Used 1999 Chevrolet Suburban Consumer Reviews
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Fuel Mileage
We purchased the vehicle used. It is a 1999 Chevy Suburban LT completely loaded. The vehicle was owned by a salesman and had about 125,000 miles at the time of purchase. My wife, who drives the vehicle on a regular basis, is a stay at home mom, but she is never at home. She makes lots of short trips around town. Her fuel mileage on the 4x4 suburban is around 17 mpg. We recently took a trip to Virginia Beach. We left our home which is located just off I-95 and went to Emporia Va. Then we took 58 into Va. Beach. I refueled once we got into Va. Beach. On our 3 hour trip, we averaged 22.3 mpg. I have been very impressed with this vehicle since.
The Classic SUV that sets the standard
I have owned five 1999 Suburbans. I also own an Excursion for family trips. Between the two, I'd take the suburban any day. The excursion is a truck, plain and simple. Huge, cavernous. The Suburban is comfortable and quiet. Yes, the gas mileage is in the 'teens, but the trade off is the safety and comfort of those riding inside. The Suburban is easy to turn, provided you know what you're doing. You can load it up and still have room, and even after 12 years, the interiors still look good and feel tight - and not the cheap plastic highlights that are in cars today. With regular maintenance, these SUVs can literally run forever.
"Timex" keeps on ticking
Great family vehicle. Bought used with less than 100,000 miles when the kids were home, kids are all grown and the odometer is at 298,000. Have hauled children and their gear all over, survived County Fairs and innumerable 4-H animal projects. Pulled the Horse trailer up to the State Fair through City traffic, loaded with camping gear for the week, she made it just fine. A car ran into her side, spun her around, totaled the car, bent the Suburban's rear-axel, passengers shook-up but a-OK, she drove home & got repaired. Three deer have bounced off the grill guard in the front and the only damage is a dent in the corner of the hood. She has driven me back and forth through roads and weather that has been just plain nasty, definitely dependable and reliable. Chevy dealer in town is fantastic about keeping her serviced and running. Well worth the money.
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My Burb
I love my truck. Last of the big ones and I will put it up to an Excursion any day. Interestingly enough, this truck has a 7.4 (454 Big Block) and pulls much better mileage than those I have spoken to with the smaller Ford V-10. I pull 16 mpg on the hwy, they pull 10-12. This truck is my dream truck. I would not have ordered new any other way. I have been a suburban fan for years and probably have owned 20 in my lifetime, but this one is special. There is nothing this truck can't pull. This is my baby and I hope to have many years of enjoyment with it.
Most durable vehicle ever ... Over 300000 miles
I bought this vehicle in 2001 and have put over 300,000 miles. I've been from the mountains & snow to the N.C. Outer banks & on the beach .... Camping, retreats, hauling church youth, hauling building materials, cross country family trips .... The ride is still great! Best vehicle I've ever owned! I plan on restoring it and going for another 300k!
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Trade down due to economic slowdown
The day I got my 99 Suburban it was a sad day or so I thought. I had to trade my 05 Chevy extended z71 truck that I had bought new off the show room floor. I traded my truck for Suburban to get out of payments and got some cash back. I was only getting 30-35 hours at work for about 3 months something had to give. Suburban has 136K miles on it rides and pulls better then my 05. I was bummed that I had to trade my truck but I think I got a better truck in return. I pulled 2 3/4 tons truck back to the house on the trailer 80 miles each trip put in 3 gear and set cruise for 60 mph. It didn't ever shift down. It unlocked covter for a couple of bigger hills. Going to take it on vacation.
1999 with 307K
Bought new in October 1998. I have been good with changing engine oil. When I floor it to get to hiway speed, no oil burning at all. That 5.7L engine just hums. In the time I have had this thing, I have replaced radiator, complete air conditioner system, various front end components as they wore out, catalytic converter, transfer case, battery twice, tires 4 times, 100K maintenance 3 times, an occasional electrical problem. still has original exhaust except for catalytic converter. 4 wheel drive LOW won't engage now. CD player has seen better days..radio and cassette OK, power windows, lights and power seats no problems ever. I would get another one. this baby is about done. Luv it
Suburban
I drive 12-15K mi per year with about 5K miles/yr towing a 30 ft travel trailer. I have had good reliablility except for some rear axle noises (clunk and whine). Vehicle is tough on tires and brakes but this may be due to towing.
