Used 1997 GMC Yukon Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Yukon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yukon since its last redesign.
Snow Buster
Phil, 12/04/2009
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
When it comes to going through the deep snow, this vehicle performs with the best of them(providing your tires aren't bald). Out on the winter lakes in Wisconsin, your mind is put at ease that your in a Yukon!(see You Tube and search for an Eaton G80) It's comfortable, solid, has sufficient power. Drives like the first day it was purchased. I pull a boat and supply trailer with no problems. I have replaced the fuel pump, repaired the intake gasket @ 60K miles(costly), replaced drivers side door internal linkage, and air conditioner components (condenser, compressor, misc.). The gas mileage isn't great (12/17), but when your out driving in the wicked weather, you realize its money well spent.
Very good SUV
robb, 07/15/2008
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have found that after owning this SUV that I am very impressed. Yes it is huge but I bought it to do a big job. I have 3 children and a wife that love to travel so therefore we have a 30 foot Jayco. It pulls great, it works great. If I had to buy another SUV I would get a GMC Yukon. Just love it
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It is OK but sometimes you will hate it.
Phatts, 06/29/2002
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I really wanted one of these when they came out. I got mine in March 1997. I did not have any problems at all until July 1999. The transmission went out on a road trip. Since then it has 3 more transmission. Other than one little fact, this really has been a good vehicle to have. I am about to buy another vehicle but this time it will be a Tahoe insted of a Yukon. Peace Chris
Smiling GMC Yukon Owner
Elated Alaskan, 04/07/2005
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought this vehicle used in September '99 with almost 44,000 miles on it. The vehicle had been leased for 3 years when new. Lease owners kept it in immaculate condition. All I did was buy new set of tires, thats it! Alaskan winters can be rough on a vehicle, and after 3 winters, I had to change the 4wd selector. My wife & I drove 12,400 miles down the Alaska highway to Waco,TX & back. We changed the oil 4 times in 6 weeks,averaged 18.4 MPG driving the interstate highways at 75 mph and never missed a beat. As of 4/05, it's showing 78,500 miles on the odometer. We had a thorough 60,000 mile check on the Yukon before the big tour in Sept.2003. Had the brakes changed before big trip...since then my 96 Yukon has performed flawlessly. We couldnt be happier.
Great SUV!
Steve, 11/17/2008
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned this truck for over 6 years and love it. It drives and rides great, holds necessary equipment I need for my job, have had some mechanical issues but were easy to repair (I do a majority of the work myself). Would purchase another once this one completely falls apart.
My 4WD Livingroom!
Craig Ross, 08/12/2003
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I luvez my truck. Lovez my truck. This will be my 5th Chevy/GM truck in a row. I'm coming from Porsches! I have fallen in love with the simple things in live that just work now that i'm in my mid 30's. I have had lots of fun in GM trucks because I can forget about worring if they will work or not. I just sold my 1995 Tahoe LT 4-door for 7 grand with 200k on it running perfectly! It was never in the shop and I just wanted to get into a vortec motor for a bit more power and also get pushbutton 4wd for my wife. I got a used 97 Yukon for 9k.These are just the best THINGS with motors on the road. I treat them like crap and the always work.
Like my Yuke
DickMurphy, 08/27/2006
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased it from 2nd owner, young woman, was local dealer offlease truck. 87K. Logged over 46K since. Mild off-road use, super comfortable on long trips. Decent gas mileage considering its size, power, and era it was made (gas was cheap). I like the "old" platform better than the new one. This is one of the last of the simple truck models, good old reliable 350. It doesn't tick, knock, burns a little oil but that is normal for a GM 350 this old. Always keep the maintenance up. Only mechanical issue was worn out fuel sending unit, cost $370 to replace w/new one. Door hinge pins. Great truck, can put lots of people or stuff in it, go anywere in any type of wthr.
orginal owner/wish they still offered 2dr Z71 model!
jrr11, 10/15/2011
1996 GMC Yukon SLE 2dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have 165,000 miles on my 96 4x4 2dr Yukon I bought new in late 1996. I've never had any major problems with this truck and it just keeps on going. I did buy a replacement"life time waranty" GM starter and alt early on...that was a good move as i have gone through 3 alternators over the 15 yr span. Only minor repairs to what has been the most reliable vehicle i've ever owned. I get offers all the time to sell it as the 2 door models are becoming rare. I love this short wheel base 4x4, as it goes through about anything. I can't believe GM does not offer a short wheel base 2 dr 4x4 SUV with honest off road capability anymore. There are a lot of us that still covet them!
To the moon & 1/2 way back @ 342k miles
Michael Johnson, 03/23/2019
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been phenomenal!! I purchased new in 1996 and have essentially only needed gas, oil, tires, batteries & brakes for the majority of the time it has been in service. At about 325k, had to rebuild the tranny after nearly 20 years of pulling a boat, snowmobiles and a heavy trailer hauling cords of wood. A couple of issues that did need attention: rear axel seals, CD player, fuel pump, heater control and blower fan; all nickel/dime repairs. The only draw back is the fuel economy @ 22 MPH highway and 16 city. Otherwise I would drive this vehicle to 1M miles or more.
