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:

• 

  Still glad we bought it after 16k miles - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Lonniegl - September 15 - 2:00 am

  2002 LT w/ Autoride - Its been a year now and 16k miles and we still love the truck. It hasnt required any warranty service. We got the center buckets because we were used to that feature from our minivan. Kids can walk between the seats to get in the back; but you drop to 7 passanger capacity instead of 8. Gets 19mpg on the highway and about 13 around town which is respectable. Minor interior rattles, one notably from a center bucket seatback. Stereo sounds great at high volumes, average at lower volumes. Ride is excellent. Car is quick,drivetrain has been flawless. This is my wifes car and she absolutely loves it.

• 

  Chevy Quality? - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By bman - September 14 - 11:51 pm

  Bought this truck in 2003 with 35k on it. have put 100k on it since then. steers more like a mini van than a truck, rides better also. Have replaced every power window motor at least once, replaced transmission at 105K have replaced 4 oxygen sensors and still have engine trouble light on. push button 4 WD switch doesnt always work, door locks occasionally dont work, check 4 WD light comes on but no mechanic can figure out why, wheel speed sensor in front wheel hubs were repaired under recall once but again dont work causing ABS to activate at speeds less than 5 mph such as when you are trying to stop at a redlight, causing brakes to not work, have had several near fender- benders.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By johnv100 - September 11 - 11:41 am

  Just bought a used Suburban with only 45K miles to tow my boat and haul the kids. So far, my family and I love it. The gas mileage is not very good (avg 13.5 mpg), but no ones buying this truck to commute anyway. I love the exterior design. Leather seats are good, XM radio is great. The kids love the DVD player. Very roomy, and plenty of power to tow a boat and the whole family. Parking brakes are flaw designed I found lots of complaints about them. Mine aint working either. Interior plastics look cheap, but I dont mind. Replacing OEM rims with larger chrome rims and low profile tires makes the truck look awesome.

• 

  Shuddering Suburban - 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
  By David DNO - September 8 - 6:46 am

  My 2009 Suburban is spacious, elegant and well built. The cabin is very quiet at any speed, and the handling for such a large vehicle is impressive. I have a large family and the Suburban is the only "Car" that suits my needs. The Suburban has the ability to cut down to 4 cylinders on flat or down hill surfaces to improve fuel economy. The down side to this feature, which is standard on ALL models, is the unfortunate tendency to "shudder". The truck will "buck" during a coast. Sometimes accompanied by a distinct clattering from the engine compartment. Additionally, when accelerating up hill, the truck will lumber, failing to accelerate, as the engine screams to answer the command.

• 

  My Dream Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By queeneene - August 31 - 10:47 am

  I cant remember if its LT or LS. Its in the shop right now for the a/c- heat issues Ive had with it since I bought it used a year ago. I have 3 kids and 2Lg dogs, it was excellent for driving from Alaska to La. last summer besides the heat going out while we were in the mts and a/c not working once we got in the southern states. Ar. dealership changed a part $250, Mechanic here changed parts twice $800+, Dealership here is trying to charge me $2,000 to replace half the a/c :( The shocks make it ride like a Cadillac. Flex fuel doesnt seem to make that big a difference. It does guzzle oil. The captains chairs in the center would be ideal in all of these large SUVs and make my job easier.

• 

  Wow - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ford guy - August 12 - 6:55 pm

  I have had two suburbans now. I normally drive fords but the suburban is just a better rig than the expedition and the excursions is just too damn big. Anyway, it is true that these vehicles have a few weak spots. I have done the intake gasket, the radiator, power steering pump but that is about it. Both my suburbans required the above repairs at the same mileage. They are very predictable and considering how heavy duty these rigs are, not too bad in terms of maintenance. There simply isnt anything out there that can touch the suburban for its combination of utility, comfort, towing capacity, and yes fuel economy. Pound for pound this thing is as efficient as a honda civic.

• 

  Im sold on the Suburban! - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ray - August 3 - 10:01 pm

  I started looking for an SUV months ago. I test drove Yukon XL & Sequoia before deciding on the Suburban. People that complain about the gas mileage are a bit delusional. For the size of vehicle & engine, its pretty amazing, actually. Ive been getting 16-17 mpg in horrible traffic conditions. I avg 21.4mpg on the hwy @60mph & 19.9mpg @70mph. My Tundra got 18mpg @70! Its more quiet & rides more smoothly than the Tundra or Sequoia, not to mention has a better turning radius. Its just a few inches longer, too, but has far more interior space. I admit its not as luxurious as a Denali or Navigator, but I couldnt pass it up. If youre afraid of the size, dont be. You get used to it quickly

• 

  Great Traveling Car, too many repairs - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Colorado Traveler - August 1 - 12:05 pm

  Bought 1 year old with 27k miles. Drives like a dream, even in extreme snow/blizzard. Problem is reliability. Had AC replace at 50k, transmission at 60k, transmission at 90k, transmission at 110k. Never towed anything, just issues with transmission. With complaints said, we feel ultra safe traveling, even in extreme blizzards when other cars are spinning off the road. Put Yokohama AT/S tires on it, and can go anywhere in sun/rain/snow.

• 

  Good Value - Work Horse - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mark - July 31 - 9:29 pm

  I have had this vehicle since 2002, and now have 160,000 miles. Great truck for family. Can easily haul 4 family members and the dog and all the gear (golf clubs, luggage, etc...). Makes long trips a breeze. For a truck with 160,000 mile it still functions great and is very comfortable.

• 

  1994 Suburban 2 wheel - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By aloanagain - July 28 - 1:22 pm

  I bought the car in 1999 with 49,000 miles on it. Now in 2009 it has 170,000. It is the best car. It is so reliable and strong. I have hauled everything over the years and if it does not fit in the back then it goes on top: from a 14 foot Christmas tree to 15 foot metal cattle panels to stoves, dishwashers, dining room furniture in the boxes etc. The engine leaks not a drop of oil, I cant believe it. But radiator fluid leaks on the top of the engine but I lived with that for 70,000 miles. It is such a good car. Now I have teenagers driving it a few miles to school and college. I am looking at the cash for clunkers program and the added Texas program. Hum...keep up with the Jones or not...