Best SUV I ever owned
It's very reliable and fun to drive. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a used reliable SUV. My kids love it
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Good 'ol Faithful
"The beast" was purchased with 69k on it and has never skipped a beat (now 113k). I might have gotten a gem, but I swear by Toyota & Honda....now I swear by Chevy. The last year of the 350 engine in the Suburbans is a classic. The new 323 in year 2000 and newer has more torque but less oompf for towing than mine. Traveling highways out to Arizona, with 4 passengers and full luggage load we got 26mpg! Tows like a dream. I too, have a small A/C leak - glad to hear from previous review it's a cheap fix. Bilstein shocks and it rides like a Cadillac. PLENTY of room for carseats, dogs, etc. All power seats/heaters still work like brand new. I'm a very happy Chevy owner! I will drive this truck till the doors fall off!
1999 Chevrolet Suburban
Needing a larger vehicle to accomodate my large family I went from a minivan to the 99 Suburban. It has proved reliable and easy to maintain. However, the downside is the rising gas prices, but it isn't that bad considering I knew entering the vehicle it was going to be more pricey to operate. I like all of the room for the kids. Where the minivan was just too small, now everyone is comfortable and there is enough space in the back for groceries etc. I have had no major problems other than normal wear and tear type expenses and I strongly recommend this vehicle.
Love My Burb
I purchased my 99 'burb in 2002 with 36000 miles. it now has over 180000 miles. It has been reliable vehicle overall. I always kept up the maintenance, but as it got older more has to be repaired. which is typical of any vehicle I believe. I've had it everywhere on vacations to hunting trips, I've pulled campers and various trailers with no problem at all. I did have to replace the fuel pump four times. But I put some of that on my "mechanic". Now it leaks oil, not profusely, but it does, and I need to repair the cooling system. Not too bad for 180000 miles though. I loved it, took care of it, said I'd keep it until it dies. Sadly, she just about has.
A Little Work For An Older Gem
Bought this Sub with 60K on it. Now at 105K. Many mods made to it. K&N Air Filter, Slotted front rotors, HypertechIII programmer, True dual exhaust with glass packs/headers, 2" front suspension drop, wider tires, 18" wheels, larger front brakes. All this enables 18+MPG on the hi-way. Makes heads turn even at 9 years old. Will flat out fly for a heavy SUV. Won't beat a Mustang but eats "Sport" trucks up for lunch. Cruises like it's on glass after the 2" drop in the nose. All together, I can't complain. Driving a 4 ton truck like a Corvette more than makes up for the $100+ gas station stops. But so does room for 8 and 700 miles between fill-ups! A little time/money goes a long way with her.
2nd and Last Suburban
It's amazing that such a huge vehicle has such little interior room for second and third row passengers. Our 1993 model is much more comfortable, even though the new one is fully loaded. It handles like a lumbering moose. We decided to put a new engine in the old car and trade in the newer one on a better quality car that also has higher gas mileage. Yeah, pretty much we should have waited for the 2000 model, but a roadtrip to Yellowstone was calling for a new car. The 2000 model might be better, but we're getting sick and tired of the cheap materials, shoddy build quality and unreliability of GM cars. Lexus here we come.
Awesome Truck
I inherited my Suburban when I turned 16, it was my dads when his '85 GMC Blazer went out. It wasn't the prettiest ride when I got it, but thats changing now. I plan on finishing it with bigger, meaner wheels, a dual magnaflow, new trim, and new sound system. Its a very aggressive truck, and can go anywhere it can fit. I did have trouble with the coolant system, a series of problems arose after I waited too long to replace a bad radiator, my mistake, but other than that, NO problems. I turned down 2 newer cars to keep this truck, and I've never regretted it once. Long live the Suburban
A Great Ride
Excellent truck, hauls Boy Scouts, church groups, band students and all their equipment. Trip out west pulling a 28 ft. trailer. Great towing capacity, extra large fuel tank (42 gal), just doesn't stop. Lease return, never worked hard. Have put 50K on it with no problems. 4WD is excellent, never stuck, snow, mud. Just keeps going.