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!996 Yukon
macadoodle, 11/11/2002
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have over 100,000 miles on our 1996 SLT and have driven it from coast to coast with no major problems other than brake replacement every 15 to 20 thousand miles. It's been a dream to drive and very comfortable for a large vehicle. I'm looking forward to many more trouble free miles.
yuka-97
manolo marin, 07/15/2002
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
comfort inside, safety on highways, very useful in hard tasks
Hire Power
Chris Collins, 10/30/2002
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 2dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have the Yukon Sport Gt I have nothing but good things to say about it, Comfortible to drive, plenty of room to carry people and cargo..and a very POWERFUL motor. (we like that!) Sexy stylings ..very lean and mean look to it. I have installed a lift kit and larger off road tires. This truck is a keeper.
1997 yukon sle
kanderson, 10/27/2004
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 2dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had minimal problems w/ truck. Loved it but wish it got better mileage.
Great on the Open Road
jeffroks, 05/09/2005
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I and 3 other family members took this truck on vaction last summer. It is incredibly comfortable on the open road, and you have a feeling of safety when you drive it. Swallows great amounts of luggage. Took me through deep snow banks this past winter.
Not bad, but some major mechanical issues.....
tubby423, 02/13/2011
1997 GMC Yukon SLE 2dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
We have done a LOT of driving in this vehicle. We purchased it about 3 years ago at 107000 miles. I knew that this model was prone to transmission and fuel pump issues when I bought it so that was no surprise when it happened. True to form we did both at about 120000 miles. We did the fuel pump AGAIN at about 160000 miles. We did a radiator & steering box shortly after purchase as well. The interior is ok. The seats aren't nearly as comfortable as the Expedition we own. It has a lot of room and can carry a lot gear. All in all it's not a BAD vehicle, but I didn't buy another one if that tells you anything...
Not hAPPY
Vsb58, 03/14/2003
1997 GMC Yukon SLE 2dr SUV
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned this vehicle 18 months, and have had nothing but problems some normal, some unusual. Door handle broke, would only open from outside, I never had this happen on old old vehicles. Had to replace door handle and lock. Fuel pump had to be replaced, radiator had hole and to be replaced. Had 1 bad fuel injector had to be replaced. Thats only some of my problems, the cost....not cheap.
Great Truck
Agejones, 07/20/2004
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great Truck has over 237,000 miles on the truck. Even with that many miles still getting over 17 mpg in combined city/hwy driving. Replaced all normal wear items without incident. Tranny and engine still going strong even when pulling a 5000lb horse trailer. Some electrical bugaboos but nothing major. (ie lights in dash etc.) Truck will probably last another few years and then will consider buying a lower mileage example as a replacement.
Great SUV
Jeff , 06/06/2005
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck with 96,000 miles on it. It now has 120,000 miles. The problems that I have had with it: 1) Thermal actuator switch for front axle. (4x4 only) 2) Fuel pump failed. The 4x4 actuator switch cost me $200 to replace. I did the work myself. The fuel pump failed after running it out of gas.
Great SUV - 4WD Yukon
1996 GMC Yukon, 07/05/2007
1996 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car. Great ride! Super performance, will pull anything! Great family car, farm vehicle, contractor utility or just all around luxury. Take it anywhere from the swamps to the white tie dinner! It will never embarass you or let you down. Take care of it and it will take care of you!
Gotta Respect the Yukon
JusCrusinCali Yukon , 11/20/2002
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought her with around 98,000 miles on it. Thought that was kind of high but it was such a deal i couldn't say no. Plus the carfax told me she had be a commercial vehicle. Almost all highway miles. My only compliant is that the ignition had problems but that was promlty fixed, other then that she runs like a champ slight pull to the right nothing a good alignment can't fix. That's all love my truck.
Great Vehicle
YUK Driver, 05/20/2002
1997 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have over 122,000 miles on this vehicle and it is still holds VERY strong. I drive the new Yukon's all the time for work, and my '97 runs just as strong as the '02. Very little maintaince and a very comfortable ride.
Great truck!
JustinS, 05/02/2010
1997 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The truck has plenty of room for my wife and 3 kids and all our luggage or groceries. Only complaint is the brakes seem to go quickly.
Great Vehicle
NGB, 01/13/2006
1997 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle new. It has been extremely reliable and is very sound mechanically. The truck has 129,000 miles currently and has not given a minute of trouble. I highly recommend these vehicles for anyone needing a four wheel drive and for anyone needing to haul or move things. We have used this vehicle to move our daughter back and forth to college for four years and into and out of her condo. I cannot say enough good about my Yukon. I love it!!
Love the truck. Hate the ABS
Kat, 07/18/2007
1997 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this truck. It takes all 5 of us,our gear and motorcycle trailer anywhere. Ski trips are comfortable and safe with 4WD and all-terrain tires. I can parallel park with ease. Cargo doors the best. Excellent towing capacity. We had to replace transmission at 49,500. Steering box replaced at 35,000. Wiper motor replaced at 100,000. All under warranty. Professional grade!
