mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Here’s Every Generation Of The Chevrolet Suburban So Far

Earlier this week, we covered Chevy’s official recognition of 85 years of the Chevrolet Suburban. With eight and a half decades of history behind it, the Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the history of the automobile industry. Now, we’re taking a quick look at all 11 generations, from 1935 to the present day.

First-Generation  – 1935-1940

In 1935, the U.S. was still reeling from the Great Depression, but the time period also shaped the first-generation Chevrolet Suburban, which was introduced as a heavy-duty, steel-bodied wagon built on top of a half-ton truck chassis. Also known as the Suburban Carryall, the model came equipped with a two-door body style, a feature that would last until the late ‘60s, as well as an inline six-cylinder “Stovebolt” engine producing 60 horsepower. Seating for up to eight passengers could be found inside the cabin, as well as a maximum of 115.1 cubic feet of storage thanks to foldable second-row and removable third-row seating. Later, in 1937, new Art Deco styling was added, while engine output jumped to 79 horsepower.

Second Generation – 1941-1946

The second-generation Chevrolet Suburban was introduced during World War II, which meant that production was geared towards military duty. An inline six-cylinder was once again used for motivation.

Third Generation – 1947-1955

After the war, the Chevrolet Suburban got its first major update in 1947, heading into the civilian market as a do-it-all workhorse model. The inline six-cylinder engine was now making upwards of 174 pound-feet of torque at 1,200 rpm, which made the Suburban a solid choice for towing. Meanwhile, the HydraMatic four-speed automatic was introduced in 1954.

Fourth Generation – 1955-1959

Brand-new styling characterized fourth-gen models, with a new wraparound windshield up top and the deletion of running boards below, creating a solid design scheme with acres of metal. Under the hood, the fourth-gen Chevrolet Suburban saw the addition of Chevy’s first V8 engine—the iconic Small Block. Four-wheel drive was added in 1955.

Fifth Generation – 1960-1966

Further aesthetic updates were added in 1960, taking cues from Chevy’s late ‘50s models and characterized by large oval styling cues in the front fascia. This generation also adopted the C/K model destination, which was used to denote either 2WD (C) or 4WD (K). A new ladder-type frame was introduced in 1963, while factory A/C and rear-seat heating were added in 1965.

Sixth Generation – 1967-1972

After more than three decades, the Suburban finally received a new body style in 1967, adding a single rear door for three doors total. The setup made it easier to access the rear cargo area, making the Suburban a popular choice for ambulances.

Seventh Generation – 1973-1991

The seventh-generation introduced the very first four-door Chevrolet Suburban models in 1973. The wheelbase was also lengthened, measuring in at 129.5 inches front to back. A focus on comfort and amenities saw the introduction of features like front and rear A/C, third-row heating and step-up plates. Under the hood, electronic fuel injection and a new four-speed overdrive transmission were introduced in the late ‘80s.

Eighth Generation – 1992-1999

Following the long-lived gen seven, the eighth-generation Chevrolet Suburban helped to really catapult the nameplate into the mainstream. With all-new styling, an Insta-Trac four-wheel-drive system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and a more comfortable, car-like ride, not to mention all the traditional practicality of the previous models, the Chevrolet Suburban helped to spearhead the big SUV boom of the ‘90s.

Ninth Generation – 2000-2006

The GMT800-based Suburban was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year, offered as both the half-ton 1500 and the three-quarter-ton 2500. The ninth generation also introduced new V8 engines, including the 5.3L Vortec 5300 and 6.0L Vortec 6000. Features and amenities were plentiful, and included highlights like puddle lamps, electronic climate control, a load-leveling Autoride suspension, and a new dash.

Tenth Generation – 2007-2014

Further styling changes for the tenth generation gave the Suburban a more aerodynamic shape, while the bumpers ditched the traditional chrome finish. Digital safety and driver assists were also made available, including features like Side Blind Zone Alert, electronic trailer sway control and Hill Start Assist.

