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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  I love my Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jett1 - May 11 - 10:38 am

  Gas mileage is what you would expect for size and capacity. In short, extremely reliable, 5.7 4wd it has taken care of my wife and 3 kids very well. Been in 2 accidents. The truck has over 170k on it now Im getting concerned about the transmission but it hasnt given me a reason yet. I plan on keeping it till they ban gas or it rusts out.

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  Best Vehicle on the Planet - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jim from Ohio - May 9 - 10:21 am

  Spent a fair amount of time researching new vehicles and came to only one conclusion - 2007 Suburban. No regrets or second thoughts. This is by far the smoothest vehicle on the market, truck or car. GM leaps ahead of the competition in build quality and creature comforts. This is a machine you have to drive to appreciate.

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  Love my Suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By John DeBoo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have never in my life owned a better vehicle than my 2002 LT 4x4 Suburban. It is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. There is no way Ill ever own anything but a Suburban again, but then I expect to drive this one for quite a few years. I cant find anything about it I dont like. Perhaps the fuel mileage could be a bit better (13 in town, 18+ on the road) but then youre pulling around 5500#s too. My wife is 5 tall and loves driving it. Overall I seriously rate the vehicle a 10.

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  I love my truck - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mo - May 3 - 10:03 pm

  Purchased this truck used with 47,000 miles on it in 2001. Have taken several major road trips, now have over 160,000 miles on it. Last summer, in the mountains, fuel pump went, not good. Need to expect some major repairs on a vehicle with this many miles tho. With soaring gas prices I have entertained getting something more economical, however, after reading these reviews, I am encouraged that reliability, power and comfort might be worth the trade off in gas dollars. Theres no beating it for hiway driving, so much more visibility and appreciate the higher profile. Still hauling kids, think Ive convinced myself to keep it til it dies! Been told they can go for 300K

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  Good Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By scheurin - April 28 - 12:31 am

  Since our purchase of the 07 burb early this year we are more than satisfied. The Suburban has lots of space, a smooth ride and a really good looking dash. Fuel mileage is great even topping the advertized 15 city and 20 highway. Parking brakes were not set up correctly - they had to be fixed. Bulb changes are a horror. These issues are minor. There were no rattles so far and we love to feel safe in this vehicle.

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  Just do it! You wont be sorry. - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By z714x4dude - April 21 - 8:48 pm

  Well, after months and months of research we did it. 2007 LTZ 4x4. Best quality in years. GM got this one right. Mileage is very good for this burb. 15/20. I have been getting 17 mixed to work and cant wait to take it on a long trip. Im sure we will hit 20+. I know others with much smaller SUVs that dont get as good milage and we have much more room! You know who you are. Nav is great, Smooth ride, lots of room, easy to drive. We didnt get a burb last time and wish we had. Do your homework you will buy one too.

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  Safety, Safety, Safety! - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Campbell - April 19 - 8:14 pm

  My family was recently rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on I-75 in our Surburban. We all walked away with minor scratches and bruises. We have had some mechanical problems in the past(fuel pump, transmission and rear-end problems) but I dont think I will ever trust another vehicle as much. The "burb" was totalled and I felt I was leaving my "Best Friend behind". I dont think many cars would have taken the hit we did and keep us as safe as this one did. I will be buying another one, you better believe! Mechanical problems can be fixed, family sometimes cant.

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  GM Got It Right - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob - April 12 - 11:10 am

  I have a 3LT with a few extras. Much quieter and better riding than the 02, no problems to report. Rear park assist is great. Braking and handling much improved, feels safer at high speeds. Stock Goodyear tires lousy, replaced with Firestone Destination L/E. Where did the rear cargo net go? Gas mileage 11 city 16 highway- still breaking in.

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  Poor Reliability - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dan - April 5 - 2:26 pm

  I have been owning Subs for about 10 years now. I am not sure I will own one again though. I am so tired of all the mechanical issues I have had to go through with them. I am not hard on my vehicles, change oil every 2500 miles, do all regular preventative maintence (tune up at 85,000 instead of 100,000 miles). I currently have stuck just about $3000 into this vehicle in the past 6 months. It now has 89,000 miles on it and I have done the following: fuel pump ($1100), transmission flush and filer change ($240), left front wheel bearing ($412), anti-lock brake module ($975), and other misc items that needed fixing. This might be my last Suburban I ever own.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mike - April 3 - 10:06 pm

  Great vehicle very little problems even with 113k on the odometer. Plenty of room inside for my family of 6, plus a friend or two. Its great for long trips, very comfortable to drive. Tows the camper or Jeep great.