1998 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.7L Vortec

Summary:

I'm still happy with it

Faults:

Passenger side window switch went bad at 110,000.

Intake Manifold Gasket, Fuel pressure regulator went bad at 145,000...not bad

(coolant leaked into the motor and also out of the motor at the intake manifold)

Leaks oil if used synthetic oil...typical.

Seats really starting to wear (leather)

Head lights had to be replaced due to sever fogging

(previous owner used brake cleaner or something to clean the headlights and made them very cloudy)

Rear trailer wiring harness had broken wires.

General Comments:

Well I bought the truck just before gas prices soared and I get about 17 miles to the gallon which I do not think is bad at all and about nearly 450 - 500 miles on a full tank of gas. truck survived an accident with a drunk driver and truck held up very very well with hardly any cosmetic damage (hit from rear at dead stop). horsepower doesn't seem to be all there, but it does run like a champ and is fun for a little off-road, even though its my family car. ABS works wonderfully and the four-wheel drive system has worked very well with no issues. I'm currently doing the intake manifold gasket and have finished it, but got the timing off putting the distributor back in. so I've been working on the car for 2 days now and still no running. hopefully I do not have to take it in. if you keep up with the regular service intervals, the vehicle shouldn't give you too many issues. truck has plenty of room for a long trip if you're planning one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2007

31st Jul 2007, 14:46

I'm continuing my comments when I published this Review: at 143000. The review was written at 138000 (I wrote it wrong)

Finally got the truck fixed up and running better then it did before I started working on the intake manifold.

Since then, I've had 2 new leaks of coolant come from the radiator and thermostat housing. The housing isn't a big deal, but the radiator has to be replaced according to the dealer. It leaks at where the top transmission cooler line goes into the radiator. It's a small leak so I ain't too worried about it now.

The engine runs a lot smoother than it used to, and the fuel system stays pressurized now with the new fuel pressure regulator I replaced. It starts up not right away without touching the gas pedal.

The A/C is not working anymore due to a leak at either the A/C dryer that I just replaced, or the evaporator inside the dash, because I can hear a hissing noise when I charged the system. I plan to take it in for repairs at a dealership.

I also did a complete brake/rotor/drum replacement on my Suburban, which cost a pretty penny, but I installed the best of the best ceramic pads with new rotors and new drums, and shoes and spring kits. I did the brakes 1 year ago, but put on cheap semi-metallics.

The engine still seems a little under power, and I have started calculating the MPG, and it now sits at 14 on average with city and highway driving.

I still am very happy with the vehicle, but will be even more happy once I get these few things fixed.

1998 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.7L Vortec

Summary:

I never want to give up my Suburban!

Faults:

The Brakes were pulling pretty bad when we bought it used at 59000. New rotors installed by my husband fixed that.

Water pump went out around 70000.

Alternator recently went out at 99000.

This vehicle has never left me stranded on the side of the road, even when alternator was going, got me to the service garage.

General Comments:

I love this vehicle, so comfortable for a tall family like mine for trips. We bought it used and have put less money in it than any other vehicle we ever owned. We have towed a pop-up camper for 3 years and now a 30 foot travel trailer for over one year with no problems.

Air conditioner is fantastic and never had any problems. Seats are so comfortable. Pick up is great for this big city traffic, but on the highway it's a real dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2005

4th Jan 2006, 02:31

Hi,

When you said "We bought it used and have put less money in it than any other vehicle we ever owned." is that including the petrol? And how fast dose the thing go when towing (I don't like horns blowing when I'm towing my boat down the highway!)? And can you tell me any other things, if any, have gone wrong with it?

Cheers.

9th Jul 2006, 04:04

Florida...love my 1997 suburban 115000 miles. Am considering new shocks.. what have you used to give good ride without putting air shocks on back. I tow 9000 lb boat. Tnx LW.