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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  Driving Comfort - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dan - December 4 - 4:47 am

  I bought this truck becuase I needed room and comfort while working across the U.S. I had owned several trucks and cars in the past few years for work, but I kept coming back to the ride and comfor of a Suburban. Once I got it, I will be hard pressed in the future to get rid of it. I intend to keep it until either it or I fall apart.

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  The Best Yet. - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Z71 - December 1 - 7:03 pm

  This is my third Chevy SUV(two suburbans,one K5 Blazer )and all have been 4wd. I enjoy surf fishing and going off road with this z71 model is great. Although I am not 100 % convinced that the electronic 4wd is better than the manual shifting 4wd it has its good points.The shift select sending module has required replacement once but now seems to work okay. Not having the shift lever on the floor enhances the interior appearence. The over all ride is very comfortable and is welcome on long trips(the wife sleeps easier and more). I will probably buy another when this one wears out or my son takes it over.Its the best vehicle for my purposes. Im not rich but I dont let the gas mileage get me

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cherry - December 1 - 6:20 pm

  I have truly enjoyed my Suburban. After months of looking and researching, I had my heart set on the Yukon XL Denali. But once I saw the Z71, I realized it had every one of the features that appealed to me about the Denali, at a considerably lower cost. The touch-screen stereo/navigation system and DVD player are a must for my family of 7. The cargo space feels like 4 times that of my previous vehicle, the Ford Expedition.

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  Best Car Ever Built. - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike Barber - December 1 - 4:54 pm

  This is truly the best driving and most versatile vehicle ever built.It has all the power I need for any use.And for long trips there is no other way to go.I now have over 130k miles on this 2000 LT,and the only thing I have done to it is put a new water pump on it at 126k miles.And it still drives like new. I wish it got a little better gas milage,but its worth that sacrifice.We have this one and a GMC Yukon XL Denali and both of these vehicles are the cars of all cars.

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  Keep your mini-van - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ColoGSD - November 30 - 12:17 pm

  Z71 off-road package. Although this beast was supposed to be for my husband, its MINE! I haul the kids, 2 large dogs, camping gear, you name it, with no problem. Sure beats driving a soccer mom mini-van anyday. Its been off-road on trails that may have been better suited for a Jeep but it sure was fun. towed a 25 loaded travel trailer to the mountains and the only problem was with the trailer. I am able to park the beast in a two car garage (remember to fold IN the mirrors FIRST) and still have room for hubbys commuter car. With the 2nd row captians chairs kids and dogs have plenty of room. Steroe is adequate, vents in roof liner are most welcomed.

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  LIke it - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jay - November 14 - 10:32 pm

  I like this vehicle, I prefer a 4wd but the cost kept me out of it. I enjoy the space and the acceleration, however when hammering it the gas gauge moves quickly to empty. The vehicle is better in traffic than the reviews let on.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Car Owner - November 9 - 7:07 pm

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  Goes in snow - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By VailMtnCar - November 7 - 4:26 pm

  In 135K commercial use only repair was a window motor. Did get it stuck once also (operator-error). Rides like a dream with tons of room but still gets 17mpg. Just bought another one for the fleet. Its a lot of car for 14K in the used market.

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  Excellent - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By snunes68 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The best truck on the market. You can fit comfortably with 7/8 passengers. This is the perfect family car for the value.

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  Best one out of 5 - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By hardcore - September 21 - 3:58 am

  Have owned 4 other Burbs, this one is awesome. 4000 miles in first month. Should of bought it sooner. Excellent brakes, unlike prior models. 6.0 is a pleasant surprise. Doesnt ride like a 3/4 ton but tows like a 1 ton. Love the dash & A/C vent layout. Push button 4x4, way cool & AutoTrac already kept me on track once. Towing an ElDorado on a car trailer in terrain ranging from 1500 to 6000 I avg 10.5 mpg. With the 5 of us and luggage,(nothing towed) I saw 14.5 mpg on flat land. These are real numbers & I didnt spend time in the right lane. Besides, if you dont realize bigger is safer, and cant handle the gas bill, this isnt for you.