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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  Great Family Truckster - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By sub-lover - January 3 - 11:15 pm

  Great car for the family. Good power. My wife thought it would be hard to drive, but quickly fell in love with it. She really doesnt have any trouble parking or driving it. Tows my boat very well too!

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  The most unreliable vehicle... - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By whitt - January 3 - 9:28 pm

  I have owned many General Motors vehicles in the past and have had better than average results. I purchased the Suburban for the seating capacity and the towing capability. It is a very comfortable vehicle and pulls very well. Thats the good part. To make a long story short, this truck has been in the shop 12 times in less than 2 years for various items. Some examples are 3x for replacment of steering linkage, 4x for air conditioner repair, and the latest (for which GM will lose my lifetime business) the rearend differential went out. For those not familiar with trucks, this is a part that just doesnt break. (The dealer even said so) Still GM refused to fix. Im now looking at Nissan.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JR - January 1 - 9:30 pm

  This Z71 is our first Suburban and everything has been fantastic. 23K miles so far and not a single problem! We tow a large boat and its up to the task. Gas mileage is same as my 1995 Grand Cherokee 6cyl (combined 13.5 mpg), but highway is around 18- 19. No complaints at all - its a first class ride.

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  The best truck in the world - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By London - January 1 - 12:41 pm

  I am disabled and have difficulty moving around. Our Suburban is the only vehicle that I can comfortably enter and exit without assistance. The cargo area is large enough to accommodate my wheelchair, in addition to weekly groceries for our family of 4. Recently after a day of shopping, we were called to the assistance of some friends that were stranded. Our family and our groceries were in the truck, yet we were able to pick up the couple from their vehicle, along with items from their car, and everyone was comfortable. Amazing!

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  Chevy Burb best large SUV on the road! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mark - December 30 - 12:44 pm

  Ive had many Chevy Suburbans and they just keep getting better! Anyone who rides with me is impressed with the quality of the ride and all the features loaded into the cabin. Front and reat heat & A/C makes it easy to keep everyone comfortable. The turning radius is still best in class, with no other vehicle able to turn inside the tight distance it can (Ford cant do it with an Explorer, let alone the Excursion!) Off road, it goes places Ive taken much smaller 4X4s and gets me back too, not that most owners will ever see backwoods with their Suburbans. Towing is fantastic, with ability to haul just about anything a person could ever need (or want to). Boats, trailers, & even skid steers!

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  Evas review - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By eva - December 28 - 12:28 am

  Our 93 Suburban has 198,000 miles we had no major breakdowns or problems with it. It still runs like the day we got it more than 10 years ago. At that time there was no rear heat or A/C so it gets somewhat cold back there, but everything else is just great. Very dependable SUV. I do not fly in planes so we have traveled for many hours to Canada, Texas, Florida and other states. This model is also heavier than the newer ones which makes it safer. Everytime we go to dealer to buy a new one we change our minds because of the way the older one is build. Solid, Reliable.

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  Good Truck Minor Flaw(s) - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By onefast6 - December 27 - 4:23 pm

  Heated seat only warm in the middle not on outside near legs or upper back. Spare tire very difficult to access along with jack. Only 4 speakers. Plenty of power, room and ride great.

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  Mechanical disaster - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By B.C.U. - December 18 - 12:42 pm

  The nickname for our 96 2WD is old leaky. We are the original owners and it now has 110K miles. It looks good and runs good except for when it is in the shop--which is often. No embellishing, here is the run down. Four alternators, one water pump, one A/C compressor ($1000), multiple A/C leaks, intake manifold gasket ($800), power steering leak, multiple coolant leaks from network of connections on the heater core hoses, multiple instances of coolant leaks from quick connectors, multiple brake refits (every 12K miles). The tranmission gave up the ghost at 70K miles ($2600) and most recently a significant oil leak from the timing chain cover ($400).

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  Most reliable SUVon market - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dylan - December 17 - 12:19 am

  I have 63,488 miles on my Suburban, and I only had it at the dealer 2 times, for tire rotation and oil changes. Never failed to start up in the -20 degree temperatures in the morning. Definently a best buy

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  Chevy Suburban 1500 4WD - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Karen - December 12 - 11:31 am

  This truck is the ultimate in performance and comfort. Its great for long road trips, being able to accommodate passengers comfortably and carry a huge amount of cargo. The optional 4WD allows you to go virtually anywhere. The dash board is set up for easy use and it includes creature comforts such as CD player and cassette player. Leather seats make for easy clean up in case of spills. The head room and leg room are generous, allowing even the tallest person to sit in the second row without being cramped. Rear A/C controls let everyone be comfortable. The ride is smooth and the truck is easy to drive on the open road.