Eleventh Generation – 2015-2020

The latest Chevrolet Suburban is replete with digital features, plus a new, highly efficient design. However, even after 85 years of production, the Chevrolet Suburban hasn’t lost the practicality-focused philosophy of the original, offering seating for up to nine passengers and a maximum of 121.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Suburban news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. (Excluding the Studebaker and Desoto variants of the same name…)

    Reply
  2. Nobody gives the old square body Chevy 4×4 any credit. I remember my dad pulling everybody out the snow and snow plowing with his brand new 1978 Chevy 4×4 I loved that truck it was my favorite and I will have one original or restored one day. So could maybe do a story on the square body 4×4 Chevy. Thank you I also liked the Chevy blazer from the 70’s to.

    Reply
    1. The suburban is the longest running nameplate for a truck in the automotive industry. You know it would be nice if it was against the law/rules if companies were not allowed to copy other manufacturers vehicle ideas. Being first to market should mean something, there have been so many attempts to produce a suburban clone that have never been good enough.

      I never liked how manufacturer can take a competitor’s idea change a couple of things, put out their own version of it and call it their own design.

      If you are first to market then you should be able to hold on to that idea solely until you decide to stop building it.

      Reply
  3. Also a square body fan – both suburbans and pickups. Theres a mid 80s, 4×4 stepside sitting in a field near me, and Im planning on finding the owner and bring her back to life.

    Reply
  4. You forgot to add the L86 (6.2 V8) & 10 speed option for the Gen 11 Suburban.
    Also, does anyone know what year Washington started using the Suburban as Fleet vehicles ?

    Reply
  5. I have 2002 4 wheel drive Suburban. Love that Vortec engine. I almost have 500,000 miles on it. Replaced the alternator and finally the water pump for the first time this summer!

    Reply
  6. These all are works of art, stylish, yet capable of anything you need. Truly why GM used to be called, The General. Would love to come across an old one.

    Reply
  7. 3rd through 5th gen look so cool!!! We have a 2010 tenth gen 1500 and absolutely love it! We can take the seats out and fit plywood and sheetrock flat in it!! The Vortec 5.3 is tough as an anvil and has 160,000 miles on it and runs strong as ever!! One of the best GM cars ever!!

    God Bless America!!

    Reply
  8. Seems as if the pace of change, or progress, was significant in the early years but now it is more evolutionary.

    The difference between a 1940 and 1941, for instance, was quite radical. Likewise a 1966 vs. a 1967 was a dramatic difference with the sea change likely attributable to Bill Mitchell redesigning another Harley Earl-era product and giving it the ‘sheer look’ he favored. Despite the transformations early on, since 1992, the redesigns have brought more subtle change.

    I would say generally GM has been less prone to dramatic designs since the early ’90s but in the Suburban’s case specifically, it could be reflective of the fact that the product became significantly more important to the company in the modern era. Thus, they would be hesitant to mess with a good thing.

    As Cadillac has imploded and former cash cow products from that brand have been eliminated, the Suburban, and trucks more broadly, have taken over as a major source of profitability for the company. Once upon a time, GM had a fleet of luxury and, as we would call them today, “near luxury” products that paid the bills at the company. Cars like Corvette, Seville, Eldorado, Riviera, Toronado, Park Avenue, and Ninety Eight bankrolled all the companies operations. Not so today. Although I hear Corvette is still profitable, now it is trucks and the Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade that keep GM in business which is perhaps why GM keeps these products fresh but never shocks anyone with a redesign.

    Reply
  9. My dad had both a 1980 and 2001 Suburban. The common denominator between the two was that the transmissions wouldn’t hold up. The 1980 always had to have a transmission fixed/replaced every 2 years (it would always break down about halfway to our relatives’ house). The 2001 also had a transmission replaced after about 3 years (we had drove up to Canada just before) until it was traded in for a 2007 Cobalt which I still own and drive (over 100k miles on it right now). Our only family vehicle right now is a 2003 Tahoe (which just had a starter replaced recently).

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel