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 SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By Dave Anders - August 12 - 2:00 amVehicle performance is outstanding. It has the ride of a luxury automobile and the versitility of an SUV. It has a very good load capacity and rides even better with a load. Seats are very comfortable for long trips.
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Flawless. - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
By edwin301 - August 9 - 2:00 amThis Suburban has been flawless. With 41k miles, it has only been in the shop twice, and both for minor things. The 6.0 engine will pull your house right off the lot. A/C is great, and acceleration is awsome. Gas mileage is so so, but for something this big, and this fast, mileage is better than expected. This Suburban has no rattles, no wind noise. Best one we have had yet. We recently bought a luxury Japanese car and in 8 months, it has been in the shop 5 times, and needs to go back again. From this point forward my next car will be a Suburban/Tahoe.
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I love this car! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By happycamper - August 9 - 2:00 amWe have four kids and this is an awesome vehicle for us because it is so comfortable, drives great & has plenty of extra room for all our "stuff". We drove all the other large SUVs & the Suburban drives the absolute best. Great vehicle!
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Favorite Vehicle in 30 years - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By PEDE - August 8 - 2:00 amPurchased in order to carry 1 child, 3 Grandchildren and my faithful Dog. I couldnt be happier with any other vehicle. Iv been buying & driving for 30 years and have had some pretty raw deals. This one has been AWSOME. I would HIGHLY recommend a Suburban for a family or a person needing hauling/towing capacity.
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Pleasantly surprised - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By Rotifer - August 8 - 2:00 amI had a need to tow the big boat, haul the family and two dogs between the main house and the lake house, and the old truck was dying. As a lifelong Honda and Toyota guy, I cant believe that I bought a Suburban instead of a Pilot or Sequoia. I have had it three months and have been pleasantly surprised with the build quality. Gas mileage has been 18-19 MPG and is better than I expected.... The family took it on a 20 hour, 1000 mile round trip on a three day weekend, and it was great. Overall, the Suburban has been a very comfortable hauler.
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more gm garbage - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
By machturtle - August 7 - 2:00 ammajor components breaking down and requiring repair constantly, expensive to work on and expensive parts, never buy without an extended warranty, a good mechanic and more patience than i have i am buying toyota or honda next
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chevy suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By kelsey marshall - August 6 - 10:00 ami think the suburban is great. it is the most comfy car i have ever sat in.
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Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By excal - August 6 - 10:00 amWe bought our first Tahoe in 1996 and have upgraded twice to better Suburbans. One in 1997 and just recently. The brakes have been a problem in the past but now seem to have that fixed in the newer Suburban. That was the only thing I didnt like about drivng the Suburban and Tahoe were the unreliable brakes.
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Burb pleasure - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
By DAK - August 6 - 2:00 amWeve been extremely pleased with this vehicle. Especially for traveling. And for an american car, weve had little trouble with it.
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LOVE IT! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By Jmeakins74 - August 5 - 2:00 amI love my suburban. I feel totally safe and rely on it to keep my kids safe too. I wouldnt trade it for the world!!
