1996 CHEVROLET Suburban

Best Truck Ever Owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my 96 used w/140K NINE years ago, it now has 205K and I simply love it more then ever. Sadly rust is winning the battle of this beloved vehicle. It has been the greatest vehicle I've ever owned and I've owned them all. Also sadly is the insane sticker price for a new one.

Best Car I Ever Owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my suburban @ 120,000 miles and put another 70,000 on over the next 3 years. Never had any major problems. Smooth Transmission, Quiet Engine, Comfortable Ride, Plenty of space, Towed up to 10,000 pounds no problem. It never left me stranded. Extremely reliable. It will take care of you if you take care of it. I did have to replace the fuel pump twice but that was because I tended to drive on a low tank of fuel more often than not. A downer is the fuel economy of course. Take out the back seat, fold down the center row and you have a full size truck; so versatile. Handles awesome in 4 wheel drive. This car will always have a special place in my heart.

awesome

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

i bought this truck with 300000 km it is still in mint shape with 410000ks original motor and tranny i love this truck to tow my toys around and as well as my 5 kids

Keeps going and going and going.....

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my 1996 Suburban. I bought it with 154K in 2005 and now it has 201,000 and counting. I have never had a problem with the Burban. I drove it across the country twice. The truck just turned 200K about a month and a half or so and I just replaced the original thermostat, radiator, water pump and hoses. The originals took the truck to over 200K the upgraded units I installed should take her to an additional 200K. I wouldn't trade it for anything!!! The only complaint I might have is the location of the cup holder. It is right in front of the vent, if its cold and you put the heater on your cold drink will get warm. It has been a fantastic vehicle for my family. Highly recommend!!!

Sweet Ride

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My husband sold his Harley this summer and he decided to buy a suburban... or as he calls it a burban! I thought I was going to hate it all big and trucky... but turns out I LOVE IT! I love driving it (people really move out of the way when they see the brush guard!) It is reliable and our family of 5(3 teenage Boys) and one pitbull could not live with out this addition to our family!

A Great American Hoss

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My 95 was still running strong at 265k, but my brother in law wanted to sell his 96. Since it had the Vortec with more horsepower, I sold the 95 and bought his 96. With over 200k it is in great condition. I replaced both barn door catches (NAPA..not dealer) and an elec door lock, and catches on back of middle seats, and that's all. About 16- 17 mpg on road, no oil use, comfort, and hauls a TON!! We deal in Antiques, and recently bought 6 pieces of furniture at an auction and loaded them all in it, plus our own luggage. Not quite enough power when pulling our travel trailer to suit me, and gas mileage drops to 8. Super versatile SUV. When it's gone there'll be another in it's place.

NICE

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my father in laws but I use it all the time. We have the big 454 engine. I love it. We tow our travel trailer and this truck has almost 160K miles on it. I love everything about it except for the placement of the vents in the center. They are in a very bad spot and if you use the cup holder, they are worthless. Very strange place and you cannot turn them in far enough. Anyone that owns one knows what I mean. but that is small compared to everything else. Of course the fuel economy is not good, but what do you expect for a 454.

Not again!

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

Comfortable on long trips, adequate power. Electronic brain replace within two weeks as was steering wheel. Headliner had holes in it at the same time and was not replaced. I have put in 4 fuel pumps, 3 alternators, 1 starter motor. the 4 wheel drive went in 80,000 miles and the head gaskets in under 100,000 miles not replaced under warranty, even though I paid $1000.00 for an extended warranty it wasn't honored. Plastic parts are dropping apart. Window and internal door switches have all failed. Build quality was very poor for such an expensive vehicle. Customer service from the mfg was pathetic. GM could take a leaf from Toyota who is still fixing my 17 year old 4runner under warranty.

Awesome Burb 4X4

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought in 2005 with only 16k miles and now have 108k. With a set of Rancho shocks, K&N air intake system and Amsoil synthetic oil thru-out, it just purrs along and looks great on 18" wheels with just a 2" lift. I fear they will quit making gasoline before she quits running. I bought it for the same reason most buy the Suburban. It's so sad to know that before long, we won't have the choice of a Suburban and all the trips and family excitement that they bring. How are we to carry the whole family and all the equipment and the bass boat when all that's left is Greyhound or the MTA?

Nice ride, expensive to maintain

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

If you buy a '96 Suburban, you won't want anything else. However, it is extremely expensive. First, you might get 14 mpg. Have you ever used a gas card and had to use it twice at the same fillup (42 gal tank, Gas card stops at $75.) Next, prepare to spend a minimum of $2000/yr. I did the research here and bought it anyway. Have had to replace brakes, master cylinder, booster fuel pump, timing belt tensioner, alternator, and can't remember what else. A minimum of $400 whenever you take it in to the shop. However, can't seem to let it go.

It's been good

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

We really like our Surburban. It has all the options, and 156,000 miles to boot! For the size, the gas mileage is good. The big well (or center console) is appreciated, but it used to be bigger in 1986. The seats are exteremely comfy, a great highway car.Would appreciate a fold away in the floor 3rd row seat. We love the cargo space behind the 3rd row seat. Love the up high sitting, and it is very easy to get into. LOVE IT!

