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What are the pros and cons of the 2004 Chevy Suburban?

The 2004 Chevy Suburban was a popular full-size SUV that offered a spacious interior, powerful engine options, and a rugged design. However, like any vehicle, it had its fair share of pros and cons that potential buyers should consider.


Pros of the 2004 Chevy Suburban



  • Spacious Interior: The Suburban was known for its cavernous interior, which could comfortably seat up to nine passengers and offered ample cargo space. This made it a popular choice for large families or those who needed to transport a lot of gear.

  • Powerful Engine Options: The 2004 Suburban was available with a choice of two powerful V8 engines: a 5.3-liter and a 6.0-liter. These engines provided ample power for towing and hauling, making the Suburban a capable choice for those with heavy-duty needs.

  • Rugged Design: The Suburban was built on a sturdy truck-based platform, which gave it a robust and durable feel. This made it a popular choice for those who needed a vehicle that could handle rough terrain or towing heavy loads.

  • Versatility: The Suburban's large size and seating capacity made it a versatile choice for a variety of uses, from family transportation to hauling cargo or towing trailers.


Overall, the 2004 Chevy Suburban's spacious interior, powerful engine options, and rugged design made it a popular choice for those who needed a large, capable, and versatile SUV.


Cons of the 2004 Chevy Suburban



  • Poor Fuel Economy: The Suburban's large size and powerful engines resulted in relatively poor fuel economy, with estimates ranging from 13 to 17 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

  • Handling and Maneuverability: Due to its large size and truck-based platform, the Suburban could be cumbersome to handle and maneuver, especially in tight spaces or during parking.

  • High Maintenance Costs: As a large, powerful SUV, the Suburban could be more expensive to maintain and repair than smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

  • Limited Cargo Space with All Seats Occupied: While the Suburban offered ample cargo space with the rear seats folded down, the available space was more limited when all seats were in use, which could be a drawback for those who needed to transport both passengers and cargo.


In summary, the 2004 Chevy Suburban was a capable and versatile SUV, but its large size, powerful engines, and truck-based platform also resulted in some drawbacks, such as poor fuel economy, handling challenges, and higher maintenance costs.

How many miles per gallon does a 2004 Suburban 5.3 get?


All trim levels of the 2004 Suburban 1500 get 15 MPG, with 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway.



Are Suburbans expensive to maintain?


The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Suburban is $944, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.



What is the most common problem with the Chevy Suburban?


This is a 20+ year old vehicle and most of this is normal wear and tear!

  • Parking brake.
  • Oil leaks.
  • Heat and engine cooling - Thermostat, Heater Core, Blend Door Actuator, Hoses.
  • Sunroof leak.
  • Power Outlets.
  • Idle Issues - Fuel Pump or Throttle Position Sensor?
  • Exhaust Manifold Bolts.
  • Blower Motor.



How many miles will a 2004 Chevy Suburban last?


The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban will almost certainly pass 200,000 miles with adequate maintenance, and it will probably reach 250,000 miles if you never skip an oil change. Beyond that, it comes down to how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle.



What year is bad for suburbans?


Most of the problems in the Suburban are in older models. 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2017 models are great years for the Suburban. Engine problems are prevalent in 2008 models, and 2007 has the highest number of reported problems.



Which Suburban engine is best?


You can't go wrong with any of the Suburban's engines. The standard 5.3-liter V8 smoothly delivers plenty of power for everyday needs, while the available 6.2-liter V8 offers more grunt for towing and hauling. The turbodiesel boasts more torque than either gas engine and delivers much better fuel economy.



How many miles is too many for a used Suburban?


What is High Mileage for the Chevy Suburban? The Chevy Suburban is predicted to last 125,000-150,000 miles, so high mileage is anything around or over 115,000. Once the car reaches this point, you're much more likely to encounter expensive issues that require more money to repair than the machine is worth.



Are 2004 suburbans reliable?


Among the 794 owners who provided feedback on the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and reliability to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.



Are suburbans expensive to fix?


Cost. The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Suburban is $944, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.



Are suburbans good after 100k miles?


If the Suburban has barely hit 100,000 miles, you could get a few more years out of it. Take it for a test drive or to a mechanic first to see if there's anything hidden you missed. However, any mileage over that on the odometer isn't worth it. The car will be expensive to repair, and the value is practically nothing.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.