Here's Why The GMC Yukon 8.1 Is The Best SUV Of All Time: Ultimate Buyers Guide

[@ktpinnacle]

I can relate. Currently driving a 2001 Yukon SLT as a daily driver. 360K miles on the original 5.3 and trans. Paint is finally going, as is the leather on the drivers seat. But next to my home, it's been the best purchase I've ever made.

[@ne2i]

You can buy a new seat bottom cushion and cover.

[@ktpinnacle]

@@ne2i Of course. But seeing that I had it built in Arlington and picked it up there nearly 23 years ago, it's gone the distance. I've been saying that I'm getting something new for years now. Instead, I stare at my non-functioning cassette deck and CD player while the 5.3 just continues to get me to where I want to go.

[@aiolijones]

Same here. I have a 2005 Yukon SLT that just hit 240k on the odometer driving across the country last week. I used to only do light maintenance on my cars, but the Yukon's so easy to work on that I've taken to doing 99% of repairs and upgrades myself. Like yours, my paint has seen better days but for a boat-hauler and camping truck I'm not too worried about it. I just replaced the driver seat cushion and leather earlier this month before the long drive (go for it if you're on the fence--took me an hour and paid immediate dividends on the 40 hours from PA to CA).

[@ktpinnacle]

@@aiolijones One thing - I wish the Yukon/Tahoes aren't as long as they are today. This size was perfect for me with growing kids and now as empty nesters. And it's so much easier to see around the vehicle than the current trucks (having driven K-Blazers and this Yukon since 1981, I still call them trucks), and I can parallel park it like a Mini.

[@toxin7883]

Long as it doesn’t have afm it’s good to go

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

I used to be such a ford person, older i get the more I just appreciate a good running older vehicle no matter the make, gosh i miss seeing older cars on the road, just something doesn't hit with these new cars.

[@chrismartin500]

Yeah, the price.

[@beargaming135]

I have an 02 8.1 suburban with 280k miles and the infamous barn doors. They are great trucks!

[@topfell8277]

Have 2 gmt800s with the barn doors

[@abqcrutch]

Love the video. I bought an '06 Tahoe 2WD last month for $4k. One owner. 4.8L V8, 192k miles. Came with all receipts/records. My mechanic said I should get 300k+ miles. Been on two road trips. Smooth as silk.

[@777jones]

Well done.

[@blackshirt5530]

I have an 03 Tahoe with 298k and no problems that 5.3 vortec is a BEAST!!!

[@andrewmarshall1142]

Bought a 2-owner ‘04 Tahoe with the 4.8, paid $800 with 250k miles and now she’s sitting at 272k going strong 💪 I’ve taken it several states away on several occasions and never worried about it

[@topfell8277]

Have 3gmt800 tahoes one with barn doors

[@Jottesontundra17]

I grew up with a 2001 suburban and I loved that truck!!! We actually got up to 23 MPG with the 5.3 vortec traveling from Texas to Utah. Such a great truck.

[@jimmyfizzy]

I have a 02 Suburban LT 5.3 4x4 260,000 mi Still going strong

[@matthewanderson9912]

I love the GMT-800s. My first new truck that I bought was a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab. The seats starting in 2003-up for the 800s were the best seats that has ever been put in a vehicle. If GM announced today they were going back with that style for the 2025 model year I’d go order one today. Anyways nice video. They really should bring back the 2500 Suburban. I think there’s a market there for sure. And the current 6.6 L8T makes more power everywhere than that 8.1 496 big block. But it would be cool if GM gave a new true big block Chevy the LS/LT head treatment. It would be a game changer for gas engines. They offer one at Chevrolet performance for a crate engine so maybe one day.

