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:

• 

  Z71 Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Carek - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Numerous mechanical problems that should not be present in a vehicle of this price or age. Not the first Chevrolet but maybe the last I own. Dealer support for these problems not very good at all.

• 

  8.1Liters of Power and Fun - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By EJ - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Still in the first 500 miles of ownership. Got the 8.1 liter engine ... not too many out there to be had ... cant have enough power/torque for towing. Overall, this SUV is an excellent ride - smooth, comfortable, user friendly and quiet. Really love it. LT package is an excellent value option.

• 

  My 1998 Suburban - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Chevy11111 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Good solid vehicle, lots of room. No real issues. Fuel economy is not as bad as people think. I get 16 to 17 mpg. Nice ride. Coul come with larger diameter wheels.

• 

  I love my suburban ! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mavjoh - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to commute long distances. It has excellent ease of use cruise control coupled with the smart review view mirror and side mirrors. Visibility and ride characteristics are great in ALL weather conditions, night and day. I have really enjoyed the heated seats during winter weather conditions and love the autoride suspension that smooths the road out, even in rough road conditions. I feel very safe in this car and after my first 10K miles, have had nothing but good performance from this vehicle.

• 

  First Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dan in South Dakota - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased first Suburban after looking at many different SUVs. It is simply the most vehicle for the money and can be purchased for a reasonable cost if you keep the options list short. It comes with a lot of standard features.

• 

  not perfect, but still pretty good - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Submech - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Suburban and Im pleased with it. Its comfortable for my 63" frame, roomy for my family and their friends, and a great all-around vehicle. The Vortec 5.7 is a reliable engine developing sufficient power for towing a mid-size pop-up camper with fully loaded cabin. Fuel economy varies with speed and throttle finesse, but ranges from 12.5 around town to 21 on the hwy. See "Suggested Imrovements" for my complaints.

• 

  I love my truck! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By spt - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Have been a fan of Suburbans for 30 or so years. Bought 98 LT, loved it!!! Just traded up to an 04 LT (fully loaded) - boy what a ride!

• 

  my third burban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By uglydogface - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a great truck. I will never go back to a car. My wife has a lexus 470 which has a nicer interior but the burban handles just as well. Im trying this one with stabilitrak.....well see how it performs

• 

  Still love it after 7+ years - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By CitySub - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The car has been used mostly for highway driving, but it still rides well for a large truck. We drove the truck from NYC to the Great Smokey Mountains and we couldnt imagine making the trip in another car. Ride is a little stiff now, and the suspension isnt what it used to be, but I really cant complain after 7+ years of reliable driving. If my wife would let me, I would buy Suburbans for the rest of my life.

• 

  Wolf - 1992 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mark Wolfenden - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The Chevy Suburban is the best vehicle that I have driven of all vehicles that I had had. My next Subburban will be my 4th one and will continue to buy a suburban unless I happen to try something new which is highly unlikely at this point in time.