Used 2002 GMC Yukon XL Consumer Reviews
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Beast of Burden
Bought it new in July 2002. Excellent vehicle, particularly if you do a lot of camping or fishing. GREAT gear space when all seats are in use. Only 1 early problem, parking brake cable stuck under warranty, wearing out parking brake shoes. Only other problem - oxygen sensors went bad at 60,000 miles, too early, perhaps got splashed hard with salt brine or water. Good:The front disc pads lasted 70000 miles, rear disc pads 80000 miles, battery 5 years, changed it when I had the Dexcool coolant changed at 5yrs. Original tires lasted 70000 miles. No problems with A/C or transmission. Overall very reliable. 15mpg city, 14 mpg city when very cold. 20mpg highway at 55-60mph; 18mpg at 70. 17@75.
Too many kids
I needed something that could fit 6 kids and still had the room for other things like a stroller fit for twins and groceries. This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. The most reliable and definitely the best looking. The gas usage isn't nearly as bad as my friends told me before the purchase. But with this many kids I had no choice and it was a great one
- Denali 4dr SUVMSRP: $1,950174 mi away
- 1500 SLE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,495334 mi away
- 1500 SLE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999419 mi away
i am happy with my new yukon
I THINK IT IS THE BEST SUV OUT THERE
Yukon XL experience
We have been driving this SUV for three years. Relaibility has been the big issue. We've had to replace the fuel system, air conditioning system, knock sensors and have ther front end re-built because it wouldn't maintain alinement. Now we are having transmission problems at 90,000. In fairness, I have a friend with the same vehicle and similar mileage who has had no problems. Aside from the many mechanical problems we have enjoyed the SUV and find it comfortable to travel in with a large family. I'm disappointed that it has proved much less relaible than my 1996 Suburban.
Best full size ever
I have owned my Yukon for 3 years and 30,000 miles. I love the power, handling and comfort this vehicle offers. I have had to do only regular maintenance which usually includes the front hubs at around 100,000 miles. This thing fits 4 foot by 8 ft sheets of plywood inside and is still is capable of 19 mpg on the highway!I average 16 overall with mostly rural driving in the mountains. This vehicle is just as well built and reliable as my Honda Accord!
End of Model Year has the best financing
Wish mine had the sunroof, but what sold me was the Zero Down, Zero Interest for 60 Months, and no payments for 90 days (2002 Yukon Models)...you can't beat that! Too bad GMC wasn't offering the same deal on 2003's, or I would have bought one of those instead. This model is rated at 12 city/15 hwy, so don't expect to save any money on your next fill up. Fortunately for me, I don't put a lot of miles on annually, so this was not a factor for me. Visibility is also excellent on this vehicle. Handling is supurb, unlike any large SUV I've driven before (had a Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD previously).
Too many problems for $40,000+
This car was fine the first year and a half but then the problems started. The digital dash lights that let you know if the car is in drive etc went out at a cost of up to $1000. My husband has not had it repaired yet-he says he'll go without at that price. Then the car would not start when there was less than a 1/4 tank of gas-new fuel pump for $600. Now the newest problem is the lights; they are totally going off when you go to bright and will not go back on. I drove home with no lights last night in the dark when it happened to me. Another bad point is the front seats reclining only 1/4 of the way back to a less than comfortable postion. The brakes are much improved over our 99.
2002
I like to drive it. The power is not enough because when I want to pass people sometimes I have trouble passing them when they hit the pedal. Overall, I'm very satisfied.
Worst car so far
I bought my Yukon a little over 2 years ago and used to love it until recently, I have had to replace the rear end, 2 waterpumps, and the air conditioning. I thought I was all done but now my catalytic converter has gone out and I am sure that is not all that is going to go wrong. My back window is slowly quiting when you roll it up and my emergency brake has quit working all together. This is by far the worst car I have ever had, and the most expensive. I will not buy another one just for these reasons. Other than that, it is a great car, when it is running! I find that is great for the whole family and even pets and groceries but the reliabity just isn't there.
Very Happy
No problems in 24k. Tows 5500lb trailer well. Very nimble handling for a large vehicle. Outstanding acceleration. Ride is excellent and comfortable. Tremendous difference in ride/handling from 96 & 99 Suburbans. Fuel economy 16-17hwy/12city.