[@josephina24]

The 8.1 has more rotating mass, wouldn't that give it more pulling torque? Granted, most individuals these days don't have a need for that kind of power

[@matthewanderson9912]

@@josephina24 well I could make the argument the 8.1 could potentially be more durable because it’s physically bigger (not just in displacement, it’s literally a bigger engine) but at the same time I can make the argument all that rotating mass is a detriment too. As far as power, the 8.1 made peak torque at 3200 rpm and depending on the model that would have been 440-455 pound feet. So the 6.6 is making awfully close to that according to GMs dyno chart at that rpm. It’s definitely making over 400 foot pounds of torque at 2000 rpm. So maybe the 8.1 is making more torque below 2000 rpm, but it sound be similar. And the added HP from the 6.6 L8T would more than offset that in my opinion. Now like I said, it would truly be a game changer if GM made a new Big Block Chevy engine with the LS/LT style heads and intake. Chevrolet Performance makes the ZZ632 crate engine which does just that and it makes 1004 hp and 876 foot pounds of torque on pump gas. If they used that technology for a production engine around 500 cubic inches it would just be revolutionary for gas HD trucks.

[@josephina24]

@matthewanderson9912 If only the 632 did not cost as much as a small house lol. It's a badass engine for certain, the displacement and mass out of the 8.1 is a definite detriment to its fuel economy, but hey. If I'm getting single digits it's going to be in style! Lol

[@bjperez9076]

You are absolutely right on the seats. I have an 06 Avalanche and OMG it's the standard I compare all other car seats to. I have a bad back and no issues with them.

[@gmanandhislady]

There are so many of these TFL channels, but this classics channel is my favorite, and Brendan and Tommy are my favorite, as is the Buy or Bust series!

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

Same

[@noahsteffen740]

My family owned a 2003 Chevy Suburban 1500 LT, It was our family vehicle for over 10 years and it had over 320,000 miles on it with the original engine and transmission. We loved how is handled our steep gravel drive way even when it was covered in snow and ice. Everyone in my family of 9 could fit in it plus a load of groceries. And everyone of us would tell you we never felt unsafe driving around in our hunk of steel. But sadly we lost it in an accident in which it saved my brothers life, and still drove away, but was totaled by our insurance.

[@stevemansanarez1368]

Wife drives an 05 Tahoe and I have an 03 Suburban 2500 with Quadrasteer. We love them, easy to keep running, can always buy parts at a decent price, cheap to insure. Love these GMT800’s.

[@wilsonbakerr287]

Awesome super rare! I have an 8.1 2500hd myself

[@jonhubbard5787]

Had many gmt800.. currently have an 03 Tahoe z71 with 460k miles, that tows heavy daily. They are wonderful, and very reliable.

[@666myname666]

keep it going. Do the routine maintaince and you can hit the 800 mile mark. Then contact GMC and they might take your vehicle in their museum and give you a brand new z71

[@Ruben-dr4yi]

I much rather watch this type of video then videos of new vehicles that are way overpriced and unreliable

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

Exactly

[@allanthomas6097]

These are over priced too

[@bemo2550]

i love these trucks, my grandpa has a 2001 Yukon XL 2500 - 6.0 with the Denali package and weve driven it to Mexico and back 3 times each in amazing comfort. they're Definity trucks for life!!

[@allwaysgivingback9263]

I have a 2005 Yukon XL 5.3 328000 miles factory running gear. Purchased 5 years ago for 4K and out over 120k on it. Best truck for the money I have ever purchased.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

I have a 04 black 2500 4x4 suburban. I just purchased it about a week ago, from the original owner still has the original price tag in the glove box with all the options it optioned out with the 8.1 L at $50,735. This vehicle just turned 102,000 miles. She’s a little sun faded from setting out, for the last four years it lost its spot in the garage but that don’t bother me any. Even has the factory cab lights on the top of it like some three-quarter tons would have. Also it has the 3:73 gears, I took it on a 350 mile road trip with the cruise set at about 65 miles an hour and heck it averaged about 16 1/2 miles a gallon here at about sea level in Texas so I didn’t figure that was too bad.

[@brewcrew5854]

how much did u pay ? i own 2 but they r 02 's

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

I agree the GMT800 platform is arguably one of the best platforms GMs has ever produced. I had an 05 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 and it was awesome…other than the fuel mileage. I replaced it with a Suburban with a 6L and IMHO it towed just as well and returned noticeably better MPGs. Awesome machines if you can find a clean one.

[@Turshin]

The best. No argument

[@GMCJay_lly]

​@@Turshinagreed!

[@bradwilliams4921]

Bought a 2003 Yukon back in 2003. Drove it back and forth between Texas and South Carolina a couple of times and it rode like a dream. Great vehicle. I think it had the 5.3.

