Can't beat the 'burb.

Introduction

This is the best vehicle to buy for anyone who needs to haul six or more people and cargo at the same time. You just can't beat the Chevrolet Suburban for its cavernous interior, strong torque for towing, off-road capability, and stable, comfortable ride for long-distance travel. Six or more people can travel in comfort, even in the third-row seat. And there's still room for stuff in back. Fold the seats down and this thing will move a mountain of cargo. It's a great companion for long trips, even when towing a hefty trailer. 

The least-expensive base model is gone, but the Chevrolet Suburban continues to provide excellent value in a jumbo package. The Suburban was totally redesigned and re-engineered for 2000 and arrived with more powerful engines, a more rigid frame, re-engineered suspension that provided excellent handling, improved brakes and an upgraded interior. 

The vehicle was vastly improved, and the improvements continued last year with even more horsepower for the 2500 model's standard 6.0-liter V8 engine and with a new 8.1-liter V8 available. Now, for 2002, the Vortec 5300 V8 can run on regular or ethanol-content fuel, electronic climate control is available if you order your Suburban with a sunroof, there's a new and special color scheme and the LS trim level gets more standard equipment. 

Lineup

Suburban comes with a choice of two or four-wheel drive and is available in two load ranges, 1500 and 2500. Two trim levels are available: LS and LT. Suburban 1500s come equipped with a 5.3-liter V8. The 2500s are available with a choice of 6.0-liter or 8.1-liter V8s. 

In two-wheel drive, the LS starts at $35,443 and the LT at $38,209. In four-wheel drive, the prices are $37,056 and $39,906 respectively. 

New standard equipment on the LS includes heated outside mirrors, with a self-dimming mirror on the driver's side, six-way power front seats, side-step assist steps, a rear window defogger, fog lights and a HomeLink Universal transmitter. 

Available on 2002 models is a special Redfire Metallic exterior color with body-colored components, including the front bumper, bodyside moldings and wheel flares. 

On LT models, electronic climate controls are available with a sunroof. 

Walkaround

The Suburban looks like an old friend. It was completely redesigned for 2000, which gave it a smoother and more aerodynamic look. Sharp edges were rounded. New headlights gave it a more contemporary appearance. But there was no mistaking the 'burb. 

Two tailgate configurations are available. A lightweight, one-piece rear hatch similar to those found on compact SUVs is useful for families and can be opened with one hand. Chevrolet lists it as a no-cost option. Our test Suburban came with traditional side-by-side cargo doors, which I like because they open wide and allow a closer working position to the vehicle's storage area. Cargo doors are also useful when pulling trailers because they will usually clear the trailer tongue jack. And I like them because it's easier to control my dog when I open them. The hinges have been re-engineered for a more finished appearance; and they let the doors open wide without having to disconnect the hinges. 

A puddle lamp mounted below the side mirrors shines down to light up the perimeter of the Suburban. It's a nice feature that can be turned on using the keyless remote when approaching the Suburban in a dark parking garage, as it illuminates underneath the vehicle. It can also be used in the backwoods to help you avoid stepping into mud puddles. 

Suburban is about 17 inches longer than the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and nearly identical to the GMC Yukon XL, which was called the GMC Suburban until last year. 

Interior

The seating is cleverly designed. The third-row seatback folds down without having to remove the headrests, then the whole thing flips forward to substantially increase cargo capacity. A short prop rod locks it into place. This bench seat can be easily removed as it's mounted on wheels; it weighs 75 pounds, however, so get some help before pulling it out the back end of the Suburban. After removing the third-row seat, flip the seat bottom of the second row forward, fold the seatback down (no need to remove the headrests), flip the floor extension down and you've got a huge, flat cargo space behind the driver's seat. Loading cargo is easy because there's plenty of space for it; lift-over height is lower than that of the Ford Excursion. The spare tire has been moved underneath the vehicle to free up rear cargo space. 

The optional cloth bucket seats in our LS were okay, but don't offer as much support as I'd like. LT's leather seats seem more supportive. The second row is quite comfortable. Headphone jacks allow rear-seat passengers to listen to CDs while those up front turn on the radio. Sitting in the third row is surprisingly comfortable for an adult; slide your feet under the seat in front of you and you can ride back there fairly long distances. Getting back there requires folding and flipping the seat out of the way. 

Though my height-challenged mother-in-law found getting into the Suburban a bit of a step up, it isn't a problem for those of standard stature. Step-in height is actually lower than before because of the new fully boxed frame. She liked the running boards, which make getting in easier. 

