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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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Carl - October 2 - 8:35 pm

  This is, by far, the best SUV Ive owned. It blows away the competition, if there is any. We bought the vehicle used and have had not one major issue with it. Its reliable and rugged. I would not trade it for anything. Well, maybe a new one after 250,000 miles!

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  Get Quads - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Brian Stokes - October 1 - 10:50 am

  Lots of little cabin noises. You feel every little bump in the road like a sports car. Front passengers sit like a compact thanks to the ever trendy (monster) center console, while the rear is like a school bus. 2nd bench seat is in an unconfortable,upright,fixed position (wont recline). 3rd seat is very difficult to acess. Every time you adjust the AC or turn the car off and on, the AC reycycle turns off. My 06 Silverado does the same thing. We live in Atlanta and use recycle because it cools much better and wont pull in cigarette and exhaust smoke in stop and go traffic.

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  Nice ride, expensive to maintain - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By sharpe_012001 - September 29 - 11:32 pm

  If you buy a 96 Suburban, you wont want anything else. However, it is extremely expensive. First, you might get 14 mpg. Have you ever used a gas card and had to use it twice at the same fillup (42 gal tank, Gas card stops at $75.) Next, prepare to spend a minimum of $2000/yr. I did the research here and bought it anyway. Have had to replace brakes, master cylinder, booster fuel pump, timing belt tensioner, alternator, and cant remember what else. A minimum of $400 whenever you take it in to the shop. However, cant seem to let it go.

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  Like my 1999 Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By One happy owner - September 27 - 2:13 pm

  I am the original owner of a 2WD LT with approx 130K miles. Its been a terrific vehicle. Were into middle-age repairs. Water pump, alternator, radiator, AC etc. Next job is new shocks and struts. Biggest complaint is the brake system. I plan on driving mine for at least another 100-150K miles. BTW, Im averaging 16MPG in virtually all conditions and loads. My wifes new Pacifica is getting about 18MPG around town.

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  Exhaust noises - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By round top - September 25 - 2:00 am

  After hot engine shut down vehicle has loud and prounced bangs coming from exhaust system. During cold start up a loud and prounced poping noise is heard from the exhaust system. When vehicle is driven at highway speeds of 60 and above the droning noise in the cabin is prounced and over powering. I believe GM has a definite problem with the exhauts systems on the 2003 suburbans. There is a bulitan out concerning the poping noise. GM has a superfical fix? for it. HA? Lets hear about your experiences.

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  Great all around family car - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By austin - September 24 - 8:43 pm

  Ive owned my Suburban for 2 years. Its a truly great vehicle for hauling the family around. The gas mileage is around 15 city/18 highway. Chevy has come along way with the Suburbans. I had to replace the A/C at 50k miles, I have a 100k warranty, so it wasnt too bad.

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  Great (big) SUV - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ptlytch07 - September 20 - 4:33 pm

  This is my third Suburban since 1999. I absolutely love this vehicle and there is nothing else on the market that comes close in terms of size and seating capacity. We have a very large family (6 kids) and they can all sit fairly comfortably, although the backseat is a tight fit for teenagers. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and this vehicle is great for long trips. The fuel economy is terrible, but what do you expect from something of this size and weight? My only complaint is that Chevrolet went really cheap in order to save money and took out little amenities like a glove box light and an engine light to make more profit.

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  Great Car, Great Deal - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Very Happy - September 16 - 7:48 am

  My 2007 LT is a great vehicle. Solid, quiet, very comfortable to drive, all sorts of great bells and whistles. Have made several multi-hour drives on both highway and local roads and havent gotten the normal long trip fatigue. Mileage is improving with each long trip. Love the interior finishes in the charcoal color.

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  Suburbans and mileage / ethenol gas - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Chuck Maricle - September 15 - 11:56 am

  I have had a 2000, 2003 and now 2007 Suburban. Its like a Harley and motorcycles, everything else is not a Suburban. Regarding mileage, in Houston we have Ethenol for 1/2 the year which kills mileage to 12 or so. When I can get non-ethenol gas, it goes up to almost 19+ highway.

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  Looking, But Nothing Comes Close. Love It - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SiasSr - September 14 - 1:39 pm

  Every now and then I get the urge to buy something smaller, more fuel efficient, and newer, but then I read all the horror stories about crappy engines, failed transmissions and nightmare dealer service and I thank God for my Suburban. Ive had this truck since 03/2001, and it has been nothing but awesome. I have fixed a couple of leaks, the door hinges, replaced radiator, and replaced the water pump in nearly 6 years. Reliable, strong, and comfortable are trademarks of this truck. MPG isnt great, but who buys a Suburban for MPG. Drop your foot and hold on. You cant kill this truck. I love it.