Faults:

Goes through front brake pads quicker than expected. I've tried several brands. Otherwise just basic maintenance and upkeep.

General Comments:

I've abused the living hell out of this poor superhero, it has towed more than double the rated weight, but that happens a lot in farming communities. This one doesn't have the optional 3.73:1 gearing, my first '99 Suburban had, and this one has impressed me with its ability to cruise at 1650 RPM at 65 MPH. I've had 5.7L V8 Camaros, an '88 and a '95, that weren't happy trying that. Both got axle ratio swaps, by me, to increase the cruise RPM.

I had a '99 Ram 1500 5.9 I was really impressed with, and really liked, but Dodge never made anything like this. I wasn't going to try an Excursion for several reasons.

GM gets a bad rap, but my experiences are that GM deserves better.

Faults:

As with most Suburban vehicles, the plastic door handles will crack (in and out handles).

I had the automatic transmission rebuilt with a towing kit installed.

The steering box has developed some steering play (perhaps some adjustment will correct the steering play).

Radiator developed leaks at the upper end (replaced). The plastic valve for selecting water to the heater broke (replaced). Water pump was replaced, including the thermostat.

Other: just regular maintenance replacement parts such as brake pads/shoes, water hoses, fan belt.

General Comments:

As of today (March 2023) I still drive this 1999 Chevy Suburban K1500 (4X4). I use this vehicle mainly for long travel (from Frazier Park to Arizona, Utah, Mexico, Las Vegas, etc). And I use it locally during the snow season here in Frazier Park (excellent 4x4 performance!)

This vehicle has been surprisingly reliable (with regular scheduled maintenance) and very, very comfortable to drive for long periods of time (great electrical multi-position seat adjustment).

The engine (5.7.liter small block seems a little underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded and going uphill into high altitudes with 10 people plus luggage.

I see, and I can afford a newer Suburban tomorrow... But why buy a new, or a newer one? (the Suburban looks nice inside-out). My wife and I even go camping with this vehicle! Sure, the mileage covered for a gallon of fuel is not all that pleasant.. but when it comes $$$ figures: I am way ahead with my $3,200 vehicle purchased about ten years ago!

My plan is to keep this loyal vehicle until California ask me to park it in lieu of a EV!

Faults:

Radiator.

Interior door handles and locks breaking.

Various electrical malfunctions.

Typical Passlock Security System problems.

General Comments:

Doesn’t even leak oil or hesitate in any way. Starts on the first try even in cold winter weather (like 0 degrees and below, really cold). I have to give it to GM on this one.

Faults:

- 2 of the interior door handles broke and needed replacing.

- Several speakers were blown and needed to be replaced.

- Front seat warmers function intermittent.

- Wiper motor had to be replaced twice.

- A/C system developed large leak somewhere so the A/C did not work.

- TRANSMISSION. As most GM truck owners can attest, the 4l60e is the most prone to failure. This was the largest repair I had to perform on the truck while I had it... Just the nature of the beast unfortunately.

General Comments:

Hands down, the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Even when the transmission was failing, it still got me home. Push button four wheel drive never had an issue. Matter of fact, with the exception of the intermittent seat warmers, all electronics worked and never had a problem.

And talk about versatility!! Not many vehicles can handle 6 or more adults plus a week's worth of camping or beach gear, but the Suburban gobbles it up and asks for more. Next you could clean it up well and go out to a nice dinner, but just as quickly turn around and run this truck through the woods on a trail. And weather does not stop this truck. Point it at a blizzard and drive, no problem.

Stopping power on the original brakes is pretty poor so I upgraded the front brakes to towing grade slotted and drilled disks with new pads and calipers. I recommend them to all the OBS GM truck and SUV owners as it completely changes the confidence you have in the truck stopping.

The Suburban was a great workhorse and never, ever let me down. Not to mention it was super comfortable. It loses a few marks because of the poor fuel mileage which was not friendly to my wallet, but that is to be expected of such a heavy vehicle and old V8 technology. The truck did give great power though, and a quick muffler and tailpipe change gives the truck a great sound. I do miss the big girl, so 10/10 would buy again!