Customer Reviews

Sylvania 9003/HB2 SU/2 BP TWIN SilverStar Ultra Headlight - Pack of 2

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

Very bright but short lived.
I installed a set in my 2002 Honda CRV. One burned out in about 4 months and I don't have running lights. A call to Sylvania customer service gave a offer to send a new set if I returned the burnt out bulb with the sales reciept. OK thats nice, 2 for 1. Very generious,however the second set did not last any longer. Another call to C.S. This time the rep. was more helpfull or should I say truthful. I was informed that some makes of vechiles such as Honda and BMW, as well as other forgien makes run as high as 15 volts to the headlights causing premature failure of the Silver Star and Silver Star Ultra bulbs. Therefore Sylvania does not recomend them for these cars. Now they tell me.
I have had a set in my Chrysler T&C van for over 2 years. No problem.
Check with your dealer if your car is not US and save yourself money and aggravation.

I installed these on my 2000 Ford Focus, using disposable gloves as recommended, being careful not to touch the glass, and applying dielectric grease to the connectors. They were nice and bright, great for country roads at night. I give them 2 stars because they only lasted 4 months.

I notice that I'm not alone. Installed these bulbs in my 2004 Accord. Worked great, until the left one died. Replaced it thinking it may have been a faulty one. A week later the other one died. Went back to the bulbs the car had from the factory.
Its a shame, as I have used Silverstars for years, and only ran into trouble with the Ultras. And I don't like HID, so I'm stumped.

If you only drive well lit city streets and suburban lanes you may not want or need more effective lighting. IF however you drive the dark country roads where it gets as dark as a black cat at midnight, these bulbs are the answer. They light the road so much better than stock that you will wonder how you ever got by without them. For older eyes they are a must have! They reveal the deer on the roadside way sooner than stock lights ever could...you just plain see farther and better. They do this without blinding other drivers too. If your lights are aimed properly these bulbs just expand the beam further and wider but not higher. All this does however come at a cost...these bulbs are not cheap initally and they will not last as long as the stock bulbs since the filaments are driven harder to achieve their brightness. Original Silverstars were good for a year or so and the Ultras should outlast them a little. Don't forget that all Halogen headlight bulbs lose intensity over their lifespan so longer lasting bulbs just get duller and duller. There is no advantage to a longer lasting bulb if you can't see well with it. I can honestly say that I rarely take a night drive without noting the effectiveness of these bulbs and the price is soon forgotten while the security and comfort of good vision remain.

Great Lights, reason I don't own them is listed below. Short version - rated life is only 46 to 140 hours depending on voltage.
My Infiniti requires removal of the front wheel and inner wheel-well to change bulb. I'm looking for the longest life bulb.

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Sylvania 9003SU High Performance Lighting Data Table Figures

I really like these bulbs. Unfortunately, I work nights and only get 6 to 7 months out of a set. Still, it's almost worth the expense except it's a knuckle buster to change headlight bulbs on a Ford Focus with anti-lock brakes.

I purchased 2 pairs of these, and my average life span per bulb was 7 months. Not sure how many hours of use that is, but it's pretty sad compared to standard halogens that last 3+ years. Not worth the expense or the hassle in my opinion.

At close to $50 from my local auto parts store, I guess that I was expecting a little more. While the light output was slightly improved (because I was "looking" for it), the cost wasn't justified. If someone had swapped out the OEM's for these replacements without telling me, I would not have noticed the difference - It truly is that subtle.

My BIGGEST issue is the lifespan. The original set of OEM's lasted 9 years, the replacements lasted 6 months. Are you kidding me? Don't waste your $$$ on these overpriced pieces of junk!!

For the cost, one would think this would be a better product. Maybe just slightly brighter, but I ended up replaceing both bulbs twice in 3 weeks. Won't try these anymore

Installed these very bright bulbs in my Toyota Rav 4. 1st bulb burned out as soon as I plugged it in, 2nd bulb in one month... Liked the brightness but not the quality... DO NOT BUY!