5 Star Reviews for Chevrolet Suburban

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
1,055 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 201 through 210 of 1,055.00
  • More Power with a smoother ride - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    I recently purchased a 2004 Suburban to replace my 1999 Tahoe. I really liked my Tahoe however sometimes felt the transmission was lacking performance especially when towing a travel trailer. I expected a slight improvement in performance and comfort but was not prepared for the huge improvement that I felt. The Suburban handles almost as well as my 06 Lucerne around curves and I can really feel the extra kick in the engine and transmission whether Im towing or not. I highly recommend a test drive If you like the late 90s and early 00s Chevy large SUVs you owe it to yourself to see the improvements. It really drives like a car

  • Best Suburban Ever - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    Second Suburban Ive owned. Previous one was 3/4ton 4x4. The 2007 is absolutely incredible. How they make that solid of a ride so smooth I dont know. The new body design looks so much sleeker, less boxy and biggish. Couldnt talk the wife into it initially ("its too big"). But now she wants me to drive the Maxima and her the Suburban. Now shes saying, "Its so easy to drive." Of the big SUVs this is definitely the boss!

  • Buy American and buy the best! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    So much room, power, capability, wrapped up in such a handsome design with rock solid reliability. Thats the Suburban. There is nothing better. Filled with luggage to the ceiling, 4 adults, driving 80-85 mph going to Colorado for snow skiing last month. Averaged 17.9 mpg! 2 wheel drive and it handled the snow covered mountain passes and switchbacks with ease. Drives like a much smaller vehicle. You can keep the Toyotas and Hondas. Give me American ingenuity at its best with the Suburban. The Suburban has been a hit for General Motors since 1935! Its only gotten better over the years and the 04 is one of the best. love it! Long live General Motors and Cheverolet!

  • love that Quadrasteer - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    I tow a 6000 lb Airstream and am very happy with the peformance. I have the 6.0 with a 3.73 rearend. I dont plan on getting a bigger trailer so I wanted to maximize mpg at the expense of a little more grunt. After almost three years and 25K miles I think I made the right choice. I get about the same as mileage towing (12 mpg)as I did pulling my 5000 lb Airstream with an Astro van but with much better stability, acceleration, and stopping power.

  • GM got it right - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    Love the redesign. I love the ride. Decided on Chevy versus the Sequoia and am glad I did.

  • Almost Perfect - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    I am a longtime Suburban fan and agree with all the good stuff said in other reviews. However my Suburbans have always been business multi- use. Suburban cargo handling has always been great until now. With the 3rd row removed and the 2nd row upright, there are almost no flat surfaces, just bumps and dips. Floor distance only 7ft 6in. Door will not close on occassional plywood runs. Also not happy that I had to special order 2wd. No 2wd delivered north of Kentucky. Go to any lot in MI. All 4wd with sunroofs. Adds $3000. Ordered Suburban Sept 28. Built in Mexico(argh) Nov 15. Delivered Dec 12. Thats 75 days. Thats ridiculous.

  • Love it! - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    Love our new Suburban! This is our first foray into the SUV market. Absolutely no regrets. Space, safety features, and every possible gadget is what sold us. LT3 with almost everything. Test drove an Eddie Bauer Expedition, but didnt live up to the Suburban as far as we were concerned. The miles per gallon are better than we expected, but dont think that means it has good mpg. It just makes you aware of having a "lead foot".

  • excellence - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    try to keep ladies away too much fun, time flies. interior material still look new. all bottons still function like new. z71 package a must. on star is amazing.

  • This is the real thing - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    I like the 2007 Suburban. Its the best SUV for pulling a big trailer, camper, or anything you might want to pull. The ride is nice and very smooth. You need to drive one to see what I mean.

  • New Convert - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
    By -

    I have been driving luxury cars for years. Wife has a Land Rover, after having a 2001 Denali. This is a great vehicle, I have gone from a Mercedes and Ford Powerstroke to one vehicle, and it fits the bill.

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