The World’s Longest-Running Production Car Is Still the 1st American Passenger SUV
After the Great Depression, most commercial wagons used to haul cargo were still car-based with wood sides and canvas tops. While common and popular, these wagons didn’t perform all that well. The car base wasn’t too capable, and the arguably flimsy sides and top were prone to damage. In 1935, Chevy switched to a truck base and developed a complete steel body. The first-generation Chevrolet Suburban, coined the Suburban Carryall, was born and priced at $580. The SUV was the first of its kind. Now in its 12th generation, it remains the longest-running production car in the world.
With roots in industry and the military, families adopted the Suburban more and more over the decades. It provides seating for a sizeable group plus plenty of space to haul gear, luggage, groceries, and whatever else the American suburbanite needs to bring along.
1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall specs
| 1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall | Spec |
| Chassis | Half-ton (1500) |
| Body style | 2-Door |
| Engine | “Stovebolt” L6 |
| Output | 60 hp til ’37, then 79 hp |
| Gen run | 1935-1940 |
In 1955, the Suburban would come with Chevrolet’s Small Block V8 and factory 4WD. The SUV would have two doors standard until 1967. Then, it would offer a single door on the left front for the driver and front and rear passenger doors on the other side. Chevy would add the fourth door in 1973 and stretch the wheelbase for increased interior comfort.
2025 Chevy Suburban specs
By 2025, the Suburban will have all the latest vehicle tech and safety. Features will include the ever-more-standard automatic engine stop-start, advanced trailering assistance, sensory power liftgate, wireless charging pad, and reconfigured interior features for max driver and passenger comfort. Certainly, a far cry from 1935.
| 2025 Chevrolet Suburban | Spec |
| Engine | 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 3.0L I6 turbo diesel |
| Output | 305 hp (diesel) – 420 hp (6.2L) |
| Transmission | Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic |
| Final drive ratio | 3.23 (all engines) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 28 gal |
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc |
| Passengers | 7, 8, or 9 |
| Max payload | 1,759 (5.3L 4WD) |
| Max trailering | 8,200 (5.3L 2WD) |
In 2019, Chevy celebrated 85 years of Suburban production.
Source: Chevrolet media
