vehicle Ever!!!
Bought our 1999 Suburban new off the lot for $40,000. Could not afford it, but did not want the family in a "mini-Van" death trap. We have made countless long distance road trips, hauled trailers, many car-pools with loud children in the back. We have driven across deserts, though narrow wooded trails, through deep drifts of Alaskan snow and over tundra ice; all in the comfort of this fantastic vehicle. The vehicle is a cream-puff, and just keeps going and going. This is the best of American engineering and just makes you proud to be an American! We love this dependable and joy to drive vehicle.
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this beast rocks,,
10 mph...starts runs , works hard every time it is asked..looks great..only SS model i have ever seen..L 29 option 4x4 with 410 gears..best truck i have ever owned..
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My family loves it
We bought this truck for trips and moderate city driving. It has been great with a family of three and two large labs. My wife loves to drive it even though it seems like a very large vehicle. This is the best experience I've had with a Chevy. I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. We have had good luck with maintance. Currently it has 89000 miles.
A great vehicle
This truck has been very reliable.it has 62000 miles on it. The only warranty parts that I,ve replaced are the master cylinder(30000 miles),rear shocks(21000miles), serpertine belt and pulley(35000 miles),battery(35000 miles).
The Best large SUV made
I have had my Chevy suburban for nearly 9 years, I have thought of selling it for a newer SUV but it is so reliable and it handles great in all weather conditions, I just can't part with it. It can pull our boat or camper, take the baseball equiptment and players to the field, or pack our college student up for school. It also fits all my daughters comp. dance equiptment, and I can fit the full size garment rack in it, without taking it apart. I don't travel very far on normal weeks, so I only have to fill the gas tank every 3 weeks. Great family vehicle.
Supurb Burb
We bought our 99 K1500 in Denver after returning from a job assignment in Brazil. We also picked up a Z28 which we towed back to our home in Kingwood, Texas. Had to sell the Z when we moved to Canada but the Burb has been in the family for 4 years and has been the best vehicle we have ever owned. We have taken several long trips with three adults and two kids and always arrived feeling fresh.
1999 Suburban - long term ownership
I bought my Suburban new from the dealer with long distance driving in mind. The 4x4 option was not a consideration, but ended up with it anyway. Due to the weight of this vehicle it does go through brakes and tires frequently. Tire vibration indicates the tires have reached their limit. I've replaced all suspension pieces, upgrading as I go, as well as all electrical (starter, alternator) and the water pump/radiator. I strongly suggest upgrading components as they fail and follow the recommended replacement schedule for the fuel filter. My original fuel pump still works fine after 136,000 miles.
Love my suburban
I love my suburban. I've had it just over a year now and it has been a great car. When i bought it, it had 103,000 miles, and one previous owner, who was a mechanic. It was maintained very well. I have had to do a little work on it however. At 112,000 miles the fuel pump went out, I've recharged the ac, I've done a break job, and also had to replace a few radiator hose joints that just wore out. The vehicle has always been in the southwest. First Nevada, then Arizona, so the plastic joints just became brittle over time. Overall not bad in my book for a 16 year old vehicle. I've taken it through some pretty intense off road trips and even without 4 wheel drive it's done amazing. I would highly recommend this suv to anyone who has kids or needs lots of cargo space.
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Won't go without my Chevy
Love this vehicle. My mechanic says that the only thing that is wrong with this car is the mileage. We bought it used and it has been wonderful. Am looking forward to many more years with this vehicle.
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great utility, lousy on bumps
Most people complain about the mileage, but I get between 14 and 17 miles per gallon (much better than Ford or Chrysler in comparable models). The engine is a dream. Cargo space and people hauling is tremendous, but the fun factor is terrible. The jolts I get going over bumps is alarming, but the dealer says everyone with large SUV's and trucks get the same. My burb feels like it's falling apart going over rough terrain, I can't imaging others feel the same thing.
Good Vechile
I would buy a brand new one!!
a nice size, but major mechanical issues
i have three tall sons and they loved the burb when i purchased it for my birthday. i was impressed that it drove like a car, smooth. i have had problems since then: drive shaft fell out on the hiway, wires wrapped around the four wheel drive shaft, horn stopped working, signal lights had to be replace several times, replaced brakes and tires.