Room with a veiw
We bought our 4x4 with less than 4 miles on the odometer. It has held up well to our country roads and to my hunting trips. We have a large family and the leather seats are easy to clean after the regular spills and drops.. The gas mileage has been good for such a large and safe feeling vehicle. Other than brakes - which seem to be short lived,we have been happy with the maintenance. I would like to see the front seat more available in the 60/40 style with the fold down armrest like the p/up has this would make for seating for 9 people if need be. The engine provides plenty of power and accelearation when neccessary,
Love form Saudi Arabia
I imported my Suburban from New Jersey to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. it had 130K when I purchased it. My family traveled with it thousands miles around the Kingdom, it's brilliant on highways & very strongly-built, every thing in it says you can't break me. I've added about 12K, praises to God, it's never been to a mechanic, except for fluids and AC gas refilling. Nephews & nieces are crazy to ride it. they like jumping to third row. Holidays without it are boring. I load it with family members. I have to admit that I'm in love of this vehicle and wish to afford the 2009 one.
Just can't let it go
I've had this truck since 2006. It was an intentionally sought out buy, and overall, I'm glad I bought it. I think the more people/weight/cargo, the better it drives and handles (minus the very weak braking). It is extremely comfortable, quick enough in its own right, and handles well. Economically, MPG are less than desirable (mine are about 10/11 and around 13 highway). Little did I know at the time of purchase, but this was a fleet vehicle that was very poorly maintained. It was beaten up pretty badly, but with some TLC, a new transmission, and routine maintenance, its a fine riding, good looking truck.
Dissapointed in GM
I cannot begin to describe the headaches. GM quality has dropped radically over the past 7-10 years. The kicker on this truck was at 81,000 miles the intake manifold gaskets started leaking. I thought it was just a fluke but alot of people have this problem with these Vortecs. At 68,000 the transmission blew. Do you realize the sticker on this truck was over $35,000! And it dropped a tranny at a mere 68,000 miles. Pick you feet up GM.
Suburban
Outstanding durability and handles great. Plenty of room for tools, materials, people, whatever you decide to haul.
great truck
Bought the Suburban used in 03 and it has been very reliable, safe, and comfortable. Only now that I have 140K is the truck showing it's age. Most annoying problems are with power door locks, fuel injectors, weak brakes and some plastic interior trim. The tranny seal now leaks. For all that I do with the truck, it is well worth trying to find or hold onto one.
Love the 'burban
Bought this truck in '04 with 87K after my pregnant wife complained that her new caravan stunk in the snow. Well the Suburban has been with us ever since. This thing is a Sherman tank in the snow. The amount of room in this thing still amazes me. We fit a new washer and dryer in this thing behind the second row seats. Did the same thing with a Christmas tree. The reliability has been exceptional too. Replaced pads and rotors right after I bought it, then again last year with 122K. The only other repair I had to make was the intake gasket at about 100K which was about $500. Long live the "burban
True love
Survived getting hit twice head on with minor damage to my truck. 1st time. A hit & run. 2nd time a drunk driver... all times I've drove & had no damage to me at all. This truck has gotten me thru floods, mud & recently in Texas with snow. Bought this truck used with 118,xxx now getting close to the 300,xxx mark. 10years down. Almost caught on fire. And I still love this truck till today. This new generation can have their new trucks. Just give me my 1999 Chevy Suburban ❤❤
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A Total Work Horse
Bought it two years old off a lease return and it has performed awesome since. Pulls my race car trailer with little effort and holds hockey equipment for three kids with room to spare. At 160K I replaced the fuel pump and the water pump twice since I've owned it plus the intake gasket which is a know issue. Since it just turned 183K I can't call that excessive. It always starts and drives well and handles the New England snow like a champ. It's as roomy and comfortable as my living room. Love this truck!