Like A Luxury Sedan
The main feature of a Yukon Denali XL is its size, which is very comodious. We've taken trips of 400+ miles with six people and all their gear, including Christmas presents, and not filled the cargo area yet. The seats are comfortable with plenty of variation in lumbar and thigh support and lots of legroom. Other very surprising positives are the handling and ride, which are like a luxury passenger car.
Great SUV
Traded in our 99 Suburban for this car. All I can say is that this is the best SUV on the market. You can comfortably drive all the way to Canada From Texas, or pull a good size trailer, or even pull someome out of a ditch. It does everything superbly. Itevens handles deer remarkably well. We hit one near San Angelo going 70 and the massive bumper stopped the deer from damaging much. All that suffered was the grill and turn signal. I would definitly buy one again.
Better than I could have ever imagined
My husband and I bought our Yukon XL last summer. We have 5 kids and are expecting our 6th in September. We upgraded from a minivan and we were so excited about having what we would call a luxury vehicle to cruise around in. Our vehicle came fully loaded and we just can't say enough about it. We have never had to do any major repairs on it expect for replacing the original alternator just this past month. I love the leather seats and the roominess. We are going to purchase a 4th row for the cargo area to accommodate our growing family. I can't say enough about this vehicle. We are going to drive, drive, drive ours until it falls apart. Even with the gas prices, it is well worth it!
Interior Suggestions
This SUV has been great and the braking system is much improved over our 99 Suburban. The one major flaw we have found is that the front seats DO NOT fully recline. This SUV is used on long trips and we find this to be highly annoying. We dislike this flaw so much that we will not buy another Yukon XL if this has not been changed when we buy another SUV in a couple of years.
Great Ride
Ride is great, Dealer has been wonderful to work with and very customer friendly. Passenger seat is not the best on a long ride and can cause some back pain if you are suscepti ble to same.
Goodbye Dodge Durango...Hello Gmc Yukon!
As a previous owner of a 99 Durango with all the toys. I found My 02 Denali XL to be more enjoyable to drive. The fuel milage was the same with the 6 liter Yukon as it was with my much smaller 5.2 liter Durango. The ride is super and I love my Yukon from the roomy trunk to the leather interior with the Bose audio system, all the way up to the 6 liter engine that pulls my ski boat with not even a wimper.
Happy Owner!
If you've got children, or adults for that matter, to haul around, your going to love this vehicle! Have cargo and humans/pets? This vehicle CANNOT be beat. I'm on my second one, and haven't had a moments trouble with either. With the model change, (2002?), the turn radius improved immensely; making parking somewhat easier. Seats are comfortable, power is wonderful.
poor performance
car needs its third time in shop for same problem of low power or skipping engine. Replaced fuel pump twice and now feels like a lemon.
Bad Apple
I bought my 2002 Yukon XL(1500 2WD) brand new. By 30k miles my transmission went out, Steering wheels went clunk. My computer chip went bad not once but twice leaving the AC and heater running at full blast throughout the day/night until killing the battery. Between 30-45k the transmission had to be completely replaced. The GMC warranty folks just wanted me to agree on a warranty to wash their hands. I asked about all these problems and they were like never heard of anything like this before. After reading some of your viewers posts I see otherwise. I now have 81000 miles on it now and the tranny seal is leaking and the warranty is over. You already know how I feel.
Very Comfy - Nothing but Problems
This vehicle has been in the dealership for repairs 4 times already, and is about to go in a fifth time. The On- Star wouldn't work (2 times in), and on several ocassions the truck would not start. The first two times in for this problem they couldn't find a problem. They have just replaced the fuel pump and ignition switch and hopefully, that will work. The day after picking it up from this work, the rear speakers went out and at the same time the service engine soon light lit up!!!
GMC Yukon XL Review
I bought it new and during three years I've had only one major repair out of warranty (power steering box). After 65,000 miles it still rides great and is in excellent shape inside and out (other than normal minor paint scratches and dings). The build quality is excellent and the car is holding up very well. I have previously traded my car every three years when I get tired of them, but I want to keep my Yukon XL until the wheels fall off.
GMC Danali
Well I have been buying fords for the last 10 years for quality reasons. My new wife liked GM products so I decided to take a look at the GMC Danali. Since it was her car I let her pick and that is what she wanted. After owning for several months some of the features it lacked like backup sensors, a warning system for the doors being opened, and other small items became apparent. The biggest reason is the general GM fit and finish sucks. We have had it back to the shop for stupid things like pieces falling out of the interior and rattles that come for who knows where. We are looking to trade it for a Excursion and count our losses as a learning experience.
