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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Almost a Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By JacksWild - January 13 - 2:00 amLove the room, ride height, overall appearance. My first experience with a Suburban - I previously owned an Explorer, and this blows that away!! That being said, I feel there is too much "gear" noise heard in the cabin when in auto 4WD, and Ive experienced some popping noise(s) from exhaust when hot. Also, too long warm up period when cold starting.
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is better than expected - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
By danmorea - January 11 - 2:00 amis the 5 chevy truck that i own,very familiar with them,had 88,89,91,94 models but this one is the most easy to drive.Impresive braking,power,road feel
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The Big Truck Keeps Rolling - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By DT - January 8 - 2:00 amIf your looking for a people over and a cargo hauler this is the truck for you. Performace is great and I cant get over the Gas Milage for such a big truck. 12 City / 16.0 HWY Totaly Awesome!
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a - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By David Mitchell - January 7 - 2:00 amDrives great, quiet ride. I have not had any problems with the vehicle.
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EXCELLENT - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By PAUL GILES - January 3 - 2:00 amI HAVE OWNED MANY IMPORTS IN MY LIFE INCLUDEING THE NEWLY RELEASED SUV HONDA PILOT. THE FIT AND FINISH AND DRIVEABILITY OF THE SUBURBAN IS UNCOMPARABLY BETTER! THE INTERIOR ROOM, RELIABILITY AND GAS MILEAGE FAR EXCEED ANY IMPORT I HAVE RESERCHED AND OWNED.
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Suburban - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By 123456789123456789 - January 2 - 2:00 amThe Suburban of our family is the one we rely on and hauls the family and groceries. The mother of the home drives it and she thinks it is the best car out their.
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Fuel pump problems - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
By LGrugin - December 29 - 2:00 amWe traded a 1999 Suburban for a 2000 Suburban because we had had problems with the older one. After owning the second for a little over a year, the fuel pump went out. Over the past 6 months, we have had 5 fuel pumps, the latest stranding us 120 miles from home on Christmas day. The dealer cannot find out why, but says he had a Yukon that did the same. He told us he would "get rid of it" if he were us and it went out again.
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Love this car! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By bugsea - December 25 - 10:00 amI love everything about this car. It drives beautifully,very smooth ride and tight turning radius. Everyone that sees the inside says ohh and ahh. Originally thought about the Seqouia and although the exterior of that car is great, the interior looks positively cheap. Not something you expect from Toyota. The Suburban is luxory and practicality. The only thing that would change my mind is to see how long it will last. So far, 7,000 miles and two oil changes. I would like to keep it at least 6 years.
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great,woulnt own anything else - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By bkiron - December 23 - 2:00 amthe only problem was i hade to put a transfercase in at 148000 miles,other than that its a real awsome ride and drive
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Problem after Problem - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Sam50 - December 21 - 2:00 amIf I can keep it out of the shop I may start to like it. The air conditioner has broke twice with the same problem....turns on full blast and none of the controls will turn it off (even if you turn the vehicle off it still runs). CD player broker after only using it 10 minutes. The brakes squeal most of the time and the dealer says that is normal. The Firestone tires make a whine noise and the dealer said I must rotate tires after every OIL CHANGE (yeah right) to prevent cupping. The power windows squeak on roll down. The transmission slips and the dealer said its within specs. Other than the above problems the LT Sub is great (sarcasm).
