Used 1997 GMC Suburban Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Suburban, so we've included reviews for other years of the Suburban since its last redesign.
Dependable Family Vehicle
FLEX, 03/25/2002
1997 GMC Suburban K1500 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has proven itself; especially if you have a large size family. Whether in hot/cold climate, the surbuban always started and performed above standards. Very roomy, dependable, and stylish.
Best bet for hauling kids & tack
big boat, 09/14/2004
1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We needed this because mini vans don't go into the woods deer hunting. This is a man's truck, king of the road. Even when my wife drives it, she is Queen of the road. Stay out of the way or get smashed. It once hit a parked car & held not a mark...poor rear end of the other car was BAD. I recommend this to any one who has boats, jets ski's, hauls hunting gear, or just likes to cruise around. Very roomy & string. You won't even know that your're pulling that huge boat behind you.
Best GMC model ever.
Jack Bennett, 11/20/2017
updated 12/10/2021
1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Suburban since '99 and it's never left me stranded even with 273k on the odometer. I'd recommend this truck to anybody looking for a comfortable and reliable daily driver.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Knock on wood
Dennis, 11/08/2010
1997 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have done nothing except for regular maintenance on this vehicle. 1 fuel pump. Two sets of front brakes. 1 water pump. The interstate ride is phenomenal if you can afford the gas. 11 miles to a gallon. 1 tune-up in 10 years. We are overdue. We load it up and go. No thoughts of breakdowns so far. Please Lord, don't let this little bit of bragging jinx me
350,000 Km and still humming
Bill Milne, 02/07/2009
1996 GMC Suburban C1500 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased this vehicle coming off lease at 160,000km. Used to pull 24 ft 6000lb Bayliner boat for years and family to cottage and run deliveries for a business. Only problem is 3 replacements of fuel pump. Suggest use full synthetic oil for winter driving for quieter startups. Fuel milage: incredable for SUV this size, 21 MPG on highway and 18 in city. Great family and business vehicle
Problems before thier time
shade tree mech, 11/02/2004
1996 GMC Suburban C1500 4dr SUV
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Transmission went out at 43,000 miles. The fluid and filter was changed at 30,000. The transmission shop said a bearing in the "reverse plantary came apart. He called it a fluke. I pulled and installed the trans myself but it cost $900.00 to rebuild - an expensive fluke. The fuel pump went out at 51,000± miles. The rear end started whinning slightly at 45,000 miles. It was incorrectely clearanced at the factory. The shim on the left side was too thin resulting in the whin and some bearing chatter marks. I reclearanced the ring gear with the original bearing and it is still running quiet at 71,000 miles. Has anybody had similar problems?
Doesn't quit
Curt, 12/31/2009
1997 GMC Suburban C1500 4dr SUV
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 97 Burb was without a doubt, the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owend. It is currently at 391,500 kms (Yes you read it correctly) and going strong.I live in Canada and use it for hunting, fishing, and in -35 degree celcius weather. I have no worries about turning the key and making another 1500 km trip without notice or time to prep. Aside from changing the Fuel Pump once (common problem), I have not had any major issues with her. There is no rust on it and the interior is still in great shape without cracks in the dash or holes in the seats. Aside from regular maintenace and fluid changes, the only thing that I had to change was the air freshener. It never quits!
Car Eating Me Out of House and Home
fifthavenuegirl, 12/01/2006
1997 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car looks really cool but I have only had it a year and it has already cost me $3000 in repair bills. It has been a nightmare and waste of my time waiting in the waiting rooms while it gets fixed. And that doesnt include the $900 for the tires I will have to replace if I keep it. I've only had it a year and bought it with under 100k miles.
Monster machine 400+ hp w/suspercharger
deano b, 02/10/2003
1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent people and stuff hauler.
Tough & Reliable
JWG, 08/12/2008
1997 GMC Suburban K1500 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased our '97 Suburban new and will probably have it for 3-5 more years. It's been a great vehicle! I'm big on maintenance. Treat the car right and the car will treat you right. Consequently, we've never had a break down or surprise issue.
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