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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  My used SUB - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By WINGED LION - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable, smooth riding SUV! Already own GM truck for years with same engine and Trans. Both smooth and powerful. Visibility restricted when backing up. Go over a few curbs due to its length. Dont want to drive anything else because of feeling of good size and safety.

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  Suburban LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ryan w - November 21 - 3:59 pm

  Since there wasnt an option for the LTZ i picked the 2500 option. Same engine, V8 6.0, but not a dually. I bought this in 2014, 3rd owner, with only 74000 miles on it. Ran great, but the fuel pump went due to upstate NY rust problems. Then the tranny went. Got a rebuilt one, but then the radiator cooler exploded, and down went the tranny again. Replaced that at 106000. Now have 113+ Pit new michelins on it, and hopefully now is as good as new. Luxurious options throughout. Plenty of room for wife and 5 kids. Holds value, and the LTZ is unique and hard to find in this year. Switched to a k&n filter for better mileage, now average about 14 city. Typical other repairs, wheel hubs, brakes, all in all not too bad, after the transmission went. I use only synthetic oil, and engine runs quiet.

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  Great comfort and power - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jem - November 20 - 2:00 am

  A strong,comfortable, and sure footed vehicle. My wife will settle for nothing but another suburban. She loves the heated seats and lots of room to haul gear. Plenty of power for our towing needs. Much better turning radius than the earlier models.

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  Excellent Truck - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By genesisdj - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I think the suburban/tahoe/yukon trucks are the best SUV on the planet. They handle great, never rattle, are quiet, awesome vehicles. Keep up the good work

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SVEN - November 15 - 2:00 am

  NOT MUCH TO SAY OTHER THAN THIS IS A GREAT TRUCK. VERY SMOOTH AND POWERFUL AND GREAT AT HAULING PEOPLE AND GEAR. MY MILAGE IS BETTER THAN 17 ON HIGHWAY, AND I MOVE. EVEN IN CITY IVE NEVER GOTTEN BELOW 15. I CARRY FOUR TO EIGHT PEOPLE OFTEN AND LOTS OF GEAR. NEVER A SINGLE PROBLEM, NOR A SINGLE BLEMISH. PAINT STILL LOOKS NEW. HAULS TRAILER WITH NARY A WHIMPER (I PASSED MANY CARS GOING UP MOUNTAIN GRADES WHILE PULLING A CAMPER -- AND GOT 17

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  Lovin it - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sub-2 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Suburban. The firsat was a 92 2wd. This truck is a big improvement over my 92. The ride quality is awesome. There is a little corner sway that is common in big SUVs.I give Chevy an A for effort on this truck.

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  Broken - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By bdew - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Our suburban is on its 4th alternator and its 4th fuel pump which is a 400.00 part that is inside the fuel tank. The water pump and intake manifold gasket have both had to be replaced with countles other problems like brakes and electrical failures. The motor pings badly when under no load but going up a slight incline and has 60% of its original power.

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  Not again - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mradford - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the 5.3 liter engine. From the factor it used 1-2 quarts of oil per 4000 miles. Chevy says this is normal. Rattles to beat the band. Window motors have failed twice each. yada yada yada. I love the size and comfort but the quality is poor.

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  Great Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rapowitz - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We just bought an 03 Suburban Z71. Its for my wife and she loves the car! We were looking at smaller imports (Touareg & FX35), but for les than those, you get a loaded to the brim full size 7-seater. We added a 10" DVD screen and Garmin navigator and still right at $40K all-in. It drives like a dream and can handle anything. Those imports are very nice, but just not practical if you have small kids like we do. With 2500 on the odometer, no problems at all. Avg 12.5 MPG in the city. If you stay 65-70 MPH (hard to do)on the highway, you get 19 MPG. Bumping it to 75 MPH reduces the MPG to 17 - its on regular gas though. We love this truck!

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  Love it - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By G. Garrison - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Due to an accident I had to make a quick decision and buy a used vehicle in a very short amount of time. I found my Suburban at a small road side dealer and couldnt believe the shape it was in. I took ownership of the truck and drove it 1000 miles to Missouri from Florida THAT DAY without a hitch, burp or hiccup. What an amazing vehicle. I was especially impressed with the fuel mileage I got. Almost 17 on the open road loaded. Lots of room and more power than I could have hoped for. I am very happy with my 96 and will keep it until it finally dies. If this is any idication or future performance, Im going to have it a very long time.