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 71 through 80 of 1,055.00-
Gets the job done but American quality - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
By odelrio - April 22 - 2:00 amWe bought the 95 Suburban used in 4/00, it had 90k miles but in excellent shape. Three years and 30k miles later, it has had electrical (ignition and instrumentation) problems, brake problems, stereo quit twice (bought a GM replacement and then finally a Pioneer) and the interior plastics have cracked and are falling apart (brake release, hood release, and seat belt guides). The gas mileage on the 5.7L is ~9-11 MPG without exception. Both dealerships and performance shops feel the mileage is not out of the ordinary. The size and comfort of this vehicle is easily its main virtue but expensive to own and anything but worry-free.
-
Junk from the Get-Go - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By Honest Abe - January 24 - 2:00 amThis truck broke down day one. Within the first three months all of the fuel injectors were replaces, with multiple visits. The power assisted steerting took three visits to repair. A bunch of minor problems, but a trip to the dealership is still a problem. The front disc brakes are gone every 6 months. At 100,000 the real costs started to add up, new transimission, radiator, engine and the list goes on. Its fair to say that $15K in repairs have been done to this truck inside 150,000 miles.
-
Im buying a ford !!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By p/o owner!!!! - January 7 - 2:00 amI bought my 97 chevy 1500 suburban from a used car dealer that is very well know with 46000 miles on it.With in a year and puting 12,500 miles on it the transmission went out($3345.00)the front rotors went bad ($674.00)front tie rods and arms went bad (est.$568.00) I just had the fuel pump go out and computer go out ($933.00)water pump and the list goes on !I must say that the short that happened on the fuel pump and sending unit was in the GAS TANK ! the wires melted ! and if Im not mistaken red hot wires and gas dont mix ! So in closing Im trading this car in as soon as I can !
-
Dissapointed in GM - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By MBaker - December 15 - 2:00 amI cannot begin to describe the headaches. GM quality has dropped radically over the past 7-10 years. The kicker on this truck was at 81,000 miles the intake manifold gaskets started leaking. I thought it was just a fluke but alot of people have this problem with these Vortecs. At 68,000 the transmission blew. Do you realize the sticker on this truck was over $35,000! And it dropped a tranny at a mere 68,000 miles. Pick you feet up GM.
-
Typical American Car - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
By amccoy - November 15 - 2:00 amOur Suburban has a little over 50,000 on it, mostly city miles. We pull a Coleman popup trailer with it when we go camping which doesnt seem to strain the engine at all, even climbing. Overall, we like the vehicle, however, we have experience our share of the quality problems mentioned by the other reviewers. The transmission went out at just over 42,000, the alternator went out, and the things seems to go through batteries every few years and the brakes are terrible. My transmission guy said that it should have lasted longer than it did, however, after reading the other reviews, I see I am not alone.
-
Representive of all? Or an expection? - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
By Dracos - October 29 - 2:00 amAfter much researching and talking to actual drivers I decided to buy a 1995 Chevy Suburban in 8/00 with 67K on the clock. By 12/00 1K in repairs, between 7/01 and 9/01 8K in repairs including a new engine. I love the utility that it gives the family! My problem is with all the maint/repair costs. I thought that JEEP ment: Just Empty Every Pocket! Not Chevy!
-
Perfect for a family of 7 - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
By Robert Millsop - October 20 - 2:00 amIf you need a large SUV, this is the one to get. Plain and simple yet with everything you need. It can carry 7 people comftorably. The gas mileage and fun to drive factors are horrible though.
-
great utility, lousy on bumps - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By Omaha Dad - July 5 - 2:00 amMost people complain about the mileage, but I get between 14 and 17 miles per gallon (much better than Ford or Chrysler in comparable models). The engine is a dream. Cargo space and people hauling is tremendous, but the fun factor is terrible. The jolts I get going over bumps is alarming, but the dealer says everyone with large SUVs and trucks get the same. My burb feels like its falling apart going over rough terrain, I cant imaging others feel the same thing.
-
burb dad - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By jmsands - June 15 - 2:00 amRecently purchased burb had altenator go and had to replace the battery.After that faulty intake valves had to be replaced.the dealer stood behind this even though waranty had expired.
-
a nice size, but major mechanical issues - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
By mom of three - June 3 - 2:00 ami have three tall sons and they loved the burb when i purchased it for my birthday. i was impressed that it drove like a car, smooth. i have had problems since then: drive shaft fell out on the hiway, wires wrapped around the four wheel drive shaft, horn stopped working, signal lights had to be replace several times, replaced brakes and tires.
