2003 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3 Flex Fuel from North America

Summary:

Expensive, but reliable, roomy and safe

Faults:

Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, I noticed a tapping in the steering wheel when making both right and left turns. As more miles were accumulated on the vehicle, the tapping sensation got worse. I took it to the dealership and they fixed the problems. 18,000 miles later the problems were back. Luckily, I had purchased the extended warranty and the car was covered.

At the 38,000 mile mark, an ugly sound started coming form the vehicle's underbelly. From the time I pressed the gas pedal at a standstill until I got up to 15-20 miles per hour; there was a loud vibration. I took the truck back to the dealership and they determined it was a corroded muffler. Apparently, the metal inside the muffler broke off and was vibrating inside and the muffler had to be replaced. The downside is that no muffler shop in the area could get his or her hands on a muffler, because the patent wasn't out on it yet. The dealership wanted $765.00, but luckily, a local guy had a take-off from a 2004 suburban that he put in my vehicle for $150. That too is now is beginning to make the same rattling sound and here we go again. Hopefully the patent is out, and Midas or Car-X can do the job.

The gas mileage is more noticeable now with gas prices being higher than when I purchased it. The gas mileage really goes down when the 4x4 is engaged... even in the "auto 4wd" mode.

General Comments:

The Suburban, with the steering fixed, drives a dream. The 5.3 gets up and goes on the highway and pulls whatever I need to pull. I do my share of off-road driving when I'm pheasant hunting in MN, and this Suburban will go through it all. It has room for eight people, and is both a hunter's dream and a basketball mom's dream. It can transport 8 people and haul lots of gear. I've never once not felt safe in this ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2006

8th Oct 2006, 18:24

I just bought this same suburban. I am hearing a rattle in the steering. What was the problem in your steering? Thanks in advance.

15th Dec 2008, 14:37

It's your steering intermediate shaft. There is a TSB on it. It's normal on these trucks, fix it if you want, it's not dangerous.

2003 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 5.3 gasoline from North America

Summary:

A great bargain

Faults:

Nothing has ever gone wrong.

General Comments:

This is one nice truck.

I got every option available. Its got heated seats, DVD player, you name it.

The seats are very comfortable especially with the heated seats, 8 way seat posistions, and lumbar support.

The truck has a memory for two drivers. On the door there are two buttons, one for the first driver, and one for the second driver. You can set it for your preferences (seat position, mirrors, radio station). This is a real convenient option if you share the truck.

The Bose sound system is average.

The 5.3L engine has enough power to spin the wheels easily.

When the truck has every option available the price is $59000CDN. To some people this may think it is very expensive, but to me I think it's a great bargain.

The suspension is well above average.

In general this is a great luxury SUV.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2004

2003 Chevrolet Suburban LT autoride 327 from North America

Summary:

A big comfortable cruiser elite

Faults:

A grinding noise periodically when the wheel is turned.

You get a sunroof or the entertainment system. Cannot order both. If Ford can do this why can't Chevy?

Would like to see television channel capability with the entertainment system.

Would like to see a keyless entry system like the Ford SUV's.

Would like to see full time all wheel drive capability.

General Comments:

Very smooth ride. I Like the 31 gallon fuel tank.

Entertainment system works flawlessly with the DVD.

Some colors including blue, grey, are not available with color matched body side molding offering only black plastic which looks awful.

The onboard computer is accurate for gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2003