[@robervin9107]

Tremendous job you two Brendan 2:54 hilarious moment from you well done kase you did outstanding as always.

[@GeorgeArguello-u9u]

I agree this vehicle was a good build out of gm. I bought mine, a 2003 Yukon with 8.1 and 4:10 gears in 2015. It had 172k miles at the time. I picked it up on eBay for 7k. It has 212k miles now and I use it to haul about 10k pounds on a regular basis. Only repairs have been alternator, fuel pump, water pump, and window regulators. I drive it daily to work about 4 miles. I’m not getting rid of it.

[@mattborgens3008]

My first truck was a 2003 Silverado 1500. Had her for 8 years. My truck now is a 2003 Silverado 2500hd, Duramax, crew cab long bed. Great truck, solid mix of comfort, work ability, and cheap parts.

[@BSM7702]

cheap cost parts not CHEAP PARTS.. some ppl are put off by lol. but yes brother I feel you with affordable parts. My GMT800 escalade is kind to me in that department but gas is a diffferent story. I have mines on open pipe 3 inch mid dump setup. always love the cold starts!! hahhaa

[@stevensinger5885]

The fact that I've only seen one person in these comments mention the consistent failure of the gage clusters and HVAC controls and actuators is criminal. I have an 03 Siera half ton and I've gone through two HVAC control modules and a couple actuators. Luckily the gauge cluster had already been replaced when I got it, and it just hit 200k a week or so ago. That being said, every tradesman/repair man who has come through my house (and there have been a lot this year) has offered to buy it for more than it's probably worth, and I don't sell for the same reason they want to buy: even at some inflated prices, you can't get a vehicle that will do what there things do for less than 30,000 new.

[@brewcrew5854]

how about steel brake lines ?

[@smarble85]

I just got a 2003 Burban with just a shade under 200,000 miles. I Loooovvvee it! It is so usable in so many ways!

[@nkoeppen]

Case mentioned using the comments down below multiple times…this one is for you, Bro!!!

[@zacwilhite3247]

I just picked up a 02 suburban 2500 with the 8.1 and 4wd this last weekend. 340k miles fully loaded and in pretty good shape all things considered. No rust whatsoever barely any oil/fluid leaks. Biggest problem it has is its factory gm white so there are chunks of paint missing/peeling all over. I just wish it had the barn doors really bad. Best part is i only paid $3k for it and drove it home. Absolutely love it so far.

[@RanchoDeSanchez]

I picked up an 05 Suburban with the 5.3 for $1500. It had zero oil pressure when you first started it with a loud ticking noise then it would go away as soon as the oil pressure would rise. I fixed that with a $5 O ring and now it runs great with very good oil pressure. Im now a huge fan of these type of SUV’s. Its like having a truck with a camper but without it looking funny. My Suburban drives very good also and have taken long trips with it. Now I want the one with the 8.1. I work local so I can care less about fuel mileage.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

I had the Denali 6.0 in that same body style. Of of my favorites. Got 12 mpg no matter how you drove it

[@philipdamm8850]

Yeah I liked that about the 6.0. Even when towing it just dropped a couple mpg. Make sure to get the larger fuel tank lol.

[@kh-vz2el]

You guys are doing great videos keep up the good work, belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@bubbalo3388]

I still have my 2001 Yukon XL 1500 from new. About 148k on it and it still runs and rides like it did from day one. The second row is not as roomy as you would think compared to today's vehicles, but that pretty much goes with most vehicles. The third row however is decent compared to other third rows at the time. The XL's had a lower floor unlike the shorter versions where the floor raised to match the trunk floor. My second row middle arm rest folded down and had a large tray and two cupholders which is super nice instead of just cupholders. The XL has a lot of cargo space even with the 3rd row up. With the 3rd row folded up it was like whoa! With the 3rd row removed and the second row folded down it was like 🤯. Only fault I didn't like and wished it had was the 3rd row being able to be split instead of a full bench for more configuration flexibility. The shorter version had split 3rd rows. I think this is the meanest looking body style if you wanted to mod out if you like the off road look. The older styles look too but a little to boxy. The newer generations look nice of you are going for luxury look. But they don't look aggressive. It's like a lady dressed up in all nice fancy clothes and throws on a pair of hiking shoes to go hiking.

