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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  My "bus" - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike - November 17 - 5:25 pm

  This is my 4th Suburban and all I can say is they keep getting better. This one is a loaded Z71. All I have done is change oil and 1 set of tires at 65K miles. I am now taking it in for a 100K mile going over for some deferred maintenance. Still has original brakes.

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  Suburban - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shayes - October 29 - 4:49 pm

  This is a great vehicle we have traveled many places in this vehicle and have had only minor problems. We have replaced the fuel pump and u-joints. This is a great vehicle my husband has a 2001 he has 293453 miles and only replaced the alternator. This is our third Suburban and we will be buying another Suburban soon.

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  Suburban - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By louie - October 15 - 10:25 am

  I purchased the Suburban almost a year ago and have not had a single problem out of the vehicle. The guy I purchased it from worked for a GM dealership and was the original owner of the truck. He had the engine and transmission and transfer case replaced at 45000 miles under factory warranty due to anoverheating problem. The engine and drive train now only have 55000 miles on them and perform perfectly. I use the vehicle to take my family around and also to pull my ski boat. The only flaw on the vehicle is the fuel mileage but you do not purchase a vehicle like this to get gas mileage.

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  Bad Economy Great Deal - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By FordGuy - September 29 - 4:15 pm

  My 2000 Excursion diesel got totaled. I loved it even with 200K miles. I looked at the expedition XL but the MPG was 25% less then the Burb. I got an LT1 for $30,085 including added GM leather! Plus I got a $500 Lowes card. The sticker was over $40K great rebates! Although the ford rode much smoother and was more comfortable, the burb got better MPG and was about $7000 cheaper so I decided to try the Chevy. So far I really like it

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  Great Family Hauler - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Big Papa - September 22 - 3:08 pm

  Bought our Suburban used with 57k at a Mercedes dealership for my family. Truck started up and sounded like it was brand new. Driving down the freeway is smooth! Spacious interior, able to fit the stroller and a portable playpen plus anything else we need to bring with us. Both my kids are in carseats so we have them in the 2nd row captains chairs and we still have the 3rd row for 3 more passengers when needed!

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  Great job Chevrolet - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By eddie - September 21 - 8:49 am

  Our first Suburban and my wife and I are impressed. This is a beautiful, sharp looking vehicle, I have 4 kids and they love it. They are happy, wife is happy, we are all comfortable. Have taken on long trips and at one point I had 11 people in the vehicle. My sister that owns a Hummer now wants a Suburban because it is practical, reliable, is gorgeous and comfortable

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  Like a Caddy only bigger! - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shoerswife - September 20 - 12:58 pm

  I bought my Burb last October from my husbands sister. I previously drove a 96 Buick Roadmaster. The Buick got 30 mpg and the Burb gets 15-18. I had to get up off the road because I was tired of the other cars headlights in my eyes. I am 5-2". I now can see ahead of the cars in front of me to see whats happening in traffic. The comfort is great with the heated leather seats and in the winter, the pushbutton auto 4WD is great! This truck feels like a car and handles solid. No trouble yet with repairs and although it has 260,000km it still feels tight. Love the room and attention to the details for passengers in the back. Loved the Buick, but love this even more. Suburban forever!

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  Love my burban - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kevin - September 17 - 11:13 pm

  Brougth it 2 years ago. It has a 454ci. Best truck Ive ever had. Strong. We get lots of snow in the winter. This is by far the safest truck Ive ever had. Wish every one of my friends would have one

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  Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By fens - September 15 - 1:37 pm

  We are so happy we purchased this SUV. We have always been Honda/Toyota buyers. We previously owned a Honda Odyssey and had some safety concerns with our children in the third row, heads up against the back glass, not to mention lack of storage in the minivan once you use the third row. We also needed 4WD for our winters. We looked at Toyota Sequoia, but heard great things from other families about the suburban. For the price, it was a no brainer. We absolutely love it. Repairs are very inexpensive and we have been amazed at the reliablility and the luxurious interior. For the size of the car, gas mileage has not been as bad as we thought - we didnt get much better with our minivan.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sal - September 7 - 1:20 pm

  Strong, quality SUV for the price. Owned a Durango and loved it, but the Suburban is considerably a better SUV. It has more than enough room for the family on long trips and has great towing capability. Looked long and hard before I decided to trade in. It gets better MPG, rides better, and more comfortable. Of course MPG is not the best, but it has features that crossovers to not. I added a K&N filter and it helped increase the MPG. Overall very satisfied with the Suburban.