The Best
Dasman, 09/28/2009
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck at 99000 miles on it. The dealership was ready to wholesale it. I needed an truck for my business so I bought it. It just turned 200,000 miles and besides the regular maintence (brakes, tires, battery, Alternator) This is the best trucj I ever had. It rides great the leather seats are comfortable, (although they are cracking) It keeps its good looks and performs just great. If I ever have to get rid of it, i'm buying another GMC Yukon or Suburban. I ope GMC keeps the quality as good as this.
Disappointed Owner
John Green, 08/27/2002
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The GMC was wonderful before it hit 100000 miles. However, once the Yukon reached 100,000 miles the trouble started. I'll probably trade in the coming months.
hate to say Good-bye
jmgarza, 11/12/2003
1996 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I may keep it for 10 years and spend no more than 2-4K$ and be very happy at that.
I love it anyway
Betsy , 12/12/2005
1996 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my truck new 9 1/2 years ago... now has 148,000 miles on it... Up until this year, had very few repairs, but this year, I have replaced brakes, alternator, battery and the fuel pump twice. Just spent $1300 to get rid of a "Service engine soon" light, and I still have the light... So I get my 2nd fuel pump this week. Other than that, I love my truck, but feel it may not be as reliable as I'd like... May need to buy new. It also eats a ton of gas!
God Bless Them Yukons
sugadashane, 12/26/2005
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 96 Yukon and I just bought it about a week ago, a long time Chevy/GMC fan I just love this truck. It has a 6 inch lift and is chipped and ram aired to get me 350hp on the dyno. Truly not a force to be messed with. Will go through anything anytime anywhere.
Drive It Till the Wheels Fall Off
gofigure, 05/22/2006
1996 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my '96 GMC Yukon in '98 with 36,000 miles on it. I now have 165,000 on the odometer and it still is the most dependable vehicle I own. I have replaced the transmission at 125,000 miles. Uses no oil and never fails to start and run. New trucks should be made like this. I intend to drive it till it dies or the wheels fall off.
Solid truck
JimC, 08/11/2007
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck with 75,000 miles and it now has nearly 175,000. I love this truck. Comfortable, big as an aircraft hangar inside. I have towed many antique cars up and down mountains and the old GM 350ci engine can't be beat. Very little pickup - sometimes need to stand on the accelerator. But I have beat the crap out of that engine and it doesn't even burn oil. Surprisingly, the tranny is still OK after all those miles and all that towing. Did have significant A/C rebuild at 120k, but that's all the major stuff. Great truck!
From California to Uruguay, (South America)
AlexGarcia13, 02/05/2022
1996 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a retired Contractor and "Expat" moving to Uruguay, (2013) I could bring any car or truck I wanted. So, I decided to bring my loyal and strong "GMC SLT 4wd Yukon", to South America. It was meant to be, the last car in y life. Why did I choose this loyal and impressive work horse overseas? Well... I spent many years doing home renovations all over California and all over the USA, carrying tools and workers and even some big tools trailers sometimes. Always counting in this green Truck to go from home to work, to suppliers, back and forth for many years. (including many camping and field trips) After the arrival in South America, I had done a complete refurbish and tuning of the Engine, Brakes, Generator, etc. by the best GMC mechanic in Uruguay and now, with almost 200.000 miles in the odometer, still running and purring like a dream !! Every control, lights and features in this comfortable and spacious space ship, it works just fine; from the compass in the rear view mirror, to the Back door window washer... I did change the driver's seat door handle, by my self and it was easy. Factory paint still on and so are the seat adjustments, dashboard controls and everything else. This is a classic old truck, (26 y/o), that I wouldn't trade for a brand new "Tesla" truck... This trucks were made to last 1,000,000 miles !!! Regards to all from Ciudad de la Costa; Uruguay; South America. [non-permissible content removed]
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GMC or Chevy, the '90s R last of the old school !!
John, 04/12/2018
1997 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
IMHO these 1500 & 2500 series are killer trucks disguised as SUV's. Cheaper to register & insure than trucks, comfortable, got balls, reliable, good interiors , controls etc. My '97 Yuke w/234K on it ran great until a deer hit and got pushed across the road into trees & rocks. Busted up as it was, I kept it on the road another year & half until insp. ran out. That beast saved my life. Ran good with minimal maint. Got lucky & found a '99 long wheel base Sub. w/223K from private owner w/good documentation. Has all the goodies, 3.73 Posi, HD susp.,towing pckge. HD cooling, xtra battery set up, a/c. all power stuff & cloth buckets w/3'd seat interior, INSIDE spare tire mount, etc, etc. It also had taken a deer hit that wiped out driver's door, windshield, and almost the owner. Size & strength saved him. New w/shield, junkyard door, and back on the road. Drove it home after a quick test drive @ 70-80, ran great except for a bit of front wheel vibe @65-70 which went away around 75-80. Balance ? Big enough to fit 4x8 ply in the back and on the roof rack. Barn doors in back for easy loading. 5.7 (350) American muscle, 4 spd. auto, prev. owner used Castrol H/M oil, same as as the Yuke got, all good. LUV IT!! YES!!
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