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 Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Pbaker - June 10 - 6:06 pm

  This is the 2nd Suburban we have owned. The 2500 2wd with 4.10 rear end provides for 9700 pounds of towing capacity, and 2600 pounds of cargo capacity. This is truly a great vehicle. Awesome upgrade from the 2005 1/2ton. I used to be a Ford guy, not after looking at the material quality on the Expedition EL.

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  Love my new Suburban - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mkjenkins - May 30 - 12:52 am

  We just purchased a 2007 Burb LTZ 4X4. Love the car! We were looking at the Ford Expedition EL, but once we drove the Burb, we could not go back to the Ford. The interior is so much more comfortable and logical. The Ford seemed forced. The Ford does have the better rear seats, when folded down, but we decided that we would rather be happy the other 95% of the time when we are just driving as a family.

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  Latch Car Seats - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Brian M - May 26 - 10:02 pm

  Only bad thing I can say is, "Why arent there latch seats on the drivers side on the 2nd row bench?". Otherwise great. Replacing our 2003 Sequoia. Hope it proves as reliable.

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  189k and still going... what a tank - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mountainman68 - May 24 - 2:29 pm

  My 2000 Suburban is a 3/4ton 4x4 LT and gets me anywhere I want to go. Ive been through snow 4 feet deep. The 6.0L vortec really pulls through. Ive been up 7% grades 100 times. It has seen the backwoods, towed 11k trailers, and has been through deep mud and water on hunting season. I bought this truck with 16k on it and it now has nearly 190k with nothing more than belts, tires, and 2 sets of brakes replaced. I pull out trucks all the time up by our cabin in mariposa pines, our toyhauler on the beach, and i love the feeling of owning a huge american tank.

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  King of the Road - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By DGG - May 21 - 9:30 pm

  What an unbelievable machine. I went with the Z71 package to get the two- tone seats and dashboard look. Very nice! Equipped with all the toys. GM has hit a home run with this redesign. The ride is much improved and the new styling puts in the class of other luxury SUVs, but with more performance and features for the money. If youre looking for plenty of room, power, features, and comfort but without the pretentiousness of the Escalade, Navigator, or LX470, this is the perfect choice. My son and his baseball teammates loved it travelling to this past weekends tourney!

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  Best vehicle built - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Olson_2009 - May 12 - 7:40 pm

  These vehicles are awesome. I have no troubles in mud or snow, everyone calls me when they get stuck to pull them out. My Suburban has enough weight to get get traction better than any truck. The only drawback is gas mileage. You can haul many people around.

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  I love my Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jett1 - May 11 - 10:38 am

  Gas mileage is what you would expect for size and capacity. In short, extremely reliable, 5.7 4wd it has taken care of my wife and 3 kids very well. Been in 2 accidents. The truck has over 170k on it now Im getting concerned about the transmission but it hasnt given me a reason yet. I plan on keeping it till they ban gas or it rusts out.

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  Best Vehicle on the Planet - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jim from Ohio - May 9 - 10:21 am

  Spent a fair amount of time researching new vehicles and came to only one conclusion - 2007 Suburban. No regrets or second thoughts. This is by far the smoothest vehicle on the market, truck or car. GM leaps ahead of the competition in build quality and creature comforts. This is a machine you have to drive to appreciate.

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  Love my Suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By John DeBoo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have never in my life owned a better vehicle than my 2002 LT 4x4 Suburban. It is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. There is no way Ill ever own anything but a Suburban again, but then I expect to drive this one for quite a few years. I cant find anything about it I dont like. Perhaps the fuel mileage could be a bit better (13 in town, 18+ on the road) but then youre pulling around 5500#s too. My wife is 5 tall and loves driving it. Overall I seriously rate the vehicle a 10.

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  I love my truck - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mo - May 3 - 10:03 pm

  Purchased this truck used with 47,000 miles on it in 2001. Have taken several major road trips, now have over 160,000 miles on it. Last summer, in the mountains, fuel pump went, not good. Need to expect some major repairs on a vehicle with this many miles tho. With soaring gas prices I have entertained getting something more economical, however, after reading these reviews, I am encouraged that reliability, power and comfort might be worth the trade off in gas dollars. Theres no beating it for hiway driving, so much more visibility and appreciate the higher profile. Still hauling kids, think Ive convinced myself to keep it til it dies! Been told they can go for 300K