Jim Turner Chevrolet
May 15, 2020
The Chevy Suburban is a respected vehicle because it’s been around for so long, but really, this SUV has impressed drivers since it was introduced to the world with the 1935 model year. As the oldest and longest-running SUV model, the Suburban is one that inspired many SUVs to follow. Here is a little history into this ever-popular vehicle.

Early Generations of the Chevy Suburban

The very first Suburbans, frequently referred to as the Chevrolet Carryall, was only two doors, yet was often touted as a multi-functional vehicle. From the beginning, Chevy marketed the Suburban as a vehicle that could be a passenger car or a vehicle you could use for transporting a large bit of cargo, which was made easy by the removable seats. The first Suburbans only generated 60 horsepower, and although it would see a gradual increase over the years, that’s still a major difference from the 420 horsepower that’s possible in today’s generation. The 1940s brought the introduction of four doors to the SUV, more versions available for purchase, engine improvements, transmission choices, and canopy models. The fifth-generation models of 1960 to 1966 were known as the GMC Carryall, with several powertrain options. This is the Suburban that featured major design choices, like a wraparound windshield.

The Middle Years

It was the sixth generation Suburban from 1967 to 1972 that was first recognized as the ultimate vehicle to use for recreation, while the seventh generation came with a lot of changes, including transmission and engine choices, a larger wheelbase, four doors (where previous generations had two or three), and a more modern aesthetic. Starting in 1994, the Chevy Suburban would come out with updates every year because of emerging technology with car manufacturers. The ninth-generation Suburban, from 2000 to 2006, came with five different engine options, three transmission choices, an instrument panel, and climate control. This is when power windows and other modern conveniences were introduced, such as heated rearview mirrors. The years of 2007 to 2014 marked the tenth generation, and this style is when we really see a plethora of modern conveniences in the Suburban, like GPS and navigation systems, plus the earliest touchscreens that we’ve all come to love. This was also the generation that deviated from the boxy look that had defined Suburban for many years prior.

Eleventh Generation and 2020

While the Suburban never stopped being a powerhouse of an SUV, this current generation provides drivers with a vehicle that also has lines and curves that lend themselves to an overall sleek, lean look. This generation marked the beginning of popular amenities like anti-theft devices and an entire infotainment system. Today, the Chevy Suburban can seat up to nine people and offers standard and available features galore, including charging ports, a power-operated liftgate, and up to 121.7 cubic feet of cargo space. With 355 horsepower and a towing capability of up to 8,300 pounds, this is the SUV you’ll want to take with you on adventures. The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a new SUV, you’ll want to consider the Chevy Suburban. Its history speaks for itself, and we’re sure it has many more years in its future.