The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is arguably the most comfortable, most capable, most versatile, and most reliable full-size SUV released in North America in 2003. But it beats the competition by a relatively thin margin considering the price difference, usually selling for two or three thousand dollars above the comparable Ford Expedition.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is arguably the best full-size SUV released in that model year.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – The only reason it doesn’t get a 10/10 is that it’s not a luxury RV. You’re not getting a better ride than this unless you’re borrowing a movie star’s trailer.
- Reliability 8/10 – Older Suburbans have held up very well to decades of use as a family car.
- Safety 7/10 – Crash test results were underwhelming and safety tech is outdated. But the hefty frame of the vehicle will have you feeling safe enough regardless.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – The LS does 14/18 miles to the gallon, city/highway, so it’s certainly a gas guzzler, but flex-fuel capability takes some of the sting off.
- Value 7/10 – At current Kelley Blue Book averages, it’s not a great deal, and it’s not a terrible deal. It’s priced fairly for the value you’re getting. Which is why you’ll probably want to go with a Ford Expedition, which is almost as good at roughly half the price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban?
Consumer Reports were impressed with the interior space of the “Texas-size wagon,” calling it a home on wheels for long road trips. They found the handling improved over previous generations, but admit that it’s tough to park and not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road.
Kelley Blue Book reviewers love the durability and power of the Suburban, as well as the comfortable interior. They note that it’s not the best thing to be driving when gas prices are high.
Edmunds liked the powerful V8 engines and the four wheel drive handling, but the enormous size of the vehicle makes it tricky to steer in the city and some of the interior materials feel a bit flimsy.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Have?
A handful of drivers have reported varying degrees of brake failure. One report dated December, 2020 sees the driver left with “zero percent” of their braking power, with the brake fluid having leaked out in a matter of seconds. There are 63 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under service brakes, and another 26 for hydraulic brakes.
Electrical complaints take the lead on the NHTSA page at 88 reports, with a handful of drivers reporting ignition switch failure. Mileage has been reported as high as 225,000, so this may be down to wear and tear more than any potential defects inherent to the Suburban itself.
Powertrain complaints are fairly scarce, although there are a few reports of the transmission completely failing at under 50,000 miles. You probably won’t have to worry about that by now. If the powertrain has already made it past 50,000, it’ll probably make it well past 200,000.
In total, the 2003 Suburban has just 7 recalls and 325 complaints on file with the NHTSA, which is pretty good for a twenty year old SUV.
How Long Will the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Last?
Drivers have reported mileage as high as 300,000 before it’s time to retire the Suburban to the scrapyard. That’s a realistic number if you bought it fresh off the lot, brand new. Buying used, knowing that these SUVs are popular among busy parents who don’t always have time for fastidious maintenance, 250,000 miles is more likely.
Maintenance costs are a bit high, but nowhere near what you might spend keeping, say, a luxury car running An older Suburban should cost around $654 a year in maintenance, according to RepairPal. The most expensive common repair is a new air conditioner evaporator, starting at around $1,310.
Starting to need more than regular maintenance but 250000 miles down and many more to come. Needs a lot of preventative maintenance as well but that is due to the age
Yes, we haven't had any major issues with it since we bought it. We've done the basic upkeep. Tune up, oil change, tires, etc.
Yes very reliable. I would definitely buy another one. I have not had any major problems with it. Just normal wear and tire. That parts aren't very expensive either.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is pretty good by 2003 standards. Even the entry level LS comes with a CD player, which usually cost extra back then. Some models even come with a DVD player in the back.
Safety technology is up to par for the model year. Four wheel anti-lock brakes and full airbags are standard. Crash test results were underwhelming, but the SUV is safe enough that you won’t feel anxious carrying the family around.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban a Good Value?
The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is a fair value for the price. With entry level Suburbans typically listing at around $6,663 with 150,000 miles on the odometer, it’s hardly a steal, but it’s not highway robbery, either. Considering that you’ll probably hit 250,000 on the odometer, the SUV is priced accurately.
Costs do add up when you put fuel and maintenance into the equation. But if we’re just talking sticker price, the Suburban’s cost does reflect the value you’re getting.
