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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  Love this ride. - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Coleary - June 7 - 10:34 pm

  Owned two Expeditions and a minivan before Suburban. Gets better gas than them, 21/16. Rides smoothly, tight turns, handles beautifully, has plenty of power, loaded w/bells and whistles my Expeditions never offered.

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  Transfer Case and Transmission replaced - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By NNN from DC - May 28 - 9:30 am

  After driving 87,000 freeway miles in 3 years, the transfer case and transmission went out at the same time. So much for being built to last. Not certain if I will ever buy American again as our qualilty can not compete!

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  Satisfied owner - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By steve - May 26 - 4:33 pm

  Vehicle has been completely trouble free for 100,000 miles. Very solid and stable at high speeds has held up real well as a vehicle used for kids sports and to towing my boat. I will be buying a new one in the fall. Just the most vehicle for the money in the market.

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  Bring back the Diesel! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dave Tulka - May 22 - 8:17 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Suburban in April 06 after 25 years and 300K+ miles of Honda Accords. The Suburban is almost a dream come true. The LT3 interior, automatic seating (with unreal adjustments), automatic mirrors, high ride in traffic and space make this an unbelieveable vehicle. I sat in the third seat and was comfortable. The short turning radius continues to amaze me. The five of us will be taking some family trips this summer with our camping gear and luggage securely in the back. This is a wonderful truck to drive. The comfort and quiet of the interior were really nice on the 800 mile trip we took right after we bought it.

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  Suburban does it again - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Juan Salas - May 19 - 2:00 am

  About two years ago I sold my 1997 Suburban. I thought I would never find another vehicle like my 1997 Suburban. Boy, I was wrong. When I took delivery of my 2003 LT 2WD Suburban I was really impressed by the smoothness and the handling of this mamoth. I am really happy as well as my family to have purchased this King of the road. Long live the Suburban!

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  Swithched back to 2007 Suburban - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Brandon S. - May 15 - 3:25 pm

  This vehicle drives and handles better than any other vehicle I have owned. The new smart motor is going to be a real fuel saving plus with the cost of gas on the rise. The interior of the vehicle is comperable to any vehicle on the market. The new rack & pinion steering makes this thing handle like a sports car. All in all I would say my family will be in love with this Suburban for a long time.

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  A perfect SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Trina - May 10 - 3:44 pm

  I really have to say that this SUV is wonderful. The heated seats, navigation and back up sensors (dealer installed) are wonderful. It is roomy and the DVD keeps my children quiet which is Priceless. The vehicle is a smoother one than my previous Expedition. The take off is much quicker and the seats are very comfortable. I would tell anyone with kids to buy this if you want peace of mind. The on star is a added security feature I cannot imagine being without.

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  So far so good - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By OtotheG - May 4 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this vehicle used and so far the family loves it. It had almost 100k when I bought it and have no problems as of yet. Weve only had the SUV for about 8 months but have had no problems. It hates cheap gas, runs badly, but with Chevron gas no problems. The gas mileage isnt so bad considering its a huge vehicle. We tend to drive on road trips 5 hours plus per trip and its great having all that room. We fit everything in there. 2 car seats, baggage for 5 people (2 adults & 3 kids, stroller, infent bed, golf bag, toys and a couple loose things. Do your homework, test drive, haggle and carfax. Good luck.

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  Favorite Hand-Me-Down - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By luke - May 3 - 11:55 pm

  Got my license and wasnt looking forward to driving "the beast". After about 3 weeks, it grew on me. Its been the greatest truck ever! Gas stinks, but its got a 42 gal tank, fill it on Sunday, drive for miles.Took it mudding (2WD) and it did just fine. A slight pain in the snow, but once you get used to it, sandbags arent even needed. Performance is solid, but I could use 15-20 more horses and lb-ft each. Having front and mid bench is awesome, and having the back open is even better. Rides great on long trips so well Ive gone to pick up friends 150 miles away at school just to drive it long distance. Overall Id glad I was given it, and have no plans to get rid of it anytime soon, even with 160k on it!

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  2002 LT - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Alan - April 27 - 6:20 pm

  We bought the vehicle because of 4 kids and needed more legroom than our GMC Safari. Kids never complain about legroom (even with 2 teenagers). The vehicle is great on long trips. It is a very comfortable ride. We have not really had any mechanical issues, but have had the radio system replaced once (the digital clock kept resetting to 1:00) but the dealer was great about the warranty work. I like the 4- wheel ABS and OnStar.