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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  What a boat - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mark - July 31 - 6:49 pm

  I am a fairly young driver(21) and I am hard on my vehicles, previously owning a Scion xB and a Honda S2000. This domestic has truly surprised me on how reliable and amazing to drive. I have taken my truck through miles and miles of snow and on a regular basis a good 2 feet of water (Through a part of a river close to home). I have yet to have any major service, only an A/C belt and oil/fluids that I can change myself. I go on trips almost every weekend with at least 6 people each time. I love the room and with a programmer this thing is like a giant rocket.

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  Babe the blue ox - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Art Daniels - July 28 - 12:36 am

  My daughter calls it Babe because it is big and blue (like Paul Bunyans Ox). The Suburban is by far the most roomy of all other vehicles I have owned. We are a family of big people. I have three sons each over six feet tall my daughter is 59 and my wife is 511" and when we have taken road trips to Oregon and Arizona it has been very nice. It has the large 454 engine and with a few minor adjustments to the exhaust and intake I have managed to squeeze as much as 14 MPG on the highway while pulling a trailer. I know that the new trucks get much better mileage. But I just love this one so much I will most likely keep it as long as the oil reserves do not run out.

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  suburban review - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By tom t - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have 12000 miles on it now in 3 months and it has been perfect. Only problem I have had was the keyless entry had to be reprogrammed. It handles pretty well for a large SUV. Plenty of power for towing as we do have things to tow. If you need a lot of room for hauling or kids this is the vehicle. My job requires me to have a full load of cargo in this truck and I love all the room. I was headed for a tahoe and my wife talked me into the suburban and I now thank her for it.

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  DEPENDABLE - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By C C Crouch - July 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 12TH SUBURBAN I HAVE PURCHASED. I FIRST STARTED DRIVING SUBURBANS WHEN WE STARTED A FAMILY AND HAD SMALL CHILDREN. BUT AS OUR CHILDREN GREW UP AND HAD FAMILIES OF THEIR OWN I CONTINUED TO DRIVE A SUBURBAN. FOR OUR LIFESTYLE THEY ARE PERFECT AND ALWAYS VERY DEPENDABLE. AT ONE POINT BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I WERE BOTH DRIVING SUBURBANS. NOW OUR GROWN CHILDREN ARE DRIVING SUBURBANS FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

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  Love the Suburban - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By P Hughes - July 12 - 11:20 am

  The design and layout is excellent. Interior is very comfortable and exterior is sharp. It handles and accelerates very well for such a large vehicle and I actually believe we will get the EPA rated 15mpg city once the engine breaks-in thanks to the Fuel Management System. The Suburban is well worth the price paid. My only complaint is that when the DVD ordered, you get a gray roof even though we have tan interior. The DVD the headliner, the switch panels - everything above is gray and the rest of the interior is tan. The mismatch is just a bit odd.

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  Nice ride - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mike - July 9 - 11:35 pm

  Smooth ride. Interior is a very big upgrade from the 2006 models. Gas mileage is terrible. Nav and sound system are great. I would recommend.

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  Nothing but a Suburban for me - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Norma J. Francis - July 6 - 11:11 pm

  I love my Suburban because of its size & height. It was a gift from my husband after driving a luxury car for many years. He had a 2002 Suburban that we used commercially. We never had a single problem with it & it served us well. With 44,000+ miles & 2 years of constant traveling, I knew I wanted a bigger car. Namely a Suburban. He got me a 2004 as a family car and there is nothing like it. My only complaint is, it loves gasoline making short trips around town, but the highway driving is great. I never want a smaller car again. A good feeling of security.

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  Best Choice - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jwoz - July 4 - 11:32 am

  Did not expect to be driving this Z71 much but 4 roadtrips of over 1500 miles each over the last 7 months told me I made the right choice. Great looks, leather pkg is great and comfortable. Controls convenient. Fun to drive, soft with little to no noise. Used the 4WD for the 1st time while other family members spun their tires trying to climb a rock driveway. Routine dealership visits were suprisingly pleasant.

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  our seventh suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kathyz - June 15 - 10:00 am

  what can i say...our seventh suburban.. the only vehicle that could "really" handle four kids, two parents, gear... and friends. our newest, the "z" is sportier...but just as reliable.the kids are growing and we are having a difficult time scaling down. we travel a lot and the third seat has come a very long way...but why not a 3rd seat option light?!?!?..we miss the movable head rests A LOT!!

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  Beware the Chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Price - June 14 - 12:38 pm

  For 30k I was impressed. Until the fuel pump, transmission, a/c system, heater core, front end, water pump (for the 2nd time) all went out in the same month. 5 grand later my truck is running again. Come to find out this is typical for a Chevy, and all before 100k miles. Unfortunately all at once for us. I love the room, but the true cost to own sends me back to Toyota. Get it together Chevrolet, you might as well be a Ford.