2008 Chevrolet Suburban Review

The Suburban is a large SUV that traces its lineage back to 1935. The modern Suburban started to take shape in 1973, with a four-door model capable of seating nine passengers. The current Suburban debuted for 2007 with improved body and suspension updates as well as a nicer interior. It's one of the largest vehicles on the market.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Chevrolet Suburban may seem like a beast, but it's a godsend for big families. Few other vehicles can carry the whole family, along with a month's worth of essentials. However, its reliability record is spotty, and it doesn't offer as much value as equally competent competitors. It's an attractive option, but shop around before you commit.

What's New For 2008:

Head side airbags are now standard. The 2500 now features stability control and a six-speed automatic transmission. Navigation is standard on the LT and LTZ.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Chevrolet Suburban price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$38,085

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
8

Gas Mileage:
15/21

Engine:
5.3L V8

Horsepower:
320@5200RPM

Torque:
340@4200RPM

Transmission:
4 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/RWD

Fuel Capacity:
31

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/100000

Rust Warranty:
72/100000

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Suburban 4 stars in overall quality. The last generation had issues with oil leaks, rough idling, low heater output and water leaks. It was recalled 15 times between 2000 - 2005 for issues including loose exhaust plugs, fracturing driveshafts, overheating fuel pump wires, brake failure and screw breakage. No recalls occurred in the past 2 years. Expect below average to average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Suburban earned perfect government crash test scores. Other crash testing data is not available. Anti-lock brakes, head side airbags, rollover sensor, and stability control is standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Spacious
+ Capable towing
+ Refined interior and exterior

Cons
- Back rows tough to get to
- Lousy reliability history
- Enormous

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Ford Expedition Limited includes traction control, leather seats, a CD changer and can tow more. The related GMC Yukon SLE costs a few hundred less, adds traction control and can tow more. The Nissan Armada costs about $3,000 less and has 40 more hp and can tow a bit more.

What Others Are Saying:

"Chevrolet's long-standing (and just plain long) Suburban SUV gets a much-needed makeover for 2007, adding power, sophistication and features." - Forbes

"GM's biggest SUVs (Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL) are based on the company's full-size pickups, which were vastly improved for 2007. There's a lot of choice here, with numerous powertrain, trim-level, and equipment options. Standard safety equipment now includes roof-mounted, side-curtain airbags." - Car and Driver

"It will still tow like a locomotive and keep as many as nine passengers happy while doing so. You can take your family and friends and houseboat to the lake in one neat swoop." - The New York Times

Read more about the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - Email to a friend

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What do you think?

Road Test: Chevrolet Suburban
Read User Comments

One of the first SUVs ever produced, the Chevrolet Suburban was originally designed to haul a handful of kids and all the necessities that go with. The current Chevrolet Suburban doesn't stray too far from the primary intent. Just a few technological upgrades (think flip down DVDs, rearview camera systems, GPS systems and active fuel management system) and a whole lot more comfort than the steel dinosaurs of the 1980's. With tough competition from the GMC Envoy and the Cadillac Escalade the Suburban makes the race for supremacy a lot tighter.

Chosen Model Trim:

There are five trim packages available for the Suburban. They include the base model LS, the moderately equipped 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT as well as the fully loaded LTZ. There is also an available Z71 off-road package which will get you 18" wheels, stiffer shocks, wheel flares, a skid plate and an automatic locking rear differential. The model that I climbed into (with the help of standard step bars) was the base LS model.

Exterior & Interior features/comforts:

From the outside, the Suburban stands a whopping 6'4" tall and 6'7" wide. Upon entering the Suburban, one can be overwhelmed by its vastness. My dorm room in college had less square footage. This ride comfortably seats 9 adults and has a massive 137.4 cubic feet of cargo room. Admittedly, the Suburban does have a lot of amazing amenities. Steering wheel mounted audio controls, a six way power driver's seat, and stability controls come standard on the LS model. Other options include a remote starter, ultrasonic parking assistance, and an E85 flex-fuel engine that can run on a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Driving Experience:

The LS that I dove was powered by a 5.3L Vortec V-8 that produced 320 horsepower, and it needed it. While performance isn't a reason to buy something this large SUV, torque is, and the LS had plenty of it. It handled quite well for a large vehicle. The four speed automatic with overdrive had that little extra push for passing on the highway. The cabin was spacious and very comfortable.

Summary and My Opinion:

The Suburban LS was a pleasure to drive, but would be painful to maintain. Achieving a mere 15city/21 highway mpg would leave a sizable dent in your wallet, and the 31 gallon fuel tank would cost upwards of $100 to fill! At least it costs thousands less than the Escalade. The LS retailed for $37,450 and can range to $50,000. Overall the Suburban LS was a pleasure to drive. My only question: is there really a need for an average family to own such a massive vehicle? If the answer is yes, consider the flex-fuel engine.

User Comments

2008 Chevrolet Suburban Review reveals a long-lasting SUV.

Friday, July 25, 2008

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2008 Chevrolet Suburban Review