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 Favorite Suburban - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Val - September 12 - 1:00 pm

  We had baby #3 and decided to move up from our Tahoe. This is my first Suburban and I love it! It is very comforable inside. We have buckets in the middle so the big kids can get in and out easily. The extra room was very needed. In the Tahoe to use the cargo room, all the kids had to sit in the middle seats, that made for lots of fighting. Now we can utilize the whole interior! The DVD system is still a big hit, although with three little kids, controls in the front might be nice.

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  2003 suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Stephen Bretton - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Good stabilty on highway no floating or drifting with new susspension gas milage has been a good surprize overall quality has been great except for cheep plastic controls and buttons in interior

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  01 Suburban Review - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kbdelong - July 31 - 5:24 pm

  I have not owned it very long, but already love the vehicle. I have two grown teenaged daughters, my wife, myself and an invalid mother-in-law that is with us a great deal. The Suburban gives us all the room we need to transport everyone. We just got back from a beach vacation in the truck, and I am here to say I am furthur impressed with the load capability and comfort. Also, it gets approximately 18 mpg on the highway. I have friends that have had them for several years. and I wish I had not hesitated to finally purchase one. I will looking to purchase a new one by next year

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  New Purchase, Happy - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By M.DArco - July 31 - 1:32 pm

  I had a 2004 Armada, 14 months old. It had brake and wheel alignment issues, and air bag issues. I traded for the Suburban. The Chevy rides better, and quieter. More like a luxury car rather then a truck. Had the Suburban as a loner for a week. fell in love with the thing and bought one.

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  99 Chevy Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By frank - July 29 - 12:50 pm

  We did a lot of shopping around, and we love our Suburban, no turning back. Great vehicle for the family and nice to drive. Yes it likes gas, but we find it pretty good as we had a truck before this. The room is worth every penny1

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  Love My Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cathie - July 25 - 10:09 pm

  Very nice looking truck. Very comfortable. The kids love the DVD player (Playstation may be used) The ride is great, and I feel very safe! I had a Suburban before, and we got rearended. Te only thing that saved the backseat people was the size of the truck. Hit at 50 miles an hour sitting at a stop light . This truck saved us. I love this truck and will always own one.

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  #2 and Lovin It! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Laser - July 24 - 5:54 pm

  This is our second Suburban. We traded our 2001 for it. We have a family of 6 and it will make a great traveling companion. Many great improvments from the 2001 to the 2005. The brakes are much better than the 2001.

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  Happy man - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By NY suburbanite - July 5 - 1:49 pm

  This is a great truck. I read reviews about "bad fuel economy". Remember this is a big truck and for its engine and vehicle size, its good on gas. I had an Explorer which was a lot worse. Over all this is a great vehicle. Its very comfortable, and handles great. Im a Suburban man for life.

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  Gotta love a big SUV - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jared Packer - June 30 - 6:59 am

  i absolutly love my Suburban! It has handled everything I could throw at it from mudding (its a 2wd) to looking cool at the local burger joint! When I first got my Burb, I was wanting to get a Chevy C1500 extended cab truck, but after an hour of driving my Suburban, I was so glad I didnt!

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  Best SUV for your money - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Melissa - June 29 - 6:05 pm

  My Suburban has great power when I need it. It is as comfortable as a car, and has lots of room inside. It has been extremely dependable. I have not had any problems with it. I plan on keeping it for a long time. I would not drive any other SUV. Its solid and you feel very safe in it.