2008 Chevrolet Suburban: The standard bearer for full-size SUVs

Redesigned for 2007, Chevrolet Suburban holds a unique place in the industry, proving to be an indispensable partner for those with varied and demanding lifestyles. Despite challenging market conditions, the redesigned Suburban has continued to draw new customers, with sales up more than 10 percent during the first quarter of 2007.

All models receive standard head-curtain side impact air bags (they were previously optional on some models). Suburban’s quietness and smoothness is complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard on LTZ.

Additional changes for 2008 reflect customer preferences and further refine Suburban’s style. They include woodgrain trim added to the forward center console and brighter instrument pointers in the gauge cluster. There are also two new exterior colors: Blue Granite Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic.

Available on LTZ models is the Chrome Appearance Package. It includes a stainless steel exhaust tip, chrome recovery hooks, and the choice of one of six 20-inch wheel designs.

An SUV like no other

Suburban’s success is derived from its capability of hauling more passengers and cargo than any other vehicle in the segment. It is based on GM’s full-size SUV architecture, which features sleek exterior styling, a sharper, more precise driving feel, more power with improved fuel economy, increased interior refinement and improved quietness. Suburban rides on a 130-inch wheelbase, which supports generous passenger and cargo capability, while enabling a smooth ride.

The 2008 Suburban is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, as well as 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 series. Suburban 1500 models come standard with an efficient 5.3-liter V-8 with Active Fuel Management™ fuel-saving technology. Suburban 1500 offers up to 8,100 pounds of towing capability (two wheel-drive models), when properly equipped; Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,700 pounds.

Powertrain details

Standard in Suburban 1500 models is an iron-block Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, which offers Active Fuel Management fuel-saving technology. AFM technology seamlessly switches between eight- and fourcylinder power to save fuel. Two versions of the Vortec 5.3-liter Gen IV V-8 — including a 310-horsepower aluminum-block version that is standard in four-wheel-drive models — are compatible with E85 ethanol-based fuel, an alternative to gasoline. The engines can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85 fuel.

Also available is an all-aluminum 6.0-liter V-8 with variable valve timing, as well as Active Fuel Management displacement on demand technology.