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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  2nd SubBurban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tom/Allentown - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 1st in Texas in 1992, put 168000 miles on it, shined it up and it looked new. Never occured to us to replace it with anything else. We no longer need to haul 12 girlscouts or 500 boxes of cookes ot a time, but my wife just loves her Surburban. Who cares if the mileage is less than 20MPG? Get rearended someday, get out and look at the poor guy that hit you and you will never drive a lesser car(truck)

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  Love my Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JosephJ - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I sold a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee to purchase a Suburban. Not only do I get better gas mileage than the Jeep (a complete surprise), I never ever have to worry about lack of space. I am amazed at how well this SUV handles. It rides as nice as any car I have owned.

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  Very poor vehicle - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kval87 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  We are very displeased with this vehicle. in just five short years we have had to fork out over $8000 to fix this "lemon." I wouldnt recommend buying another one EVER.

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  Making Progress - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By atravelor - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Suburban, which is a Z71. With 28,000 on this one we have experienced fewer problems then we did on our 1995 LT. Milage has improved but nothing like the others have reported. It is pretty much 15 city or highway - uphill or down. Problems to date have been with the front suspension that makes odd noises occasionally accompanied with excessive tire ware on the inside of the tires. The other minor issue has been with the rear AC control that now only works at one speed - high. Other then that, it is much more livable car to drive day to day then the previous generation, and at the price I got it at a much better value then most of the compitition.

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  Totally satisfied - No complaints - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By hatipa - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Safe, comfortable driving for 2 years with absolutely no mechanical problems. Still runs like new at 25,000 miles. Great for hauling the kids, their friends, and their stuff. My wife originally was lukewarm about the purchase (she hates station wagons) but she quickly became a fan.

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  Great car!! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Chefbornag - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing!!!!!!! its so much fun to drive aroundin with my family.

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  Typical American Car - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By amccoy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Our Suburban has a little over 50,000 on it, mostly city miles. We pull a Coleman popup trailer with it when we go camping which doesnt seem to strain the engine at all, even climbing. Overall, we like the vehicle, however, we have experience our share of the quality problems mentioned by the other reviewers. The transmission went out at just over 42,000, the alternator went out, and the things seems to go through batteries every few years and the brakes are terrible. My transmission guy said that it should have lasted longer than it did, however, after reading the other reviews, I see I am not alone.

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  Great Vehicle, if you can afford the gas - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By skiingskiman - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new in 98. Great comfortable ride.We have a 107,000 miles on it and 1 new set of brakes so Im not sure what all this brake hype is about. We have replaced the alternator, one U joint and the rear a/c pipe and the wiper motor. Other than that its been a great, reliable and comfortable vehicle. We are keeping it for the long haul.... unless gas goes up. Average about 16 MPG and with a 44 gal tank it doesnt get filled up very often

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  my third suburban - 1990 Chevrolet Suburban
  By fred work horse - November 11 - 2:00 am

  After owning this truck for 5 years the paint job went. I have had 3 suburban. 1977, 1979 and 1990. All three started to leave a blue smoke after starting the truck after 50,000 miles. It goes away. No harm. Dealer said dont wary about it. Otherwise truck run geat. Easy to work on and part are to get.

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  We love our tank - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ruckmanite - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the burb in 99 with 107000 miles on it. Since then, new lower ball joints, heater core, blower motor, brakes, usual stuff. The best thing about this old beast is its easy to repair. The thing runs fantastic, gets 16-17 mpg on the hwy, and tows a 3000lb popup with ease. My wife hit a 240 lb deer at 55 mph with it. Damaged the fender, hood, and passenger door. Praise God she was in this ride instead of the Accord, as it would have wound up in her lap. If you can find an old 91 in good shape, it will not dissapoint you. We are currently looking at newer ones, but this one has been so reliable we hesitate to part with it.