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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  WONDERFUL - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shanelle - July 25 - 2:00 am

  wonderful truck, massive power and lost lasting engines

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  Best SUV Owned - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Lezley - July 25 - 2:00 am

  After the birth of our third child we need something large to bus our rambunkious family. The suburban is the fourth SUV we have owned and it is above and beyond the BEST SUV out there. It is fun to drive and handles much like a touring car despite the size. We like it so much we are considering the purchase of second suburban (his and hers).

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  Love it - hate it - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tina V - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car because of what it offers -- cargo capacity with ample room left over in the trunk, which I couldnt find in other comparable vehicles. Not impressed with the quality. Have had 2 transmissions (within 20,000 miles). Still having problems. Other minor irritations exist. Its a great driving car for long drives and we have enjoyed it for that reason alone and piling up the tents, coolers, baseball gear, kids, etc. Strictly for that, I stick with the car and do like its styling. Its a macho machine. I just wish our ownership experience didnt include so many trips to the dealership!

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  great ride - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mcr - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Good Handling Strong Truck

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  Smooth Ride - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ohio Sales - July 23 - 2:00 am

  3rd Suburban for a traveling salesman and this one is the best to date. 125k and no major problems to date. Towing 9000# with very little effort. Problems with the previous Suburbans have been addressed. Excellent ride with handling to match.

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  Great truck to have...countless uses. - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bowmanator - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This a great vehicle to own, especially with a family of 5 and a dog. Road trips.....no problem. Just had the water pump and alternator replaced at 120000 miles, everthing else is working wonderfully. Smooth ride, this thing cruises stealthly at 75 on the freeway, a full tank of gas will get you nearly 650 miles on the freeway. Scheduled maitinence and no misuse or abuse will make a long lifetime for this massive suv.

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  It saved my life - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rev Peter - July 16 - 2:00 am

  6 months after we bought our Suburban, we had an accident that totalled our 26 trailer (it flipped on its side) and did significant ($10,000) damage to the truck. All four wheel remained on the ground and the sherriffs dept told us they had had three SUVs flip earlier in the week. After the truck was repaired, there was only one mechanical problem with the truck, which was fixed in less than an hour.

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  Still running strong at 265,000 miles - 1992 Chevrolet Suburban
  By motorhead - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Suburban (my third) four years ago with 164,000 miles on it. It was cheap. And it now has 265,000 miles and I have used it and abused it. The engine and trans are the original and have not been rebuilt. I pull a boat and a car hauling trailer. Have had usual maintainance such as brakes, starter, alternator, water pump. The interior is still excellent and the paint is still shiny and attractive. Just returned from an 1800 miles vacation trip and averaged over 19 mpg.

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  1997 Chev Sub k1500 - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By greedorfear - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I am really enjoying it so far. I have only put 1200 miles on it so far. but i do plan on taking it all over the east coast

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  Big Red - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sonny and Colleen - July 9 - 2:00 am

  With the exception of have an intermittent distributor problem, Big Red has been a blessing to out family.