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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  Representive of all? Or an expection? - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dracos - October 29 - 2:00 am

  After much researching and talking to actual drivers I decided to buy a 1995 Chevy Suburban in 8/00 with 67K on the clock. By 12/00 1K in repairs, between 7/01 and 9/01 8K in repairs including a new engine. I love the utility that it gives the family! My problem is with all the maint/repair costs. I thought that JEEP ment: Just Empty Every Pocket! Not Chevy!

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  Seems to be the best of the bunch - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SanDiegord - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the vehicle to have if you have a family. This thing seats everyone very comfortably. It rides like a Cadillac. I wish they would make the 3rd row seat a little more handier to remove and/or fold down, but not at the expense of the comfort of those that ride back there. If you want room and comfort, this is the one to get.

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  A Great SUV for the Family and Trips - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By TheFamilyMan - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV for the whole family and for taking long trips. Lots of room in the back (third seat can be removed for extra space). Great for the kids to get in and out. This is a home on wheels.

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  Perfect for a family of 7 - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Robert Millsop - October 20 - 2:00 am

  If you need a large SUV, this is the one to get. Plain and simple yet with everything you need. It can carry 7 people comftorably. The gas mileage and fun to drive factors are horrible though.

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK - This thing doesnt break! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dan - October 17 - 9:28 pm

  Between 110,000 and 173,000, my most major repairs were replacing a light bulb and clean out a clogged mass airflow sensor. The rest was tires, brakes, shocks, fluids, and a wheel bearing. Ive averaged $81/mo over 5.5 years in maintenance and tires. Way cheaper than anything Ive ever owned and more than compensates for the gas mileage. It is very comfortable for me (64" 210lbs) and I can ride for hours. My only complaint is the rust. I was able to have the insides of the bottoms of the doors ground down, sealed, and repainted and that has held off that rust fairly well. BUT, the rockers, quarters and fenders are rotting very quickly. They probably got worse as I was typing. However, I love my truck so much that even at 173k, I may spring for new panels and paint.

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  excellent - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ryanleeh - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Love this truck. I have had smaller trucks before, and was unsure if I would like this monster....well, I will never buy a small truck again. The fuel economy is week, but expected. the four wheel capability is ok. very comfortable on long trips.

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  Big Bucks for a Lemon - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Somewhat - October 10 - 2:00 am

  The Chevrolet Suburban has been a money loser since day one. The brakes are a constant drain on the budget. The windows stopped operating, gas fuel did not work and therefore it ran out of gas with the gauge on full, the cables kept coming loose, new radiator (twice) water pumps endlessly replaced. This is to name a few malfunctions.

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  Its a MUST have! - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Paul Merritt - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best buy I have ever made. The family is safe! I love to drive it. Comfort, reliable and looks Great!

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  Room with a veiw - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By freerange - October 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 4x4 with less than 4 miles on the odometer. It has held up well to our country roads and to my hunting trips. We have a large family and the leather seats are easy to clean after the regular spills and drops.. The gas mileage has been good for such a large and safe feeling vehicle. Other than brakes - which seem to be short lived,we have been happy with the maintenance. I would like to see the front seat more available in the 60/40 style with the fold down armrest like the p/up has this would make for seating for 9 people if need be. The engine provides plenty of power and accelearation when neccessary,

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  much improved - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jtn - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 95 sub and cannot believe the improvements. Handling is much improved over prior model. You can actually get into a parking spot at the grocery now. Tons of room, nothing better for long rides.