[@erics3527]

I bought an 05 yukon and 8 months ago from a buddy who got it from his BIL and he got it from some dude. My issues is the 4x4 (think its just the switch), headliner and heater core hoses went out on a trip had to do the bypass fix. Now the knock sensors. Other than that the engine is strong has several leaks but doesn't leave drops, running ATP seems to be doing the job. Was just using this till prices drop on a gx or 4runner but I like it so much I may just keep it for trails that may result in a ton of pinstriping and home repair chores.

[@richardharvey8939]

I daily 04 8.1 hd 2500 with Allison. Have put in 4.56 gears front and back. To make up for taller tires 175k miles bought it 12 years ago with 40k miles love it.

[@mrjack8849]

Still driving my 2001 Silverado after I drove it off the lot new in May 2001. 240k miles on the same 5.3 and same transmission.

[@bigben9631]

I have a 04 Suburban 2500 4x4, bought it close to 3 years ago. It’s been the best vehicle I have purchased. Coming from a 14 Ram 1500, and with my 4th child on the new suburbans were pricey so I ended up with an original owner 04 suburban. Running the 6.0 with the captain chairs on mine, easy to sit 4 kids and tow a camper in the summers. It’s the best bang for your buck in my opinion. I will definitely keep her till the wheels come off.

[@mitchstein288]

These are great trucks/SUVs. I have a 2000 Silverado 1500 that I had purchased from my Dad before he passed. He bought it new. I still have it. It's been very dependable. Very simple to work on, comfortable, and dependable. These trucks are definitely underrated. Someday I think we'll look back on these and think "What a great truck.". With so many made and on the road though, it'll be a very long time before they become rare. That 8.1 is such a beast of an engine as well. What does it come out at for cubic inches? Like 497? 😂 Also, remember the commercial for the Quadrasteer? The farmer is backing the trailer and the cow's jaw drops open and it hay falls out of it's mouth LOL. Great advertisement.

[@mjtoutdoors9034]

Bought my 03 Suburban 5.3 for 1600 bucks, took me up to a 7000+ ft fire lookout tower on a terrible mountain road without skipping a beat!! 225k miles and counting!

[@grabir01]

My neighbor sold his Lexus and bought a Yukon XL. He has over 70k miles on it and is now on his 3rd fuel pump which costs over a grand each time to fix as there is no trap door. Says he wishes he had his Lexus back now.

[@ChevyCamaroIsBetter]

Cap

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

i mean dont buy cheap fuel pumps and youre doing something wrong if you go through 3..get another mechanic or find someone who knows how to actually fix it right, no way youd need 3 fuel pumps in 70k unless its user error.

[@grabir01]

@@ILOVEBACONBOY2018 Tell that to GM.

[@1984Cutlass2nv]

@@grabir01 Tell what? As mentioned above there is something else wrong if it's actually eating fuel pumps, or they are using cheap pumps. Prior to around 04 they were very known for fuel pumps and most of the originals have been replaced and no more issues. I think you're missing the point. If you're neighbors experience was typical then these wouldn't have the legendary reputation that they do.

[@grabir01]

@@1984Cutlass2nv Tell GM. You are preaching to the choir. The first pump was all GM from the factory. Not sure about the next 2. Also. This is a common failure for these as well as Camaros, and others.

[@RageHP-RageHorsePower]

2004 gmc yukon xl Got one of these about 6 1/2 months ago for 1500 from backlot of a chevy dealer i put a water pump an a alternator on it an brake lines some tires only thing i didn't do myself was the brake lines one of the best purchases ive made an there easy to work on never letting it go

[@socialmediadelinquent5781]

I had my white ’04 Tahoe Z71 for 8 years and loved it, probably the best truck I’ve owned. I only sold it because I live in NY and the salt takes a toll on the underside. The sticker price on mine was 48k.

