Chevy Suburban — a reputation enhanced and improved every year

by Alan Gell, Automotive Journalist

The 2007 Chevy Suburban. How much better is it? How much more capable? Obviously much more than the Suburban of 1935, and quite a bit more than the past few years. The all-new 2007 Suburban delivers a combination of capabilities to the consumer that not only meets their needs, but entrenches the Suburban's reputation.

The 2007 Suburban comes in three different configurations — LS, LT, and LTZ, and of course, there are two wheel or four wheel drive options. The GM public relations folks say that this year's Suburban can go faster than a speeding bullet, clear tall buildings with a running start, and go cross-country faster than a super-hero. Well, maybe that's exaggerating a wee bit. But they do say that this all-new Suburban "is capable of hauling more passengers and cargo that any other vehicle in the segment." There's no question about the Suburban being a full-size SUV. Once you sit inside, you realize there's a lot more room-whether for people or their stuff.

The new Suburban is built on a new General Motors platform especially designed for full-size SUV's. There are wider front and rear tracks, a lower center of gravity, a fully boxed frame, and more that all contribute to the Suburban giving the driver a more confident feel of the road.

The GM engineers gave extra attention to the inside, as most of the other manufacturers have also done. Consumers are asking for a quieter ride to compliment the improved sound systems. The Suburban sits on a new frame that is stiffer than before, thereby reducing the vibrations that come up into the passenger cabin area. They also changed the headliner material and door seals. The slightly redesigned outside shape improves the aerodynamics and helps the driver experience a quieter ride.

Overall, the Suburban is still a large SUV and looks like it. It's not a low-to-the-ground sports car with a 6 inch roof line. There's not much that engineers can do to eliminate the box-like appearance. But the 2007 Suburban does have a more steeply raked windshield and a smoother roofline. The Chevy bow tie logo is larger and centered on a horizontal grille. The Suburban appears a bit more rugged and outdoor appealing than some of the past models.

Under the hood, there's a new Gen IV small block V-8 family. These deliver more power than previous models. Two of these engines run on either gasoline or ethanol — or a combination of the two. Sometime later in the year, GM is probably going to offer a 6 liter V-8 engine for the heavy-duty 2500 Suburbans,

When you test drive the new 2007 Suburban, you will notice all the comfort creatures that have been added or improved. The instrument panel is not so high up, but has been lowered for increased visibility. The seats have been redesigned slightly, so the passengers and driver can get in and out a little bit easier. The instrument panel includes some LED backlighting and most of the controls are flush-mounted. Other features include a rearview camera system, which I've grown very accustomed to, heated seats, DVD rear seat entertainment system, fold & tumble second row seats, and a lot more.

I remember the Suburban being useful and capable back when I was a young boy growing up and beginning to learn about vehicles. Many vehicles have come and gone, but the Suburban has stayed. The GM folks know what it takes to improve and keep the Suburban modern in the marketplace. I am impressed with the new 2007 model. It can do more, haul more, and protect more than ever before. Check it out yourself at your nearest Chevrolet dealership.