What are the Different Models of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban?
Not counting the Commercial model, which is sold as a delivery van to businesses, the 2003 Chevy Suburban is available in three trims, with an entry level LS, a luxurious LT, and an off-road oriented Z71.
The starter-trim LS, features:
- Tri-zone air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry
- Fog lights
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Premium cloth seating
- CD and cassette player
- TheftLock
- Cruise Control
The high-end LT adds:
- Leather seating for the first two rows, vinyl in the back
- Steering wheel mounted audio and driver info controls
- Extra sound system in the back with headphone jack
With the off-road Z71 you’re getting:
- Skid plates and undercarriage shielding
- Tubular assist steps
- Round fog lamps
- Luggage rack
- Bose sound system with nine speakers
What Engines Come In the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban?
- The base engine in the Suburban is a 5.3L V8 delivering 283 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic, and is available in all trims.
- Next up is a 6.0L V8 delivering 320 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. Again, this is paired to a 4-speed automatic, and available in all trim levels.
- Finally you have a whopping 8.1L Vortec V8. Flex-fuel capable, delivering 340 horsepower and an incredible 455 lb.-ft. of torque, this is the engine you want if you’re looking for an off-road beast. Available in all trim levels, and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban?
This is as comfortable as it gets outside of the RV market. The back row offers 61.6 inches of hip room, which is wide enough for most passengers to lay down almost totally flat and catch some shuteye. Chevrolet say the SUV has seating for up to nine people, and they mean it.
The suspension has held up well over the years, with very few complaints on file with the NHTSA in this category. So the ride should still be as smooth now as it was in 2003.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Have?
If you want to pull the back seats out, you can use the 2003 Suburban as a moving van. You’ve got 45.7 cubic feet with the seats up, and 131.6 with the seats down. There are pickup trucks that can’t match that.
We could tell you how many suitcases it will fit, but let’s put it this way: If it doesn’t fit in the 2003 Suburban, you’ll probably have to rent a U-Haul. You’ve got more storage space here than you’re going to need on a regular basis.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2003 was the fourth model year of the 9th Generation, running from the 2000 edition to the 2006 model.
2000: For 2000, Chevrolet rung in the new millennium with a new look and an overhauled engine lineup, dropping the previous V8s and Diesels for a 5.3L Vortec for the 1500, and a Vortec 6.0L for the 2500.
2001: Some performance tweaks boosted the 2500 Suburbans by 20 horsepower. The Z71 package makes its debut for 2001.
2002: A whole bunch of optional features, like fog lights, power windows, and tri-zone air conditioning, were made standard for 2002.
2003: The 2003 Suburban got some interior upgrades to bring the SUV up to date, with Bose audio and XM satellite options. Onboard DVD systems debuted this year.
2004: 1500s received Hydroboost brakes for 2004, a feature exclusive to 2500s in earlier years.
2005: Side-hinged doors were swapped out for liftgates, and electric-cooling systems were added to the engines.
2006: A special all-wheel drive LTZ package was offered for the 9th gen’s retirement year.
How Does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Compare to the Competition?
A Ford Expedition is comparable to a Suburban in more ways than not. But, the fair market pricing is around half the cost. Interior features are a bit more generous in the Suburban, and it may be the more likely of the two to pass 250,000 miles on the odometer. The Suburban is ultimately the superior SUV, but is it three thousand dollars better? Maybe not.
The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is typically priced in the $3,500 range with the Expedition. It outclasses both SUVs on rugged all-terrain performance, and it’s absolutely the worst choice of the three if you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable family car. It’s built for camping trips and not a whole lot else.
If you’re after a used full-size SUV from the 2003 model year, the Suburban is arguably the best of the bunch, but it costs nearly twice as much as an Expedition, which is as good, or almost as good, in every way that matters.
Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban?
I believe it is for the age and reliability. It was probably ahead of its time with the interior design when released.
Yes! It’s a roomy, comfy, family truck! The seats are like sitting on your couch. Roomy and comfy. It’s got lots of cargo space for all your needs.
Yes, it is one of the most reliable trucks I've ever owned! It’s perfect for a large family. It’s very comfortable when drive for long distances