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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  Nice SUV but not "Built like a Rock" - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tom - April 4 - 8:49 am

  This is a nice SUV when we purchased it it was much more expensive than they are today. The truck is used for both work and play. The truck has served us well but it has had many service issues from the trans going out to the DVD/ CD player that stopped working at 38K. Please keep in mind it had maybe played 20CDs and 10 movies in its life. GM has been poor when it comes to standing behind this SUV. After over 30 GM cars in my life this for me is the last one my wife will only drive GM so I will have one in my garage. In the end this is a very expensive car to maintain out of warranty.

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  Trading up - 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
  By 2nd Suburban - April 1 - 8:39 am

  Just traded in an 07 on an 09 suburban and pleased with the six speed transmission. The 07 had a four speed transmission (I think the 08 year had both but on different models) and the shifting is much smoother. It also finally has blue tooth. Other than that, it is the same truck as what we had and we were pretty happy with it.

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  a hoss - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jim - March 27 - 12:03 pm

  Bought used 89,000 miles. Now have 205,000 have had no problems except brakes. Am on 4th set of brakes and 2nd set of front rotors. Interior not of great quality too much plastic. Have had to put Freon in a/c only once but discovered has a large capacity. Replaced battery once. Do not like screw terminals they vibrate loose. Has 44 gallon tank gets 18 mpg on hwy and 14 city. In terms of bang for the buck I feel I for once got the better deal. I will probably replace once I get to 250,000 and have really fallen in love with the Nissan armada. I think the suburban has been overpriced for the cheap interior but give it an "a" for the past 6 years

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  2nd in a row with transmisson problems - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Quality issues - March 25 - 12:14 am

  It is easy to drive with great performance and gas mileage that I accept, but the thing was slapped together design-wise and put together poorly with cheap materials. The coat hook is placed in the wrong place and most all of the plastic covers for the seat tracks and one rear door light cover fell off. The rear door lights never have worked. The transmission soon failed after the 35,000.00 mile warranty ended and cost over $1,800.00 to rebuild. The ignition switch failed that cost was $600.00 plus the car rental. A power window motor failed. The leather seat has not torn and has not come loose at a seam, but it is of such thin, poor quality it has worn though.

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  We luv our bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By David&Anesha Wossne - March 19 - 10:13 pm

  We had to get a bigger vehicle (I was pregnant)so we traded in our Jag Vand Plas for a used 2001 "Bus" with 117,000mls. We cant tell you how much we luv our "Bus" We added 3 TVS for the kids, Navigation for me. It is great for Soccer and other sport activities for the family,we travel a lot and it has great as mileage (16-18) We hardly drive our other vehicles except for work. When the engine falls out well get another used "Bus"

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  2003 Z71 suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike - March 10 - 11:29 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2003. I had some problem with the dash rpm gauge twice which was corrected. The sending unit in the gas tank went bad and that hurt my pocket. But for as many miles this has driven and the places it has been ( I dont baby it ) meaning I point it and it goes on/off road--tow , Im happy as cake with her. Im not a little guy and its like sitting on my sofa at home. It fits 5 and tows a boat with all equipment. Hunt,fish no problem. Pull sons car out of ditches--no problem

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  best suv - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By nbcar - February 27 - 7:04 am

  This is the best full size suv for your money. It is the best vehicle for long rides and can fit 8 people and all their bags and still have space to run around. Bose radio system is great.

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  Not New but Still Beautiful - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Alan Rither - February 22 - 11:27 am

  Got a great deal on this beautiful vehicle at Tom Denschel Ford in Prosser Washington. Only 140,000 miles. Great condition and nice folks who sold it to me. No hassle at a fraction of what a new Suburban would cost and its still got another 100,000 miles left in her. Shopping for quality and comfort rather than status pays off big time.

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  Great in Switzerland - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Franky - February 16 - 3:00 pm

  With a big family & dog lack of space is not an issue, anymore. Our Suburban has been successfully tested in one of the fiercest winters (08/09) on European roads. Also very popular in Europe: FlexFuel E85 works perfectly.

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  Love form Saudi Arabia - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mohammed Omar - February 15 - 3:31 am

  I imported my Suburban from New Jersey to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. it had 130K when I purchased it. My family traveled with it thousands miles around the Kingdom, its brilliant on highways & very strongly-built, every thing in it says you cant break me. Ive added about 12K, praises to God, its never been to a mechanic, except for fluids and AC gas refilling. Nephews & nieces are crazy to ride it. they like jumping to third row. Holidays without it are boring. I load it with family members. I have to admit that Im in love of this vehicle and wish to afford the 2009 one.