'99 Suburban
This car has it. It gets 18 mpg highway. For a large SUV, that's not half- bad. It's great because it has that old boxy look- like it's supposed to. I hated the 2000 makeover,so this one was right for me.
Love my 'Burb
Drove vans and conversion vans for years. Bought this Burb used, and it is one of the best riding and towing vehicles I have ever owned. Fit and finish are exceptional.
I love my Suburban
Gas mileage is what you would expect for size and capacity. In short, extremely reliable, 5.7 4wd it has taken care of my wife and 3 kids very well. Been in 2 accidents. The truck has over 170k on it now I'm getting concerned about the transmission but it hasnt given me a reason yet. I plan on keeping it till they ban gas or it rusts out.
Vacation cruiser
I bought it from a private seller who had just spent about $3000 (mostly warranty work - locks, rear turn signals, minor engine, tires, etc.) Rear light (poor design) and one door lock failed again 6 months later ($400). The battery terminal was cleaned but still needs to be jiggled sometimes to start the car. Great visability, easy to park, doors open all the way in standard space! Absolutly wonderful in snow, rain and on the long haul.
Good Value - Work Horse
I have had this vehicle since 2002, and now have 160,000 miles. Great truck for family. Can easily haul 4 family members and the dog and all the gear (golf clubs, luggage, etc...). Makes long trips a breeze. For a truck with 160,000 mile it still functions great and is very comfortable.
Work Horse with Reliability
I bought the truck new in 1999 and still own it today. It is a nice rough truck with a lot of comfort and space on the interior. I have experienced a few problems. These problems include the door locks sticking or just not working, the door handles breaking, steering shaft, and other problems that are normal for a ten year old car. Because the car is so heavy you burn through breaks and tires but besides that I have no major complaints other than the design of the door locks and handles. It makes road trips a breeze and can haul a ton.
1999 K2500 Diesel Suburban Testimony
Here are the facts from the last 24 months/39K miles. Mostly highway time with no towing. - '99 diesel Suburban 4x4 with 83K - Injection pump resistor pack failed - Rear pinion bearing recently failed - Both motor mounts failed - Four door lock actuators failed - A/C compressor badly leaking oil - A/C condensation leaks on carpet - Rusting at the bottom of 4 doors - Rear barn doors leak severely - More repairs in prior GM records - Market value drops faster than loan This vehicle doesn't come close to the quality and reliability of my '94 Ford Ranger 4x4.
great,woulnt own anything else
the only problem was i hade to put a transfercase in at 148000 miles,other than that its a real awsome ride and drive
GM stinks
Bought this burb from my parents who bought it new. I knew the vehicle and have driven 40000 miles of the 100,000 miles. Replaced intake gasket as soon as I got it home (parents parked on gravel and noone noticed the leak). Replaced the starter after 1 month. Power door locks stick and will not lock. Rear window quit working. Brakes very spongy but have plenty of pad left on them. Replaced the fuel pump at 120,000 miles. Rear end went out at 125,000 miles. Gas milage is 17 mpg which is average. Wears out tires every 15 to 20000 miles (use load range c tires). Overall a money pit but still cheaper than a new one.
Suburban is dead at 137k
I bought this suburban with 123,000 Oct, 2007. Dec 29th 2009 fuel pump died 130,500. Jan 17th 2010134,000 head gasket rotted away. 137,752 cracked cyilinder. I paid 14,000 for a suburban to get me just over 14000 miles. Complete waste of money! Truck is worth 300 to 500 as it sits right now. The other autos (non GM) I have owned never had any of these problems and I drive most of my autos to 200,000 miles.
