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:
Showing 1011 through 1020 of 1,055.00-
what a piece of junk - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By gimmeatoyota - April 18 - 2:00 amtotal mistake. dealer un helpful as well as general motors. currently on the 5th set (you heard me) of brake rotors. brake booster failed conviently out of warranty. water pump failed also just out of warranty. 3 shock absorbers literally fell off on the way home from the dealer. replaced alternator at 40k. fuel milage is horrific and it even failed emmissions!! the ride is ok but it rattles going over rough roads so much that you think the doors are falling off. cheap plastic trim and dash too
-
Awesome SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Paul Duncan - April 18 - 2:00 amWe purchased our Burban after much searching. First drive was first love. This rig drives like a dream! I owned a 1996 Impala SS prior to this, and it would give it a run for its money. It has excellent acceleration, corners flat, brakes that you cant believe, and a ride that is cushioned, but not soft. The paint...Wow! Looks miles deep when clean...When I drive (actually pry the keys out of the wifes hands) I cannot help but think "Chevy finally did this right". If you have a chance, drive one, youll be taking it home. Oh, I almost forgot..On the way home from the dealership (400 mile trip), we got 20 miles per gallon.
-
Towing, Hauling & Feeling Good - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Rick Waterman - April 17 - 2:00 amThis vehicle was the perfect fit for a family of six that camps, hauls gear, drives to vacation destinations, and tows a boat. Nice features and ride make it feel like a luxury vehicle, but the marvel is in the engineering and safety.
-
sub - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By frank messina - April 11 - 2:00 ami love this car it is cool it is fun to drive an lookes great
-
Great vehicle for the family - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Gerb - April 1 - 2:00 amPurchased the suburb in Green Bay at Broadway. All the people we delt with were great and very helpful. My wife picked black for the color and I picked the 1500 LS 4x4 with trailer package, lift gate and premium tires. All the other features that we were looking for were standard on the LS. Including four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 3rd row seat, power everything and much more.
-
Like a rock... - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By bic_dog - March 29 - 2:00 amNo issues with vehicle - wonderful vehicle. Dealership was wonderful to deal with/
-
Excellent Value - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By Flauer - March 27 - 2:00 amWe have had our burb for nearly 2 years and find it to be the best vehicle we have ever owned. It tows our 21ft boat through the mountains of Colorado with ease, and makes our 3 kids very comfortable for those long treks to Lake Powell. Regular maintenance has made this vehicle hassel free and extremely comfortable.
-
my 97 tahoe - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By rebecca - March 26 - 2:00 amIve Been very happy with my Tahoe. Ive had it for 3 years now. And just this year have some magor repairs like the pitman arm, seal leaks, gasket replacements.
-
Our 2000 Chevy Suburban - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
By walvord - March 22 - 2:00 amWhile not quite the classic as our 55 Bel Air, it is a great family hauler, 4 kids, 3 cats, and 1 dog. Lots of room for the groceries too. Great for long trips, roomy, comfortable, reliable. Highly recommended for the big family that has lots of activity.
-
The Best One Yet - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By JGS - March 17 - 2:00 amThe 2003 is the fourth Suburban we have owned, and the third body style. We have always had pretty good luck, and we still own the last one, a 1994 with 158,000 miles. This is a great highway vehicle, its tight and very nimble for its size. Wouldnt think about another vehicle for towing the ski boat. We started buying them as family vehicles 20 years ago with 2 baby seats in the second seat, but we are now empty nesters (except for the Lab)and have bought another. We are fans.