[@johneburke1]

I’ve got 2 Yukon 8.1/4l80s, and a Silverado 8.1/allison. All three have been DEAD RELIABLE. And will pull anything I hook to them. Amazing trucks. The Yukons especially are just a very practical truck. Other than fuel mileage lol they are great off road, great to camp with, great to tow/haul with, great road trip vehicles

[@johnfitch2272]

Love these vehicles. I have a 2004 Cadillac Escalade, with 96,000 miles. The simplicity of this vehicle is just so great. Not the best materials, but the reliability makes up for it long as you take care of the vehicle.

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

I might be getting a 1999 Yukon Denali for $800, just needs exhaust work.

[@BSM7702]

I have the 2002 GMT800 escalade AWD 6.0 V8. I always thought this desgin from caddi was a strange shape SUV coming from Caddi but it grew on me more than the Tahoes, and denali's plus i saw in Midnight club 3 racing game Once i played that i said yup this SUV is a balla!! LMAO But the Escalade was what i ended up getting and I love it I just bough mines last year in march froma private seller it did needs some TLC but she hauls ass and cruises when i need her to. Solid plateform of a truck. and Basic interval maitennece kept will make this thing last in the late 300k range.

[@rjhein]

I had a 2003 Yukon XL 2500 8.1 with 4.10 gears (some had 3.73). I would average about 11mpg for everyday driving - Maybe 12mpg on the highway. I would average between 6-7mpg towing, however we live in a mountainous area. We towed our 9000lb 33ft travel trailer with a full load (7 passengers) throughout our summer vacations. For that purpose, there is nothing better.

[@candykid5135]

chevy top 3 truck and suv platform : 1- square body 2- gmt 400 3- gmt 800 350 and lm7 engines are the best

[@LionRunner]

Been short the fav part of Yukon XL is adjustable pedals where you can bring the pedals up while having a high seating adjustment.

[@rtoadontheroad]

I have a 2003 Chevy 2500 extended cab with king bed and 4x4. It is the 8.1 L engine and Allison transmission! Just turned over 116,000 miles! Bought it new.

[@SuperClayJones]

Growing up we had a Suburban 2500 with Barn Door, one we had was a lemon... but when it ran it was a beast

[@jewllake]

I have a 2006 GMC Yukon SLT 4x4 with the 5.3 and 4.10 gears. It has every option except the sunroof. It even has the touch screen navigation radio. I added a 6 disk changer to it years ago. I still have the window sticker. It retailed for $47,000

[@Wicked_RotF30]

Yes i fell in love with them after researching. I found a steal of a deal on an 05 Suburban Z71 4x4 for just $2300 love it. I found an 07 GMT900 Yukon 4x4 for just $2500 and jumped on it as well. I dont work that one hard due to AFM. I would love to get a 2500 Suburban or Yukon XL and Duramax swap it or Cummins swap. I plan on throwing a set of 37s on the Suburban. I just wish we had more suspension lift options for these trucks. It's basically Rough Country or Super Lift or nothing. These trucks just run. My Burb has almost 370k miles and the Yukon has 230k miles. I will completely rebuild them.

[@Alllivesmatter24]

I’ve had a number of these ranging from 1996-2011 and have never been disappointed and now I downsized to a 06 trailblazer SS which also uses the 6.0L corvette engine (LS2) and does 0-60 (tested) 5.5 seconds.

[@bradenreed1152]

Can't beat an 800. Grew up in them and there's just a great feeling every time getting behind the wheel. Currently daily a 01 suburban 8.1 {196k mi) but have had many others several with 300-400k miles and still much life left. Absolute beast of a vehicle and will do anything you ask it to. I also have a 2023 ram cummins and I will walk past it and take the old beater almost any time, almost hate to admit it but they are just peak GM truck.

[@shtboxgarage]

Got my Suburban 2500 with the 8.1L a few months ago, pretty quick for a 6500lbs vehicle

[@billclisham8668]

I bought a 2001 K2500 8.1/4L80E Suburban back in 2014 and I wouldn't trade this thing for any other SUV out there. I get at best 10 MPG with it as we live in the Rocky mountains so it has to work harder than flat land rigs. It has 237,000 miles on it now and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country at any time. Mine is rated to tow 12k pounds which is the same rating a diesel excursion of the same era.

