3 of the best Chevrolet Suburban years you can still hurl miles at
Growing up, my uncle often drove a Chevrolet Suburban. He’d tow a boat around the Upper Penisula of Michigan in his trusty American steed, fighting bass and reeling in personal record-worthy Northern Pike. In warm and cold months, the Suburban seemed perfect for hauling people, dogs, and supplies to and from the North Woods. While researching the best Chevrolet Suburban years, I realized how beloved the model is to fans and followers…despite some iffy multi-generational flaws. In fact, the model years from my childhood still seem to be going strong in certain circles. Let’s look at three older Suburbans you can find used, cheap, and ready for more.
For a bit of background, the Suburban is America’s first production SUV and remains its longest-running model. Launched in 1935, the eight-passenger “people hauler” enclosed what would have been an open-air truck bed. Now in its 12th generation (GMT1YC, 2021-present), the full-size SUV has a 22% chance of reaching 250,000 miles. For perspective, that’s 2.5x better than the average passenger car on American roads today.
Since the vehicle’s been around so long, the NHTSA has 20 pages of model data to peruse at your leisure. I’ve used NHTSA complaint metrics for this article. Across the board, here, watch for transmission woes and rust conditions. If you’re towing, consider a 2500. If you’re just cruising around, a 1500 will do.
9th Gen GMT800 Chevrolet Suburban: 2000-2006
On CarComplaints.com, the 2000 and 2006 Suburbans boast the fewest complaints of the whole 9th generation. The NHTSA partially agrees with the 2000, which has fewer complaints than even the 12th generation (including the 2023). However, according to NHTSA data, the 2001 only has five complaints, besting the 2000 and 2006.
Now, overall, the GMT800 is not without its issues. Per NHTSA data, complaints on the 2000 were filed relatively early on, before the start of the next model series. Of the 16, a few flagged transmission failure and engine stalling. The hydraulic brake response was mentioned four times.
However, the 2006 has 56 complaints, about a quarter of them regarding the rear liftgate getting stuck closed. About the same number explains various electrical gremlins, including some seriously scary fire hazards. Still, 56 is “low” compared to other years.
Worth noting is the 2001, which has a whopping 577 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Here, the brakes, electrical, and engine systems were flagged repeatedly.
Due to the age of the 9th gen at this point, be sure to have a trusted mechanic check the brake system and scan the ECU for any fault codes. Many will show transmission replacement in the repair history; I’d look for that as a positive. Owners mention the condition of the exterior paint and body is an issue with this gen, so watch out for that as well. A garaged 2006 with a newer transmission and regular maintenance checks is an excellent bet.
Ratings and formal complaints only do so much to stifle fandom. On forums, owners claim their GMT800 made it anywhere from 275K to 450K miles on the original engine and a replacement (or two) transmission. For what it’s worth, Redditers also agreed that a rust-free GMT800 with a replacement transmission will be one of the best Chevrolet Suburban years on the used market now. Many commented on how well theirs did or continue to perform even today.
10th Gen GMT900 Chevrolet Suburban: 2007-2014
Insider opinions on GMT900s will differ depending on who you ask. It seems that the early GMT900s didn’t fare as well, reputation-wise. In fact, CarComplaints.com calls 2009 the worst Chevy Suburban year. However, the NHTSA received more negative feedback about the 2007.
After 2009, which CarComplaints.com flagged due to engine problems, the GMT900 story gets better. The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban “only” has 101 NHTSA complaints. The 2014? Only 58.
Watch for excessive oil consumption here. Oil consumption is when the engine internally burns off oil, likely from worn-out piston rings, sending the leftover black smoke out the tailpipe. You won’t be able to find a seal or gasket leaking externally. To me, “excessive” consumption means having to add more than a quart of oil between 3,000-mile oil change intervals.
All things considered, a GMT900 produced late in its generation could be one of the best Chevrolet Suburban years to buy cheaply.
8th Gen GMT400 Chevrolet Suburban: 1992-1999
Sure, adopting a 25-year-old-plus full-sized behemoth calls for courage, but hear me out. The 1999 Suburban 2500 only has one NHTSA complaint for malfunctioning wheel speed sensors. The 1994 and 1996 1500s have…two. They were both for the wiper system.
Since any 8th gen is now considered a square-body classic, there’s a steady auction presence these days. You’ll see prices spike due to market demand. Still, you can find a clean GMT400 for less than $10K.
As such, the 8th gen gets a spot on the list of best Chevrolet Suburban years that can still serve drivers.
As I said, every generation of Suburban has its flaws. Be sure to take any older, used model you’re considering to a trusted mechanic for a full inspection before you adopt one. Overall, the three generations above have certain year model gems worth considering as capable but cheap full-size SUVs.