'99 Chevy Suburban
We did a lot of shopping around, and we love our Suburban, no turning back. Great vehicle for the family and nice to drive. Yes it likes gas, but we find it pretty good as we had a truck before this. The room is worth every penny1
With Chevy you never know what you're gonna get
I know some people luck out and get the kind of Suburban that "runs forever!!" but I will never buy a Chevy again. The amount of space inside is nice and cargo space is great, but that's about it. The interior components are all snapping apart (plastic), and though the seats have all sorts of adjustments, I cannot get a comfortable fit for me (I've never had a problem in any other vehicle). It is also a gas hog... at best we've gotten 13.5 mpg highway (it's rated at 12/16). I was expecting a bit of a hog, but hoping closer to 15 or so. I also find it VERY difficult to see out the back with the barn door style--the doorway edges block the view from your rear view mirror. In addition, the rear seat isn't as wide as the middle and I struggled to fit 3 booster seats back there. I expected more from such a huge car--my little tiny minivan has the same width in the 3rd row. Now, for the mechanical part--at 90K miles, it needed a new engine, at 110K it needed a new transmission, at 135K it needed a new transfer case (this one is because over time, the oil pump inside the transfer case drills a hole in it... just great). I've put a ton of money into it and can't get anywhere near that back for it. I wish I would've just gotten the Honda Odyssey for my family hauler. This thing has been a money pit.
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Very Unreliable
Bought w/ 50,000 miles from private seller and had all maintenance records from the dealership where purchased. At 73,000 miles had intake replaced by dealer and at 75,000 had to have engine replaced. During this time have had to replace ALL automatic door locks, rear light, emissions sensor, and rear door catch. This has been a money pit since purchased. I love the room but the quality is awful. Chevrolet and the dealership refused to help on the engine even after a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am trading for a Toyota tomorrow and will never own a GM product again. Good luck to anyone who purchases one of these vehicles.
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
My 99 Burban
It used to have a 2" lift in the rear & ran gr8 until my boss sold it to my job. They replaced the motor at 110k. The day I bought it, the radiator broke. It ran great for a while. Besides the regular maintenance, I replaced oil plug (thanks castrol 10 min oil change), distributor, front rotors, hub bearings, 4 shocks, new tires, u- joints, rotors, shoes & pads, bank 2 cat. converter & o2 sensor. I still have a shake in the rear end but no one knows what is causing the truck to shake. They told me tires but I am not changing them again unless they are paying for it. I was told rear end or trany but unless they are going to pay 4 it, i'm leaving it alone. Cannot go over 70 mph.
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.
Worst vehicle I have ever owned
My 1999 Burb XL has 49,000 miles. It is used to haul my family around and has never been used for towing. Here is what we have had replaced. Transmission replaced at 35K (warranty), CD Player, door switch (twice), door lock actuators, rear passenger door handle, AC Fan, AC Switch, passenger AC vents, intake manifold gaskets (ouch) and the rear differential (big ouch), yes that's right a new rear end. I just discovered that during the past few days the heated driver seat is not working, the door lock actuator on the rear passenger door is not working again and the driver vanity mirror cover is broken and hanging from one hinge. Run, run away.
junk
Had a 78 and a 90 burb, loved them both. Very surprised to see the good reviews for this truck. Mechanically speaking this truck was junk. Constant problems, most very expensive to fix. Door lock acuaters, two fuel pumps, door handles, a/c, two flywheels, oxygen sensors, both batteries, abs braking system, wiper motor. When I finally got rid of it it still ran like crap, the transmission was slipping and the gm service center could not figure out why it ran so bad. I would love to have another burb but I will be very diligent about my research of model years before I buy another one. My father has a 99 with the same opinion of his. I just looked at a used 99 for sale, ran like crap, engine light on.
Sebastian Suburban
This is my 2nd Suburban, and I'm still in love. Wouldn't drive anything else.Even with 90K miles, it still drives very well and is extremely comfortable. Other than replacing one belt and routine maintenance, I've had no problems, mechanical or otherwise. Much roomier than my Explorer, and better gas mileage.
1999 suburban
This is my 4th suburban, and I would not drive anything else with my 8 kids!
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.
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.
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.
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.