[@COChevyTrainMan1990]

Known fact: the Chevrolet Avalanche is based on the GMT-800 platform, sharing the chassis, drivetrain and wheelbase with the Suburban/Yukon XL along with a 2500 with 8.1L engine option as well. My mom owned a 2004 Avalanche with the 5.3l, absolutely love that truck. Super comfortable and reliable, took it on dozens of road trips and had a blast. Learned to drive with it as well. Had over 128,000 miles when we sold it. Sad to see it go but I hope to get one in a 2500 and 2013 Black Diamond Edition someday. And sorry Brendon, your last video showcasing your Lincoln Town Car is base on reliable platform, you are wrong. This platform along with the others are the truly great and reliable platform ever in automotive history. Make up your mind, dude,😁

[@GMCJay_lly]

I would get the last year of the gmt800. I do not care for the gmt900 platform. The bail out years....

[@shaunkuhn4215]

I have a 2006, with the 8.1 and 105k. ❤ it. Original owner was the department of defense, the vin tag is in Arabic.

[@gbouley1]

Nice video 🙌. I have a Chevy Suburban 1999 2500 LT 4x4 that I call THE BEAST. It has the 7.2 (aka 454cu). This was my tow rig. I just use it like a truck these days. Not a daily drive @ 11mpg. It only has 140,000 miles. Two tone black/ silver. Never fails to start. I afraid to say it’s time for it to go. I keep saying I’ll find a good home for my old friend, but never seem to anything about.

[@RobMcqueen-t5t]

454 is a 7.4L

[@wxdad6256]

I just came close to buying an 05 2500 suburban with the 8100 vortec. Only reason I passed on it was because the 05 2500hd with a duramax sold before I could make a deal on it. The truck was totaled but I wanted to duramax swap into the suburban. Perfect family and camper hauler.

[@mc540flip]

I’ve been looking extensively at a Ford Explorer for an off road rig, but now I’m considering one of these.

[@SGTOldSchool96]

I ran around Baghdad in a “borrowed” softskin 8.1L suburban shortly after the invasion. Had no issues with it even in 120+ temps.

[@eddiea1213]

Had the previous Generation Suburban C2500 2wd. Loved it, 300,000 mi. (found out speedometer had been turned back through Carfax later). Had read the next Generation had Transmission problems.

[@hsauto589]

Not as much as you'd think, what really killed them most times was that people neglected to change the fluid on them

[@mxss115]

My daily is an 06 Yukon Denali. With the same 6.0 engine and 4wd as a Silverado SS, it’s a decently fun truck even stock, and it still pulls and carries plenty.

[@11.9lsupercharged4]

My 02 8.1 Silverado had an Allison 5 speed auto trans. Probably the biggest regret I have is trading in that truck. At the time I could no longer afford to drive it. Was averaging 8-10 mpg. But man that torque (swore it was 475 tq) it was a hoot to drive. Especially flooring it on the hwy.

[@GMCJay_lly]

I love an under stressed big block.

[@Glubbdubdrib]

When you guys say wheel base, are you talking wheel to wheel or bumper to bumper??? And in the beginning of the video, you guys kept calling the 5.3l a V6 when the camera was panned in the engine bay showing the 8.1l.

[@rlhmarines]

Center of front wheel to the center of the rear wheel is how you measure the wheelbase.

[@richsarchet9762]

I have a 2004 Suburban 1500 I bought new. 305,000 miles and counting. Also have a 2003 GMC 2500 HD that my father in law bought new with the 8.1, with almost 100,000 miles. Both great vehicles and I am not tempted to replace either with anything newer.

[@kaineleeabel]

I've been daily driving my Yukon XL with the 8.1 since before covid and no complaints here 240.000km

[@robsweekendgarage]

Def agree this is one of the best trucks GM ever made. My brother has a quadrasteer Silverado that he bought new. Still rolling strong at 250k miles tho the NY salt is after it something fierce now. Back in my service advisor days we had a real odd spec. 2500 gold suburban, 2wd quadrasteer with tan leather but no heated seats.

[@triciamcafee6416]

We went back home to Hempstead LI NY 4 times change engine need to get program it goes to 90 and jerks won't go over plus I need 3 seats drivers, passenger front and right. Windows controls and DVD fix but over all I love the ride looking for 2011 Yukon Xl and I live in GA I miss my heated seats Thank-you for information

[@NWI_Steel]

I wish GM would bring back a 2500 Burb with the 6.6 L8T gas

[@stevegordon2869]

Ford expedition is my pick. Old v8 ones. Mom had a 2003 red. 5.4l 2 valve. Loved that truck.

