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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  excellence - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By don corleone - December 8 - 10:00 am

  try to keep ladies away too much fun, time flies. interior material still look new. all bottons still function like new. z71 package a must. on star is amazing.

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  This is the real thing - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By greg - December 7 - 9:25 am

  I like the 2007 Suburban. Its the best SUV for pulling a big trailer, camper, or anything you might want to pull. The ride is nice and very smooth. You need to drive one to see what I mean.

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  New Convert - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By bss123 - December 5 - 1:14 am

  I have been driving luxury cars for years. Wife has a Land Rover, after having a 2001 Denali. This is a great vehicle, I have gone from a Mercedes and Ford Powerstroke to one vehicle, and it fits the bill.

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  Why did I wait so long to buy it? - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By anthonyelectric - November 29 - 5:55 pm

  I absolutely love my new Suburban. I can’t believe I waited so long to buy it. It handles towing the boat with no problem. I can’t wait to take it to Mammoth for a little fun in the snow.

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  Great Choice - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By woz - November 27 - 7:57 pm

  Bought this Z71 loaded except for the Nav system. Four trips over 600 miles each way in total comfort and luxury. Fun and comfortable to drive and ride in. Glad I chose this after driving and researching all the others in the large class. Small click under dash at steering wheel when spedometer hits 10mph. No one knew what it was until they finally discovered it was the brake system going thru a self check. Center bucket seats could be more easily adjusted for entry to the rear.

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  Should have went to Toyota - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By charles schell - November 25 - 7:19 am

  Ride is great, but if you demand a smooth ride, dont go over 70mph. Steering feels like you need a good tire balance. They put new tires on after 500 miles and had to force balance just to get it within specs. I feel like I got a lemon. I hate sitting at long red lights. It feels like at idle that its missing a plug wire. Junk.

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  07 Design Disappointments - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dave - November 24 - 11:06 am

  This is my 3rd Suburban. My 01 was a quantum improvement over my 95. The 07 dropped the dual visors, and several small storage areas, no lock on console. Headliner, visors, and plastic trim finish looks cheaper to me. GPS has poor software and database. ie, 3-D view of map is only map display option and street level data is limited even in urban areas. Buy a Garmin C330. Get better performance and save big dollars. It takes forever for the screens to change on the display. On the positive side I have had no rattles or other problems since delivery. Would be great performance wise with a diesel. GMs design concept was on the right track, but too many compromises to save on build cost.

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  Smooth, comfortable, reliable - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By WCS - November 23 - 4:36 am

  The 2002 Z71 Suburban is great for carrying several people and all their stuff. The third seat is reasonable for adults of medium height. Plenty of power for hill climbing, even when fully loaded with people, camping gear and bicycles on the hitch rack. Never runs hot. Good air conditioning, heater, seat heater, stereo, fornt powerseats. Very comfortable backseat for passengers of all ages and heights.

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  High Quality Large SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kge - November 22 - 5:52 am

  We drive a lot. First Suburban weve owned, and wont be the last. Avg 19 mpg hwy and 16 city in over 100,000 miles. The only mechanical failure was the catalytic converter stopped up after 80,000. Took 3 weeks for the experts to figure the problem. If it were not for that, Id give this truck all 10s. Acres of space, smooth ride. We owned 2 Windstar vans previously and this truck is far better in looks, driveablility, and maintainence. The vans were better on gas though.

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  Love the Burb - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Happy burb in So CA - November 15 - 2:49 pm

  Weve owned this Sub since moving up from a Tahoe. Ours has been flawless for hauling kids, gear and even towing a 20 trailer full of off road vehicles. The K&N intake and a superchips programmer are a must upgrade and it doesnt need a loud exhaust because we love to hear the soundtracks of the DVDs. Our kids and their friends love it. I think well keep this one even after we get my wife a new one.