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 vehicle with poor GM support - 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
  By John Costin - January 6 - 1:27 pm

  This is a great vehicle and was just the right size for my whole family. I bought this vehicle used and was a good deal so I jumped on it. A few months after we took possession of the vehicle, the dashboard started to crack by the passenger-side airbag and then on top of the instrument cluster. I come to find out that this a common and very documented occurrence on 07-13 full-size GM trucks and SUVs. The bad part of this is that GM will not recall this issue even though the cracks occur in the same places in all of these vehicles. They say its not a safety issue - wait until the airbag deploys and the plastic shrapnel come flying towards you or the dashboard rips apart during a crash and slices through your arms, head, etc. Even worse is that GM dealerships are being authorized to repair this with GMs consent but there is no uniform pricing. Some customers are paying $100, some pay $300, others pay $750 while others do not have to pay anything. First of all, this is not the consumers fault that these materials are defective so the customer should not have to pay anything. I have had cars and trucks from other manufacturers that were more than 5 years old and the dash and every other interior material seems to be just fine. Suffice it to say, were not buying another GM product again.

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  severe buffeting/booming, truck bought back - 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Suburban Owner - December 28 - 7:19 pm

  Drive it a lot before you buy. These trucks have an issue where the roof comes detached from the roof bows. This causes cabin booming like being inside a big drum. The roof will start to flex causing pressure changes that hurt your ears. It sounds like driving with a window down when they are all up. Our dealer reattached the roof bows but they came detached in a few months and the issues returned. We are having our vehicle bought back by GM. Beyond this issue the truck is great. Fuel economy is incredible for a vehicle of this size. The interior is best in class. Unfortunately, this booming/buffeting issue is to hard to live with.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shana harrison - November 3 - 7:05 am

  I SUGGEST NO ONE BUY THIS CAR EVER

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  With Chevy you never know what youre gonna get - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Steph - October 16 - 4:18 pm

  I know some people luck out and get the kind of Suburban that "runs forever!!" but I will never buy a Chevy again. The amount of space inside is nice and cargo space is great, but thats about it. The interior components are all snapping apart (plastic), and though the seats have all sorts of adjustments, I cannot get a comfortable fit for me (Ive never had a problem in any other vehicle). It is also a gas hog... at best weve gotten 13.5 mpg highway (its rated at 12/16). I was expecting a bit of a hog, but hoping closer to 15 or so. I also find it VERY difficult to see out the back with the barn door style--the doorway edges block the view from your rear view mirror. In addition, the rear seat isnt as wide as the middle and I struggled to fit 3 booster seats back there. I expected more from such a huge car--my little tiny minivan has the same width in the 3rd row. Now, for the mechanical part--at 90K miles, it needed a new engine, at 110K it needed a new transmission, at 135K it needed a new transfer case (this one is because over time, the oil pump inside the transfer case drills a hole in it... just great). Ive put a ton of money into it and cant get anywhere near that back for it. I wish I wouldve just gotten the Honda Odyssey for my family hauler. This thing has been a money pit.

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  Sinking More Money Into my 2008 Suburban - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By 08suburbanne - February 18 - 10:32 am

  So very disappointed with my 2008 Suburban. The car stalled in motion and I lost control. Had it towed to the dealership and told my CPS (Crank Shaft Sensor) failed but my VIN is not covered under the recall (GM06083) which is for the same issue. $500 out of my pocket. Dealership - no help! Called GM - no help. Called NHTSA - filed safety complaint. Thankfully not many cars were out on the road but I could have been hit and having my young son in the car was nerve racking. 15 months ago engine went - again another known problem but no recall on my VIN. Very disappointed Chevy owner here! Been a Chevy owner for 20 years. Stand behind what you build!

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  Do Not Purchase a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By patsfanman67 - September 15 - 2:29 pm

  Junk!! 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.

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  Used to be a Chevy/GM fan, will never purchase another! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By orionman - August 11 - 9:27 pm

  We 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!

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  Big problem - 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jjdca4 - June 7 - 9:33 pm

  The 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

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  Needs a full time mechanic onboard. - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By billman2 - May 28 - 8:49 pm

  I must have got a lemon like most others. 9k in repairs to go 80k miles and its due for more junk parts to be replaced. So far trans, intake, alt, a/c 3 times, brakes allways need work, window motors and a few other goodies. Nice work GM... the heartbreak of america.Even with the price of fuel I may burn it just so I feel better.

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  GM stinks - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By nomorgm - August 30 - 11:10 pm

  Bought this burb from my parents who bought it new. I knew the vehicle and have driven 40000 miles of the 100,000 miles. Replaced intake gasket as soon as I got it home (parents parked on gravel and noone noticed the leak). Replaced the starter after 1 month. Power door locks stick and will not lock. Rear window quit working. Brakes very spongy but have plenty of pad left on them. Replaced the fuel pump at 120,000 miles. Rear end went out at 125,000 miles. Gas milage is 17 mpg which is average. Wears out tires every 15 to 20000 miles (use load range c tires). Overall a money pit but still cheaper than a new one.