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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Sub-par-bun - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By Sub-par-bun - April 14 - 2:00 am6 "extended shop visits" in six years. Major transmission work - twice. Head gasket. FUEL PUMP - WIRES SHORTED OUT AND MELTED (fuel pump is IN the gas tank), lucky to be alive. Water pump replaced. Rear end diff work. Glad I didnt buy a 4x4 (twice the repairs?) and glad I did buy the extended warranty (wish it was still in force). Still interested? Good, mine is for sale.
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Dont buy a Chevy Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
By andrew allocco - March 3 - 2:00 amThe top of the line LT model is a piece of junk. Within first year the AC fan motor broke, front seat rails were cracked,front shock absorber bad, driver heated seat doesnt heat, engine pings and knocks real bad even if using high test,other people have same problem, fuel gauge doesnt read correctly,electrical problem with clock/radio (a friend who also owns a 2001 LT has same problem) Chevy makes these trucks in Mexico.The quality just isnt there. Friend has had to replace electric window motor on the same door three times in the past 2 years with AC Delco Mexican parts they repeatedly broke. Chevy/GM customer service is a joke.
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Worst vehicle I have ever owned - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By Family Guy - January 24 - 2:00 amMy 1999 Burb XL has 49,000 miles. It is used to haul my family around and has never been used for towing. Here is what we have had replaced. Transmission replaced at 35K (warranty), CD Player, door switch (twice), door lock actuators, rear passenger door handle, AC Fan, AC Switch, passenger AC vents, intake manifold gaskets (ouch) and the rear differential (big ouch), yes thats right a new rear end. I just discovered that during the past few days the heated driver seat is not working, the door lock actuator on the rear passenger door is not working again and the driver vanity mirror cover is broken and hanging from one hinge. Run, run away.
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Suburbans are junk - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By fdl - January 7 - 2:00 amWorst vehicle I have ever owned. Ive written Chevrolet letters and they dont even respond. The transmissions in these vehicles are defective and GM just ignores their customers. I will never own a GM vehicle again! Do yourself a favor and spend more on vehicles that have high quality and reliability ratings.
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Gm Junk - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By western6 - January 2 - 2:00 amWe bought this vehicle used. the trans went out at 38000k and gm would not back it beacause we were the 2nd owners of it, we also ha the alternator go. plus severa brake jobs, o2 sensors. we live on a ranch and the thing rattled apart. we sold it
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Dont do it! - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
By BigJohn - December 15 - 2:00 amIf your thinking about buying a Chevy Suburban....Dont do it. Chevy has really gone down hill the past few years. My main complaint is the intake manifold gasket start leaking at about 75-80,000 miles. It did it to me in the middle of eastrern Colorado and stranded me in a little town called La Junta. $800 buck later the new gaskets were installed, but 8,000 miles later they blew again. This time I let a REAL mechanic fix the problem. He went with third part FelPro gaskets and the thing hasne leaked in 40,000 miles.
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Oh My God!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By gcd - June 1 - 2:00 amI have had everyhting break that you can imagine. Water pump, 3 alternators, exhaust pipe, universal joint, power seat, blower motor, fuel pump, a/c compressor, wiper switch, and a coolant leak on the intake manifold. And of course it all happened after the warranty. JUNK!!!!! Only has 70K miles.
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A Real Disappointment - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
By BHK - May 9 - 2:00 amI have never had a car with more problems than the Suburban. In 3 years, we have replaced a transmission, power steering (twice), speed sensor, manifold gasket (the list goes on and on). It is amazing that in 40+ years of making this car, it still has so many shortcomings. And, by the way, dont believe the mileage estimates -- youll get 12mpg if you are lucky!
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poortruck - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By walkingman - April 26 - 2:00 amjust this year i have spent over $2000 on this vehicle. stuff like the intake gasket due to the poor selection of antifreeze by gm.,the pitman arm, the power steering pump, the water pump, and rodding out the radiator. just today i have had to call a tow truck to come and get it. this time it is the transmission(bad news) i dont even tow stuff with this vehicle.
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what a piece of junk - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By gimmeatoyota - April 18 - 2:00 amtotal mistake. dealer un helpful as well as general motors. currently on the 5th set (you heard me) of brake rotors. brake booster failed conviently out of warranty. water pump failed also just out of warranty. 3 shock absorbers literally fell off on the way home from the dealer. replaced alternator at 40k. fuel milage is horrific and it even failed emmissions!! the ride is ok but it rattles going over rough roads so much that you think the doors are falling off. cheap plastic trim and dash too
