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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  BEST SUV EVER! - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By TUNISIA HIGH - April 14 - 8:15 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle. I dont have any complaints. This is however a very large vehicle, therefore cannot fit into tight spaces. The ride is smooth, and I havent had any maintenance issues.

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  2004 Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By T.S. - April 10 - 9:51 am

  The vehicle has performed great. My only issue is the lack of E85 fueling stations. I get 13 mpg around town and about 20 on the highway. Before I decided to get the Z71, we test drove the LS and LT. I have to say that the Z71 was a much better ride. They were all better than the Ford Expedition I had and alot more refined.

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  220k later and keeps on ticking! - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By dean Carter - April 2 - 12:34 am

  Suburban are the best full size suv for the money. Have only had to replace the transmission at 160k and the is running strong at 210k.Bought brand new in December 2005.

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  2003 Z71 4X4 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By z71 - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  First off, not going to complain about MPG because I knew it when I bought it. 18 hwy, 14 city. 17 hwy with 6 passengers and a weeks worth of luggage. Drives great, like sitting up high. I have the Z71 package, handling is better than expected, parking is easy. We have two minivans as well, 4 kids and the Suburban is the vehicle of choice for long trips - only one that can hold all our luggage. Have the 2nd row captain chairs which makes it easier to access the third row, but not as easy as the minivans. That is the only advantage the minivans have. My wife preferred the minivan because of ease of access, but now she wants a Suburban when we replace hers, probably in 08.

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  Chevy Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By vampares - March 28 - 3:47 pm

  I drive this vehicle regularly. It is comfortable and handles well. I get 18.5 hw/15city (actual not by epa). The Bose speakers great. Same basic design as old Suburban (center console, seat fold down or come out). The body is solid, chrome bumpers, minimal use of plastic. The maintenance/service is cheap, cheap, cheap.

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  Its been good - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By its good - March 25 - 9:03 pm

  We really like our Surburban. It has all the options, and 156,000 miles to boot! For the size, the gas mileage is good. The big well (or center console) is appreciated, but it used to be bigger in 1986. The seats are exteremely comfy, a great highway car.Would appreciate a fold away in the floor 3rd row seat. We love the cargo space behind the 3rd row seat. Love the up high sitting, and it is very easy to get into. LOVE IT!

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  Converted Jeep owner - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By robert bratek - March 25 - 6:58 am

  Drives and rides like a large car. W use it instead of our car 90% of the time. If driven sensably we get 22mpg on long trips(55mph).

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  06 Suburban 4x4 LT - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By smokem - March 19 - 11:59 am

  Overall, this is a great vehicle. Obviously, people buy this car for the size and room, gas mileage is a secondary factor, if at all. (This is why I gave a "relatively" high rating on fuel economy. Our kids love to ride in the 3rd row seats, and it is very easy for them to get in and out of the 3rd row because we have the 2nd row bucket seats. The ride is smooth, quiet, and enjoyable. The interior is very nice, but the 07 is much better (dash, leather, etc.). I like the exterior body style of the 06 better than the 07. When comparing to the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, the Chevy included more sandard features. The Ford and Toyota "nickels and dimes" you with the same features.

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  Last Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By PW - March 14 - 2:53 pm

  Where to begin, probably the worst truck I ever owned. Four Wheel Drive front end was replaced, steering box of some sort replaced, speedometer cable/control, catalytic converter, battery leaked and went dead (15K miles), acid ate through the pump for the windshield washer. Tons of problems. Biggest pile of junk I have owned. Latest problem I have is it slips into 4wd, but the indicator light does not go on, happened twice. I am going back to Ford.

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  Solid Like A ROCK - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ron - March 9 - 7:10 pm

  After 10 years this truck has proved that America can build a quality truck. Other than a few brake jobs and 2 sets of tires, 1 tune up and 1 fuel pump. This truck pulled a 25ft travel trailer 1 16ft boat 1 23ft cuddy cabin boat and a duel jet ski trailer and pulled my trailer thru a muddy field after we got blind sided by a thunderstorm that washed out the dirt road. In other words this truck was worked. Wasnt only used as a suburban assault vehicle. This truck worked hard and partied twice as hard without looking like it. She still shines, no rust and she lives outside in IL winters. I will put my 10 year old truck up against any new import SUV. She will out run, out tow, and all Oot off road head on