Poor reliability - poor service
A few months after purchasing the SUV new started having transmission problems. Dealer was never able to diognose and fix the problems. I take it back to the dealer and sometimes they work on it but never succesfully. Also had to have both front wheel bearings replaced. I lost confidence on GM's quality of their presumably best products, the dealers ability to diagnose and repair correctly and in good faith.
GMC YUKON XL
I purchased this vehicle due to relocating with my job. Best decision I've made recently, this Yukon can haul a tremendous amout of cargo. I hardy ever drive my 01 Pathfinder anymore. My most pleasant surprise was the luxury car like ride on the highway.
2002 Denali
Needs more feautures for price category...Need front and rear sensors..Need to know when children leave the door ajar(that was an old feature I thought that was in ALL cars. Dashboard has plastic that is suppose to look like wood..The BMW X5(my wife's car) is much better with features and interior quality design. Computer is limited in capabilities..My old Dodge VAn told me more information. The power covers are weak and break off easily. Too much wind/highway noise on windshield.
Pete's Denali
Vehicle and Dealership second to none. Used to the high customer care given by Acura but this Northern California Tracy GM dealership tops the lot. The Danali smokes other SUV's (added a K&N air filter and Tornado fuel saver for more power and 20% better fuel consumption. Rain or snow in Tahoe, It's the skiers dream vehicle with the most comfortable heated seats I have ever sat in. The autoride suspension enabled me to drive virtully non-stop from Vegas to SF and arrive refreshed. The AWD is noticably better for road holding as evidenced when driving down the grapevine on I5 at high sppeds in high winds (compared to my prior 1994 Suburban)
Best SUV on the market
This is the best SUV on the market. Extremely reliable and confortable to drive. Purchase new in 2002 and now the odometer reads 97,000 miles. The average gas mileage is 16mpg (city and highway combined). The only mechanical problem was the steering that started to make a "clunk" noise at about 40K. Took to the dealer who repaired for about $400. Now at 97K the noise is back. Other than that no complaints. Excellent SUV, reliable and confortable to drive.
Ford Flips GMC awsome AWD
I recently bought a Ford Explorer with the new independent suspension in the back and it was very unstable. We were on the highway going to a funeral and There was a hole in the highway that we did not see and the independent suspension fell in the hole causing us to flip. We are recoperating from our injuries. Fortunetly the insurance told us we can buy a new car. We decided to buy a GMC Yukon Denali. We took it thorugh the same whole on the highway and we didnt feel it. Thanks to the AutoRide Suspension. Awsome Vortec Power and kicks the Fords ass anyday
Towing Ability
The 5.3 ltr. is rated to tow a 7,700 lb. (max) trailer. I purchased a trailer and at a weight of 5,000 lb. the Yukon does not work so well. The dealer reps assured me that the 5.3 is a "STRONG engine more than capable of towing the close to the max rating". I had my doubts and I was right. The 5.3 is not a very strong engine I would avoid towing much of anything.
Vast Improvements
The 2002 Yukon XL 1/2 ton SLT is my favorite SUV in production. It is just the right vehicle for a high demanding family.
Denail XL
Excellent vehicle throughout. Could not be more pleased.
GREAT TRUCK
Just sold the Toyota Sapling (Sequia). Bought myself a realy SUV and not sorry for buying American. Already taken a few trip hualing and off road driving. It may be a big truck, but I have been over and thru stuff the Toyota would not think about trying. The best part of the purchase of the Yukon XL was the cost was cheaper then the Toyota, yet I got 100000% more truck, quality and abilities. This is a major keeper and will be in my garage for many years
The best SUV ever
This vehicle is amazing. The room, the comfort, the smooth riding, the overall SUV is LUXURIOUS! The children have enough room they don't have to touch!
Bought used
My God bought one of these with 175k on it. Her kids drove and abused it. I maintained it ....mostly. these are tanks! Feel like driving something sid from the 70's! I've pulled boats, 28' RV's, etc with it. Parking brake is a joke so dont use it unless you have to. Not that difficult to fix. We literally drove the crap out of this thing. At about 325k miles, we had to do a transmission. It has well over 350k on it now, and it smokes some. Well.....i found a second hand 2002 with just under 100k miles. Nice shape. I jumped on it. I have had to put a starter on it, o2 sensor, wheel bearings, then one ball joint was bad but I couldn't get it out so I bought new everything for the front end. Should easily last another 100k miles. But we went from Texas to key west and back before I did the work. These are excellent vehicles. Lots of room, decent mileage on the road, plenty of towing capacity, may just be the Best SUV you can get! Usually, you dont even know you're towing anything.
