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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gave up an Expedition and good choice - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By dc chief - March 31 - 2:00 amI gave up a Expedition and I think I made a wise choice.
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GREAT!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By Mary ellen - March 30 - 2:00 amThe braking system stops you very quickly. I was very impressed when I had to stop very quickly on the interstate to avoid another truck that lost his trailer and the car in front of me started skidding and I had to stop dead to avoid a collision.
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Great Value, Sharp... - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By Dave Landry - March 28 - 2:00 amMy 3rd Suburban....so you get the point. Great family hauler, handsome design (exterior), nice options / extras..like DVD & Roof Combo - finally! Nice lines, excellent power...fun to drive. 2nd Row Buckets a plus!
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All I Wanted - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By gmo - March 26 - 2:00 amGreat power/ Towing and plently or room.
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First Time burb - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By burb lover - March 23 - 2:00 amWOW, What a ride! Upgraded from an Explorer for the room but, got a whole lot more. I love this vehicle. The XM and Bosesound is incredible for a truck. The kids love the room and the DVD sytem in the back and with the wireless headsets we are all happy!!
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Good Choice - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By crazybin - March 19 - 10:00 amThe Suburban handles like a car. After driving many of the other full size SUVs, we were pleasantly suprised to come across the Suburban. The roomy interior and room in the back makes all the difference for large families.
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Big beauty - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By Burbia - March 17 - 2:00 amFirst real truck Ive owned. No comparison to my Ford Windstar. Good power, very comfortable, and not bad on gas considering size of truck and engine. Rides smoother than a Lincoln. NICE RIDE
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First and last Sub for me - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By mr steve - March 16 - 2:00 amOn the positive side this SUV has good power and tows fairly well but upkeep is getting expensive. At 60k miles replaced rearend (started out as a roar from a wheel bearing), 75K miles Transmission rebuilt (broken planetary gears and bad bearings). While in the shop for the trans. Intake starts leaking coolant. These repairs along with three altenators before 76K miles makes me believe that Chevy has a problem. I will not buy another one, might lease one and turn it in before things go bad!
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First suburban wont be the last - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
By mountain dweller - March 14 - 2:00 amI purchased it to get the 8 passenger seating plus it came with a plow. Engine is ultra powerful! Tows large loads without complaint. Plows snow without even seeming to notice. My wife loves the thing.
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White LT 4x4 - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Mhardison - March 11 - 2:00 amWe bought our Sub after a minivan and station wagon. Nothing compares to it. It has great room to fit the family very comfortably. I love this truck. We bought it with 12k miles on it and have had no major problems. Fuel economy is decent considering the mass you are driving. We get 16-17 mpg on open road, and 11-12 around town. It is very capable in wintry weather, very stable and confidence inspiring. Auto 4x4 works great.
