1992-1999 GMC Suburban Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation GMC Yukon. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation GMC Yukon.

1992-1999 GMC Suburban Review

Suburbans moved to the platform of the then-current full-size General Motors C/K pickup trucks for 1992. Bodies measured slightly shorter and narrower. Cargo space and towing capacity increased. As before, Suburbans were sold in nearly identical form by GMC and Chevrolet dealers. Rear-wheel-drive models got a C designation, while 4-wheel-drive Suburbans were named K. A 1500 suffix indicates a 1/2-ton payload, whereas 2500 indicates 3/4-ton. A 210-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 continued as standard, but a heavy-duty 190-horsepower version went into some 2500-series models. Diesel V8 engines departed, but a 7.4-liter gasoline V8 was available. All Suburbans had a 4-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel antilock brakes. Part-time Insta-Trac 4WD had automatic-locking hubs. Suburbans could be equipped to seat up to nine passengers. The standard configuration consisted of four side doors and two swing-open rear doors. A tailgate with top-hinged rear window was optional.

Year to Year Changes

1993 GMC Yukon: A new transmission was one of few alterations for 1993, gaining electronic shift controls plus a second-gear start feature that increased traction on slippery surfaces.

1994 GMC Yukon: A turbodiesel V8 engine returned in 1994. Side door-guard beams and a center high-mount stoplamp were installed.

1995 GMC Yukon: A driver-side airbag was added for 1995, in a revised interior with recontoured seats. The turbodiesel engine was now available in the 1500 series. The standard V8 engine lost 10 horsepower.

1996 GMC Yukon: More potent Vortec engines joined for '96. The 5.7-liter V8 leaped from 200 to 250 horsepower, while the 7.4-liter went from 230 to 290 horses. Pushbutton engagement for the 4WD system became available.

1997 GMC Yukon: A passenger-side airbag joined the driver's airbag for '97. A new button in the cargo area controlled power door locks.

1998 GMC Yukon: GMC added a full-time 4WD system, standard anti-theft system, and optional satellite tracking system for 1998. Called AutoTrac, the new 4WD replaced the part-time system but kept the two-speed transfer case for off-road driving.

1999 GMC Yukon: GM's biggest wagon was all but unchanged for '99 pending the arrival of a redesigned 2000 model, to be known as the Yukon XL rather than the Suburban.

1992-1999 GMC Suburban Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (7.4-liter)	Acceleration (early models)

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Trailer-towing capability	Rear-seat entry/exit

Highway ride

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Though front- and middle-row passengers have ample room in the Suburban, there's not enough room for adults to stretch out in the back. Still, each seat is wide enough for three to fit easily. The rear bench does not fold flat, but it's removable. Step-in height is a lot lower than in prior Suburbans. Cargo space is cavernous. Access to the optional third seat demands serious stooping. Visibility is fine, from a car-like seating position. Acceleration with the 5.7-liter V8 is sufficient for most requirements, but only adequate in town, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift. The extra 50 horsepower delivered by the Vortec engine, introduced for 1996, gives the Suburban a welcome boost. Still, a 7.4-liter gasoline V8, or the 6.5-liter turbodiesel, is better for heavy-duty tasks. Gasoline V8s guzzle heavily. Expect no more than 10-12 mpg in city driving, or 16-18 on the highway. Suburbans are smooth, capable, and comfortable on the highway, absorbing bumps well with only moderate floating. On the negative side, substantial body lean in turns at any speed encourages drivers to slow down. Simulated panic stops can produce pronounced nosedive, and occasional rear-wheel lockup.

Value for the Money
If you must have space for nine occupants and a heavy load of luggage, or need to tow a trailer or boat, only Ford's Expedition comes close. But we prefer the more-nimble GMC Yukon.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

GMC Suburban 5.7-liter	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	1

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	8

Value within Class	5

Total:	49

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1992-1999 GMC Suburban Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Brake wear: Front brake linings wear rapidly and replacing the proportioning valve and the rear shoes with a different friction material, prolongs front brake life. (1992-99)

Climate control: The temperature control lever may slide from hot to cold, usually when the blower is on high speed. (1992-94)

Climate control: The air conditioning may randomly switch the recirc mode and have poor output due to a slipping fan clutch. (1997)

Dashboard lights: The oil pressure gauge may read high, move erratically, or not work because the oil pressure sensor is defective. (1990-93)

Fuel pump: The electronic injection pump on diesel engines is prone to failures and may be covered under an extended warranty up to 11 years or 120,000 miles.

