2007 Chevrolet Suburban Review

The Chevrolet Suburban has been around for a long time. First introduced in 1936 as a truck-based station wagon, the Suburban has changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains the same: It’s a big, rugged, roomy people and cargo mover. In 2001, the Suburban’s engine was upgraded from 285 to 320 horsepower, and in 2002, the base model was dropped and the LS trim sported new features, such as power front seats. Half-ton models were upgraded with Hydroboost brakes in 2004. But 2007 marks the first major revision of the Suburban since 2000.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

First, let’s state the obvious the Chevrolet Suburban is huge and expensive to run. Only consider the Suburban if you have to move large amounts of people or cargo on a regular basis. Despite the improved gas mileage claimed for the 2007 model, the Suburban will knock a hole in your wallet at the gas pump. Equally concerning in a model of its age is the reliability issue. Throughout its long history the Suburban has been dogged by low production quality. For the high price tag this is simply unacceptable. We suggest there are large SUV’s on the market that offer much better bang for the buck.

What’s New For 2007:

The Suburban has received more elegant styling cues for its exterior in the 2007 model year, as well as a more powerful engine that somehow achieves better fuel economy. It’s got improved, more responsive rack-and pinion steering, and a wider stance on-road. The Suburban’s body-on-frame construction has been tweaked, offering improved body stiffness. It has new coil-over-shock suspension and an interior newly refurbished with noise reduction and comfort in mind. New standard creature comforts on the Suburban include seat heaters in all three rows of seats, power running boards, a DVD entertainment system, remote start, and rear parking assist with rear-view camera. It’s available in three trim levels with a variety of luxury features like load-leveling suspension, DVD entertainment package, and navigation system.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

The Suburban has historically low reliability. J.D. Power gives its only two out of five stars in initial reliability. Dating back to the ’90s, the Suburban has had issues with fluid leaks, hard starting, problematic clutches, and fast brake wear. The last generation didn’t fare much better, according to Automotive Information Systems, which notes serious problems with the Suburban’s engine, transmission, and brakes. Later model years showed quite a bit of improvement, although accessories still proved to be problematic. Expect below average reliability out of the Suburban. GM’s basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Safety in the Suburban is good, almost by default. By virtue of its being a very large vehicle, it is much less likely to sustain much damage in an accident. Size notwithstanding, the Suburban received a five out of five star front crash test rating in government crash tests. Side impact tests have not been performed by the government, and ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have not been published. Standard safety features on the new Chevrolet Suburban include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, front and side airbags, OnStar emergency communication, tire pressure monitoring system, and optional curtain airbags. One concern with a large SUV is propensity for rollover — the Suburban scored only three out of five stars in government rollover tests — but the Suburban’s stability control system and wide stance mitigates this to some degree. There have been no recalls for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Excellent handling and power
+ Lots of passenger and cargo capacity
+ New and improved interior

Cons
– Fuel economy still that of a large SUV
– Third row seating doesn’t fold flat
– Costly, especially in high-end trims

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Mercury Mountaineer costs about $1,000 less, has traction control, all wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission, curtain airbags, and leather upholstery standard, but lacks the engine size and payload capacity of the burly Chevy Suburban. The Dodge Durango Limited also costs $1,000 less and has a navigation system, CD changer, and leather seats standard. But it too lacks the power of the Suburban, with 85 fewer horsepower. Finally, the Chrysler Pacifica has fulltime all wheel drive, a DVD system, CD changer, leather seats and a sunroof, but lacks the power, OnStar, and theft-tracking system of the Suburban. Also, consider the Suburban’s sibling: The GMC Yukon.

What Others Are Saying:

“Generally, the big Suburban drives small, nimbler and easier to handle in tight spots than its size suggests. It might not be your first choice for the shopping mall lot on Christmas Eve, but if you can live with the length, it’s not intimidating.” – USA Today

“Chevrolet’s Suburban hit the roads for the first time in 1936, and it’s proven itself something of an icon, able to haul and tow just about anything…New sheet metal, improved powertrains, and increased safety have been applied to the Suburban since Job 1 rolled down the assembly line.” – Truck Trend

“A nicely resculpted two-tone interior is crafted from higher-quality materials than before, with redesigned seats that offer greater fore and aft travel to accommodate long-legged riders in the front or second row.” – ForbesAutos.com

Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.