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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  Burns oil....... - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By paula - March 3 - 10:09 am

  I love the car but hate all the problems it has and the dealerships way of fixing it.It has burned oil since i bought it they did tests said it was in normal range.. If someone pays 50000$ for a car normal range of oil usage should be 0.I bought it so i would have a dependable car and that is not the case. They put a new engine at 54000 miles because it was burning 1 qt every 500 miles now.. I dont like having paid 37000$ for it an it being 2 yrs old and needing a new engine but i think at least its fixed .. WRONG 3000 miles later oil light on Im being told now its normal for the new engine to burn oil breaking in whatever. I bought a lemon well oils burning seems to b a problem with this car

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  My old burban - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By nahjdh - March 2 - 9:47 pm

  I have 3/4 ton with the 6.5 TD. Although Ive had to do quite a bit of repair work to it (A/C compressor and coils, turbo waste gate, engine & tranny mounts, fuel lines, oil lines, harmonic balancer and a few others) Id say its mostly because the truck is old and has over 200,000 miles on it. Engine runs like a top, absolutely no blowby and the tranny is rock solid. Ive made several trips from TX to TN, driven it from PA to TX, pretty much all over the place. Most comfortable highway cruiser hands down. Had to change the final gears to 3.73 from 4.10 for better mileage. Now I get a whopping 17-19ish mpg on the highway at 65.

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  2001 Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob - February 28 - 3:29 pm

  Bought our Suburban new summer of 01. Overall, it has been a average vehicle. Its power and handling are subpar by todays standards but are certainly adequate. Braking is not very secure feeling. The controls are laid out well and are easy to use. However, the design doesnt look all that great, kind of cheap. The front seats are extremely comfortable. 2nd &3rd row seats complete opposite. Quality has been bad but not terrible. Lots of problems and has caused some real headaches. Luckily, all of the tons of problems it has had have been relatively inexpensive to resolve. However,my friend got a lemon with his 02 tahoe. Nothing but problems,thousands spent on repairs,left them stranded often

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  We got a lemon - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Heidi - February 23 - 6:52 pm

  We bought this truck new from the dealership. Within the first weekend we had it the a/c broke. We took it in and they thought they fixed the problem. We had to take it back 6-7 times to get the a/c fixed and the dealer finally had to take the back apart to fix the problem. All we got out of GM was free oil changes and tire rotations for 30k miles. We also had a tire rub within the first month we bought it.We have had problems with the battery too, but that is a easy fix by jumping it.This was my second suburban so I though we would be getting the same quality but I was mistaken.My parents worked for GM until they retired so I have only bought Chevrolet products,but I am going elsewhere .

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  Great SUV!!!!! - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Adam - February 15 - 8:16 am

  Purchased the Suburban to replace my 90 Bronco...the Burban is a superior vehicle in ALL regards. The space, power, tow capacity & comfort rival all contemporary competitors. 16 mpg during highway trips, handling that belies its bulk make the Suburban a valued addition to my fleet, as well as having ROOOM to spare!!!

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  Will have another! - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mr. bill - February 12 - 10:29 pm

  After eight year I think we got our moneys worth! Great people mover,car hauler,swim taxi. My wife loves this suv and we will buy another one. Very few repairs, just maintain it. Did I say great car.

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  My Burb - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Boomer - February 1 - 1:25 am

  I love my truck. Last of the big ones and I will put it up to an Excursion any day. Interestingly enough, this truck has a 7.4 (454 Big Block) and pulls much better mileage than those I have spoken to with the smaller Ford V-10. I pull 16 mpg on the hwy, they pull 10-12. This truck is my dream truck. I would not have ordered new any other way. I have been a suburban fan for years and probably have owned 20 in my lifetime, but this one is special. There is nothing this truck cant pull. This is my baby and I hope to have many years of enjoyment with it.

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  Runs like a Champ - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mr. Mark - January 26 - 7:56 pm

  Purchased as a towable behind the RV with 60,000 miles on the clock. Now I have 129,000 and use it as a daily driver. Cant beat the ride, utility, reliability and safety. Have two kids at home and it stores everything.Got rid of my daily driver (Had $30K invested ad didnt need the truck anymoe) and love that I dont have a truck payment. Everyone says it will go 25o,000 miles, other than routine maintenance...I think they are right. Mileage is fine, if you are not abusive with the gas pedal, it gets 12 to 15 MPG, with no monthly payment, its ok. Go for one, any year because they keep getting better. MB

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike - January 21 - 10:04 pm

  I bought my suburban @ 120,000 miles and put another 70,000 on over the next 3 years. Never had any major problems. Smooth Transmission, Quiet Engine, Comfortable Ride, Plenty of space, Towed up to 10,000 pounds no problem. It never left me stranded. Extremely reliable. It will take care of you if you take care of it. I did have to replace the fuel pump twice but that was because I tended to drive on a low tank of fuel more often than not. A downer is the fuel economy of course. Take out the back seat, fold down the center row and you have a full size truck so versatile. Handles awesome in 4 wheel drive. This car will always have a special place in my heart.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By brsmith1202 - January 17 - 8:18 am

  As a owner of a 2004 suburban, I have only one simple problem, the battery went out the day after I got it. I have had no real problems with, the vehicle runs great, take care of it, and will take care of you.