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 31 through 40 of 1,055.00-
Very Poorly Built Vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By LPapet - January 31 - 2:00 amVehicle quality leaves much to be desired... so much so that I would caution any potential Chevy/GM/Suburban buyers against purchasing. Vehicle has only 50K miles and already has left my wife stranded on 3 separate occasions (were on 3rd alternator and have had to replace various electronic components (all at considerable cost). Bottom line, Chevy advertises its trucks as built like a rock... well, if they were building rocks theyd be O.K... unfortunately, automobiles are complicated machines that should be provided a higher level of engineering and quality that Chevy has provided to its products.
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Fuel pump problems - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
By LGrugin - December 29 - 2:00 amWe traded a 1999 Suburban for a 2000 Suburban because we had had problems with the older one. After owning the second for a little over a year, the fuel pump went out. Over the past 6 months, we have had 5 fuel pumps, the latest stranding us 120 miles from home on Christmas day. The dealer cannot find out why, but says he had a Yukon that did the same. He told us he would "get rid of it" if he were us and it went out again.
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Problem after Problem - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By Sam50 - December 21 - 2:00 amIf I can keep it out of the shop I may start to like it. The air conditioner has broke twice with the same problem....turns on full blast and none of the controls will turn it off (even if you turn the vehicle off it still runs). CD player broker after only using it 10 minutes. The brakes squeal most of the time and the dealer says that is normal. The Firestone tires make a whine noise and the dealer said I must rotate tires after every OIL CHANGE (yeah right) to prevent cupping. The power windows squeak on roll down. The transmission slips and the dealer said its within specs. Other than the above problems the LT Sub is great (sarcasm).
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Broken - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By bdew - November 11 - 2:00 amOur suburban is on its 4th alternator and its 4th fuel pump which is a 400.00 part that is inside the fuel tank. The water pump and intake manifold gasket have both had to be replaced with countles other problems like brakes and electrical failures. The motor pings badly when under no load but going up a slight incline and has 60% of its original power.
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EXPERIENCE OF OWNERSHIP - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By MLUZECKY - September 11 - 2:00 amELECTRIC WINDOWS HAVE BROKEN ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS DESPITE MINIMAL USE. REMOVING REAR SEAT REMAINS DIFFICULT. BRAKING REMAINS MARGINAL.
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more gm garbage - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
By machturtle - August 7 - 2:00 ammajor components breaking down and requiring repair constantly, expensive to work on and expensive parts, never buy without an extended warranty, a good mechanic and more patience than i have i am buying toyota or honda next
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Poor Review - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By dhhd222 - July 25 - 2:00 amThis car takes so much gas...there are so many more suvs that can hold the same amount of passangers but do not have such a poor fuel economy...i have needed a new alternator 3 times and a new transmission 2 times...i will never buy another cheverolet again
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Disappointed - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
By snotned - July 25 - 2:00 amI use my Chevy to puck up friends from the airport and to take trips to neighboring states. The dealership tells me that it is normal to burn 1 1/2 quarts of oil between oil changes (every 3500 miles) Chevy says it sent out letters saying this was normal.???
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199 subur4ban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By RNA - June 14 - 2:00 amI bought the car with 35k miles and have spent $1000 on brakes, The rotors are nearly gone, they squeal when new and old and everything in between and have never worked very well. But the worst is the rear differential.I pull a trailer, about 5000 lbs,and the differential has gone out twice. It definitely can not handle the load claimed by the factory for towing and the factory wont stand behind it. Also the gas gauge stopped working at 80k miles and the dealer says it is $750 to fix and no offers from the factory. I have talked to other people who have had the same problem with chevy trucks gas gauges.
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TOO MANY PROBLEMS FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By NEVERBUYANOTHER - May 18 - 2:00 amPiece of Junk - Very dissatisfied owner. I had following problems. Delivered with bad alignment 3rd row seat is all plastic not leather as advertised Horn burnt out at 36,000 Steering squeeks, is notchy and stiff Transmission slipped at 49,000 miles Fuel pump needed replacement at 20,000 Throttle body needed replacement at 16,000 Needed new battery at 32,000