Solid Like A ROCK

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After 10 years this truck has proved that America can build a quality truck. Other than a few brake jobs and 2 sets of tires, 1 tune up and 1 fuel pump. This truck pulled a 25ft travel trailer 1 16ft boat 1 23ft cuddy cabin boat and a duel jet ski trailer and pulled my trailer thru a muddy field after we got blind sided by a thunderstorm that washed out the dirt road. In other words this truck was worked. Wasn't only used as a suburban assault vehicle. This truck worked hard and partied twice as hard without looking like it. She still shines, no rust and she lives outside in IL winters. I will put my 10 year old truck up against any new import SUV. She will out run, out tow, and all Oot off road head on

Mechanical disaster

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

The nickname for our 96 2WD is old leaky. We are the original owners and it now has 110K miles. It looks good and runs good except for when it is in the shop--which is often. No embellishing, here is the run down. Four alternators, one water pump, one A/C compressor ($1000), multiple A/C leaks, intake manifold gasket ($800), power steering leak, multiple coolant leaks from network of connections on the heater core hoses, multiple instances of coolant leaks from quick connectors, multiple brake refits (every 12K miles). The tranmission gave up the ghost at 70K miles ($2600) and most recently a significant oil leak from the timing chain cover ($400).

Good but not Great

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 4

Just the right size for my needs, and fun to drive. Mine has a custom interior (made by an aftermarket company), so the aftermarket add on's are great but the factory GM parts are cheap plastic. Very nice vehicle, but it can in NO way compare to a Navigator; the Suburban is'nt even in the same league.

not perfect, but still pretty good

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

This is my 2nd Suburban and I'm pleased with it. Its comfortable for my 6'3" frame, roomy for my family and their friends, and a great all-around vehicle. The Vortec 5.7 is a reliable engine developing sufficient power for towing a mid-size pop-up camper with fully loaded cabin. Fuel economy varies with speed and throttle finesse, but ranges from 12.5 around town to 21 on the hwy. See "Suggested Imrovements" for my complaints.

Still love it after 7+ years

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

The car has been used mostly for highway driving, but it still rides well for a large truck. We drove the truck from NYC to the Great Smokey Mountains and we couldn't imagine making the trip in another car. Ride is a little stiff now, and the suspension isn't what it used to be, but I really can't complain after 7+ years of reliable driving. If my wife would let me, I would buy Suburbans for the rest of my life.

Love it

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Due to an accident I had to make a quick decision and buy a used vehicle in a very short amount of time. I found my Suburban at a small road side dealer and couldn't believe the shape it was in. I took ownership of the truck and drove it 1000 miles to Missouri from Florida THAT DAY without a hitch, burp or hiccup. What an amazing vehicle. I was especially impressed with the fuel mileage I got. Almost 17 on the open road loaded. Lots of room and more power than I could have hoped for. I am very happy with my '96 and will keep it until it finally dies. If this is any idication or future performance, I'm going to have it a very long time.

The Best

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I still get compliments on this vehicle 7 years and 157,000+ miles later.It has the regency custom package and has been great on long trips(too many 1,000+ miles to count)as well as around town.I still get 17.5-18.0 mpg on trips,loaded down.

Mother of four's Suburban Ride

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

This vehicle was great for our big family. We go on vacation/camping with 4 kids and lots of luggage/toys/baby stuff. 2 car seats fit with room for another person in the middle. Hastle to get into the third seat row, especially with a car seat in the way. Kids just crawled over the second row seat back to get to the third row (not ideal). The vehicle always started, but little things broke regularly: rear barn door catches and various control knobs broke easily.

Burb pleasure

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We've been extremely pleased with this vehicle. Especially for traveling. And for an american car, we've had little trouble with it.

like a real rock

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

first it's a truck and others know it. Idrove long long trips and it is so comfortale like no other car, you can drive and i love the gas tank it holds 42 g.it was areal pleasure and now its time to by a new one,thinking denali or cadi excalade.

Electrical system nightmare

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

We're on our 5th Alternator. We also went through 3 batteries before those problems were resolved. Alternator left me stranded in the California deseret once and left my wife stranded three times locally. The current one on the vehicle is dying as we speak. Fenderwell and area had to be sandblasted and repainted shortly after purchase to repair acid damage. Other than that we have had a pretty good experience. We travel to Colorado from South Texas every year and other than one breakdown we have had good luck. A/C seems to only blow on passenger side vents. Good large vehicle except for reliability problems

Don't do it!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

If your thinking about buying a Chevy Suburban....Don't do it. Chevy has really gone down hill the past few years. My main complaint is the intake manifold gasket start leaking at about 75-80,000 miles. It did it to me in the middle of eastrern Colorado and stranded me in a little town called La Junta. $800 buck later the new gaskets were installed, but 8,000 miles later they blew again. This time I let a REAL mechanic fix the problem. He went with third part FelPro gaskets and the thing hasn'e leaked in 40,000 miles.

California "Cadillac"

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

My 96 Suburban has been great. Its travels well with my wife and 4 children and all our luggage. Great for cruisin to Vegas, camping or in town. Have electronic 4WD and it works great. Leather interior is a must. Radio and factory CD is great. Added a few engine tricks got MPG from 9.5 up to 14 MPG. The Vortec motor is the best !

good truck

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

155000 miles, running strong, holding up very well to heavy use, carries large loads, lot of room for family, good looking truck

Great Ride

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my 81st auto. I am in love. You feel very safe and secure. Its a little hard getting use to driving your living room. Comfortable as can be.

Excellent Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Very safe car very happy with it in all areas.

My review

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I had no problems with the velicle. Every things works.