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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  Would love to love this SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By k. - December 1 - 12:09 pm

  We purchased out 2005 Suburban in Sept. and I loved it! But 2 weeks later a freeze plug in the engine compartment started to leak. We have had it to 2 different dealerships 4 times now and its still not fixed, its leaking and smells of antifreeze. It had 12,000 miles on it when we bought it and yes it is still under certified warranty,but this is still very annoying. I really liked this suv, but all this running to the dealership is making me wonder if I made a mistake trading in my Honda for a Chevrolet seeing that no one seems to be able to solve this problem and my Honda was so reliable.

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  Keep your mini-van - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ColoGSD - November 30 - 12:17 pm

  Z71 off-road package. Although this beast was supposed to be for my husband, its MINE! I haul the kids, 2 large dogs, camping gear, you name it, with no problem. Sure beats driving a soccer mom mini-van anyday. Its been off-road on trails that may have been better suited for a Jeep but it sure was fun. towed a 25 loaded travel trailer to the mountains and the only problem was with the trailer. I am able to park the beast in a two car garage (remember to fold IN the mirrors FIRST) and still have room for hubbys commuter car. With the 2nd row captians chairs kids and dogs have plenty of room. Steroe is adequate, vents in roof liner are most welcomed.

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  LIke it - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jay - November 14 - 10:32 pm

  I like this vehicle, I prefer a 4wd but the cost kept me out of it. I enjoy the space and the acceleration, however when hammering it the gas gauge moves quickly to empty. The vehicle is better in traffic than the reviews let on.

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  Glad I sold it before out of warranty - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shenandoah75 - November 9 - 7:14 pm

  This vehicle was built in Mexico which may be why I had so many problems when many with 1500s are happy. Had multiple electrical problems including airbag connection shorts, EBCM (brake controller) replacement, door sensors in the latches, alternator whine in stereo, door open false inmdicators. Piece of crap, but hauled our 6000lb trailer well. Any more than that and i would have wanted the big block (which i eventually got anyway to get out of this thing). For large families who two, the ride of this vehicle cant be beet. GM can certainly engineer a vehicle, they just need to build it to hold up better.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Car Owner - November 9 - 7:07 pm

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  Big Block could tow my house! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shenandoah75 - November 9 - 7:05 pm

  I had nothing but problems with an 2003 LS C2500 with the 6.0 engine - mostly electrical. Sold it just prior to going out of warranty and went with this as its replacement. GM can engineer a vehicle - they are awesome at at. But they still have quality problems no matter what theyre marketing department puts out in commercials (esp in these vehicles out of Mexico). Air Bag connectors, EBMC (brake controleer), axle seals... Were tlaking basic components here. Quality asside, the 2500 is a niche vehicle meant not for soccer moms, but for families with serious towing/hauling needs. And that it does well, the 8.1 flies even with interior filled and pulling 6000 lbs behind it.

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  Goes in snow - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By VailMtnCar - November 7 - 4:26 pm

  In 135K commercial use only repair was a window motor. Did get it stuck once also (operator-error). Rides like a dream with tons of room but still gets 17mpg. Just bought another one for the fleet. Its a lot of car for 14K in the used market.

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  King of the road - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By harry - October 27 - 6:51 pm

  This truck drives very nicely in highway crusing. My family loves it, especially for long distance travel. DVD makes trip a lot short. The size makes it feel like the king of the road. Money-cant-buy confidence knowing that my family will be safer than most other people riding in many other types of cars.

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  Just love it - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By harry - October 25 - 6:37 pm

  I bought the Z71 for the safety, size, and comfort. I have been rearended several times and as an structural engineer, I know when it comes to collision, the only thing it really matters is the size. I view the extra gas I paid as the cost of buying the life insurance for my family. For insurance, I get nothing, for Suburban, my family gets to enjoy the ride everyday. There is just nothing like driving/riding in a big truck. I love it.

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  Suburban Review - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bruce Sullivan - October 21 - 1:39 pm

  Great! I use it to haul my family and to tow a camper. Outstanding power, comfort, and extemely reliable.