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

Those early 00s Suburbans are freaking tanks. Love them

[@JViello]

The GMT800 definitely is one of GM's hits. I think the 1st gen Buick Enclave was too. We own/ed both. The Enclave is so solid and quiet and roomy even with 200+k and It has a LOT more cargo room behind the 3rd row than the GMT-800! I recall opening both and being shocked at how much more the Enclave had! I would also put the 99-02 (pre 3v engines) Expedition in there as well. Same longevity, feels great to dive, plenty of room and they go and go and go. I just picked up a 2001 5.4, one owner, 75K miles, "over" maintenance records (Oil every 6 months regardless of miles.) drives almost like brand new!. Yeah, the 5.4 isn't a beast powerwise, but it's right there or a little stronger than the 5.3 so it's not horrible. I wish they put the V10 in the Expedition, but....that's always been the problem with Ford. Limited engine options.

[@haier2]

Just a couple notes: Barn doors ended in 04 and the 2500s don’t have air suspension even on the auto-ride equipped units.

[@steventacconi5433]

I have a GMT900 platform 2500 Suburban w/ 6.0L that I use to haul my family of 6 and 33' 9400 GVWR travel trailer and it performs great. I will likely pick up a GMT800 w/ 8.1L and 4.10s in future for sheer towing capability. I have 250k miles on mine so don't be afraid to step into one of these rigs with some miles on them! Routine maintenance plus typical older vehicle maintenance and she'll outlast you and your kids!

[@jcprov9481]

Didn’t they have the option for the Allison transmission. My neighbor has a Yukon xl, the door badge says it’s a 8.1 with Allison.

[@tonyyayo2115]

Is active fuel management(cyclinder deactivation) a reason to stay away from the 10th gen version of this vehicle(2007-14)? I kinda prefer the more boxy look and better interior of those version. Looking to purchase an older SUV. My friend told me to stay away from the 5.4 L engines of the Ford Expedition of similar years

[@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806]

If the AFM system is in good condition I do not see why not. The GMT900s are better in every way and are just as reliable with timely oil changes- lots of 07-14 with the 5.3s running at 300,000+ miles . Parts will definitely be easier to replace or work on compared to the 5.4L (even though they can go the distance as well).

[@seanmckenny6841]

Lucky enough to find a 05 Denali in perfect condition with 250km for only 6.5k it’s been great

[@LostLk2hi]

My 03 Yukon Denali began with a check engine light that turned into a nightmare. Now has CEL, traction, stability and brake system service lights lit up solid. Those issues have morphed into key starts is no crank and no start. Hot wire with 2 leads extending from under dash starts Beastie Blanc and it runs fine. It came with a button under steering column that had to be pushed or it wouldn't crank. I am lost here and not sure whether to keep looking for underlying issue or part the monster out. Suggestions or experience with the 6.1 version are greatly appreciated. Have to register it and am not able to do so with CEL on. 178K on odometer, vandalized front lip of hood with paint peeling. 5th vehicle with vandal sib tearing at them. Was the button standard on these or did previous owner add it. I've tried to get a straight answer but all questions get passed on with, "You'd have to ask my cousin because he owned it then." If I must part it out then I'll get NASA 1 86 suburban from Moffett Field NAS 350 Federal Fleet stock engine rebuilt, take care of bing at front driver corner of hood and keep on with GM vehicle or if can find another LR Discovery affordable they are a sweet and comfortable rig except the 2 sunroofs tend to leak, a lot. Bummer that NASA took the NASA1 sticker/magnetic lettering off.

[@akka7556]

2002 k2500 suburban with 6.0 4.10. I tow 9k lbs and its good enough. I keep it in 2nd gear screaming 5000rpm on hills. Pulls good

[@that207guy7]

I have a 2001 Yukon XL with the 8.1/4L80, and its been amazing. Super reliable even at 210K, and the engine still purs like a kitten. I suspect itll go beyond 300K.

