YUKON / TAHOE / SUBURBAN DIFFERENCES 02 OR 03

sagent · January 19, 2007

Another question for you fellow GM enthusiasts. Condition / milage being equal, what are some of the benefits / drawbacks of an 02 vs. an 03 and up yukon / tahoe or full size truck for that matter. Is there any glaring difference with the revised interior or drivetrain changes that make an 03 & newer more desireable? Any specific problems / noises with the 03 & up trucks?

Also, who has a Yukon / Tahoe / Suburban with quad captains chairs and do you like them or regret them?

Thanks for the info in advance

rdraidr · January 19, 2007

I've had pre-2000 suburbans and post - no question, the later is better in the drive/ ride. I had a 2000 sub and now have an '03 Denali XL (got it at a great price). The biggest difference starting with the '03s is the steering wheel center/hub - the way it looks and the mounting of the controls. Wheel (tire) styles change as well - otherwise, I'm not sure of any significant changes (maybe some grill work).

I've also had the split bench second row and now have the quads. Of course, you lose one seat with the quads. My daughter liked sitting in the middle so she could see out the front, but is not really bothered by sitting in a heated quad now. The quads seem to make for easier access to the rear seat row.

If you find a good, clean sub you've got the best highway cruiser available IMO.

tim73 · January 19, 2007

On my 03 Yukon XL, I have the captains chairs, it was one of the main reason I bought it. I have 4 kids, and the 2nd row captain chairs has a walk through inbetween them. So, they wouldnt have to climb over the seats and tear them up. Plus, the leather is nice, and I love the heater. I did thought drive a 02 suburban, before I bought my Yukon, and it was nice, but had a sunroof(Which I didnt want). All in all thought, they seem the same to me except for cosmetics on the outside.

C & A s Dad · January 20, 2007

I know you did not specifically ask if there are any differences in the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Suburban. However, you will see in my sig what I have and I must tell you that the Yukon will tow more, go faster and get better MPG all because of the Grill.

This comment usually gets a stirr out of some folks. Truth is there is no diff at all and when I went to buy mine I was open to a burb or a Yukon XL.

All jokes aside, if you are planning on towing, you will find the extra wheelbase in the Burb or Yuk XL will offer some benefits.

pwall · January 20, 2007

C & A Dad is correct....the GMC will go faster, since the grill allows more air flow. ;)

Some of the differences between 2002 & 2003 that I know of:

2002 has a light under the hood (at least mine does)

2003 you could get the radio controls in the sterring wheel and the turn signals in the mirrors.

C & A s Dad · January 20, 2007

C & A Dad is correct....the GMC will go faster, since the grill allows more air flow. ;)

Spoken like a true GMC Man!!!

tim73 · January 20, 2007

Wingnut · January 20, 2007

Did the Yukon/Tahoes go to the databus system in '03 like the pickups did?

greenbuck50 · January 20, 2007

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Can't go wrong with the ole GMC

Dans Denali · January 20, 2007

I have one of each and the 2003 has far more desirable features, don't even look at the 02 if you can help it. 03 has standard climate control, different steering wheel radio controls, #1 and #2 key fob memory, different heated seats, more items included in the driver memory including temp settings, radio stations seat and mirrors, stability/traction control, new safe type window controls, there are lots more I can't remember, I hear the whole wiring system is different, they went to some kind of a power bus system.

Dan

greenbuck50 · January 21, 2007

I have one of each and the 2003 has far more desirable features, don't even look at the 02 if you can help it. 03 has standard climate control, different steering wheel radio controls, #1 and #2 key fob memory, different heated seats, more items included in the driver memory including temp settings, radio stations seat and mirrors, stability/traction control, new safe type window controls, there are lots more I can't remember, I hear the whole wiring system is different, they went to some kind of a power bus system.

Dan

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They redid the trucks in 2003 so I am assuming even though the SUVs may look the same on the outside, they got all of the upgrades that the trucks got.