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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Burb 2500 LT 4W - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
By Colorado Paul - July 9 - 2:00 amLive in the Rockies, and "this" is the ride to own. Our 2500 LT has been a PRINCE, and we cant say a bad thing about it...unless buying gas causes you disconfort. Its an animal.
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Suburban, A fun ride - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By sahm3 - July 6 - 2:00 amWe purchased a Suburban LT recently because we needed a vehicle with towing capabilities, as well as enough room for our three kids, their friends and luggage etc. when we travel. We will be towing a 26ft travel trailer as well as occasionally a boat. We had a Chevy Venture but could not tow with it. We also wanted 4WD so that we can get to work etc. during snow as we live in the North East.
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BIG disappointment - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By theboysmom - July 1 - 2:00 amIve been a fan of CHEVY since my first car (68 Chevelle). But this Suburban has shaken my faith in the most reliable engine, the 350, ever built. First problem with the transmission at 10k miles, gear replacement. Then 4-wheel drive issues, when in 4-wheel HIGH or LOW the car feels like it is braking when turning the steering wheel the dealership cant find the problem & said do not use the 4-wheel drive feature (makes sense?). More problems w/ trans. @ 45k miles - lost REVERSE. Since then - an exhaust manifold leak & a head gasket replaced (this SUV only has 53k miles on it). Now A/C problems. AGAIN I say - BIG disappointment!
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Its been good to me. - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
By Big Chuck - June 23 - 2:00 amI bought this Suburban from a private party in 1996 with 34,000 miles on it. I use it mostly driving solo, but do, on occasion, haul a 29 trailer behind. I dont think you can beat the ride and comfort. Gas mileage has averaged 13-14 with mostly city driving, but have gotten about 18 on expressway driving at 70-75 mph with the cruise on. Ive got just over 148,000 on this now and am considering switching to a truck so that I can tow a 5th wheel.
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Good Road Vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By shine - June 20 - 2:00 amI purchased this Suburban new in 1999. At 21,000 miles it began to use oil. The number 5 cylinder valve guide had to be replaced. At 55,000 miles the right side head gasket began to leak antifreeze and had to replace gasket. However, I will say this is the best highway vehicle built. It rides better than the best cars. The 5.7 L (350) is too small for this size of a vehicle and that is a downer. The 4wd works like a champ in mud and slick roads. The auto on the fly is great. This will be the last "beast" I will own as gas goes up in price.
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passes everthing but a gas station - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By wiscasset - June 18 - 2:00 amso far this truck is great, gas consumption is poor 11-13mpg highway or city. lots of power and room for what ever you want. i live in maine and winter driving is very safe with this heavy suv
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199 subur4ban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By RNA - June 14 - 2:00 amI bought the car with 35k miles and have spent $1000 on brakes, The rotors are nearly gone, they squeal when new and old and everything in between and have never worked very well. But the worst is the rear differential.I pull a trailer, about 5000 lbs,and the differential has gone out twice. It definitely can not handle the load claimed by the factory for towing and the factory wont stand behind it. Also the gas gauge stopped working at 80k miles and the dealer says it is $750 to fix and no offers from the factory. I have talked to other people who have had the same problem with chevy trucks gas gauges.
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2002 Suburban Z-71 - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By showmy - June 6 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is like driving your family room down the interstate. Comfortable and great engine with plenty of power. Z-71 looks great and stiffer suspension prevents back-end from "wallowing" at hi-speeds as some of the other larger SUVs do. Plenty of room for adults in all rows. We use the On-Star system a lot...great feature. Tows excellent. Consider the rear buckets as an option is you have small children and dont mind loosing the extra seat. This makes it easy to get into the back while traveling.
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A true lemon - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By jgm - May 27 - 2:00 amClearly the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Breaks down every 15,000 miles. I average $1000-$2000 of unscheduled repairs each year. The transmission just gave out completely yesterday. Im kind of glad, now I have a good excuse to buy another vehicle.
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Great Suburban - 1992 Chevrolet Suburban
By MountainFamily - May 26 - 2:00 amWe have now put over 218,000 miles on our Suburban - without any major repairs. The engine and transmission have required only routine service. I have been diligent about changing fluids, including oil at 3,000 to 4,000 miles. We live at the 8,000 foot elevation level of the Colorado Rockies and the vehicle is unbeatable in snow. Thank you Chevy for a great vehicle!
