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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  2nd and Last Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mustang43 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Its amazing that such a huge vehicle has such little interior room for second and third row passengers. Our 1993 model is much more comfortable, even though the new one is fully loaded. It handles like a lumbering moose. We decided to put a new engine in the old car and trade in the newer one on a better quality car that also has higher gas mileage. Yeah, pretty much we should have waited for the 2000 model, but a roadtrip to Yellowstone was calling for a new car. The 2000 model might be better, but were getting sick and tired of the cheap materials, shoddy build quality and unreliability of GM cars. Lexus here we come.

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  Chevy Rocks! - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By AnneK - October 16 - 2:00 am

  We frequently pull a 26 travel trailer as well as use this truck for every day use running the family around, and this truck performs beautifully. Winter weather does not affect the stability of the vehicle either. The "Auto 4WD" option is the best feature to have during those trips when the road conditions fluctuate between slippery/ice/snow to just wet. We went from a Tahoe to the Suburban and will never pick anything but Chevy when it comes to future purchases.

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  "I Love My Z71 Burban" - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Pink - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My sister asked us to find her a Suburban. Once we realized that this would fit our needs we bought one. Up until we purchased our Z71 I have been a sport coupe advocate. After taking the Z71 on two trips, I will never own another car. It is comfortable, safe and stable with plenty of room for all of our luggage, a 90 pound chocolate lab and will tow the camper we plan to purchase.

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  GM bulit this one right - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob64GTO - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive now put on 6k. At 21k the stock Firestone tires were cupping already so the dealer put on Michelin LT M&S to close the deal. Very smooth ride and great traction. The solid command of the road is awesome! Love the steering compared to driving a front wheel drive van. No more pull! Last 2 tanks of gas got 16.4 mpg which Im happy with. With bench seats all around the versatility for our family of 5 is great. Mom even enjoys the 40/20/40 front seat moving over close when we go out, havent done that for 20 yrs! Kids say they like it better than our old conversion van after installing a 10.4 video system.

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  Great on Long Trips - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By DerekW - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Suburban 1500LT is extremely comfortable on long trips. About 3-4 times a year, I make the 8-hour trip from Indianapolis to Kansas City with my wife and baby (presently 18 months old) to see my folks. Theres PLENTY of room for our luggage and all the gear a baby/toddler requires. The aisle between the captains chairs in the second row make it easy to get to the third row bench -- perfect for diaper changes at questionable rest stops! After 11 months of ownership, Ive encountered zero mechanical problems. Lets hope Im this happy after my extended warranty expires. I love this SUV.

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  The best vehicle of all - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By lees - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Im on my 3rd 4WD Suburban. I love the security of its size and weight (can withstand quite an impact with little or no injury to passengers), its high seating (so I can see traffic ahead) its reliability, its adaptability, and all the creature comforts. I have absolutely no trouble maneuvering it into parking spaces or in traffic (it just takes a little practice at the outset). I have driven smaller cars (compact to luxury) and never felt as safe or secure as in my Suburban.

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  Very Good Truck Value - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By WAYNE HAMMOND - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Very nice truck. For a truck this size, it is actually fun to drive. Very comfortable and I havealways know Chevy to be reliable and affordalbe to keep on the road.

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  A great vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MilMan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been very reliable.it has 62000 miles on it. The only warranty parts that I,ve replaced are the master cylinder(30000 miles),rear shocks(21000miles), serpertine belt and pulley(35000 miles),battery(35000 miles).

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  Dont hunt,2003 sub.is best by far - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Connie Mitchell - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Z71 suburban I drive at the present has been my most enjoyable,easiest driving suv,that I have driven or owned.One main thing that has changed it is much easier to park & get in smaller areas. I like the outer design. Interior is great, only wish TV. for gd.kids wasnt optional.Would be a great selling feature.As much as the average person pays for this vehicle throw that in as standard equipment, kids will have parents buy this vehicle also some women too.

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  The best large size SUV ever - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Eyal - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I had this vehicle for 4 1/2 years,LT 4x4 and all the toys+entertainment center for the kids,nothing but joy.Made a huge!!!!! mistake and traded it in last year for a 2003 nissan pathfinder,what a mistake!