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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  Mine has been good to me - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bulletproof Burban - May 11 - 10:39 pm

  I like mine, it has been a reliable companion. I have had to replace wear items, but nothing unusual, and it has never left me stranded in 6 years and 110K miles. I have no complaints about its reliability, and I am a Toyota salesman! Been off road way more than the average Suburban, and never broke down or got stuck. It has been coast to coast, and gets 21- 24 highway. Worst highway mileage I ever got was 19 MPG before I had it tuned up. I will get another of this generation, a Gold 1999, when I return to living in the mountains. They are easy to maintain yourself. I only have used my 97 off road and in the winter, but I bet I could put a million miles on one.

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  Unsatisfied-2nd Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jstetzer - May 2 - 7:18 pm

  Multiple costly repairs between 37,000 and 42,000 miles on items I never expected to be problems -fuel sending unit ($800.00), a seatbelt ($200.00), 4WD switch ($200.00), window motor ($200.00). Yes I contacted GM, was patronized and then told they would not cover any of the repairs-the truck was out of warranty by mileage, but only 2.5 years old. It is my 2nd Suburban in 5 years. I guess the first one wasnt "just a lemon".

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  2003 Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mj173 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great choice! went with the 03 Z71 after a Chevy WB Venture. I we took a black one on the lot over a white. Only things missing were the heated seats:( It had the sunroof so we had the dealer install the DVD right behind it, no problems. Room for 7 with the second row buckets. Once put 15 sheets of drywall in the back and only folded the seats down! We did not get much snow this year so I might have tio ry to find some mud!!

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  Excellent Family Value - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Kevin - April 7 - 10:58 am

  This has to be the best Family value out there. It has everything we need. Gas mileage is bad but the rest of the truck makes up for that. Most importantly is the safety and comfort. I have the 8.1L engine and the truck feels like a race car. I tow a camper and a boat so the engine is a plus. Would have been a good idea to put a diesel in it.

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  1995 K1500 Chevy Suburban XL - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tom T - April 5 - 10:37 pm

  I will buy from a GM dealer next time versus private party. The money I saved from buying from an individual versus the dealer was what I had to pay for repairs/maintence. This full size SUV provides the cargo and passenger space while providing towing capability. The space and towing beats the Fords.

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  I love it - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Robert - March 19 - 9:58 am

  We travel a lot and it is roomy and very comfortable. I will buy another when this one is 5 yrs old (we did same) Has all features one could want in this type of vehicle.

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  Michigan Suburban - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ed - March 18 - 11:25 pm

  This is our familys second Suburban. We love it. We recently had to rent a smaller SUV and there really is no comparison. The ride and the handling of the larger SUV is superior

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  Bad Choice - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By sweets - March 18 - 9:53 pm

  The Suburban has very poor inteior, every electronic component breaks. Dealer does not know why preset functions fail, mirrors do not work. Definitly buy Toyota for the price, unless you pay 21K like I did its not worth it. I guess they say you get what you pay for. No wonder GM is struggling.

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  My big black Burb - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By bob - March 13 - 2:46 pm

  Great truck, last year of the 42 gallon tankers, made 600 nonstop miles on a topped off tank 2 times! Pulls anything, runs mud well with good rubber, good clearance. Cruises the highway effortlessly at 80, and really smooths out those 3/4 ton shocks. Holds 7 adults, or with the 3rd seat out, 4 and gear for a week of hunting in Canada. Havent had that 3rd seat in but about 5 times in almost 6yrs. Maintenance has been very good- besides normal service, only 2 batteries, 1 starter, 1 fuel pump,and a bad transmission filter. I will drive this beast till it dies or till I cannot afford the gas, and it will go much higher than it is now before I give in. Only hope I can afford another new one when it goes

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  Great truck - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By NC driver - March 11 - 10:06 pm

  Owned minivans for 7 years prior to purchasing our first SUV. We needed something large enough for our 2 kids, dog and all our luggage. The Suburban was the logical choice. Plesantly surprised by the engine power and comfort. This truck can really get going when you punch the accelerator. Fuel economy is the only flaw, but you know that going in to the purchase. I think I will always have a Suburban. I wish my wife would let me get my own but we dont need two.