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:
Showing 881 through 890 of 1,055.00-
like a real rock - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
By ahik Eisenberg - May 21 - 2:00 amfirst its a truck and others know it. Idrove long long trips and it is so comfortale like no other car, you can drive and i love the gas tank it holds 42 g.it was areal pleasure and now its time to by a new one,thinking denali or cadi excalade.
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2001 Chevy 2500 LT 4x4 - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By MaroonJeff - May 21 - 2:00 amGreat SUV for a family with kids. Feels like you own the road when driving. Roomy inside is fantastic, although gas mileage is poor. I have the K2500 LT 4x4, and could have really gone with a K1500... ego made that purchase decision. Bench seats are nice with little kids. I did have a minor problem with my transmission while it was still under warranty, but the dealership handled it. Downside? Parking. Hard to squeeze into parking spots, but I knew that going into the purchase. Would definitely own another one.
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Never thought it would be this good - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By ChevyConvert - May 19 - 2:00 amNot only does it have a comfort level that blew my mind, but its body and design is awesome. Milage is not bad when you compare it to SUVs out there. Pound for pound this is the best priced, quality, luxury SUV out in the market. Come on, it seats 9 and you are king of the road!
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TOO MANY PROBLEMS FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By NEVERBUYANOTHER - May 18 - 2:00 amPiece of Junk - Very dissatisfied owner. I had following problems. Delivered with bad alignment 3rd row seat is all plastic not leather as advertised Horn burnt out at 36,000 Steering squeeks, is notchy and stiff Transmission slipped at 49,000 miles Fuel pump needed replacement at 20,000 Throttle body needed replacement at 16,000 Needed new battery at 32,000
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Owner - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
By tomo - May 15 - 2:00 amGreat truck, total of 187K miles and still running strong.
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Love my Z71 - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Waveho - May 14 - 2:00 amUpgraded from a Mountaineer with child #2 on the way. Roomier than the Expedition, with a great 3rd row, and lots of cargo room without even putting up the 3rd row. Opt for the 2nd row capts chairs so that it is easy to reach the last row. Lousy on gas, but really not much worse than the V8 in my Mountaineer. Cant beat the comfort for the long trips.
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Utility at a price - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By Jwelch - May 13 - 2:00 amThe 1999 LS 2wd was our fourth Burb, but the first one purchased new. Replaced transmission at 41000. Seems like new brakes every 16000 miles. My biggest irritation has been a periodic starting problem--probably 12 times so far. It will decide not to start. You turn the key and it sounds like a normal start, except it does not progress to idle. The illness can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Then, it starts and runs as if nothing has been wrong. Typically, these incidents occur when were out of town.
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Excellent SUV - 2016 Chevrolet Suburban
By Ale Villa Dltorre - May 7 - 10:48 pmBest SUV Ive ever owned, totally redesigned to the perfection!! I
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Electrical system nightmare - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
By tstorm5 - April 25 - 2:00 amWere on our 5th Alternator. We also went through 3 batteries before those problems were resolved. Alternator left me stranded in the California deseret once and left my wife stranded three times locally. The current one on the vehicle is dying as we speak. Fenderwell and area had to be sandblasted and repainted shortly after purchase to repair acid damage. Other than that we have had a pretty good experience. We travel to Colorado from South Texas every year and other than one breakdown we have had good luck. A/C seems to only blow on passenger side vents. Good large vehicle except for reliability problems
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Gets the job done but American quality - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
By odelrio - April 22 - 2:00 amWe bought the 95 Suburban used in 4/00, it had 90k miles but in excellent shape. Three years and 30k miles later, it has had electrical (ignition and instrumentation) problems, brake problems, stereo quit twice (bought a GM replacement and then finally a Pioneer) and the interior plastics have cracked and are falling apart (brake release, hood release, and seat belt guides). The gas mileage on the 5.7L is ~9-11 MPG without exception. Both dealerships and performance shops feel the mileage is not out of the ordinary. The size and comfort of this vehicle is easily its main virtue but expensive to own and anything but worry-free.
