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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  Replaced 2005 Durango - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Clint - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Ready to leave on 3K mile trip from Saskatchewan Canada to Disneyland California pulling a 33 foot camper and our Hemi Durango wouldnt start and dealer had no idea how to fix. Found the Burb (5.3L, LTZ, AWD) and it was awesome. Little less power than Hemi but better in everything else. Wife and 3 kids loved it. Added 1 qt oil in 3K miles, running Mobil 1 synthetic. Drove through cold and extreme heat, pouring rain, and wind with no problems. Very impressed overall. Better mileage then the Hemi and larger gas tank much appreciated as some stretches with minimal fuel service. But really, it is a full size vehicle, so who cares about mileage.Get a crossover if you want mileage.

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  Love it - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By chkrhntr - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4WD burban new and finally gave it to the kids at 142,000 miles. Only thing that ever failed was the fuel pump ($600). Very reliable and got over 17mpg on freeway! Extremely comfortable to drive and handled like a luxury car. My other 4WD owning friends referred to it as "the pillow barge". I wish i still had it.

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  Superior SUV - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By T5258 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a rusty 90 Bronco...what an improvement!! Itll take 3 people, their dog & a weeks worth of luggage with room to spare (ask me how I know). With just under 200k, it runs, stops & shifts like new. I guess 60 years of refinement will go a long way...Ive owned the aforementioned Bronco and an 87 Grand Wagoneer, the Suburban combines the best features of both in one SUV!!16-18 mpg with the 5.7 V8 is great in my book, plus a ridiculously well-appointed interior AND go-anywhere 4WD?? Make mine Chevy please!!!

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  Awesome Truck - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By msagewilson - August 12 - 8:12 pm

  I inherited my Suburban when I turned 16, it was my dads when his 85 GMC Blazer went out. It wasnt the prettiest ride when I got it, but thats changing now. I plan on finishing it with bigger, meaner wheels, a dual magnaflow, new trim, and new sound system. Its a very aggressive truck, and can go anywhere it can fit. I did have trouble with the coolant system, a series of problems arose after I waited too long to replace a bad radiator, my mistake, but other than that, NO problems. I turned down 2 newer cars to keep this truck, and Ive never regretted it once. Long live the Suburban

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  Loving this can get OLD. - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Burban - July 21 - 3:53 pm

  My dad leased this suburban 3 years ago. I am a 19 year old and i can honestly say that i love this truck. It has great pep when u need it. 5.3 L is exceptionally worthy of praise. Exhaust sounds great and its quiet on the highway. Decent gas mileage 14 city 20 highway. I love the cylinder shut off feature, i like to c how long i can stay in V4 mode. Heads up display on the instrument panel is awesome. Captain seats are a little uncomfortable after an hours ride. second Row is comfortable and 3rd row could use better seats. Overall great ride, decent mileage, so-so seats, and great cargo space behind the 3rd row.

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  Farm and Family Friendly - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Farm Tough - July 16 - 4:40 pm

  Purchased used with 19000 miles. Live on horse ranch and need a reliable 4x4 vehicle to haul family of 5 and 3 dogs. Suburban has been great until 2010 and now it is in the shop more than on the road with expensive repairs, will purchase a newer Suburban in the near future, great overall vehicle for our needs, just need to trade every 5 years instead of 8. MPG for us is 18 hwy and 14 city.

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  Questionable quality - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bill F - June 29 - 8:41 pm

  My 2008 LTZ with the 6 / 8 cylinder engine is consuming 1 qt oil per 1,500 miles. Chevy is aware of the problem but is still trying to rectify it. That and my rear main seal leaks at 38,000 miles. The truck is comfortable, stylish, rides well, and fits a lot of stuff. The troubles above and other small items make the quality a big question.

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  White one - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By landiran - June 10 - 5:26 pm

  I got a 99 suburban ls White. I got it in 06 with 120,000 miles. At first I hated this truck, it was in the shop often. So far intake gasket, 2 fuel pumps, water pump, fuel injection system, and brakes both rear and front. I just thought it was an older truck in need of some TLC. I was right now that the list of things have been done 2 it, it runs like a champ and now has 192,000 miles on it. I dont plan to ever get rid of it. I will always drive a suburban, wouldnt have it any other way. Whatever breaks I hope I can afford to fix it.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By rob - June 8 - 4:25 pm

  Very roomy for a family of 7. Great for long trips with the DVD system and interior comfort. Tons of storage space..for a family of 7. Gas mileage is excellent for the vehicle size we averaged 14.7 over the first several years. Powerful engine that can handle mountainous roads with ease.

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  Workhorse - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Troy S - May 22 - 5:38 pm

  We bought our LT brand new and now have 137k miles on it. Still runs great and we have had very few problems. We have replaced the water pump and brakes and the rear AC drain got clogged and flooded the back. Have experienced some electrical gremlins too but our LT has had a propensity to heal itself! The engine is strong and doesnt burn oil (we have maintained it well) and it is still tight after 137k miles. Leather seats are showing their age, but also have four kids! I expect that we will start having repairs based on miles and age, but knock on wood - so far so good. This is third Suburban - my dad drives a 99 with almost 200k on it.