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Large SUV; Built in Mexico
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $10,400 – $48,600*


2007 Chevrolet Suburban


2007 Chevrolet Suburban


2007 Chevrolet Suburban

Pros:
  • Control layout
  • Interior materials
  • Quietness
  • Ride
  • Seat comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Steering/handling

GM’s 2007 redesign of its large Chevrolet and GMC SUVs addressed the most egregious flaws of their 2000-2006 predecessors: sloppy steering and subpar interior appointments. For smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, these are first-rate trucks. The smaller Tahoe might be the more prudent choice, but both models rank as Best Buy (2007-11) values among large SUVs. A carefully optioned LT makes a particularly fine choice.

Overview

More power, fresh styling, and new features highlighted the 2007 redesign of Chevrolet’s two large sport-utility vehicles: the Tahoe and the longer half-ton Suburban. Also redesigned for 2007 were the closely related GMC Yukon and Denali, and their Yukon XL counterparts, plus the Cadillac Escalade-all of which shared this basic design.

Despite little-changed exterior dimensions, all of these GM SUVs had more cargo space and rear passenger room than the 2000-2006 generation. Compared to Tahoe, the Suburban was about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and had nearly 30 cubic feet more cargo volume. Both had a liftgate with opening glass. Each came in LS, LT, and luxury LTZ trim levels. Each offered buyers a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, which could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Antilock braking and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors were standard. Suburbans were similar to GMC’s Yukon XL, as well as the Cadillac Escalade ESV. Rivals included the Ford Expedition EL and Toyota Sequoia.

A 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 was standard in Suburban 1500s, with a 355-hp 6.0-liter V8 optional. The 5.3- and 6.0-liter engines had GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Some versions of the 5.3 V8 could run on E85 (an ethanol/gasoline blend). The sole transmission was a four-speed automatic. Suburban 2500s, rated three-quarter ton, used a 352-hp, 6.0-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard on the Suburban LTZ and available for the Suburban LT was GM’s Autoride suspension, which included load-leveling and automatically adjusted firmness based on road and driving conditions. The LT also was available with Chevrolet’s Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package.

Passenger capacity ranged from five to nine, with two- and three-place seating available for any of the three rows. Curtain side airbags that covered all seating rows and included rollover deployment were standard with the LTZ and available for LS and LT models. Second- and third-row seats folded, and the third row could be removed. As in GM’s other large SUVs, a spring-release option could flip the second-row seats to provide third-row access. Other new features included a rearview camera, power liftgate, power running boards, and rear obstacle detection. Also available were a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, heated first- and second-row seats, and DVD entertainment. GM’s OnStar assistance was standard.

Yearly Updates

2008 Suburban
Curtain side airbags became standard on all Suburban models for 2008. GM’s antiskid system became standard on Suburban 2500 models.
2009 Suburban
The Suburban got a new 6-speed automatic transmission as well as additional safety and luxury features for 2009. Heated and cooled front seats were newly standard on the LTZ while Blind-spot alert was newly optional. Other new-for-2009 features included a wireless cell phone link, dual-screen DVD entertainment, and a backup camera that displayed in the rearview mirror and on the optional navigation system screen.
2010 Suburban
The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban lineup gained a special anniversary-edition trim level. The 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition included most of the LTZ’s equipment, along with specific paint and trim.
2011 Suburban
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is largely unchanged.
2012 Suburban
The only change of note to the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban was newly available trailer-sway control.
2013 Suburban
Suburban saw no significant changes for 2013.
2014 Suburban
The base LS model gained standard power-adjustable pedals, remote start, rearview camera, and rear parking assist for 2014. Otherwise, Suburban was unchanged for its final year before a revised Suburban arrived for the 2015 model year.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Suburbans could have either a 5.3-liter V8 that produced 320 horsepower, or a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 355 hp (later 366 hp). Both engines teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission. A 352-hp version of the 6.0 V8 went into the Suburban 2500, with a six-speed automatic. Tahoes had a standard 4.8-liter V8. Either rear-drive or four-wheel drive may be installed.

ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.3/325
Engine HP 320
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 340
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic 15/21 15.6
ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.0/364
Engine HP 355-366
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 365-380
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic		 12/17

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models with 4WD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

With the 5.3-liter V8, all Suburban 1500 models have fine power from any speed. Transmissions shift smoothly, though some testers have complained of delayed downshifts with the four-speed automatic. Towing capacity with the Suburban 1500 is 8200 pounds (versus 7700 for the Tahoe and 9700 for the Suburban 2500). Ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is available in most states and can be less expensive than regular-grade gasoline. E85 can be used in versions of the Suburban with the 5.3-liter V8 engine.

Differences between the Suburban and the smaller Tahoe aren’t great. A test Suburban 4WD LT averaged 15.0 mpg. GM recommends regular-grade fuel for the 5.3-liter and 6.0-liter V8s.

Ride quality ranks among the best of any SUV, whether crossover or traditional truck-type. Like the Tahoe, Suburbans with 17-inch tires exhibit car-like comfort over bumps and, unlike their shorter counterparts, they aren’t prone to floaty motions over dips and swells. GM’s Autoride suspension (available for LT models with the 6.0-liter engine) quells some float, but does not add demonstrably to ride comfort. Available 20-inch tires transmit minor road imperfections more readily than the standard 17s.

