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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  Trade down due to economic slowdown - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Heathj1 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The day I got my 99 Suburban it was a sad day or so I thought. I had to trade my 05 Chevy extended z71 truck that I had bought new off the show room floor. I traded my truck for Suburban to get out of payments and got some cash back. I was only getting 30-35 hours at work for about 3 months something had to give. Suburban has 136K miles on it rides and pulls better then my 05. I was bummed that I had to trade my truck but I think I got a better truck in return. I pulled 2 3/4 tons truck back to the house on the trailer 80 miles each trip put in 3 gear and set cruise for 60 mph. It didnt ever shift down. It unlocked covter for a couple of bigger hills. Going to take it on vacation.

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  Superior SUV - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By T5258 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a rusty 90 Bronco...what an improvement!! Itll take 3 people, their dog & a weeks worth of luggage with room to spare (ask me how I know). With just under 200k, it runs, stops & shifts like new. I guess 60 years of refinement will go a long way...Ive owned the aforementioned Bronco and an 87 Grand Wagoneer, the Suburban combines the best features of both in one SUV!!16-18 mpg with the 5.7 V8 is great in my book, plus a ridiculously well-appointed interior AND go-anywhere 4WD?? Make mine Chevy please!!!

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  Rust issue only - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cashmere - September 4 - 11:20 pm

  This SUV is amazingly strong and reliable. I bought it with a 100k on it and it now has 149k. The 350 does not leak or burn any oil at all. The transmission is tight as a drum. Problems only with rust. Rust underneath, rust in the body panels. Shame. I dont know where it was in its prior life but whatever it was it caused a lot of rusting problems. I have repaired most of the underside rust and now am going about replacing the body panels. Used parts are plentiful and cheap. Love this monster. Had it in for an oil change during the last snow storm and the service station placed it out front waiting for me to pick up and 6 people tried to buy it. Goes in the snow like there is none.

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  Belated 6 Year Suburban Review - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike A. - September 4 - 4:37 pm

  Well, I leased this vehicle back in Dec.04. This one had all the options. If I had to do it again NO WAY would I have leased. If you are going to BUY a vehicle and hold for a long time you should BUY as you will save $$. This vehicle has been nearly perfect. 3k miles between oil changes with NO oil loss! AC, Tranny, Drive Train all PEFECT. I have done all maintenance before the mileage required. I have NOT particularly babied this vehicle. I LOVE the auto 4WD and this should be mandatory for a truck this size. In wet conditions this baby STICKS to the road! Snow is FUN! OK at 58,500 what is broke - NOTHING! Even power fold mirrors WORK. OK - 2 buttons on the DVD/NAV are worn-cant read info!

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  Losing patience with Chevy fast! - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dave - September 1 - 9:44 pm

  I am as loyal a buyer as Chevy can have after buying 7 Suburban/ Tahoes but have ready to throw in the towel after the issues experienced with my 07 LTZ. Its now burning 1-3 quarts every 2K miles and its going in for the new fix (waited 8 mos) tomorrow. If they resolve the oil issue I may be back. Otherwise I am turning it in for Ford Exp EL. Its the best design yet, but what good is it if its always in the shop? We love doing family vacations in it but have had too many problems: 1. excessive oil use 2. washer heater -removed my favorite option! 3. Erratic A/C 4. Chrome peeling off int. door handles 5. U-joint 6. 4WD switch breaks 7. Front bumper breaks in snow! 8. 16 mpg max

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  Pros and Cons at 50,000 miles - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tim in Wisconsin - August 21 - 8:14 am

  1st, everyone is complaining about oil leaks. I can drive mine from WI to AR 850 miles in one day, and not be down a drop. I can drive mine to work and back, etc, and be down a qt at 5K miles. I believe that when there is no compression in the cylinders when I am in V-4 mode some trace amounts must be getting past the rings. No oil in tail pipe though, and pass emissions with flying colors. 2nd, my #3 cylinder had a hydraulic lifter collapse. I have the 327. This is what happens when major manufacturers subcontract their work. Dealer took care of it a-ok. No problems since. Third, every snow my "service 4WD" light comes on. Always goes out after night in garage. 18mpg at 60 mph, 16 at 70

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  Lemon! - 2010 Chevrolet Suburban
  By CJ - August 14 - 11:25 am

  This was my first American car purchased. It will also be my last. Less than six months and Ive already been to the dealership four times for problems to be addressed. First was the seating. It felt like an extra bar was in the seat that was pushing upwards. It was intolerable to drive more than 5 miles without it hurting . The second was the A/C. It blows hot air when the A/C is on. Not good for a 100 degree day. Very disappointed in overall quality. I expected much more from a company that has made such a dramatic financial turnaround.

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  The Classic SUV that sets the standard - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By DAD OF FOUR - August 14 - 10:45 am

  I have owned five 1999 Suburbans. I also own an Excursion for family trips. Between the two, Id take the suburban any day. The excursion is a truck, plain and simple. Huge, cavernous. The Suburban is comfortable and quiet. Yes, the gas mileage is in the teens, but the trade off is the safety and comfort of those riding inside. The Suburban is easy to turn, provided you know what youre doing. You can load it up and still have room, and even after 12 years, the interiors still look good and feel tight - and not the cheap plastic highlights that are in cars today. With regular maintenance, these SUVs can literally run forever.

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  Awesome Truck - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By msagewilson - August 12 - 8:12 pm

  I inherited my Suburban when I turned 16, it was my dads when his 85 GMC Blazer went out. It wasnt the prettiest ride when I got it, but thats changing now. I plan on finishing it with bigger, meaner wheels, a dual magnaflow, new trim, and new sound system. Its a very aggressive truck, and can go anywhere it can fit. I did have trouble with the coolant system, a series of problems arose after I waited too long to replace a bad radiator, my mistake, but other than that, NO problems. I turned down 2 newer cars to keep this truck, and Ive never regretted it once. Long live the Suburban

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  Much improved but, painful at pump - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By motorhead - July 30 - 8:45 pm

  Ive leased 3 Sbans since 00. The new 07 re-design is the best one yet but beware of the horrendously bad gas mileage and related GM lies. Ive never been able to average more than 10.2 mpg in NY metro area driving. As far as FLEX fuel, theres none to be found anywhere. I felt the pain mostly when fuel went to $5/gal in 08. The 4- cyl mode never works unless going downhill, with a tailwind and completely empty. Problems with 4 door latches that cut your hands open, noisy seat belt tensioners, broken fuel door latch, poor carpeting (easily soiled), start-up knocking engine noise (rockers or mains not getting enough oil). Not keeping this one either, GMAC wants $34K and will not budge.