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 for its size - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By skudrunner - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 LS new in 1998 for business reasons. Now has 138000 miles and still runs strong. Have replaced normal wear items and starter 3 times, blower control, manifold gasket. Service trans every 50k and use synthetic oil change every 5k. It rattles over bumps but not to bad, mileage between 15-17 and requires a mortgage to fill up when empty but will go 600 miles on a tank. Great on the hwy and not bad around town. Would buy another one if I needed the size, which I dont, and will go with a Honda Pilot when this one wears out.

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  Good but not Great - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By davey753 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Just the right size for my needs, and fun to drive. Mine has a custom interior (made by an aftermarket company), so the aftermarket add ons are great but the factory GM parts are cheap plastic. Very nice vehicle, but it can in NO way compare to a Navigator the Suburban isnt even in the same league.

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  Chevy Quality - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By carconjam - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought at 20K miles. Exhaust donoughts had to replaced every 35K miles. Electrical problems. Fun rig, but not reliable.

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  Sturdy Truck w/some probs - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By REK3 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a sturdy truck. The problems I have had are often cooling system related. The entire system has been redone twice in 3-years, including three times for the rear heater core. (Consumer Reports notes the cooling system as problem area for the 1993s.) Also, fuel mileage with the 454 ranges from 9-12, averaging 10 mpg. Finally, the engine does not perform as one might expect a from 454. I will try to upgrade the exhaust to help it breath. Worthless trade-in value for the Cheyanne model, but otherwise a good ranch truck.

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  Bring you Wallet - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MN-Suburban - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new Back in the shop within one week In the shop every 6 months. On my 3rd tranny and I dont tow anything! So far, $14,000 in repair bills. To the point now that fixing it is still cheaper than a new truck payment. Ill try and hang on for 10 years.

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  1999 K2500 Diesel Suburban Testimony - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By rbellew - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Here are the facts from the last 24 months/39K miles. Mostly highway time with no towing. - 99 diesel Suburban 4x4 with 83K - Injection pump resistor pack failed - Rear pinion bearing recently failed - Both motor mounts failed - Four door lock actuators failed - A/C compressor badly leaking oil - A/C condensation leaks on carpet - Rusting at the bottom of 4 doors - Rear barn doors leak severely - More repairs in prior GM records - Market value drops faster than loan This vehicle doesnt come close to the quality and reliability of my 94 Ford Ranger 4x4.

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  Nice Hauler, but troublesome. - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Pats Truck - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 53000 miles. My neighbor is a GM mechanic and told me Id be putting a water pump on it soon. At 63,000 sure enough, it needed a water pump. Within months started seeing coolant leak again. This time intake manifold gaskets. Researched the internet, seems this is a problem with 5.7 engines. GMs solution...redesign the motor. No service bulletin, no corporate support, fix it yourself. Its unfortunate GM refuses to be honorable and stand behind what is obviously a defect, not normal wear and tear. It ran better after new gaskets but wallet $600 lighter. All in all my family loves it but my instincts tell me to get rid of it soon.

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  rear axle - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By broke - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my suburban used with only 13400 original miles, buy the time I had reached 43000 I had to rebuild the rear end for $700.00, the brakes 600 and 1100.00 for Air Conditioning. Like a sponge, not a rock. The rear end was set up wrong by the factory. I have gotten an avg. of 14 mpg would I buy another no way.

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  Z71 Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Carek - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Numerous mechanical problems that should not be present in a vehicle of this price or age. Not the first Chevrolet but maybe the last I own. Dealer support for these problems not very good at all.

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  1998 C2500 w/7.4 - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By fellows - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used and have been happy with the vehicle for 8 months. I got new pads for the brakes and installed a K&N Filter Kit. On a trip to Idaho/Montana I got 14mpg/65mph, 13mpg/70mph, and 11.9/78mph. Three kids, dog, trailer.. no problems. This vehicle is great around town, it has a very sharp turning radius and can get with it when necessary. With gasoline nearing $1.75, it costs ~ $65 or so to fill. I feel very safe within in the vehicle.