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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  Suburban - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By 123456789123456789 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  The Suburban of our family is the one we rely on and hauls the family and groceries. The mother of the home drives it and she thinks it is the best car out their.

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  Good for Intended Purpose - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By wongsljp - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Suburban after fully thrashing our Previa minivan in places that it wasnt designed for, and to that end, the Suburban does great. However, here are a few trade-offs you should be aware of and willing to live with. Everything works - sort of: the interior trim rattles when you drive over rough roads (random plastic bits break off), the wipers do funny "dances," wind noise through front doors, noisy at highway speeds, and the seating/cargo arrangement is limiting.

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  Not again - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mradford - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the 5.3 liter engine. From the factor it used 1-2 quarts of oil per 4000 miles. Chevy says this is normal. Rattles to beat the band. Window motors have failed twice each. yada yada yada. I love the size and comfort but the quality is poor.

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  Heart attack of America - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Airmike - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Where can I start, brakes inadequate for this heavy vehicle- rotors always going out - calipers replaced ,on the 3rd transmission - replaced fuel pump - universal joint - alternator - starter - water pump - heater control valve - a/c evaporator - battery post problems - fusible link - it now has 146000 miles, I have owned for almost 3 years , about $9000 in repairs. Every time I think nothing else can go wrong , it does. If you own one of these I strongly suggest joining AAA, they have towed me 3 times this year. Dont get me wrong, I have a 86 K1500 truck and it is great, I guess I got a Friday or Monday build.

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  2nd and Last Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mustang43 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Its amazing that such a huge vehicle has such little interior room for second and third row passengers. Our 1993 model is much more comfortable, even though the new one is fully loaded. It handles like a lumbering moose. We decided to put a new engine in the old car and trade in the newer one on a better quality car that also has higher gas mileage. Yeah, pretty much we should have waited for the 2000 model, but a roadtrip to Yellowstone was calling for a new car. The 2000 model might be better, but were getting sick and tired of the cheap materials, shoddy build quality and unreliability of GM cars. Lexus here we come.

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  0 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By GD2fast4u - September 6 - 2:00 am

  none, car is just ok, gas hog

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  Not very good off road - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By sft - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I work at a university and we have used suburbans as field research vehicles so we really need good, stock 4X4 trucks. Old (1980s) suburbans were very good off road, lots of clearance, tough, simple. Our 2002 suburban is very comfortable but not very good off road. It has about 1/2 the ground clearance of our old suburban and it has way too many bells and gadgets that wont hold up to off road use. Its a big station wagon that is built as a highway cruiser.

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  BIG disappointment - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By theboysmom - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive been a fan of CHEVY since my first car (68 Chevelle). But this Suburban has shaken my faith in the most reliable engine, the 350, ever built. First problem with the transmission at 10k miles, gear replacement. Then 4-wheel drive issues, when in 4-wheel HIGH or LOW the car feels like it is braking when turning the steering wheel the dealership cant find the problem & said do not use the 4-wheel drive feature (makes sense?). More problems w/ trans. @ 45k miles - lost REVERSE. Since then - an exhaust manifold leak & a head gasket replaced (this SUV only has 53k miles on it). Now A/C problems. AGAIN I say - BIG disappointment!

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  A true lemon - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jgm - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Clearly the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Breaks down every 15,000 miles. I average $1000-$2000 of unscheduled repairs each year. The transmission just gave out completely yesterday. Im kind of glad, now I have a good excuse to buy another vehicle.

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  Electrical system nightmare - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By tstorm5 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Were on our 5th Alternator. We also went through 3 batteries before those problems were resolved. Alternator left me stranded in the California deseret once and left my wife stranded three times locally. The current one on the vehicle is dying as we speak. Fenderwell and area had to be sandblasted and repainted shortly after purchase to repair acid damage. Other than that we have had a pretty good experience. We travel to Colorado from South Texas every year and other than one breakdown we have had good luck. A/C seems to only blow on passenger side vents. Good large vehicle except for reliability problems