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Nice Ride
Great ride and handling but could use better brakes which work well but seem soft. Mileage exceeding window estimate and getting 17+ mpg on the road and 14 in town. Like driving a cruise ship on the road and surprising how nimble it is in the city considering the size. My fifth vehicle of this type and by far the best in every regard. People notice it too which is nice. Worth the extra price over the base model.
Yukon XL
I have really enjoyed my GMC Yukon XL. Amazing amount of space AND it is a great hiway cruiser. We leave the Honda at home for all trips. Engine is strong for all ski trips. Could be more innovative on interior appointments and design.
First 2000 Miles
All-around visibility is exceptional for a vehicle this size. Rear-view mirrors are large, quick to respond with exceptional coverage. Turning radius is excellent. SUV responds and accellerates quickly. Rear seats easy to lower and repostion. Third seat is heavy, but easy to remove and replace. Ride is smooth, quiet, and solid for a large SUV. Leg room for all is comfortable. Third seat surprisingly comfortable. Trip record feature a plus. All in all, we LOVE the Denali. Can't wait to tow our retirement "cabin."
Me and my big truck
Picked up my 2002 GMC Yukon XL and have never missed a beat. Truck is huge but handles like a smaller SUV. Surprised by the excellent engine performance. Many trips over mountain passes loaded with family and gear, nothing but passing other cars.
best suv !!!!
I looked at the competition and decided on the Yuikon XL Denali. It was the right choice! Handling and parking are a dream. The Bose stereo is the best! The air conditioning can cool down the entire vehicle in a minute. My kids love the rear stereo and heating/cooling controls.
Hughes
Heavy-duty but easy to manage for driving. Feel safe should you get in an accident or fender bender.
Yukon XL only bested by Denali!
Best in class features and strength for the dollar. If I could find and afford one at the time, I would have bought the same in a Denai upgrade. All four brake assemblies were entirely replaced due to odd wear and rusting. GMC made it right and without delays. Some early rust on undercarriage is being monitored. Could have been shipped or stored in a bad moisture situation, plus it was a dealer demo - who knows what the previous "owner" was up to? I'd buy another in a minute!
Great Superb Vehicle
Drives unbelievably well. Votrec has tons of power. Very, very comfortable to drive long distances. Did a 640 mile trip in one day and could have done another 150-200 with major fatigue.
Great truck!
It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever been in. It's a 2002 and I don't feel like they make them the way they used to
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Fun in the Sun !!!!!!!!
Excellent ride, performance, handling. The leather seats are the best I have ever rode in. This car is a must for big families...
The Real SUV
Yukon and her cousin Suburban make you fell like the King of the road.Fun to drive, great suspension and powerfull engine are the weapons in the battle, and Yukon and Suburban are the winners!
22 Years old and still going
I love this car I have owned it since t was 1 year old. It has never let me down.it rides beautiful no mechanical issues it is still going strong. highly recomend it
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Awesome SUV!!!
(Note: We've actually got the Vortec 8100 but that wasn't a listed model choice) We recently purchased this vehicle to replace an older Suburban. We've got 3.5 children and occasionally tow a 5500 lb boat. We are very impressed with the quality and performance of this vehicle. We compared to the Toyota Sequoia, the Ford Excursion, the new Ford Expedition and the Mercedes M class. None of these other vehicles had the performance/space/quality "total package" that the GMC has.
It ain't General Motors Crap anymore!
This vehicle is perfect for my lifestyle. It has had no more problems than my BMW and the Dealership has been very good. This is my third Yukon! I would definately recommend, but I am tired of seeing so many.
Soccer Mom Mobile
I purchased the Yukon XL Denali after comparing it to a custom suburban and an Escalade. I know I made the right choice. It is quick, has a smooth ride and a tremendous sound system. It is stylish but not to flashy. I feel comfortable driving it anywhere and not having to worry about it. As of yet I have had no problems and am excited to say have good gas milage (I also have a 2000 Ram 2500 which gets 10 miles per gallon). Although I am a single male and drive a soccer mom mobile, I would strongly recomend this vehical to anybody.
2002 Yukon XL is awesome.
This SUV drives like a car and has a very comfortable interior. Everything on the dash is in easy reaching distance. I've only had the car for a few days so I can't really rate its reliability or fuel economy, but so far I've been really happy with it.