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 - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Thurman - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Best in Class. This SUV does everyting I ask of it and more. If youre in the market for a full size SUV, this is the BIG DOG !!

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  My Burb - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jerryditty - August 30 - 2:00 am

  It is the best towing truck I have ever had.

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  Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dave Weinstein - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Really not bad fuel mileage for a large 4WD Sport Utility (~18 MPG Highway)

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  My 2001 Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By John N. Ottey - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 Suburban has a powerful 5.3 L V8 and on the highway I get 19.5 MPG. I chose a two wheel drive model for better fuel economy, lower cost, less chance of mechanical failure, and because I dont need four wheel drive. I plan on keeping it for 250K miles. If I thought Id resell it after a couple of years I probably would have chosen a four wheel drive model since resale would be easier. I love this truck. It is roomy inside and comfortable for my family. I have four children who all enjoy riding in it, and I dont have to worry about them out-growing it. It has a front bench seat (that I insisted on) and a third row seat with fairly easy access, and

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  SUV of the Year - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Lovin the NW - August 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned 3 Suburbans and we love them. Our last one was totalled last week (a car pulled out in front of us while we were going 60+mph) The car handled beautiful. After a head on collision with another car we just wouldnt have any other vehicle. Besides we have 4 kids and need the space. We did have to put a transmission in our 2nd one HINT: Have them put a shift kit in.

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  SUV of the Year - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Elgast - August 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned 3 Suburban and we love them. Our last one was totalled last week (a car pulled out in front of us while we were going 60+mph) The car handled beautiful. After a head on collision with another car we just wouldnt have any other vehicle. Besides we have 4 kids and need the space.

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  suburban lover - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By trapper - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive. Great fun to drive. We travel alot and it is very confortable. Has all thew options that make it a pleasure to spend hours in on the road. Very comfortable for big people ( over 64" and 20). Not our first suburban and wont be our last.

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  We dumped it! - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By chbeyer - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Our suburban had numerous quality problems. We paid 38K for it and the left door (back seat) squeaked for the entire time we owned the vehicle. The dealer couldnt fix it. The power window on the drivers side went out. An incredibly overrated poor quality vehicle.

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  My First SUV by Jorge Gonzalez - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jagonzo - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The most powerful vehicle I ever owned had a 118 horsepower engine. My Z71 has almost 300! Its beautiful and has a smooth ride. It gets lousy mileage but I only work 4 miles from work.

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  Family Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By wardsmall - August 14 - 2:00 am

  The 1st night I came in with the new Family/Business wheels the kids spent the 1st hour in silence with the wireless headphones on and watching a new DVD in the SUV.Within an hour we were on the road for a few days in the mountains. It is smooth and comfortable ride. We climbed the Montains in NC and the SUV did great in handeling and hauling us and an additional family of 4 - we all had space and loved the ride. I have owned the SUV almost a month now and still love all the new features I keep finding. Wish gas was less in cost - I have average 13.8 so far - It lacks screenan global mapping but I have a button that is just a push away for all my needs.