Overview & Reviews

Dual airbags debut, and a cargo area power lock switch makes locking up the vehicle after unloading cargo more convenient. Variable power steering lightens low-speed steering effort, and automatic transmissions are improved. Two new exterior colors are added to the paint roster.

• Largest regular production SUV on the market, cargo capacity, very safe vehicle, standard ABS, dual airbags

• Fuel economy, very poor list of standard equipment, dealers generally gouge customers on price, difficult to manuever in tight places

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 54.00

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  Bring you Wallet - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MN-Suburban - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new Back in the shop within one week In the shop every 6 months. On my 3rd tranny and I dont tow anything! So far, $14,000 in repair bills. To the point now that fixing it is still cheaper than a new truck payment. Ill try and hang on for 10 years.

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  Heart attack of America - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Airmike - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Where can I start, brakes inadequate for this heavy vehicle- rotors always going out - calipers replaced ,on the 3rd transmission - replaced fuel pump - universal joint - alternator - starter - water pump - heater control valve - a/c evaporator - battery post problems - fusible link - it now has 146000 miles, I have owned for almost 3 years , about $9000 in repairs. Every time I think nothing else can go wrong , it does. If you own one of these I strongly suggest joining AAA, they have towed me 3 times this year. Dont get me wrong, I have a 86 K1500 truck and it is great, I guess I got a Friday or Monday build.

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  A true lemon - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jgm - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Clearly the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Breaks down every 15,000 miles. I average $1000-$2000 of unscheduled repairs each year. The transmission just gave out completely yesterday. Im kind of glad, now I have a good excuse to buy another vehicle.

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  Junk from the Get-Go - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Honest Abe - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck broke down day one. Within the first three months all of the fuel injectors were replaces, with multiple visits. The power assisted steerting took three visits to repair. A bunch of minor problems, but a trip to the dealership is still a problem. The front disc brakes are gone every 6 months. At 100,000 the real costs started to add up, new transimission, radiator, engine and the list goes on. Its fair to say that $15K in repairs have been done to this truck inside 150,000 miles.

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  Im buying a ford !!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By p/o owner!!!! - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 chevy 1500 suburban from a used car dealer that is very well know with 46000 miles on it.With in a year and puting 12,500 miles on it the transmission went out($3345.00)the front rotors went bad ($674.00)front tie rods and arms went bad (est.$568.00) I just had the fuel pump go out and computer go out ($933.00)water pump and the list goes on !I must say that the short that happened on the fuel pump and sending unit was in the GAS TANK ! the wires melted ! and if Im not mistaken red hot wires and gas dont mix ! So in closing Im trading this car in as soon as I can !

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  Typical American Car - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By amccoy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Our Suburban has a little over 50,000 on it, mostly city miles. We pull a Coleman popup trailer with it when we go camping which doesnt seem to strain the engine at all, even climbing. Overall, we like the vehicle, however, we have experience our share of the quality problems mentioned by the other reviewers. The transmission went out at just over 42,000, the alternator went out, and the things seems to go through batteries every few years and the brakes are terrible. My transmission guy said that it should have lasted longer than it did, however, after reading the other reviews, I see I am not alone.

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  $$$$uburban - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By 737Captain - May 1 - 2:00 am

  In the last 12 months of ownership: FAILURES: two transmissions, alternator, brakes, ignition, fuel injection, water pump, rear axle bearings, air conditioning. Repair costs: $6800. Mileage now: 74000.

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  Mechanical - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JET - February 7 - 5:55 pm

  Ive had a host of problems with my burb. We had to replace the pinion bearing due to vibration/noisy sound when driving. Have replaced all of our fuel injectors, 5 of the eight went bad within a span of 2-3 months, etc....Not sure if Id ever buy another...