Faults:

This vehicle has a history... I bought it from a used car dealer. He got it at a junk yard. The overall vehicle was clean and in good shape.

It had a blown motor, so he had a 40,000 mile used engine installed, the driver's seat re-upholstered, new tires and new front brakes installed. The used engine had a new water pump and alternator.

I got the 'burb cheap and I knew at the time I would need to do some work on it. I had the differential rebuilt. I did the following repairs/upgrades:

I replaced the 6 inch door speakers and the 8 inch subwoofer.

I repaired the tow/haul feature.

I replaced some bulbs in the instrument cluster.

I fixed the parking brakes and replaced the rear rotors and pads.

I changed the transmission filter and fuel filter.

It looks like I will need to replace the catalytic converters soon. I'll buy the parts and do it myself. On RockAuto that's about three hundred bucks in parts.

I added Sumo Supersprings and a brake controller. We plan to tow a travel trailer with this vehicle.

I have also serviced the front differential.

General Comments:

Overall I love this old Suburban. It's a gas hog, but it's very comfortable and has all the whistles and bells I would ever want. The 4x4 works awesome. Yes, I have had to wrench on it some, but I enjoyed the process. I bought it in need of some work and knew that going in. We have taken it on a couple of day trips and enjoyed the big 'burb a whole lot.

Faults:

I bought this car real used. But in good shape with a new motor, brakes and tires. It had a few minor issues that I'm working through now.

Replaced a couple of dash lights, a 15 minute job.

Parking brake shoes need replacing, parts in hand.

In a year or so I'll update this review.

General Comments:

I have owned a few 4x4s. So far I really like the Suburban. We got 9 inches of snow right after I bought the 'burb and it cut through snow like it was dry pavement. Really great 4x4. It does ride like a truck. I suppose that's because it's built on a frame, the same frame as the Silverado. I bought this vehicle to do some towing and as a small project. So far I think that I like Chevrolet's design. I've worked on far more aggravating cars.

The undercarriage is pretty tough. It's beefier than my old 1977 F-150. I have read some criticism of the electric 4x4 controls. Mine work. All I can say is they are really nice. Push a button and go for it with real 4x4. I like it.

The 5.3 delivers more power than I expected. Being the smallest in it's class (vs. Ford 5.4, Dodge 5.7, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan/Armada, etc..), it seems to do a decent job within its design expectations. For pulling a reasonable sized travel trailer I think it will do fine. I plan to boost up the rear suspension and use anti sway equipment.

The rear air and heat is necessary since the 'burb is a half a block long. Great for hauling dogs.

So far I'm pretty happy with this truck. Figure in what I paid for it and I'm really happy.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

I replaced the Firestone Wilderness tires at 18K miles out of fear with Michelin LTs. The Michelin tires had better than 1/2 tread remaining at the time we turned in the vehicle (34K miles on the tires!)

General Comments:

We ordered the vehicle with a lower axle ratio which improved gas mileage to 18mpg at 70mph on the interstate!

AND, on regular gas!

Around town was 14. Due to powerful engine, we did not experience loss of power at low end as dealer suggested at time of order.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This truck is a towing monster!

The tow-haul mode is a real plus for the overall performance when towing.

This suburban is the king of comfort for the whole family.