The legendary Suburban, a 4-door SUV, was sold under two divisions of General Motors LLC -- Chevrolet and GMC. Positioned at the high end of the full-size sport/utility market, the Chevy Suburban appealed to buyers who required a vehicle capable of carrying as many as nine people or hauling enormous quantities of gear. It also remained popular with outdoor enthusiasts who needed to tow boats and trailers weighing up to 5 tons, putting it pretty much in a league of its own.
The Suburban was America's largest SUV ever made during the 1990s, as it still is today.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
Until after 1991, the Suburban was sold as an R1500 or R2500. Chevrolet's legendary Suburban remained in a class by itself.
1992[]
The Suburban was available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel-drive models, in 1/2-ton (C/K 1500) and 3/4-ton (C/K 2500) series. Two trim levels were available: the standard Cheyenne and the top-of-the-line Silverado. The base engine was a 5.7-liter 190-horsepower ohv V8, mated to a 4-speed automatic.
Optional engines were a 7.4-liter 230-horsepower ohv V8, and a 6.5-liter 190-horsepower ohv heavy-duty V8 diesel. Both the diesel and the 7.4-liter V8 developed 385 ft.-lb. of torque. Four-wheel-drive models were equipped with a 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever for shift-on-the-fly 4wd operation.
The 1992 Suburban was unveiled at the 1992 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 1992.
1993[]
For 1993, the base engine got 20 more horsepower for a total of 210 hp.
1994[]
An optional turbocharged diesel was added for the C/K 2500 models.
1995[]
The outsized "carryall" Suburban a number of improvements for 1995, including a driver's-side airbag, standard 4-wheel antilock brakes, a new instrument panel, contoured seats and a brake-transmission shift interlock, a passenger-car safety feature that prevents shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is depressed. Also new on models with optional bucket seats was a console that converts to a mobile workstation, complete with a pivoting writing surface, map pocket, latched rear storage drawer and other amenities.
The base engine was downgraded to 200 horsepower. Four-wheel-drive models were equipped with a 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever for shift-on-the-fly 4wd operation.
Three trim levels were offered: base, LS and LT. The long-running trim designations Cheyenne and Silverado have been dropped.
1996[]
Continuing its mission as the unparalleled "carry-all" wagon, the Suburban offered a selection of more powerful engines as well as more comfort and convenience features. Under the hood was the same 5.7-liter V8, now with a 50-hp increase over the 1995 model or an optional 7.4-liter V8 with a 60-hp boost. Both ran more quietly and were kept at the proper operating temperature by a new long-life coolant that wouldn't need to be replaced for five years or 100,000 miles. A 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 that developed 190 hp and 385 ft.-lb. was also available as an option. All three engines were mated to one of two 4-speed automatic transmissions.
Inside the cabin were new rear heat ducts, illuminated-entry system, covered 12-volt auxiliary power outlets and bench-seat armrest storage compartments. Daytime running lights made their first appearance on the Suburban line this year, and 4wd models benefited from a new, optional electric-shift transfer case.
1997[]
Dual airbags and a cargo area power lock switch were new for 1997.
2000[]
While GMC's Suburban was replaced by the GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet's Suburban continued on to the 2000 model year in January 2000 with a complete makeover.
Retail prices[]
| Model year | Drive | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 4x2 | 1500 | $20,706 | $640 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1994 | 4x2 | 2500 | $21,938 | $640 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1994 | 4x4 | 1500 | $22,957 | $640 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1994 | 4x4 | 2500 | $24,157 | $640 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1995 | 4x2 | 1500 | $21,587 | $650 | October 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4x2 | 2500 | $22,820 | $650 | October 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4x4 | 1500 | $23,897 | $650 | October 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4x4 | 2500 | $25,039 | $650 | October 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4x2 | 1500 | $21,887 | $650 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | 4x2 | 2500 | $23,120 | $650 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | 4x4 | 1500 | $24,197 | $650 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | 4x4 | 2500 | $25,339 | $650 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4x2 | 1500 | $24,027 | $655 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4x2 | 2500 | $25,259 | $655 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4x4 | 1500 | $26,337 | $655 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4x4 | 2500 | $27,478 | $655 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1997 | 4x2 | 1500 | $24,648 | $675 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | 4x2 | 2500 | $25,881 | $675 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | 4x4 | 1500 | $27,249 | $675 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | 4x4 | 2500 | $28,500 | $675 | July 27, 1997 |
Gallery[]
