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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  Wife was happy with my new truck. - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SANMAN - January 20 - 2:00 am

  First test drive my Wife did the driving and now I have a hard time getting her to be the passenger. Easy to drive. Took family on a 3600 mile trip five months after we bought the vechile with five children and we had room to spare.

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  Cant Beat It - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By engine39 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  There are draw backs to a truck this size. But none take away from the overall satisfaction of driving it. I wouldnt trade it for any vehicle in its class.

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  Needs a few minor changes!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ccpchevy - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had very trubs with this vehicle!! A great vehicle, great cargo space, good seating for the entire family.

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  Our own personal Limo - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By W.D. - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Since Day 1 this truck has been joy to drive. It eats road miles with NO problems at all. Around town isnt super but for a heavy vehicle its very OK. We like it so much my wife has refused a New Suburban!

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  Im buying a ford !!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By p/o owner!!!! - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 chevy 1500 suburban from a used car dealer that is very well know with 46000 miles on it.With in a year and puting 12,500 miles on it the transmission went out($3345.00)the front rotors went bad ($674.00)front tie rods and arms went bad (est.$568.00) I just had the fuel pump go out and computer go out ($933.00)water pump and the list goes on !I must say that the short that happened on the fuel pump and sending unit was in the GAS TANK ! the wires melted ! and if Im not mistaken red hot wires and gas dont mix ! So in closing Im trading this car in as soon as I can !

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  Suburbans are junk - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By fdl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Ive written Chevrolet letters and they dont even respond. The transmissions in these vehicles are defective and GM just ignores their customers. I will never own a GM vehicle again! Do yourself a favor and spend more on vehicles that have high quality and reliability ratings.

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  Gm Junk - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By western6 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle used. the trans went out at 38000k and gm would not back it beacause we were the 2nd owners of it, we also ha the alternator go. plus severa brake jobs, o2 sensors. we live on a ranch and the thing rattled apart. we sold it

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  Ultimate Family & Tow Vehicle - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SquamLaker - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Our first Suburban, but not our last. Whether we are hauling kids to Hockey games or the boat to the lake, the Suburban is always up to the task. 3 zones for heat/AC mean everyone is comfortable. Towing is effortless, pulls a 5,000 lb boat with ease. Ride is very comfortable, handling is solid and there is no "top heavy" feeling as we found with other SUVs. Actual Gas mileage is even a bit better than my last Grand Cherokee.

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  Supurb Burb - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tizil - December 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 99 K1500 in Denver after returning from a job assignment in Brazil. We also picked up a Z28 which we towed back to our home in Kingwood, Texas. Had to sell the Z when we moved to Canada but the Burb has been in the family for 4 years and has been the best vehicle we have ever owned. We have taken several long trips with three adults and two kids and always arrived feeling fresh.

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  Saved me in a crash - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By daveNC - December 24 - 2:00 am

  After owning my 02 Suburban for only six months, I nearly totalled it when another car accidentally forced me off the road into a tree head-on (frontal- offset, drivers side). While the front of the truck was pretty much destroyed, I was able to hop out of it without even a scratch. Its a great truck. With four kids, you can be sure Ill be getting an 03 -- its comfortable AND safe.