Overview:
This past couple of weeks I had the opportunity to test two GMC Suburban’s back to back. The first was a concept vehicle, the first version of which was in the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog in 1997. But for 1999 it is called the Yukon Denali EX. It shares the Yukon name and styling and has the distinctive look, size and interior of the Suburban frame on which it sits.
From the drivers point of view it’s the same vehicle as this Suburban with the addition of a bunch of Sony electronics, including 5 television monitors, two cell phones, a video game station, separate radios for front and rear with headsets for five and a VCR. Everyone can be doing something different and adjust the volume independently so as not to bother others. So much for togetherness and playing family travel games to pass the time. But what a great way to keep the kids from asking, “are we there yet?”
The Denali had rear-swinging doors that made loading easy, but I didn’t care for the impaired rearview. The regular Suburban had a tailgate and glass top section that lifted for smaller item loading. Better visibility, but not as convenient for opening and loading.
This vehicle’s history goes back to the 1930s when it was little more than a panel truck with extra seats and windows. The current Suburban was introduced in 1992 that has become an upscale status symbol. Suburban owners are affluent, active people looking for a vehicle with extraordinary hauling, towing and passenger capacity-requirements few other vehicles are able to satisfy. You can seat up to nine legally, including their luggage.
The 1999 GMC Suburban is available in four trims: 1500 or 2500, each with either 2WD or 4WD. In addition to the standard 5.7 liter Vortec V8, you can opt for a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 and for the 2500 a 7.4-liter Vortec V8 producing 290 horsepower. (That one must come with a 60-gallon fuel tank). This Suburban continues to be based on the previous GMC pickup mounted on a ladder frame with five crossmembers.
If they could improve the fuel economy even I might be able to afford to drive one. But then, the kids are grown and I have little use for all that space anyway. Like most drivers on the road I’m usually the only person in the car. I now know what a bus driver feels like without passengers.
The Competition:
AM General Hummer $65,732 – $82,421, Chevrolet Suburban $25,675 – $29,855, Chevrolet Tahoe $24,020 – $32,420, Dodge Durango $26,055 – $28,055, Ford Expedition $29,355 – $39,095, Land Rover Range Rover $58,000 – $75,000, Lincoln Navigator $40,755 – $44,405, Toyota Land Cruiser $46,618.
Good News:
42 gal. fuel tank, lots of room for up to nine passengers, good range of engines, comfortable commanding presence on the road, smooth handling, good storage and compartments for misc. stuff, center console with notepad holder, good attention to detail, good visibility, Sherman Tank safety.
Bad News:
42 gal. fuel tank required on gas-guzzlers like this Sub, you need an 18 wheel license to drive it (just kidding), but it will be difficult to maneuver for some, huge turning radius.
Standard Equipment:
5.7L 255-hp V8 engine with 4-speed automatic trans, pushbutton 4-wheel drive selector, speed sensitive power steering, 4-wheel antilock front disc rear drum brakes, dual air bags, stereo radio with clock, power door locks, theft deterrent system, tint glass, tailgate and liftglass,
Gas Stats:
No data, but it isn’t good.
Pricing:
1500 2WD 2500 2WD 1500 4WD 2500 4WD
MSRP $25,739 $27,323 $28,739 * $30,323
* – The model tested here was the 1500 4WD and added Leather, tinted windows, luggage carrier, power windows & locks, tilt wheel, speed control, aluminum wheels, air conditioning front and rear, rear heater, stereo with CD and Cassette, 6-way power and heated front seats, remote keyless entry and trailering equipment. Total window price was $41,064.
