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 921 through 930 of 1,055.00-
solid family truck - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By graniteman - December 20 - 2:00 amAfter owning two GM trucks since 1990, I talked my wife into buying a burb to haul around our four kids. We bought it used with 62k on it. After only a few thousand miles I noticed the auto trans was shifting rough. It turns out the valve body(inside trans)was the culprit. The repair was $700. This burb will flat out roll down the highway-keeping it under 70 IS a problem.We use the 4wd daily to get up our steeeep gravel driveway. It is time for new brake pads,(and rotors I would guess), due to a pulsing feeling during hard braking. Better fuel economy than either of 2500 model pickups 13-18mpg vs. 17-20mpg.
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Dissapointed in GM - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By MBaker - December 15 - 2:00 amI cannot begin to describe the headaches. GM quality has dropped radically over the past 7-10 years. The kicker on this truck was at 81,000 miles the intake manifold gaskets started leaking. I thought it was just a fluke but alot of people have this problem with these Vortecs. At 68,000 the transmission blew. Do you realize the sticker on this truck was over $35,000! And it dropped a tranny at a mere 68,000 miles. Pick you feet up GM.
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Dont do it! - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
By BigJohn - December 15 - 2:00 amIf your thinking about buying a Chevy Suburban....Dont do it. Chevy has really gone down hill the past few years. My main complaint is the intake manifold gasket start leaking at about 75-80,000 miles. It did it to me in the middle of eastrern Colorado and stranded me in a little town called La Junta. $800 buck later the new gaskets were installed, but 8,000 miles later they blew again. This time I let a REAL mechanic fix the problem. He went with third part FelPro gaskets and the thing hasne leaked in 40,000 miles.
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K1500 - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
By mms - December 11 - 2:00 amI will buy from a GM dealer next time versus private party. The money I saved from buying from an individual versus the dealer was what I had to pay for repairs/maintence. This full size SUV provide the cargo and passenger space while providing towing capability. The space and towing beats the Ford Ex (cursion and pedition) series and the undersized Durango.
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California "Cadillac" - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
By Cliff D. - December 11 - 2:00 amMy 96 Suburban has been great. Its travels well with my wife and 4 children and all our luggage. Great for cruisin to Vegas, camping or in town. Have electronic 4WD and it works great. Leather interior is a must. Radio and factory CD is great. Added a few engine tricks got MPG from 9.5 up to 14 MPG. The Vortec motor is the best !
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kims sub - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By puppy - December 11 - 2:00 amfamily car. great for vacations or road trips with kids and friends. garage keeped ever since it was bought. bought car from friend with 23000 miles on it.
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Too Easy - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By TreeUnder - December 10 - 2:00 amI just love the 03 Z71 exterior styling and suspension. Ride comfort is not compromised at all. Room is cavernous and the powered/heated leather seats are (driver/passenger) are a awesome. Too bad at time of purch, zero percent only avail at 24 month term.
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You should get one! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By JAB - December 10 - 2:00 amI was really surprised how well it handles. It is so comfortable to drive!! Our family loves it!
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outstanding suv - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
By superd - December 7 - 2:00 ami have been extremely pleased with this suv. i bought it for my family of 7 and have found it to comfortably accomadate. we take it for 1500 mile summer vacations and have had outstanding results. it is comfortable, reliable, and economical.
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Owner - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By zyk - December 6 - 2:00 amExcellent for outdoor/traveling use. Ample room for packing and moving items between home locations.
