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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  Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Whitedawg - July 27 - 9:40 pm

  I am the orignal ownwer of this vehicle. I have ensured this vehicle has met every scheduled mx as well as regular oil changes, At 85K a hose clamp gave way, 98K replaced window regulator and 101K AC compressor, new one has life time warranty. We travel exetensively and love traveling in the Suburban.

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  Best Ride on the Road - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike - July 22 - 9:55 am

  My wife has an X5 and I have the Z71 Suburban. It drives so well I can not give it up. We have three kids and this vehicle is perfect for us. I have all the "bells and whistles" and it is perfect for road trips to the beach, etc. We have looked at all luxury SUV options. This is your best value. I recommend the Z71. We have the third row and bucket seats on the second row. If you get a bench seat on the second row it makes it very difficult to get the kids in and out.

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  Very annoying problems with the 07! - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By andb - July 19 - 3:50 pm

  If you dont want the price of leather, skip the 07 Suburban! We traded in a 02 Suburban that we loved and got a lemon. The fabric seats attract lint and hold it even through a vaccuuming with a $600 vaccuum. We have to vaccuum and then use a lint roller to even get close to getting the seats clean. We purchased fabric because we were so satisfied with the Chevy fabric in our 02 Suburban and 05 Chevy pickup. The 07 is a step in the wrong direction! At 64", I also have a problem with the location of the 4wheel drive knob. I knock it and turn it on everytime I get in without realizing it. Our 3rd row passenger seat has also had the knob for flipping it forward broken twice.

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  Eliminate Back pain - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By danwrox - July 9 - 6:22 pm

  I first went to the Suburban from a minivan to help reduce back pain and it has saved me lots of Doctor bills. I used to be in pain after long drives but I drove from Boston to Orlando without a break and it was a dream. This is like driving around in your living room from both a comfort and space standpoint. It has tremendous power but will still get almost 19MPG if you go easy on the acceleration. I wish auto critics would end the foreign car bias and give credit where credit is due. Coming up on 100K and only a window motor for problems is true quality design. And considering 80K on the original tires it has been well below most vehicles for maintenance costs.

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  Lots of room, thats it - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Kevin - June 27 - 4:54 am

  Love the room. That’s all. Man, this thing has been expensive to maintain. At 110,000, had to put an $800 fuel pump in it while on vacation. The ac/heat blower motor only works on high now. Mechanics say a $40.00 sensor is bad, but since it requires the removal of the dash... labor alone is $450.00. Power locks usually don’t work. Left rear window only rolls down half way. Passenger seat heater comes on and off.

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  Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Chevydude - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I got my Z71 Suburbon in January 2002 and drove it 18,000 miles with no maintence needed. Its been a great car. Absolutly no complaints

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  Great for a big Family - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Stevosps - June 12 - 9:54 pm

  We looked at other SUVs but in the end the Suburban is the best choise for our family of 7. The comfort of the interior is by far the best in its class. Altough you have to get a third row 3 passanger seat upgrade to get full passanger capacity. The ride is smooth and quiet. It handles great with turns and braking. I noticed the braking time is much better on this model. I would recomend this suv to anyone looking for comfort and room. It also has the largest cargo area. And is great for moving and 4x8 material, as well as any other home improvement materials. Its the all in one truck at a good price!

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  1500 LS 5.3 V8 - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By rsm8 - June 11 - 9:48 pm

  We purchased used from a dealer with 19,000 miles. We traded in our 03 Sequoia because we needed the additional seating and cargo room. Mechanically the car has been very good. My only complaint would be the alignment seems to need adjustment about every six months (we had it done in Dec and again in June). I rated the build quality at a 7 because I think the interior is very cheaply made. After owning a Toyota, it is very apparent to us how flimsy the plastic accessories are. All four of the plastic covers at the base of the seats are in need of replacement. Overall we like the interior space and seating. It also drives nicely, but GM is lucky Toyota doesnt build a bigger Sequoia.

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  Confidence in GM again - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Smoking Hot - June 10 - 7:30 pm

  Traded in a 2000 GMC Yukon XL which was mediocre as to reliability. This vehicle is outstanding. I may have to borrow it from my wife and stop driving a luxury sedan. We bought the LTZ - hey, its her 50th BDay. The whole family loves it, including the dog.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Pbaker - June 10 - 6:06 pm

  This is the 2nd Suburban we have owned. The 2500 2wd with 4.10 rear end provides for 9700 pounds of towing capacity, and 2600 pounds of cargo capacity. This is truly a great vehicle. Awesome upgrade from the 2005 1/2ton. I used to be a Ford guy, not after looking at the material quality on the Expedition EL.