| Large SUV; Built in USA, Mexico |
|
|
| Good condition price range: $1,400 – $4,700* |
1993 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
1992 Chevrolet Suburban C1500
1994 Chevrolet Suburban K2500
1997 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 LT
1997 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 LS
| Pros: |
|
| Cons: |
|
Through the early ’90s, Suburbans were virtually unchallenged in the full-size wagon segment. GM’s Tahoe/Yukon offers much of the Suburban’s brawn in a more manageable size. Still, those two cannot match the Suburban’s payload ratings and towing ability. Neither can they seat more than six–a feat that’s possible, however, in a Ford Expedition with third-row seating, as well as in a full-size van.
Overview
Suburbans moved to the platform of the current full-size GM pickup trucks for 1992. Cargo space and towing capacity grew. As before, Suburbans were sold in nearly identical form by Chevrolet and GMC dealers. Both have four side doors. Wheelbase grew two inches (to 131.5), and Suburbans stood 3.2 inches lower. Glass area grew by 30 percent, and buyers could choose either twin swing-open rear panel doors or a lift-glass tailgate. A 210-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 continued as standard, but a heavy-duty 190-horsepower version went into some 2500-series models. Diesel V8s departed, but a 7.4-liter gas V8 could be installed. A 4-speed automatic was the only transmission. Suburbans came with 2- or 4-wheel drive, in a 1500 series with half-ton payload, or as the 2500 series rated 3/4 ton. Each could be equipped to seat up to nine passengers. Part-time Insta-Trac 4WD had standard automatic-locking hubs. Antilock brakes now worked on all four wheels, in either 2WD or 4WD.
Yearly Updates
| 1993 Suburban Electronic control for the automatic transmission was one of the few changes in Chevrolet’s big wagon. The new automatic also added a second-gear start feature, for increased traction on slippery surfaces. |
| 1994 Suburban A turbodiesel engine returned to the powertrain parade, as side door-guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp were installed. |
| 1995 Suburban A driver-side airbag was added, in a redesigned interior with recontoured seats. The turbodiesel engine could now go into 1500-series models as well as the 2500 series, and the standard V8 lost 10 horsepower. |
| 1996 Suburban More-potent Vortec engines debuted for ’96. The 5.7-liter gas V8 leaped from 200 to 250 horsepower. The optional 7.4-liter V8 gained 60 horsepower (now 290). Pushbutton engagement for the 4-wheel-drive system became available, and daytime running lights were installed. |
| 1997 Suburban A passenger-side airbag was installed on ’97 models. Outboard seats in the middle row gained height-adjustable shoulder-belt anchors. The standard 5.7-liter engine added five horsepower. |
| 1998 Suburban Suburban added an optional full-time 4WD system called Autotrac. This system can remain engaged on any road surface. |
| 1999 Suburban GM’s biggest wagon was all but unchanged for ’99, pending the arrival of a redesigned 2000 model. |
