2003 Chevrolet Suburban LS 5.3 from North America

Summary:

Never been happier

Faults:

Brakes, brake caliper, interior lights, rust.

General Comments:

Best riding and most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. Bought new and put over 300,000 miles on it before we bought a new vehicle. Still use it for local trips and pulling my boat. Wife would rather have a new one of these if they still made it than the truck we bought.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2024

2003 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 5.3L from North America

Summary:

No gripes/complaints

Faults:

Warranty:

Speedo needle sticking.

Power steering pump.

Maintenance:

Speed sensor cleaning.

Encoder motor for 4WD.

Rear rotors, pads, lines.

Wheel hubs.

General Comments:

I bought the vehicle at 105,xxx back in Dec '12 upon my return from deploying; a "gift" to myself as well as needing the room for the way my wife packs when we go places.

In addition to the low miles, the truck was really clean, with the exception of a few surface rust bubbles on the front bumper. I sanded/painted it, and now it's back to new. The interior looks as if it came off the showroom floor.

Commuting from Watertown, NY to Buffalo on the weekends is the reason why I racked up 30k plus miles in under a year, and she hasn't skipped a beat. Once I purchased her, I gave her a full tune up/tranny service, flushed all fluids and installed a Dynomax cat-back with drop in K&N filter. I think I actually squeeze 16 city/18 highway with the add ons, along with driving her with "respect". It pulls whatever I want it to with no issues either.

I'm not upset with the money I invested for the repairs, because it hadn't really been exercised the way it was made to be. I'm expecting my water/fuel pumps to go out next, after which I believe all "original" parts would have been replaced. Cruising at 70-75, she runs smooth as silk! I believe I had the repairs that I did, because of the lack of exercise over the years. I shove PLENTY of highway down her throat now, and all I hear is "ahhhhh"...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2013

2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4x4 5.3L Flex fuel Z from North America

Summary:

Usual modern single-use car

Faults:

One cylinder suffered warped valves and low compression. Another one is a little low on compression, and misfires at idle after warm-up. Basically above idle, it runs on 7 consistently, and on all 8 above 2800. Still noticeably weaker at max power than new. Perhaps this failure is due to different formulation for corrosion-resistant valves. This engine has been run on clean unleaded gasoline.

Accessory belt's tensioner and idler pulleys wore out; to be expected at this mileage. A/C tensioner too. Fairly easy to replace.

Alternator replaced. 2nd alternator got a faulty idiot-light circuit. Voltmeter reads normal.

Front brake rotor warped. Standard problem on Suburbans.

Middle row smaller seatback no longer folds. It has some funky cable release that doesn't work.

Windshield cracked all over.

General Comments:

Comfy interior. Lots of space for passengers or home improvement supplies.

Ride is reasonable. 4runner 90-94 base model 4x4 is softer.

Service is doable at home.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 2013

16th Oct 2013, 09:42

Maybe the mileage has something to do with the problems...

17th Oct 2013, 06:26

Should have said multi use, not single use. You can carry, tow with it, take it on trips, off road etc.

31st Jul 2014, 05:17

Very interesting. I bought mine (identical vehicle) 8 years ago and love it. Had a 2000 LT, and I believe our lives were saved, in part by the sturdiness of the Suburban, as were rear-ended by a guy doing 65 mph, not paying attention, as we stopped quickly on a freeway traffic slowdown. We drove away, with a bent frame mind you, but his Pathfinder was a write-off. Later bought my 2003 Z71 and I have the very same issues; noisy power steering pump, speedometer needle sticks, and the like. A bit hard on fuel, yeah, but it's gotta be one of the best, toughest, and most comfortable vehicles on the road!