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 1031 through 1040 of 1,055.00-
happy - 1990 Chevrolet Suburban
By george - February 26 - 11:54 pmthe vehjicle runs and handles great.
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Mechanical - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By JET - February 7 - 5:55 pmIve had a host of problems with my burb. We had to replace the pinion bearing due to vibration/noisy sound when driving. Have replaced all of our fuel injectors, 5 of the eight went bad within a span of 2-3 months, etc....Not sure if Id ever buy another...
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Smooth luxury tank - 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
By Second suburban Mom - December 29 - 3:09 pmI love my suburban. It’s a great secure feeling to be in a strong, durable, reliable vehicle. My two kids learned to drive in this car and allbe it’s massive size the convenient adjustable gas pedal and seat allows even the shortest of people to get in and raise the seat high enough to see over the hood. The only issue I have is that it doesn’t have as much clearance under the vehicle as the older models use to built into the standard vehicle....and I refuse to pay to get a lift kit. Additionally I wish the NAV console was located slightly higher for ease of seeing while driving.
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Work Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By Swine - December 23 - 2:00 amMy vehicle is a work truck assigned to me by the California State Parks. As an Archaeologist, I have found that the off-road capability and passenger/cargo capabilities have made it a good vehicle. Since about 80% of my mileage is off-road, I have shredded the cheap Firestone tires, and have constant emissions problems (the air intake box is not nearly heavy duty enough). Also, the air conditioner filter is inadequate. Finally, the build quality is slightly cheap, and pieces (molding, lights, etc..)routinely fall off (the snap back on though).
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Finally, the ultimate family mobile!! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By tpenny - December 17 - 10:00 amIf you are looking for the ultimate 4WD, family adventure wagon, the Z71 is the only way to go. It is really fun to drive and provides excellent comfort with a very smooth ride (better than the 4WD LT version we also test drove). Gas mileage isnt great, but it gets the same fuel economy as my V8 explorer. I would highly recommend you at least test drive the Z71 if you are in the market for high end minivan or SUV. You wont regret it.
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MY Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By tireguy - November 30 - 2:00 amThe Surburban needed better handling. It already had 17" wheels and tires so I went to the "h" rated Michelin Pilot LTX and it made a world of difference. They keep the ride quiet but provide extra support when cornering
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THE BEST OF THE GROUP - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By LEO - November 16 - 10:00 amIf you are considering a full sized SUV, stop right here and buy the Chevrolet Suburban! The vehicle I had bought was one of the "inexpensive Suburbans." This vehicle has comfortable front, middle, and rear seats. The handing and ride is very comfortable!!! Also, the sound system is great! There are many safety and theft features which are really great! All in all the new Chevy Sub is here and is hot off the lots!
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The Ultimate Family Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By shieatt - October 30 - 10:00 amFor a big family, this is the only vehicle that does it all well and looks good doing it. Unless you are willing to drive an Excursion, no other vehicle offers comfortable room for 6 people AND space for cargo. The new Toyota Sienna comes close, but not quite - and not half as good looking. Gas mileage of minivans is only marginally better than Suburban, which will average 18 MPG highway. Were impressed with the smooth ride, the handling and the ease of driving this big vehicle. And nothing offers the entertainment and communications options of Suburban - OnStar, XM Radio, DVD player, separate rear seat audio controls, in-dash 6 disc CD, etc.
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03 Chevy Z71 Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By Jay Schafer - October 24 - 10:00 amMy 4th one. It doesnt get any better. Vacations are a breeze. Barn doors make loading easier than hatchback and increase capacity. Almsot drives itself down the road. Easy to have a heavy foot.
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RATING - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By IFONTENOT - October 24 - 10:00 amEXCELLENT SATISFACTION FOR OVER 35 YEARS WITH SUBURBAN
