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:

• 

  k1500sub - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By brun0tc - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle overall.Perfect for towing except for the 5.7 is a little lite,go for the big block opt.

• 

  Bigger is Better - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By dyckvk - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We just moved up from a 98 JGC because of newly planned camping trips across the US with our coleman camper. The mid-sized SUVs wed been considering nolonger fit our family and towing capacity needs. Weve only had the Suburban for 2 months, but already wonder if we could ever own anything else. Recent trip from Lansing, MI to Savannah, GA was a breeze. Worst thing about the vehicle is that everyone now wants me to drive.

• 

  Review 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Neal Boynton - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 is lighter and handles a little better than the 2000. The 2003 does not get as good as milage as the 2000, in fact it is exactly 2.3 miles less per gallon than the 2000.Do not know why but I suspect it is the different transmission. Also GM has all kinds of little nickle and dime short cuts in the 2003, like no tail gate key entry, cheaper paint in the door jams, lots of little cheap cut backs that are surprising for a vehicle that has one of the most loyal customer followings.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By greaves - August 17 - 2:00 am

  could not be happier with this vehicle

• 

  Highs and Lows - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By DBF - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I use the vehicle for both business and family transport (4 kids). Highs = people and gear fit nicely, ride/performance is good, fuel economy suprising Lows = build/design drivers seat has squeaked since last year (annoying), engine rattles when first started (dealer/others claim its a design problem with pistons!!! no fix short of a rebuild) Overall, I like the size and performance I just wish Ford would make one this size as GMs quality is suspect (Ive had "0" problems with 3 F150s owned)

• 

  Always wanted one - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mountain - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted one and now I know why. The smooth quiet ride and handling blow away, the Fords and Dodges. The style and dependability are outstanding. My 1996 3500 Chevy Crew Cab has 96,541 miles on it and the only thing I ever replaced was the fuel pump. I also just gave my 1989 Chevy S-10 4x4 Blazer to my father, it is running great with 241,000 miles on it. Chevrolet truck quality is head and shoulders above the market competition. I expect the same performance from my Suburban. Plenty of room and comfort for my family and friends.

• 

  The Best - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By J.R.B. - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I still get compliments on this vehicle 7 years and 157,000+ miles later.It has the regency custom package and has been great on long trips(too many 1,000+ miles to count)as well as around town.I still get 17.5-18.0 mpg on trips,loaded down.

• 

  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Charlie711 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I have been happy with the truck. If you have kids, I would recommend the center bucket seats. This allows greater access to the third row of seats.

• 

  Mother of fours Suburban Ride - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Laurie - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was great for our big family. We go on vacation/camping with 4 kids and lots of luggage/toys/baby stuff. 2 car seats fit with room for another person in the middle. Hastle to get into the third seat row, especially with a car seat in the way. Kids just crawled over the second row seat back to get to the third row (not ideal). The vehicle always started, but little things broke regularly: rear barn door catches and various control knobs broke easily.

• 

  Our Suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Frank Inson - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Love it so far.