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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  Big, Powerful and Fun to drive - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mr. Singleton - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The Suburban is the workhorse of the SUV line. Although this vehicle is spacious it handles quite nimbly -- almost like a small sized car. The acceleration is excellent and on the highway you really get your moneys worth. This vehicle packs a lot of muscle but is extremely fun to drive. I forgot to mention that you can haul just about anything in this vehicle.

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  California girl buys Texas truck - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By joan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I know that the Suburban is a SUV but to me it is a truck because of its versatility. Its dependable and very comfortable. I have 5 kids and I dont know what I would do without it. Do you know how many times weve move them across town, across country and everywhere in between. Chevy....like a rock. Thank God.

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  "The Big Black Hoe" 2003 Black Suburban Z71 4x4 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By André Brocato - October 7 - 3:59 pm

  I bought my Z71 new. Has been an excellent SUV, has 155k miles on it now. Friends say you ought to trade it in. I say WHY, its loaded, leathers seats, sun roof, etc. Im fixing to purchase another set of tires for it. I love my Z71. I drive it on long trips, I take to the country. I love the 33 gallon gas tank. I just fill it up at half of a tank ,so it will already to take a trip if need to. The Z71 has a stiffer ride, but everyone that rides in it loves it. I just wish it had a back up camera, thinking about having one installed. It seats 7. I have bucket seats for front and second row, then third row seat. My next one will have 2nd roll bench seat. But that will be a long time from now. Just bought a new SUV for son, he said dont you want it? I said no way, I love my "Big Black Hoe". By the way the name came from a previous SUV , a Tahoe, which I hated, it wasnt big enough. So my Z71 is black and its larger than the Tahoe. When I first got it I wanted to be the one to put the first scratch on it, so I took it hunting. Hey I didnt get a Z71 to drive on the road only. My Z71 been places that most people wouldnt take their truck. I drive in country during week and weekends take it on road trips, Just take it to local Car wash, and it comes out brand new. The black color exterior color shines so well. My wife has a nicer and newer SUV, but we always take mine on trips. I feel so much safer in my "Big Black Hoe". One negative thing that I havent figured out yet, is that I have 17 inch wheels and the spare is a 16 inch wheel. You never put a smaller wheel on a 4 wheel drive vehicle. All wheels have to be the same. But I have never had to use that spare yet. I had my first flat tire last weekend, I noticed the tire was lowFriday, but I forgot about it and by Sunday it was flat. I just took my air tank out and filled it up with air and drove to tire place. I buy the best tires, Michelin. For my vehicle. According to my mechanic he said that the 2003 model is a great year. He is right. ( he just changes oil, etc.) As far as MPG, goes I drive different some times I floor it from stop lights, mostly I drive it slow in town, on the highway I drive fast. So I dont care about the MPG. With my 33 gallon tank. I go on a long trip.

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  Awesome - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Hsw1186 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Great in almost every aspect

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  best suburban yet - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jiminca - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Thus is our 4th suburban. Everything I ever wanted in the way of improving the previous models has been implemented in this model. The driver convienence features exceed anything anyone would have dreampt in a "Chevy". The gas mileage is up and the 5.3 engine is smooth as silk with an increase in horsepower, not to mention it has the same EPA rating as a Honda Civic (ULEV). I also would highly recommend the autoride suspension as it handles great with no bounce or jounce over bumps and sharp curves. The standard XM Radio is worthy of note as well as the standard On-Star system on my "LT" model

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  EXCEPTIONALLY NICE TRUCK - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By STEVO - July 24 - 2:00 am

  IVE DRIVEN THIS SUBURBAN FOR 27,000 MILES AND NOT A SQUEAK OR A PROBLEM. VERY SMOOTH, VERY POWERFUL, VERY COMFORTABLE. I CARRY FIVE TO EIGHT PEOPLE AND ALL ARE HAPPY -- MUCH QUIETER INSIDE THAN HONDA MINIVAN IVE DRIVEN. VERY EASY TO DRIVE, CONSIDERING LARGE SIZE, BUT SIGHTLINES ARE GOOD. MILAGE? I GET 17 TO 18 ON THE HIGHWAY AND NEVER LESS THAN 15.5 IN CITY. PULLING TRAILER AT 80 MPH IN MOUNTAINS I WAS GETTING 17 MPG. NO KIDDING. I THINK THATS PRETTY GOOD, CONSIDERING THE THING IS HUGE. MY OLD VW VAN ONLY GOT ABOUT 15 MPG, AND THAT HAD A 60 HP MOTOR AND COULDNT GO

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  2003 Suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Joebas - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this suv for one whole week, and I like it very much at this point. The most amazing thing to me is how smooth the ride is for such a lare truck. I also like the sharp, and sweet look of this truck.

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  Suburban - dont go there - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jwagnerfamliy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Our Suburban has been a relibility nightmare. It ALWAYS breaks down on family vacations, most recently in the middle of the Mohave desert. For such an expensive vehicle Id expect better quality. My advice is never buy any GM product especially Suburban. Im dumping my Suburban and buying a Toyota Sequoia.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By camper77 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 03 Suburban LS which we will use primarily to tow a Coleman camper. I love the Bose sound system, the smooth drive train, and the overall design. I very carefully looked at a wide range of vehicles and I think this one has everything I want at a very competitive price. I think the Sequoia is a higher quality vehicle, but when you factor in the price and the extra space, I think the Suburban wins.

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  Best SUV on the planet bar none - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Snooty357 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  For comfort,room and ride not much comes close. Blows Ford SUVs right out the water. Chevy Burb LT w/autoride suspension drives as good as most cars never mind trucks.If you dont believe me just test drive one yourself. P.S. Built to last a life time I highly recommend "the Burb"