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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  Our 4th Chevrolet Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Kelsey55 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our 4th Chevy Suburban. The first time we bought a Suburban I was total against buying it. It looked huge compared to my station wagon. And I didnt want to drive it. Well that fear didnt last long ha ha. As I have been the main driver of all our suburbans. Our first two suburban was used to take our(3)kids and their sporting equipment to games, haul our travel trailer & boat. As we do a lot of family things. All our suburbans handled well on and off the road. Two of our suburbans had over two hundred and fifty thousand miles on them when we sold them. We have never had any serious problems with any of our suburbans. No kids home but still buy suburban

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  Good but not Great - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By davey753 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Just the right size for my needs, and fun to drive. Mine has a custom interior (made by an aftermarket company), so the aftermarket add ons are great but the factory GM parts are cheap plastic. Very nice vehicle, but it can in NO way compare to a Navigator the Suburban isnt even in the same league.

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  best of the big ones - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By taxi mommy - September 29 - 2:00 am

  after riding in a few i went with the suburban and love it, will buy another within 2 years! gas mileage is 19 on trips, what more could you ask for

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  I love my truck! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Truckin in Chicago - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Suburban Z71 when I had my third child. I needed a comfortable 3rd row plus cargo space. I was a bit apprehensive about maneuvering a big SUV after owning a Blazer, but it was no problem. I love the size, the styling and the comfort. The Z71 add ons make it even better looking. I have been thoroughly happy with my truck and would highly recommend it!

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  Not Bad - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By purgetank - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I didnt intend to purchase this vehicle but after a test drive I was sold. The only disappointment was the front end which killed my first set of tires within 20000 miles. After that scene Ive been able to really enjoy my Suburban.

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  2001 Chevrolet Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mschmehl - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great truck for hauling the family and my 30ft travel trailer. Love the standard and optional equipment and the build quality.

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  Good Value - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Fred Red - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned for 7 years - hardly any problems except one bad alternator. Excellent value, huge capacity, dependable performance. One of the better cars I have owned.

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  Suburban2004 - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By skeyebum - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Fully loaded this vehicle handles exceptionaly well and acceleration was beyond any expectation I had. Climate control and auxilary system for second and third row are very effective. The latch system for car seats would be nice if it were on all or at least four seats instead of just two, one of which has to go down for access to the third row. XM worth the added cost, On Star over priced, the first year was included but I dont see continuing it. Overall we have been very satisfied and cant imagine another vehicle matching our needs this well.

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  Runs Fine / Does what it is supposed to. - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By gjg - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I needed a large vehicle that had space to carry a large load and could pull a trailer. The Suburban worked out just fine - no problems, strong motor, very reliable, decent ride for a large SUV and pretty good handling.

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  Freds Pick - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By OP - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Great all around SUV- Family loves it and for a 64" man it beats all