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 21 through 30 of 1,055.00-
Just went over 300,000 miles - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By jollyprez - October 26 - 9:32 pmBought new in December, 2003. Had a few warranty issues, but dont care as they were paid-for. Outside of warranty, weve had about $5,000 in repairs over the past DECADE. ( not including tires & brakes ) This includes replacing both bumpers as they rusted from New England road salt. Sure, there are few things that dont work, but mostly little things. We were considering a new tow vehicle, but figure for another $5,000 we can really spruce this puppy up, and save $50,000.
-
Do Not Purchase a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
By patsfanman67 - September 15 - 2:29 pmJunk!! My Suburban has required air bag sensor replacement ($300), the 4 wheel drive stopped functioning for unknown reasons, the Stabilitrac stopped functioning for unknown reasons, the Traction Control stopped functioning for unknown reasons, exterior lighting stopped working (puddle lamps, license plate lamps), and window buttons stopped working. All before it hit 80k miles! The frame and undercarriage is rusted beyond recognition too. General Motors is proven unreliable and proven to be unable to build a sound vehicle. I will never buy another GM vehicle and I think the company should have been allowed to go bankrupt.
-
Used to be a Chevy/GM fan, will never purchase another! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By orionman - August 11 - 9:27 pmWe purchase our Z71 Suburban used from the original owner with 125k miles. 3 weeks after purchase we started having major problems. Its now been 1.5 years and Im into it over $3k out of pocket in repairs alone! The 4wd and complete A/C system went out and cost a fortune to repair, It eats brakes, replaced the battery twice, exhaust leak that kills the power, the list goes on and on.The front speakers for the stereo only work, the interior is cheap plastic that rattles like crazy. GM build quality in these is non-existent. If I can help anyone in their pursuit for a full size family SUV, please please please run away from the 2001-2006 Chevy/GM Suvs! Their all garbage from the get go!
-
Absolutely LOVE my 2015 Suburban LTZ (but....) - 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
By eokerholm - June 18 - 9:27 amI really love this car and very happy with the purchase. This is much bigger than my 2006 Honda Pilot that I was happy to get ride of (that thing was a lemon coming from a guy whos owned 2 Hondas in the last 22 years). This drives well, not as lively as the 6.2L Denali, but my wallet and gas mileage appreciates that. Love all the radar and safety features, hands free, etc. Radar comes in hand when parking this lovely beast. Mileage is incredible. Over 2500 miles so far and Im averaging in the 18+ mpg range. Mixed driving City/Hwy. On the Hwy, I got 26 mpg to San Antonio from Austin. I was ecstatic!
-
This Gen of Suburbans is only good to haul people, the utility/camping aspect is gone. - 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
By thecarguy10 - June 16 - 1:34 pmWe have always had Suburbans and loved them, until the 2007-2014 body style. GM has really screwed the pouch on the interior design. The Dash is awkward and has no room for stuff (very important for long drives) and for the first time ever they dont offer a fold flat interior.... What gives, the say its not cost effective, but yet they are charging 60k for one... I am selling mine because the back of the truck is only good to haul people, not cargo, not dogs or camping. As far as I am concerned I will not be buying anything newer then 2006... I cant believe we bailed GM out...
-
2007 burban AMAZING REVIEW FOR HIGH MILEAGE - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
By themann258 - June 9 - 4:07 pmi have 200,000 miles and shes still running like a champ.. NOt to mention pulling my 6,500 lb boat and trailer without any stress.. FOR anyone who is finding great prices on the suburbans,tahoes,yukons and escalades but they have the 150k miles and up club. go for it this truck will not let you down... GM always does best.. will be with me for another 200,000 k
-
Big problem - 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
By jjdca4 - June 7 - 9:33 pmThe big new feature that so many were looking forward to, the overdue power third row fold down seats do not work. They hit the second row and will not go down!! See suggested improvements
-
2,500 Mile In My 2015 Suburban - A Memo To The Brand Team - 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
By adplusone - May 5 - 9:55 pmJust rolled over 2,500 in my 2015 Suburban LTZ 4x4 (MSRP just over $ 71k). I have driven a Suburban since 1995 and I think this my 16th or 17th. LIKES 1) The comfort of the ride and (lack of) wind noise at speed is unbelievably quiet and in spite of the mass of the vehicle it is taunt. Have owned higher dollar Mercedes and BMW sedans and this Burb is better than both of them. 2) Gas mileage is def up from my last one (2013 LTX 4x4). Trip computer actually showed one segment at 20.4 MPG (highway at 75 cruise). Around town is right at 14 MPG...which is an improvement.
-
Highly recommended, plus decent MPGs - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By 99avalon - May 5 - 2:48 pmFor 2 yrs we have owned an 05 Suburban 1500 LS 2wd and we love it. It is comfortable, capable, and spacious. I have hauled 9 large adults in it for work trips. We tow our family quads to the dunes or the cabin with it. We travel, and run errands, and basically do everything with it. Easy to get in and out of. Low maintenance. 139K miles. All original. Last week I drove from Utah to Arizona and back with my boys and a load of stuff, and at 70 mph with the cruise/AC on I averaged 23.5 mpgs with my manual calculations. My wife loves this truck for hauling kids and friends to school or the park. I love how smooth it rides down the freeway and the power it has. Its a perfect vehicle for us.
-
Indestructible - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By jaspell - April 3 - 8:00 pmWe are now at 290,000 on Old Bessie and she is still going strong. We change the oil every 4000 miles and its still going strong. The only repairs we have had are the power steering pump, the belt tensioner, and an intake plenum. I think we may have put it one starter but Im not sure. Basically this car is start and drive. Its old, its dented and it leaks oil a bit (leaks, not burns) but I would still drive this thing through hell. Awesome comfortable car.
