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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  Happy so far! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By PA - December 11 - 8:42 pm

  Purchased it two months ago. Great ride going from 1999 Dodge Durango and great handling. Loaded with features in comparison, but way more expensive. Wondered if wife who usually drove minivan would like it, but now she wont give it back. Kids love the ride and the back seat room. Tested Ford Explorer and Toyota Sequoia but found cargo space and price value better with Chevrolet.

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  Great SUV! - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By cf - December 8 - 6:33 pm

  Have put over 140,000 miles on this SUV and it is going strong. Have had no major issues mechanically. Very dependable and functional.

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  1500 Z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By hiteq - December 7 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this Suburban w/ the Z71 option for my wife. I believe it has everything except for the Nav System. It is an exceptional truck. We have a little less than 2000 miles in 5 weeks. The ride quality is sound, the power good, and features excellent. This is a VERY nice vehicle. Its comfort levels are excellent, and the kids love it. My teenage son can sit in the 3rd road seat while his little sisted occupy the middle row. He can work on his PC, listen to his music, etc. w/o being bothered. The girls can be in the middle and watch a DVD on the entertainment system (wireless earphones.) Mom and/or Dad can be in the front and listen to CDs or the XM radio (wife loves this feature).

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  A blast to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By render77 - November 30 - 1:58 am

  OK I cheated... I rented one from Enterprise on a recent trip. But this car just blew me away. I started measuring the garage the day we got back to see if one would fit (answer: barely). The sheer power of the vehicle is impressive, especially given its massive size. It was surprisingly easy to control though, and responded very well, even in 60mph crosswinds. "Vague steering" the reviewer said? NO WAY! Responsivenes is almost snappy for a car this size. Interior is perfect blend of comfort and utility, perfect for a working car. Controls are EVERYWHERE but if you relax and think "where should the so-and-so button be", then that tends to be right where they put it.

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  Hooked - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MGVasquez - November 16 - 1:28 am

  With more room than anybody knows what to do with, I have to say that the Marine Corps appreciates this vehicle a lot. With space for 8 Marines plus cargo, I can get my entire shop to the airstrip with ease. Cross country trips are a breeze, and the entertainment system helps keep the kids at ease. No major problems have occured, only a new battery at 77,000. And a minor A/C leak in a metal fitting that I patched for $3.00 And if you do buy any vehicle of this type I highly recommend buying bosch 4 prong platinum spark plugs that can raise gas mileage by up to 7 mpg.

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  Great Veicle - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ben Barlow - November 11 - 10:58 pm

  We love our suburban. Would not trade it for anything. We have had many different style SUV over the years all the way back to 1985 Ford Bronco.

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  EXCELLENT BUY!! I LOVE IT! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jpotter - November 11 - 9:44 am

  I absolutely adore this car! My husband bought a 2005 for me this past August. The only complaint I have is that one of the seat belts jammed up on us and we had to take it back under warranty to have fixed. But over all, I love the feel, the drive, the comfort and everything about this car! Gas mileage is not all that great, but anyone that buys a big truck like that already knows and shouldnt be surprised.

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  stinco - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By stinco - November 7 - 4:14 pm

  excellent value--american built by an american owned car company--cargo space superior--handles very well.

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  Suburban review - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Howsand - November 7 - 4:02 pm

  1/2 ton GM vehicles have headlight problems with poor bulbs. Free fix though, under warranty. More power and better gas mileage would be nice, however both are satisfactory. More white letter tires would be an improvement. Great overall vehicle. They should never downsize it.

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  Burbans are Real SUVs - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By tom sexton - November 6 - 2:04 pm

  Our present burban is our second new one in three yrs.1st a 01 3/4T 496" to replace a 3/4T 88 chv 12pas van. It could haul anything you can hook to it, and ride better than most cars if you need a truck in car clothes, the 3/4s are the one for you including when you want a fancy date nite rig for full size adults who value easy entry/exit and ALL SEAT comfort. Our newest is the 1/2T w/5.3 V8. We didnt need the 3/4 model now, and the 1/2T rides the same with all the space and room which we use often. The 5.3 V8 has all the steam most people will ever need and then some, with a surprising power curve, and yet will get 17.5-19 mpg hiway once its well broken in using syn mtr oil. A GREAT CAR