Suburban K1500 4X4
I have mixed reviews on the Suburban. The 4x4 was a must, and has worked well, though i have been stuck. The Suburban is fast for its size and accelerates well, however it gets 10 mpg, and needs the 44 gallon tank, which now gosts about $200 to fill. Since my purchase at the end of 05 I have put 50k on the vehicle but had to replace the fuel pump, alternator, water pump, and the entire rear end, and (get this) 2 new transmissions. First replacement at 80k and one at 110k. Currenlty vehicle has 120k. Nice power locks, windows, leather seats, comfortable to drive and take on trips.
Good for Intended Purpose
I bought the Suburban after fully thrashing our Previa minivan in places that it wasn't designed for, and to that end, the Suburban does great. However, here are a few trade-offs you should be aware of and willing to live with. Everything works - sort of: the interior trim rattles when you drive over rough roads (random plastic bits break off), the wipers do funny "dances," wind noise through front doors, noisy at highway speeds, and the seating/cargo arrangement is limiting.
My Suburban
What a great ride for long trips! Many trips across the states (sometimes towing a trailer) made for a smooth reliable ride. My only complaint is how the light bulbs burn out so easily in the dash and in particular the radio (I've seen this problem on numerous Chevy/GMC trucks/SUV's) Upgrading my shocks to Rancho 5000's made the ride smooth/predicable and better for towing.
Gotta Love It
We have a 5 person family and we absolutely love our Suburban, we traded our 95 Volvo for it and never regretted it. We have had no mechanical or body problems and have enjoyed its reliability. We look forward to weekend trips and family vacations because the Burb is always ready to go. Load the bags, ie luggage, kids wife and mother-in-law and we're off. There is plenty of room for the whole family, and the Burb can take anything we throw at it. We love it.
The 300,000 mile surburban
It great reliable vehicle very strong motor and really comfortable
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burb dad
Recently purchased burb had altenator go and had to replace the battery.After that faulty intake valves had to be replaced.the dealer stood behind this even though waranty had expired.
Mileage and Brakes for the 1999 K1500 Su
Highway mileage seldom over 13-14mpg at 65 to 70mph. Brakes are very poor when at a panic stop. There is split second hesitation before brakes grab. First brake pad replacement at 17000 miles,second at 34000 miles. Third row seat too heavy and too difficult to remove and replace.
Sneroll
An extremely reliable car, with lots of space for both passanges and cargo. Very versatile and easy to drive despite size.
I love this yacht
Beautiful for moving wet dogs around. Comfortable reliable and no onstar
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Love the Beast
Great truck. Plenty of power and room. Runs great at 130,000. 4x4 was a must and I was not disappointed. Got a great deal on the beast. Have a slight problem with the power locks. Leather interior is ridiculously comfortable. My favorite truck to date... easy. Did I mention the power?
Love my Suburban
I use the vehicle for trips and a bit around town. Get 13 mpg consistently in town and 17 - 19 on the highway. The only thing that has acted up is the trip odometer. A dealer in San Diego replaced the unit. I have had the vehicle over 5 years with no mechanical problems. I am still driving on the original Firestone tires at 42,000 miles. I think it is a great vehicle with more room than anything on the road including the Excursion.
Has done the job
The one and only. Gas guzzler extrodinaire, but we have enjoyed it as a multipurpose family car. Great for long trips, and great in bad weather.
The best large size SUV ever
I had this vehicle for 4 1/2 years,LT 4x4 and all the toys+entertainment center for the kids,nothing but joy.Made a huge!!!!! mistake and traded it in last year for a 2003 nissan pathfinder,what a mistake!
Very Poorly Built Vehicle
Vehicle quality leaves much to be desired... so much so that I would caution any potential Chevy/GM/Suburban buyers against purchasing. Vehicle has only 50K miles and already has left my wife stranded on 3 separate occasions (we're on 3rd alternator and have had to replace various electronic components (all at considerable cost). Bottom line, Chevy advertises it's trucks as built like a rock... well, if they were building rocks they'd be O.K... unfortunately, automobiles are complicated machines that should be provided a higher level of engineering and quality that Chevy has provided to it's products.
Disappointed!
We had a 94 Suburban for many years, was very satisfied. But with diesel going up, and it had over 200,000 miles, we had to say goodbye. Long story short, we purchased the 99. Where do I start? Brakes, plastic interior, intake gasket, cruise control, we now have three doors that will not lock or unlock,dash cracks loudly and pops when hot. Gas mileage, 12 miles in town, 15 HWY. We are very sad and disappointed. Loved the 94, do not like the 99.
