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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  4-wheel Steering is Great! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By amerigo88 - February 7 - 1:37 am

  Had the 3/4 ton for 9 months now. Wanted 6.0 liter so ended up with 4-wheel steering and all the toys. Its been great driving all over the Southwest, towing a 6,000 lb trailer and three children. Leather, heated seats, DVD panel for children, 4.1 ratio on rearr axle for towing its all good. One complaint is the third row gets jarred when crossing speed bumps. Must be that heavy duty, solid rear axle. WARNING: Take a few weeks to get used to 4-wheel steering, especially before towing. Had an unfortunate accident caused by unfamiliarity. I turned front wheels left, rears went right and shoved trailer into telephone pole while "helping" me turn out faster. $1500

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  I love my Suburban - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By TiggrHoo - February 6 - 3:26 pm

  I like the room I have. I like the features that were available to me. It took me a little bit to get used to the size and know where my boundaries were, but I love it. We had plenty of room when the five of us moved from FL to DC...everyone enjoyed the ride!

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  95 Suburban - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By OC1Dave - February 3 - 3:09 pm

  This vehicle has been truly outstanding. It does anything I ask of it, tow, travel, off road, commute, and does it in comfort, style and gets 20+ mph on trips. Repairs have been minimal, it burns no oil at 160,000 and I will replace it with another.

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  Safe Truck To Drive - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cynthia - January 25 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my 91 Suburban for four years now and I still love it! I come out to the parking lot and there is my black & blue monster truck - his name is Bruiser. He keeps me warm at night, he waits for me no matter how late I am, and he keeps me safe. No one is ever going to hurt me again in this big truck. And there is so much room - whether I am hauling kids or a washing machine. Long interstate drives are a pleasure, and I have slept in the back while camping. If you want a safe vehicle to carry your family in, I sugges

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  Safe Truck To Drive - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cynthia - January 25 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my 91 Suburban for four years now and I still love it! I come out to the parking lot and there is my black & blue monster truck - his name is Bruiser. He keeps me warm at night, he waits for me no matter how late I am, and he keeps me safe. No one is ever going to hurt me again in this big truck. And there is so much room - whether I am hauling kids or a washing machine. Long interstate drives are a pleasure, and I have slept in the back while camping. If you want a safe vehicle to carry your family in, I sugges

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  2004 Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jeff Carrington - January 16 - 12:52 am

  Great vehicle for the family. Great vehicle for family vacation. We drove 4000 miles this summer without a hitch.

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  Z-71 Surburban --Exceptional - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By John Morrow - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, the most functional vehicle I have ever owned. In fact, we liked it so much, 3 days after purchasing this vehicle, we purchased another one exctly like it for my wife.

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  Suburban Review - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By S. Hottle - January 5 - 10:34 pm

  This is the 2nd Suburban that I have owned. I have also owned Chevy Tahoes (which are great vehicles also.) I like the cargo room that the Suburban offers. I have kids and dogs, so the Suburban allows us to travel very comfortably on trips towing a travel trailer. My commute to work is only about 5 miles, so fuel economy is not high on my priority list.

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  Best of All - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By canted3 - January 5 - 7:40 pm

  The Z-71 sub is the best suv we have ever owned, could not think of owning any other brand. Service from the dealer is also outstanding.

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  Love my Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Marilyn - January 5 - 5:17 pm

  It holds my family and all the musical equipment very comfortably. With a double base and an electric guitar player, we need all the room we can get. I love driving the Suburban and parking has not been a problem in any way. The comfort and control I have with this vehicle is remarkable.