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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  Suburban LT - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By wpayne - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Picked up last week of October. Break in milegage (under 60) was 21.5 mpg. Mileage drops off over 60. Comfort is great, as well as roominess.

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  Great for its size - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By skudrunner - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 LS new in 1998 for business reasons. Now has 138000 miles and still runs strong. Have replaced normal wear items and starter 3 times, blower control, manifold gasket. Service trans every 50k and use synthetic oil change every 5k. It rattles over bumps but not to bad, mileage between 15-17 and requires a mortgage to fill up when empty but will go 600 miles on a tank. Great on the hwy and not bad around town. Would buy another one if I needed the size, which I dont, and will go with a Honda Pilot when this one wears out.

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  ? - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Richie Beard - October 24 - 2:00 am

  i love the chevrolet suburban because it is a nice luxirous car and fun to drive and fun to have. i only to plan to buy suburbans for the rest of my life.

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  2003 SUBURBAN SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSION - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Randy Butcher - October 23 - 3:26 pm

  Southern Comfort advertised this conversion as the "Ultimate". I agree. I have 197,000 miles on this Suburban and feel I could get another 190,000 miles out of it. I wax the car every 9 months with Maguiers Carnauba Wax and the Suburban looks nearly new. The ride is superb. Only average 13 MPG. I traveled for a living before I retired and put 130,000 miles on the road. The Suburban is absolutely beautiful. I purchased the Conversion from Moritz Chevrolet in Ft. Worth and their service was tremendous. They dont make conversions like this Suburban any more.

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  Very Unreliable - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Todd P. - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought w/ 50,000 miles from private seller and had all maintenance records from the dealership where purchased. At 73,000 miles had intake replaced by dealer and at 75,000 had to have engine replaced. During this time have had to replace ALL automatic door locks, rear light, emissions sensor, and rear door catch. This has been a money pit since purchased. I love the room but the quality is awful. Chevrolet and the dealership refused to help on the engine even after a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am trading for a Toyota tomorrow and will never own a GM product again. Good luck to anyone who purchases one of these vehicles.

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  Great family truck - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By dwkkmk2 - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I had looked at the Ford Expidition, as well as the Excursion. The ride and creature comforts on the GM won hands down. The Autoride rides like a Cadillac Limo, The DVD is great for the back seat crew, and the bose speakers w/xm is spectacular sounding. Onstar assures quick emergancy response where ever you are.

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  Family Ride - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Miller4 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We replaced a GM Family Minivan with Suburban. Comfort, room, performance and ride exceptional. Safety of Family offsets the decrease in Fuel Economy. Wife and Kids love it, Dad wishes he could drive it more.

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  Chevy Subruban a Big Winner in our home. - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mr_zuzu - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our second suburban...first weve purchased "new." The internet manager at the dealer was great and we love the new 2004 suburban. We got the LT package with Onstar and XM radio. In addition, we added the DVD/sunroof package as well as the locking diff and skid plates. I got to drive the vehicle for about 300 miles from the dealership to our home both in traffic, 4 lane highway, and twisty-turny northern california mountain roads. it handles beautifully. This 04 drives much better than our 02. All the "gadget stuff" is awesome...but for over 40k one would expect it to be. Great ride, room for all our kids, pleanty of power, and all the gizmos that make driving fun!

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  Love my Suburban - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bunny H. - October 9 - 2:00 am

  As a mother of three, I absolutely love this vehicle. I have owned a Dodge Caravan and Ford Explorer before I bought the Chevy. The kids love all the breathing room and so do I. It may be an expensive purchase, but I can see myself very content with it in the years to come. It may not be considered a luxury SUV, but I would beg to differ!

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  It works for me! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By David Dunlop - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This my third Suburban and will not be my last. We do a lot of traveling, and this is the ideal car for us. It is comfortable, safe, economical for its size, and caries all the "junk" we want for our travels. I would and have recommended it to many people.