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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  Great Suburban - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JDave - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Our 97 Suburban has 86,000 miles on it and the only repairs which I have had to make on it was front brakes, battery and idler arm. I guess we were lucky after reading some of the other reviews. We have been very pleased with it overall.

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  The barg - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Lanbarg94 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive had in a long time. Plenty of power. Plenty of room. lots of versitility. plus the two tone Black/gold paint is sweet.

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  Awesome Burb - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Burb Lover - September 17 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this Burb with 30k miles on it. It looks and drives like new. Its a beautiful jet black with tan interior. One minor issue with cd player, but the dealer fixed it in 1 day. We love this vehicle. Heated seats, auto dim mirrors, leather, power everything. The mileage is ok for a big truck roughly 15 mpg. We now have 48k on it and still shows no signs of wear and tear.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dan L - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been a work horse. Winter ski trips, pull the ski boat in the summer. Load up the soccer team or most of them and get down the road. Never a problem!

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By dan l - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been a work horse. Winter ski trips, pull the ski boat in the summer. Load up the soccer team or most of them and get down the road. Never a problem!

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  Very Happy - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Stoker11 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  There has been significant improvemt to this vehicle since my 94 Burb that I put 150K miles on. The increase in power and fuel mileage is a great suprise. The ride and handling are also much better and make the truck quite easy to drive.

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  Dream come true. - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By bcqvette - September 6 - 2:00 am

  For more than 4 years I have wanted to get one. Now I did and I can not imagine buying anything else. It was worth the wait. Interior is great, sound system rocks, power everything. I feel my family is totally safe when we travel now. I just wish I had dumped the mini van earlier. I will never go back to them.

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  Best American full size SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By rebeljoe1 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best full size SUV in America. The Chevrolet Suburban.

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  What to sell my 1999 Suburban for. - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Booper - September 3 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle with lots of space for people and golf bags. Weve taken 6 bags and suitcases and everyone was comfortable.

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  1994 Suburban - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By cantorhome - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Although the gas mileage for this car is not very good, installing a K&N air filter seems to have made a considerable difference. This SUV is the perfect "family car". Tons of room for kids in the back two seats and great for transporting items. We recently purchased a new refrigerator and it fit in the back with the 3rd seat removed and the 2nd seat tilted down.