1994 GMC Suburban SL review from North America
"Like a Rock"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There has been a problem with the fuel pump/lines. We had to get the lines replaced twice in the past 3 years. The first time the pump went bad and we lost all acceleration while driving (kinda scary). We brought it to a non-dealer location and they didn't use factory parts (our first mistake). Since then the fuel lines leaked and we had to replace them again, this time at an authorized dealer using factory parts (no problems since).
Lesson learned: when fixing a problem, use only factory parts.
-Muffler replaced, (sounds really bad-ass with it broken tho!)
-Regular maintenance.
-Mysterious ticking noise around 2500 rpm?
General comments?
This truck is the bare bones minimum. It was bought to be used as a work truck and still is. My father bought it new in '94 and it has been between me and him since then. The truck consists of, vinyl seats, rubber floors, crank windows and manual locks, and next to no accessories. Oh, and its all brown.
For its size, it rides low to the ground which gives it a very stable ride. Good around corners. Long wheel base gives it a smooth ride for passengers.
Like I said, this is used as a work truck and has survived hauls that surpassed its maximum loading weight and still had no problem getting on the highway! (note the chevy 350)
My family has 3 cars, and this is by far the most reliable. Starts up every time.
It is perfect for road trips. Optional seating up to 9 people with three rows of bench seats, plenty of legroom and highway mileage up to 22 mpg (if you drive it right).
Since we had this truck, my dad bought a new 2002 suburban, and this still gets better gas mileage!
It has gone through a lot of abuse (scratches and dents, ripped seat, etc..), but never fails and is always there when we need it.
Not as quick as it used to be, but it will move when you need it to.
You can really feel the engine and you feel like you are really in control of the truck (which with modern power steering and power everything, is rare). If you like a cushy truck that rides like a Cadillac then this truck might not be for you.
So overall: Great truck for the money! Lasts forever. If you treat it right, it will treat you right. Rock solid. Low maintenance and dependable.
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![]() ![]() | The Suburban is a reliable, comfortable people mover and cargo hauler |
![]() ![]() | 1994 - Suburban SLE 5.7L or 350 Best truck ever built! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.7L V8 (350) Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 169000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 28th May, 2008 |

