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-
not very gas efficient - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By smashingk - May 20 - 10:00 amalthough heavy in weight and size, the overall of this car is too expensive and not very gas efficient. the car is bulky, and it doesnt handle well either.
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Bad Choice - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
By sweets - March 18 - 9:53 pmThe Suburban has very poor inteior, every electronic component breaks. Dealer does not know why preset functions fail, mirrors do not work. Definitly buy Toyota for the price, unless you pay 21K like I did its not worth it. I guess they say you get what you pay for. No wonder GM is struggling.
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The most unreliable vehicle... - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By whitt - January 3 - 9:28 pmI have owned many General Motors vehicles in the past and have had better than average results. I purchased the Suburban for the seating capacity and the towing capability. It is a very comfortable vehicle and pulls very well. Thats the good part. To make a long story short, this truck has been in the shop 12 times in less than 2 years for various items. Some examples are 3x for replacment of steering linkage, 4x for air conditioner repair, and the latest (for which GM will lose my lifetime business) the rearend differential went out. For those not familiar with trucks, this is a part that just doesnt break. (The dealer even said so) Still GM refused to fix. Im now looking at Nissan.
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Very Unreliable - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By Todd P. - October 21 - 2:00 amBought w/ 50,000 miles from private seller and had all maintenance records from the dealership where purchased. At 73,000 miles had intake replaced by dealer and at 75,000 had to have engine replaced. During this time have had to replace ALL automatic door locks, rear light, emissions sensor, and rear door catch. This has been a money pit since purchased. I love the room but the quality is awful. Chevrolet and the dealership refused to help on the engine even after a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am trading for a Toyota tomorrow and will never own a GM product again. Good luck to anyone who purchases one of these vehicles.
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We dumped it! - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By chbeyer - August 19 - 2:00 amOur suburban had numerous quality problems. We paid 38K for it and the left door (back seat) squeaked for the entire time we owned the vehicle. The dealer couldnt fix it. The power window on the drivers side went out. An incredibly overrated poor quality vehicle.
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Lemon - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By orangeavalon - June 30 - 2:00 amWe have spent alot of money keeping this on the road and running.
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Not Bad but Not Good - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By markarian - June 27 - 2:00 amAll those people driving Suburbans, I thought there was something to them. Big, bulky, and horrible on Gas. One of the leather seats is cracking (not sure if they will replace), Stereo took 2 months to get fixed, make a lot of odd noises at odd time (clicking when A/C is on, Rubbing when using brakes) and paint job already showing problems.
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DONT BUY ONE - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
By WILLY NILLY - May 9 - 2:00 amI like the idea of being the biggest vehicle on the road. I definitely feel safe. I pull my horses and 6 kids and we can just about go anywhere.
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Very good car...when parked. - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By kody - April 21 - 2:00 amI purchased my 1999 Chevy Suburban only a year ago. The previous owner has all service records and apparently kept the vehicle on the recommended maintenance schedule. Unlike some reviewers have posted, I have not run into many major mechanical problems. However, I am going to complain about the countless rattles, squeaks and thumps. The build quality of this vehicle may be the worst I have ever come across (and I have owned many different cars). The new Suburbans appear to be more solid than the pre 2000 models but this car may prevent me from ever buying GM again.
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the suburban stinks - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By kellie - April 21 - 2:00 amI have had nothing but problems with my suburban.... from the breaks squeaking (which was never resolved, gmacs answer to that was sorry, its just how the mettallic break pads work - theres nothing we can do), to fluid leaks (steering and air conditioning)to having the seats warped- all within only two years of owning it! I will never purchase a chevy again and I suggest you dont either - at least not the suburban
