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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  good to go - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By brama howard - May 8 - 2:00 am

  this is one great vehicle, big for the whole family, ride great on highway, fun to be in in city, gas miles ok, nothing to write home about, but this suv handle like my caddy, after getting this suv i trade my 2003 caddy, wife love it. every man need one, i fish with it, go to ball game, and att: business meeting, it all round. everyone must drive.

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  jeffs opinion - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jl johnson - May 8 - 2:00 am

  We have always wanted a Suburban and could not afford one. I think they are a bit too pricey. We have not had ours long enough to give it a fair ratiing. We have no complaints. We are still learning a few of the little features. It drives nice and is comfortable. We love the room. We have five children 3 are nearly grown.

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  2004 Suburban 2500 - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bert11 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because I tow a travel trailer and my Expree 1500 wasnt cutting the mustard. This baby trailers with no problems. Rock solid and powerful, the 2500 with the 6L V8 is great!

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  Poor Dealer support - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By minnesotaoldie - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Factor recall resulted in a false alarm and damage to my vehicle

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  Ultimate family hauler - 4wd diesel Sub - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By 4smiths - April 29 - 2:00 am

  After 20 months and 24,000 miles, my wife loves this truck for its overall capability and family friendliness. Gets 18mpg @ 75 mph cruising, and 15mpg in strictly around-town driving. The 6.5L turbodiesel is a remarkable powerplant for a full-size SUV, and the 4L-80E transmission is simply outstanding in every way. Surprisingly good handler for such a huge rig, although it will never fool a driver into thinking that its a sports car!

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  This is my Fourth Suburban! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Annette Watkins - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Having owned Chevy Suburbans since the 80s I tried to scale back to a large Car (Lincoln Continental) year I had to come back to a Suburban. There is no other vehicle out there that gives me as much for my money as Chevy does. Whether I have it full of family and friends or lumber, no other vehicle gives me such comfort, style and versitality.

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  Very good car...when parked. - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kody - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 Chevy Suburban only a year ago. The previous owner has all service records and apparently kept the vehicle on the recommended maintenance schedule. Unlike some reviewers have posted, I have not run into many major mechanical problems. However, I am going to complain about the countless rattles, squeaks and thumps. The build quality of this vehicle may be the worst I have ever come across (and I have owned many different cars). The new Suburbans appear to be more solid than the pre 2000 models but this car may prevent me from ever buying GM again.

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  the suburban stinks - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kellie - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my suburban.... from the breaks squeaking (which was never resolved, gmacs answer to that was sorry, its just how the mettallic break pads work - theres nothing we can do), to fluid leaks (steering and air conditioning)to having the seats warped- all within only two years of owning it! I will never purchase a chevy again and I suggest you dont either - at least not the suburban

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  awesome power - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JVICTOR - April 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS OUR THIRD SUBURBAN AND THEY KEEP GETTING BETTER.HAVE THE BIG BLOCK 8100 (3.73gearing)AND LOVE THE POWER FOR TOWING A BIG TRAILER AND EVERYDAY DRIVING.

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  Great SUV! - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rig - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Suburban in 2003 and have been driving it for a year. This has been the best car/truck/suv I have ever owned. The engine is powerful and responsive, the brakes are very good and the AC/Heater is fantastic. After test driving a Tahoe and sitting in the back seat, the Suburban was hands down the best Suv if you haul more than 5 people. Have had no problems in the year we have owned it.