Hard starting: No-starts, hard starting, or rough idle may be due to some gasolines dissolving compounds in the fuel filler pipe that then clog the fuel injectors. (1997-99)

Oil leak: Oil loss and fouled spark plugs result from intake manifold gasket leaks. (1996-98)

Transmission leak: Automatic transmission pump may leak (model 4L60). A revised pump bushing is available. (1995-96)

Transmission leak: Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$520

Alternator	$225

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$850

Brakes	$220

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$800

Exhaust System	$485

Radiator	$450

Shocks and/or Struts	$410

Timing Chain or Belt	$230

Universal Joints	$270

NHTSA Recall History

1992: Brake-pedal pivot bolt can disengage.

1994: Brake-switch contacts can wear prematurely; may result in loss of brake lights without warning.

1994-96: Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.

1995 w/automatic transmission: External transmission leak can occur.

1995 w/automatic transmission: When shift lever is placed in Park position, its indicator light may not illuminate.

1995-96 w/gasoline engine: Throttle cable may contact dash mat and bind.

1997-98: On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1998: On some vehicles, one or both front brake rotor/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.

1999: In a crash, right-front-passenger-restraint systems may not meet neck-extension requirements.

1992-1999 GMC Suburban Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
Suburban 2WD	$2,000-2,800	$1,400-2,000	$300-500
Suburban 4WD	$2,500-3,400	$1,800-2,500	$500-700

1993
Suburban 2WD	$2,300-3,200	$1,700-2,300	$400-600
Suburban 4WD	$2,800-3,800	$2,100-2,900	$600-800

1994
Suburban 2WD	$2,600-3,500	$1,900-2,600	$500-700
Suburban 4WD	$3,000-4,000	$2,300-3,100	$700-900

1995
Suburban 2WD	$3,100-4,100	$2,400-3,200	$700-1,000
Suburban 4WD	$3,500-4,800	$2,800-3,800	$900-1,300

1996
Suburban 2WD	$3,700-4,700	$3,000-3,800	$1,100-1,400
Suburban 4WD	$4,400-5,300	$3,700-4,400	$1,500-1,900

1997
Suburban 2WD	$4,300-5,400	$3,600-4,500	$1,500-1,800
Suburban 4WD	$5,000-6,300	$4,300-5,400	$2,000-2,500

1998
Suburban 2WD	$5,000-6,400	$4,300-5,400	$2,000-2,600
Suburban 4WD	$5,700-7,200	$4,900-6,200	$2,300-3,000

1999
Suburban 2WD	$5,800-7,300	$5,000-6,400	$2,400-3,100
Suburban 4WD	$6,400-8,200	$5,600-7,200	$2,800-3,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1992-1999 GMC Suburban Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	131.5

Overall Length, in.	220.0

Overall Width, in.	76.7

Overall Height, in.	70.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	4634

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	149.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	42.0

Seating Capacity	9

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	26.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Standard engine was a 210-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. Optional on the 2500-series (with GVW over 8500 pounds) was a heavy-duty version of the 5.7-liter, rated 190 horsepower. Also optional on the 2500: a 7.4-liter V8 with 230 horsepower. Sole transmission was a 4-speed overdrive automatic. By 1994, a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 could be installed. Revised GM Vortec engines for '96 delivered more power: 250 horsepower for the 5.7-liter (up 50), and 290 for the 7.4-liter (up 60).

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	190-210	300-310	4-speed automatic: 13/17	4-speed automatic: 10.7

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	250-255	330-335	4-speed automatic: 12/16	4-speed automatic: 13.9

ohv V8	7.4 / 454	230-290	365-410	4-speed automatic: --	4-speed automatic: --

Turbodiesel ohv V8	6.5 / 400	190	385	4-speed automatic: 15/18	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Suburban 1500

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Mexico, USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-1999 GMC Suburban Review:

GMC Suburban

GMC Suburban Road Test

GMC Suburban Reliability

GMC Suburban Prices

GMC Suburban Specs & Safety

GMC Suburban Photos

GMC Suburban Full Review