Driving Impression

Ride quality in the Suburban 1500 is smooth, greatly improved over the previous-generation Suburban. The optional Premium Ride suspension features a hydraulically controlled rear self-leveling system to keep the Suburban at normal ride height even when carrying heavy loads. This system offered a good ride quality on the Suburban I drove. 

The more sophisticated optional Autoride suspension system uses computer-controlled shock damping for improved ride quality over uneven pavement. Whether towing a horse trailer or picking up a soccer team, Autoride continually adjusts the suspension for optimum ride and handling. This technology also helps reduce dive on braking (so that the nose of the vehicle doesn't dip down unduly), and body roll (or lean) during cornering. Most people find the 1500 models meet their needs. 

Chevrolet Suburban offers excellent handling for a big, heavy truck; and the steering provides better feel than previously. Driving quickly over wet pavement on mountain roads, we never lost traction. We drove into wet turns as quickly as we'd ever want to go in a Suburban and never lost grip. We were impressed. The frame is completely re-engineered. The entire front part of the frame is hydro-formed from one piece of metal and is far more rigid than a bunch of pieces welded together. 

The 2500 models, often referred to as the 3/4-ton versions, are only needed for those who tow heavy trailers. Rated to tow up to 10,500 pounds, they effectively match the towing capacity of the Ford Excursion. Suburban 2500 will ride a bit harsher because its rear suspension uses leaf springs instead of the coil-springs used on the 1500. But the 2500 rides surprisingly well, given its load range, a big improvement over the previous-generation 2500 models and smoother than the big Ford Excursion. 

Until 2000, Suburbans came with mushy brakes. You had to tromp on them to get the thing to stop. GM redesigned the brake system to address this. The pedal now works smoothly and progressively, which makes is easier to stop without drama. A Dynamic Rear Proportioning system modulates the pressure applied to the rear brakes for more effective braking. Brake pads and rotors are 40 percent larger and use twin-piston calipers. This new four-wheel-disc brake system reduces 60-mph stopping distances by 20 feet, according to Chevrolet, and the pads are expected to last 40 percent longer. 

Cost is the main consideration on whether to get four-wheel drive. Those in the Sunbelt may not see justification for it. But even if you aren't an off-road driver, four-wheel drive can keep you going through snow, or on sandy, unpaved roads, or help pull a boat up a slippery boat ramp. If you don't get a 4WD model, consider the optional traction-assist system for the 2WD models. 

Four-wheel-drive models offer several modes of travel and shifting among them is as easy as changing stations on the radio. Press 2WD Hi, then, as conditions grow worse, press the 4WD Hi and 4WD Lo buttons to operate the system like a traditional part-time four-wheel-drive. If conditions are fluctuating, hit the Auto 4WD button and the Autotrac all-wheel-drive system automatically transfers power from a slipping wheel to the wheels with the best traction; no input is needed from the driver. 

The 2500's 6.0-liter V8 has aluminum heads and last year got a revised camshaft that helps it produce a nice, round 300 horsepower. We haven't tried the new 8.1-liter V8, but responsiveness from either the 5.3 or 6.0 is excellent. 

Suburban's automatic transmission comes with a tow/haul mode. Pressing a switch on the end of the column shifter changes the shift points of the transmission. The tow/haul mode improves performance while towing and lessens wear on the transmission. Even when not towing, it works well when driving through mountainous terrain. 

Summary

We love the 'burb. It's a great vehicle for moving cargo, towing trailers, or hauling people. Get sleepy on a long trip and you can simply pull over and stretch out in back. 

While Ford's giant Excursion has taken the Suburban's long-held position as the largest sport-utility vehicle, it doesn't match the smooth ride and all-around utility of the 'burb. Excursion is not a good choice if you're just moving people around. Suburban's greater maneuverability makes it a much more sensible choice for that role. 

Model Lineup

1500 models: LS 2WD ($35,223); LT 2WD ($39,204); LS 4WD ($37,989), LT 4WD ($41,970)
2500 models: LS 2WD ($36,836), LT 2WD ($40,817), LS 4WD ($39,686), LT 4WD ($43,667). 

Assembled In

Janesville, Wisconsin; Silao, Mexico. 

Options As Tested

Trailer Package ($260) includes trailer hitch platform, wire harness connector, high capacity air cleaner, transmission oil cooler; reclining bucket seats (NC) includes six-way power adjustment and center console; Premium Ride Suspension (NC); locking rear differential ($252); rear-seat audio controls ($165); off-road skid plate package ($95).