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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Fuel System Vapor Locks - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By Not a GM Fan - July 31 - 7:18 pmWe bought the vehicle to tow our 8000lb camper. It tows the vehicle very well, however, it has died on us three times. Each time, were headed up I-70 west of Denver in 95 degree heat towing the camper. The fuel system vapor locks. Chevrolet keeps replacing the fuel pump, but the fuel pump obviously isnt the problem -- the vehicle is completely drivable (until placed in the aforementioned conditions). If it happens one more time (and we fully expect it will), the state of Colorado will officially consider it a lemon and hopefully well get our money back.
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01 Suburban Review - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By kbdelong - July 31 - 5:24 pmI have not owned it very long, but already love the vehicle. I have two grown teenaged daughters, my wife, myself and an invalid mother-in-law that is with us a great deal. The Suburban gives us all the room we need to transport everyone. We just got back from a beach vacation in the truck, and I am here to say I am furthur impressed with the load capability and comfort. Also, it gets approximately 18 mpg on the highway. I have friends that have had them for several years. and I wish I had not hesitated to finally purchase one. I will looking to purchase a new one by next year
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New Purchase, Happy - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By M.DArco - July 31 - 1:32 pmI had a 2004 Armada, 14 months old. It had brake and wheel alignment issues, and air bag issues. I traded for the Suburban. The Chevy rides better, and quieter. More like a luxury car rather then a truck. Had the Suburban as a loner for a week. fell in love with the thing and bought one.
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Good handling and comfort despite huge size - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By jmfnmln - July 31 - 12:04 pmWe stepped up from a Ford Expedition when our family grew. It was a good move! It handles very well despite its size, has good power and handling, and the interior space is great. It is very comfortable -- more so than the Expedition, and I dont find it too much more difficult to maneuver.
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SoSo - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By Rob - July 30 - 5:54 pmAfter only two years I had to replace the transmission. Very unhappy about this. Warranty covered transmission but had to pay for three days of a rental car and towing expenses. Dont think I will purchase another.
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Super - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By harold - July 30 - 12:32 amThis is one of the easiest SUVs to drive, even in reverse and when parking. It feels like a good expensive sedan. Not bouncy nor tight like other "large" SUVs. Except for the gas expense and the outside mirrors that do not fold by themselves, I think this is a super car.
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99 Chevy Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By frank - July 29 - 12:50 pmWe did a lot of shopping around, and we love our Suburban, no turning back. Great vehicle for the family and nice to drive. Yes it likes gas, but we find it pretty good as we had a truck before this. The room is worth every penny1
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Love My Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By Cathie - July 25 - 10:09 pmVery nice looking truck. Very comfortable. The kids love the DVD player (Playstation may be used) The ride is great, and I feel very safe! I had a Suburban before, and we got rearended. Te only thing that saved the backseat people was the size of the truck. Hit at 50 miles an hour sitting at a stop light . This truck saved us. I love this truck and will always own one.
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#2 and Lovin It! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By Laser - July 24 - 5:54 pmThis is our second Suburban. We traded our 2001 for it. We have a family of 6 and it will make a great traveling companion. Many great improvments from the 2001 to the 2005. The brakes are much better than the 2001.
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First time suburban owner - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By BTZN - July 20 - 1:46 pmWe have owned our first Suburban for a few months (Z71 - RWD). Previously owned various minivans and outgrew the interior space. Needed something with power to pull a boat. First impression is that it is an excellent vehicle (but talk to me in 100,000 miles). Mileage leaves something to be desired, but you know that going in. My only complaint is the placement of the DVD system. When the screen is down it is right in the line of sight of the rearview mirror and is very distracting. DVD is also fed from the second row of the vehicle. In our minivans the DVD was controlled from the front. It is certainly not enough to warrant a red mark on an excellent vehicle, just an FYI.