Beautiful Burb
Bought our '99 Burb brand new and now have 117,000 miles on it. About 15k miles a year with business, and approximately 5k towing a 30' travel trailer. Loaded with a family of 5 and the dog! Can't beat the Chevy 350 V-8. I've switched to synthetic fluids throughout and dual non-restrictive exhaust and gained about 25 hp. Gas mileage hovers around 15 mpgs. It's the best vehicle we've ever owned.
Beware of Suburban engines!
I bought my '99 1500 4WD a year ago used. It has 83,000 miles now and the mechanic just told us it needs a BRAND NEW ENGINE for $2,000! Both head gaskets are shot because they are made of plastic in the Suburban engines. Our mechanic has seen this problem before with them. He's seen some die at under 50,000 miles! All late model Suburban engines use the plastic head gaskets according to him. BEWARE of Suburban engines!
Good Family Hauler
Bought this SUV with 83K miles at 4 yrs old. Only major problem we had was a fuel pump/filter that died while on vacation--yuck! Mechanic said it happens to 1/2 of these beasts after 100K. Other normal maintenance and tires used, but nothing else to report. Besides the 16 MPG, we love this SUV. Looking into conversion to bi-fuel on propane or gasoline to save money in the long run.
What to sell my 1999 Suburban for.
A great vehicle with lots of space for people and golf bags. We've taken 6 bags and suitcases and everyone was comfortable.
First and last Sub for me
On the positive side this SUV has good power and tows fairly well but upkeep is getting expensive. At 60k miles replaced rearend (started out as a roar from a wheel bearing), 75K miles Transmission rebuilt (broken planetary gears and bad bearings). While in the shop for the trans. Intake starts leaking coolant. These repairs along with three altenators before 76K miles makes me believe that Chevy has a problem. I will not buy another one, might lease one and turn it in before things go bad!
No more Chevy's for us
Bought truck for room and reputation. We've not had major problems other than water pump at 76K. Biggest dissappointment has been resale value. Chevy offers too many discounts and incentives. It kills owners ability to get rid of their products. Maybe they should reconsider retail pricing. Also, the Pewter paint is hard to maintain. Transfer case weeps oil when not used frequently. Poor suspension component quality.
More than Basic
"We have a 2wd 2500 5.7 liter engine. Wanted a base model, but you can't find them unless you buy a fleet vehicle. Found a lightly used contractor's vehicle. Vinyl floors & cloth seats, but power windows & locks. The engine & trans have been very reliable. It's a nice, strong tow vehicle. The only real complaint I have is that the power equipment (which I didn't really want anyway) has given us trouble since it was 5 years old. The power locks don't work on 2 of the doors & have had to repair 3 of the windows (1 has stuck twice). This is a great utility truck & has tons of kid, cargo and dog room. We do love it, just wish the 'no frills' trim levels were easier to find."
Awesome Burb
We purchased this Burb with 30k miles on it. It looks and drives like new. It's a beautiful jet black with tan interior. One minor issue with cd player, but the dealer fixed it in 1 day. We love this vehicle. Heated seats, auto dim mirrors, leather, power everything. The mileage is ok for a big truck roughly 15 mpg. We now have 48k on it and still shows no signs of wear and tear.
Very roomy-lots of rattles & problems
This is a great SUV for long road trips. Very roomy and can hold lots of cargo. Other than that, it is not a good choice in my opinion. Plan on spending much time and money at the local mechanic. Also plan on having many rattles, squeaks and wind noise. Purchased a used Suburban rather than new to avoid having a car payment but quarterly repairs have made this vehicle almost as expensive as a new Suburban. I would recommend the new body style if you must purchase a Suburban. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone and do not plan on buying another Suburban in the future... which is too bad because I have been told the new models are much better.
We dumped it!
Our suburban had numerous quality problems. We paid 38K for it and the left door (back seat) squeaked for the entire time we owned the vehicle. The dealer couldnt fix it. The power window on the drivers side went out. An incredibly overrated poor quality vehicle.
White one
I got a 99 suburban ls White. I got it in 06 with 120,000 miles. At first I hated this truck, it was in the shop often. So far intake gasket, 2 fuel pumps, water pump, fuel injection system, and brakes both rear and front. I just thought it was an older truck in need of some TLC. I was right now that the list of things have been done 2 it, it runs like a champ and now has 192,000 miles on it. I don't plan to ever get rid of it. I will always drive a suburban, wouldn't have it any other way. Whatever breaks I hope I can afford to fix it.