Suburbans react alertly to steering inputs. While some testers have said the steering is too sensitive at highway speeds-especially with available 20-inch tires-all agreed that it lacks the sloppiness that plagued the 2000-2006 generation. These are tall, heavy vehicles, however, so don’t expect nimbleness. On the plus size, there’s no excessive body lean in turns with the base suspension, and even less with Autoride. Low-speed maneuverability is aided by a relatively tight turning circle. Brakes feel strong, though some testers would have preferred better pedal modulation.

Quietness is a Suburban virtue. Moderate highway-speed wind rush is evident, but there’s no undue road noise. Powertrains are models of refinement.

Gauges are large, but some testers have found markings too indistinct for best legibility. Most controls are logically placed and operate with precision. The optional navigation system has a large, easy-read touch screen, and absorbs but does not complicate audio functions. High marks go to Chevrolet for this model’s upscale contemporary cabin ambience, and assembly with strong attention to detail. Most interior materials feel high-grade, though soft-touch surfaces are scarce.

Whether bench or buckets, Suburban seats are supportive. Head- and legroom are generous, though the bench seat’s cramped center position should be reserved for emergency situations. Available power-adjustable pedals would be a convenience for shorter drivers. A rearview camera, if installed, aids aft visibility but distorts distances, compromising its usefulness.

Second-row seats are spacious in all models. If the spring-release option happens to be installed, second-row seats spring forward to ease access to the third row, though passage is still tight and seats must be manually restored to the original position. The third row is best left to children; its low-to-floor cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone else. High step-in hinders entry/exit.

Cargo space is ample behind the third-row seat. Folded third-row seatbacks rest well above the level of the rear load floor, complicating loading of larger items. Third-row seats unlatch easily, but are heavy and cumbersome to remove. Once removed, space becomes cavernous. Cabin storage is enhanced by a large center console bin. Roomy door pockets are installed in front, but none in the rear.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Suburban 4WD LT

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 8
80%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 8
80%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 10
100%

Total: 72

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
130.0 222.4 79.1 76.8 5745
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
137.4 31.5 9.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.1 38.5 41.3 39.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Suburban 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Coolant leak
Description: Coolant (antifreeze and water) may leak from near the rear of the vehicle due to a clip in the coolant line connector breaking. (2005-07)
Coolant leak
Description: A drive belt pulley may rub a hole in the radiator vent hose resulting in a coolant leak and possible overheating. (2007)
Fuel pump
Description: Fuel pump could leak resulting in lower power and failure to start. (2014)
Oil leak
Description: An oil leak at the oil pressure sensor may cause the low oil light to come on and oil level to become low. (2006-07)
Audio system
Description: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car’s speakers whenever the vehicle’s power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2007-08)
Steering problems
Description: A clunk in the steering column that is both felt and heard on rough roads or off-road can be eliminated with an improved upper-intermediate shaft. (2000-06)
Windows
Description: Power windows may be misaligned and move slowly or not at all. (2008-14)
Wipers
Description: The one-piece wiper blades may streak when driving at slow speeds because they do not press firmly enough and should be traditional, bridge style blades. (2007-08)
Wipers
Description: The rear wiper may get damage or ripped off in automatic car washes due to the design of the wiper blade stop and a redesigned part is available. (2007)
Battery
Description: The battery may go dead while the car is parked due to the fuel pump running with the key off due to a faulty relay. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: Numerous electrical problems (door locks, power windows, speakers, courtesy lights etc.) may quit working because a wiring harness gets damaged by the seat belt. (2007)
None
Description: The backup (rear vision) camera quits working due to an electrical connector coming loose. (2007)
None
Description: Engine may not start because of exhaust or intake valve leakage. (2009-14)
Entertainment problems
Description: The DVD monitors in the front seat headrests may quit working because the video feed cable comes loose requiring installation of cable clamps. (2003-08)
Fueling problems
Description: The fuel line may rub against the floor pan causing a buzzing or rattling sound. (2008-10)

Recall History

2007-09 Suburban with heated wiper fluid system
Description: A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
2007-11 Suburban
Description: Front-airbag inflator could rupture during deployment and metal fragments could strike passsengers.
2009 Suburban
Description: The fuel system control modules may have a faulty seal, possibly allowing water to seep into the module. This could cause a short, illumination of the service engine soon lamp, setting of diagnostic trouble codes, or the engine may be hard to start.
2011 Suburban
Description: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
2011 Suburban
Description: The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification. This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
2011-12 Suburban
Description: Turning key in ignition switch may be difficult. If stuck in Start position, key may suddenly snap back to Accessory position and cause loss of engine, steering and braking power, as well as airbag deployment.
2012 Suburban
Description: Part of the steering assembly may not have been adequately hardened and could fracture, resulting in a loss of steering.
2013-14 Suburban
Description: Faulty Park lock cable and steering column lock may result in vehicle shifting out of Park when the ignition key is removed or in Off position. The vehicle may shift out of Park without application of brake pedal. Either scenarios could result in the vehicle rolling.
2013-14 Suburban
Description: A faulty chassis electronic control module could cause vehicle to stall.
2014 Suburban
Description: Bolts in rear brake calipers may not be sufficiently tightened resulting in reduced braking performance.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on August 2, 2016.
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