Overview & Reviews

One of the longest-running models sold in the United States, the Chevrolet Suburban debuted back in 1936. After serving faithfully for many evolutionary years as a truck primarily meant for commercial or rural use, the extra-large Suburban has increasingly become the go-to choice for families or those in need of class-leading passenger and cargo capacity, third-row seating and solid truck-based towing capability.

With stout underpinnings, strong powertrains, a comfortable ride and spacious seating for up to nine plus their cargo, the current truck is a very capable large SUV. A short list of competitive sport-utilities may offer more refinement and ultra-lux conveniences for more bucks, but the big Suburban (as well as its GMC equivalent, the Yukon XL) remains the only full-size SUV available in both light- (1500) and heavy-duty (2500) versions. It certainly comes recommended, and older models are also good choices for consumers desiring a used SUV.

Current Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV is available in three well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. All are powered by V8s. Standard on the Suburban 1500 is a 5.3-liter unit making 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. The 2500 gets a 6.0-liter V8 packing 352 horses and 382 lb-ft. Both are matched to a smooth and cooperative six-speed automatic transmission. A choice of two- or four-wheel drive is yours either way, and towing capacities can approach 10,000 pounds.

For such a big truck, the Chevrolet Suburban is relatively quick. However, the base V8 Suburban doesn't always feel so quick when carrying a full load of passengers or cargo. The suspension system is impressive, though, and provides composed handling and a smooth ride. The Suburban isn't exactly nimble around corners, but the cabin is quiet at speed and the ride is always comfortably controlled. When pointed straight down an interstate or out in the wide-open spaces, there aren't many better, more capable cruisers than the Chevrolet Suburban. Overall, it's a compelling choice for SUV shoppers with lots of people- or gear-hauling needs.

Used Chevrolet Suburban Models
The present-generation Chevrolet Suburban debuted for the 2007 model year. Compared to the previous Suburban, this version rides on an updated chassis that provides all of its prior strength along with a more comfortable ride and improved handling, performance and efficiency. These Suburbans also boast safety advancements like front seat side airbags, stability control and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

Originally, the 5.3-liter V8 was standard only on the LS and 1LT, and it produced 310 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 was standard on the 2LT and LTZ models at this time as well, but it featured a slightly lower output (366 hp, 376 lb-ft) than the 2500 version, which has remained unchanged. For 2010, the 5.3-liter became standard on every 1500 and adopted its current output. Another key difference is the standard four-speed automatic transmission on hand prior to 2008 on the 2500 and '09 for the 1500.

The previous-generation Suburban that debuted for the 2000 model year and lasted through 2006 was packaged more efficiently than before -- and although increasingly outclassed by newer competitors in its later years, its warehouse-sized interior made it an easy pick for families and home remodelers who truly needed to max out passenger and cargo space. Interior materials and fit and finish were merely adequate, however, and the exterior design was beginning to look a tad dated. Plus, it was still a brick aerodynamically.

It was slightly shorter than its predecessor, as earlier Chevrolet Suburban models shared much of their styling and powertrains with the GM full-size pickups on which they were based. Several trim levels and a couple modest V8s were available initially, but by 2001 the two "small-block" engines were up to 285 and 320 hp, and were still outpaced by an available new 8.1-liter V8 with 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque.

The Chevy Suburban inched further up the comfort scale as the years went by, but the big news for 2003 was the availability of an innovative Quadrasteer four-wheel-steering system on 3/4-ton models -- reducing the turning circle by a substantial 8 feet and also improving towing stability. The cabin was now more accommodating, too, with numerous improvements like tri-zone climate controls and available DVD entertainment, second-row captain's chairs and power-adjustable pedals. Updates including OnStar, steering-wheel audio controls and tire-pressure monitoring carried the big Chevy through 2006.

Previous to this, there was the Suburban from 1992-'99. After a long, enduring model run by the previous generation that extended from 1973-'91, the then-new '92 Chevrolet Suburban finally adopted the sleek body design and freshened interiors of its previously updated pickup truck siblings. In addition to handsome new looks, the completely redesigned next-generation Suburban boasted more glass area and a lower step-in height than its predecessor.

After a few years of detail improvements, redesigned seats and a new modular dashboard graced the Suburban's interior in 1995, and a year later daytime running lamps marked the adoption of several powerful new Vortec gasoline engines ranging up to 290 hp. For off-roaders, four-wheel-drive models substituted a modern independent front suspension and more convenient Insta-Trac electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case. In 1998, four-wheel-drive operation was enhanced again with an optional AutoTrac automatic full-time 4WD system for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent Car - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ofer - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Very safe car very happy with it in all areas.

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  Chevy hits a home run - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jack Kasper - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wife a new 02 Suburban for Mothers Day and traded in our 95. WOW. What a remarkable difference! I never dreamed GM could improve this much over the comfort and utility of the previous model. I owned 5 Toyotas before buying my first Suburban and now I am convinced that General Motors is sending a message back to Japan. America can build a sport utility vehicle better than they can and do it for less money. The Japanese have gone nuts over what the public will pay for their product primarily based on perceived value. Do yourself a favor and buy the Suburban, enjoy the space and save yourself some money!

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  burb dad - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jmsands - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased burb had altenator go and had to replace the battery.After that faulty intake valves had to be replaced.the dealer stood behind this even though waranty had expired.

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  2003 Chevy Suburban LT 2WD F - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Easyserve - June 5 - 9:18 pm

  This vehicle was purchased off lease in 2006 with 35,000 miles and aside from tires brakes engine oil & transmission oil changes this Suburban has had very little repairs needed - with 1 instrument cluster(dashboard display of speed, fule, temp, volt & tach) and 2 water pumps in the duration of ownership through present day with having now 191,000 miles - still on original drive train. Never really babied the thing as I have been running I-95 up and down the coast many of times as it is a pleasure to drive - even with a full load in back, 5 people seated comfortable and trailering with full load. The only modifications I have made to the truck was a K&N intake kit and Gibson Exhaust for added HP. My only wish list for this vehicle is a 4WD version. It will be a sad day if I have to part with the vehicle.

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  a nice size, but major mechanical issues - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mom of three - June 3 - 2:00 am

  i have three tall sons and they loved the burb when i purchased it for my birthday. i was impressed that it drove like a car, smooth. i have had problems since then: drive shaft fell out on the hiway, wires wrapped around the four wheel drive shaft, horn stopped working, signal lights had to be replace several times, replaced brakes and tires.

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  Oh My God!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By gcd - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had everyhting break that you can imagine. Water pump, 3 alternators, exhaust pipe, universal joint, power seat, blower motor, fuel pump, a/c compressor, wiper switch, and a coolant leak on the intake manifold. And of course it all happened after the warranty. JUNK!!!!! Only has 70K miles.

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  surb - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By staceyr - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I love this car/truck wouldnt have any other

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  Z71 Suburban - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Glock08 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  The Z71 package will have people asking- what "kind" of Chevy are you driving? Its a cross between a luxury car, mini-van, and an off-road 4x4. What else could you ask for? Love the OnStar too.

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  My review - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By cherman - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I had no problems with the velicle. Every things works.

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  A Real Disappointment - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By BHK - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a car with more problems than the Suburban. In 3 years, we have replaced a transmission, power steering (twice), speed sensor, manifold gasket (the list goes on and on). It is amazing that in 40+ years of making this car, it still has so many shortcomings. And, by the way, dont believe the mileage estimates -- youll get 12mpg if you are lucky!