[@lanceripplinger8352]

I've driven the 400 and 800 series Suburban and Yukon SUVs. The 3/4 ton versions make for good plow trucks. Just be ready to replace front end suspension components. Also, the gear shifter is a pain to fix after all of the going forward and reverse when plowing snow.

[@garretlewis4103]

Oh yeah, I miss the 1997 Tahoe I sold. I could definitely do another one of these. I don’t know if it was this generation, but there was the option for a diesel engine.

[@jamesjethrowesten3302]

I have a 2010 2500 6.0 LT 4x4 suburban and it's amazing. I also have a 2500 4x4 avalanche with the 8.1

[@trevorjurges3430]

The self leveling was only on the 1500s, 2500 auto ride was just the electronically controlled shocks

[@opsihota2118]

I’ve got a 2006 Sierra 2500, and I can imagine how well it would work as an SUV. I’ve owned it for 5 years and it just as reliable as my LX470.00

[@aaronstark1969]

Every GMT800 is incredible

[@christopherhale580]

Great review! Thank you

[@raymondalvarez8256]

I had a 2003 chevy tahoe with the 4.8l that I got after it used to be a goverment vehicle... one of the best cars I've ever owned, and one that I would always regret getting rid of...

[@Tinovodanovic]

Love it especially with the 8.1.

[@VDawg-cr1gb]

Awesome I just got a suburban version. Loving it so far.

[@GMTSuburban]

Still have my 03 2500 6.0 bought new never getting rid of it. Built it up over the years to go pretty anywhere a rig this size should go..lol

[@christianbattestin9747]

One of my cousins has a 2000 Suburban Z71, 5.3 LS, 9 passenger, gold paint.

[@trefontaine]

Did these older Yukons have turn signals? Trying to figure out when GM stopped installing them

[@btl4220]

8.1L Avalanche is badass too

[@boyscouts5000]

This makes sense for those that need the towing capacity of a 1/2 ton truck combined with the seating capacity of a minivan. That and the Ford Exersion.

[@danatkinson6698]

As a ford guy I'd buy a quadrasteer gmt800 so fast people's heads would spin. So freaking cool!

[@ChuckG17]

My 2016 Tahoe is the best vehicle I have ever had. Love them!!!

[@shamarcobarclay1991]

I had the pleasure of owning a 2005 Chevy suburban ls under two hundred thousand miles with all the Bell's and whistles ran pretty fine. Unfortunately you forgot to mention the cons I've seen with most of these vehicles years 00-05 they have some rust issues in the wheel wells rocker panels and rear bumper and tail gates. Mines was pretty clean hardly any rust but I've noticed alot others with rusty issues due to water standing not to mention the roof liners also.

[@TheTyrial86]

Thanks for making the used prices on these to go up.

[@1mlb704]

I do love these vehicles. This era of GM in general (late 90s through mid 2000s) ended up being pretty solid for the most part. Everyone complains about the plasticky interiors, a lot of the vehicles in the salt belt ended up rotting out (like my old Grand Prix), but the drivetrains and electronics have all held up pretty well.

[@Rick-vg2pz]

Pontiac Vibe great car

[@1mlb704]

@@Rick-vg2pz yeah 90s and 2000s Toyotas are even better if we're being honest lol. My dad had a 2003 Vibe GT and it went over 300k miles before he got rid of it, hardly anything broke on that thing. Great car.

[@Rick-vg2pz]

My vibe has 81,000 miles no rust. GM made a factory supercharger for the Vibe.

[@treborheminway3814]

Quadrasteer was fantastic. I had it on my HD1500 pick up. Big mistake getting rid of it, but figures when bean counters run the company.

[@triciamcafee6416]

Hi ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ my 06 Yukon Xl it's a vortex 8.1 it's a 1500 I bought used in 2018 engine was knocking did heavy oil and Lucas went home I live in Riverdale Ga me and Family went back home to Hempstead LI Hempstead LI NY

[@SleepWarz]

Ive got a 2002 avalanche 2500. Best truck ive ever owned, and thats coming from an 01 sierra 2500hd with the 6l and nv4500. Just unbelievably good, reliable as hell. And thirsty.

[@capts6269]

Same. Coming up on 275k on my 8.1l Avy. Bought it new in 2002