I have a 1999 chevy surburban and for the last 3 years I had to rebuild my transmission at least 4 times. Every time it starts with my first through 3rd gear barely shifting after coming to a dead stop. I would have to press on the accelerator till I reached 2000 rpm then let off the accelerator then press on it slowly and then the gears would catch. My reverse is the same thing. I replaced the transmission several times thinking it may be the service company so I took it to another shop and again I'm having the same problem. It's like clock work, around every 6 to 8 months I am replacing a transmission and before the transmission goes out I would smell a burning scent.

Cannot shift automatic transmission into 2nd gear for going down steep hills. The shift lever still allows 3rd gear and 1st gear downshifting, but not 2nd.

The transmission fluid smelled burnt according to the mechanic, so we had it flushed and replaced. I suspect it won't last much longer. The vehicle currently has just over 200K miles on it.

I like the car for the comfortable ride and the load-carrying ability of a 3/4-ton vehicle with heavy-duty front suspension and 4-wheel drive. I'm just not sure I want to continue sinking money into this "money pit." Besides the tranny, its had multiple electrical problems to the (combined) tune of several thousand dollars over the years. My older Ford Explorers ('94 and two '97s had fewer problems and quieter engines).

Would I buy American again? I think NOT!