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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  3rd Suburban - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By dshackel - June 21 - 4:01 pm

  I love these trucks. Current one is a replacement for one I totaled hitting trees head-on. I walked away without a scratch, police were astounded and credited the vehicle. I drive 130 miles round trip to work daily and never have a problem, even get decent mileage. We haul everything from goats to furniture in the back with no issue - and this is the leather, captains chair model. Just a great family driver.

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  European Travel - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Smokeysan - June 20 - 11:59 am

  This truck overall has been an excellent vehicle. When I came home from Iraq during R&R I had to replace the brakes. Now I am at 96,000 miles I am having a few minor issues. The speedometer is working off and on and I have a few sensors that are lit. It is letting me know that I need to check the air bag and the tire sensor. Other than that the truck has been very reliable. I drive it daily in Germany and just returned from Holland on a vacation. I will by another Suburban. The only features I wish I had was a navigation with the back up camera.

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  Very Reliable - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By James Brennan - June 14 - 11:46 am

  This is one of the most reliable years of the Chevy Suburban, EVER. Mine has 378231 miles and it STILL runs like new.

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  suburban interior conveniences - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By waller - June 4 - 5:05 pm

  A Nice ride, good mileage for a big truck, 18+ around town, 22+ highway @75 mph. Have been on two long trips with no problems. But they left out a lot of little things that made my96 more fun to drive with 165,000on it.

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  I wish it would work! - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Becky - May 19 - 4:50 pm

  We got this car in anticipation of our 3rd child. I love the design and drive of this car but I have a problem with the oil. The low oil light has come on frequently causing a rebuild of the valves and a baffle replacement. I also had a drain on the battery that left my mom stranded unable to get to my daughter at school in time. Now I am told the oil problem is a problem with this model and will need a complimentary top off when it comes on. UGGG. The car isnt even 3 years old yet.

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  everything has its ups and downs - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bonez - May 14 - 3:18 pm

  Loved the car before the problems but still love it. The transmission went out at 65,000 miles but was under extended warranty so they replaced it for free. Then cd player and stereo went out @ 3o, 000 miles but got it replace too. The car is amazingly comfortable and my mom rarely lets anyone else drive it but its got no power in that v8. I got beat by the VW jetta 2.5l, it was kinda embarrassing. Im a truck guy but this suv just makes me love it. Recall shouldve been done on transmission. Also this z71 is 2wd so better gas mileage

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  A Great American Hoss - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ray - May 5 - 10:04 pm

  My 95 was still running strong at 265k, but my brother in law wanted to sell his 96. Since it had the Vortec with more horsepower, I sold the 95 and bought his 96. With over 200k it is in great condition. I replaced both barn door catches (NAPA..not dealer) and an elec door lock, and catches on back of middle seats, and thats all. About 16- 17 mpg on road, no oil use, comfort, and hauls a TON!! We deal in Antiques, and recently bought 6 pieces of furniture at an auction and loaded them all in it, plus our own luggage. Not quite enough power when pulling our travel trailer to suit me, and gas mileage drops to 8. Super versatile SUV. When its gone therell be another in its place.

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  Solid, safe and large SUV - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kv - April 29 - 11:25 pm

  This has been a solid vehicle. Weve pulled a 28 foot RV, which does pull pretty tough up some modest hills. Gas mileage pulling the RV is about 7 MPG. Without the RV, it seems to range from 12 to 16 MPG depending on temp and driving habits. Lots of interior room and we love the storage in the back behind the 3rd seat. The dash lights for the hot/cold have been out since we got it. The fan speed no longer works - its always on full blast. The engine has been solid and we have had good luck with it. There are still a lot of these on the road, a true testament to their durability.

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  Happy to be Safe - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Just a Mom - April 29 - 10:00 am

  We went from a small foreign SUV to this. It is a new world! We love it! We may be driving our kids college education but it is worth the money. The leather seats are terrific and the ride is unbeatable. Most of all, we just feel as though our family is safe rising in it.

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  Chevrolet Suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jttiii - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Having ownned this vehicle since the end of April and accumulating 4K miles, I find it to be quite comfortable and secure. Front and rear seats are quite comfortable and ride is very good for the size of the vehicle. I am hoping for fuel mileage to improve as my highway driving is around 16 mpg and city driving at 10 mpg. I might add that I am ever mindful traffic and road conditions with unplanned starts and stops kept to a mimimum. Overall, very pleased with this Suburban in the LT pkg. Hopefully I will continue to be satisfied with it.