The Chevrolet Suburban: A History of Durability and Style

Thanks to GM's worldwide parts supplier network, the Suburban has proven itself to be virtually indestructible. Stories abound of drivers navigating hostile territories and emerging unscathed, with their vehicles riddled with bullet holes but still running strong. This reputation for toughness is no surprise, given the Suburban's rugged design and capable suspension. Biggie Smalls was just one of many celebrities who benefited from this durability, with his Suburban being shot up in a hail of bullets before he escaped safely.

In 2000, GMC decided to rebrand their Suburban as the Yukon XL, while Chevy soldiered on under its traditional name. However, this didn't stop Chevy from continuing to innovate and improve the Suburban's design and features. The introduction of the legendary Z71 package in 2001 marked a significant turning point for the vehicle, with its unique grill, runnin' boards, and off-road capabilities making it an instant hit with enthusiasts. For families, the Suburban has always been a practical choice, offering ample space and versatility without sacrificing style.

As we approach the modern era of SUVs, the 2010 model year marked a significant milestone for the Suburban. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Chevy unveiled the Diamond Edition trim level, which boasted an eye-catching white diamond exterior paint job, 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, and luxurious leather upholstery with heated slash-cooled front seats. This level of luxury was previously reserved for more exclusive vehicles, making it clear that the Suburban had finally arrived as a force to be reckoned with in the luxury SUV market.

The latest iteration of the Suburban is the 2013 model year's introduction, which marked a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design and features. The new Texas Edition trim level was unveiled, featuring a trailer package, all-wheel drive, big ol' wheels, and an exclusive badge that set it apart from the crowd. What followed was the most extreme expression of the Suburban's capabilities yet: the 2017 Midnight Edition, which boasted a black-on-black aesthetic that would make even the most seasoned spies green with envy.

But the Suburban doesn't stop there. In 2019, GM unveiled the RST, or Rally Sport Truck, which promised to take the vehicle to new heights of performance and aggression. With its 6.2L V8 engine producing a whopping 420 horsepower, magnetic ride control, variable performance settings, and a 10-speed automatic transmission, this was an SUV that would stop at nothing. And if 420 horses weren't enough, a special tuning kit developed by specialty vehicle engineering out of New Jersey would push the engine to an astonishing 1,000 horsepower.

Throughout its nearly decade-long history, the Suburban has proven itself to be more than just a capable family vehicle – it's a symbol of status and power. From its rugged off-road capabilities to its luxurious interior features, this SUV has consistently raised the bar for what we expect from our vehicles. And as we move forward into an era where SUVs continue to evolve and push the boundaries of performance and innovation, one thing is clear: the Chevrolet Suburban will remain at the forefront of the game.

WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(tires squealing)- Bad guys love 'em,cartels gots ta have 'em,and of course you can't forgetthat they're loved by the biggest,baddest authority figuresof them all, moms.Biggie got shot in one.This is everything you need to knowto get up to speed on the Chevy Suburban.(electronic music)Suburban is longest lasting monikerin American automotive history.It's kinda like if Fordstill had a Model T.I'll do my best breeze by the early,low horsepower bits that happenedbefore your grand-pappy was just a glimmerin your grandad's eyes,but I'm not gonna skip it.It was the early 30's,and the middle of the UShad a big bowl of dust on its hands.From 1930 to 1934, Chevy wasquietly putting station wagonbodies on their full sizetruck frames for private use.Private, meaning outfitslike the National Guard,and the US Military, youever heard about 'em?Support the Troops.As these big, long, coveredtrucks are coming off the line,some dude at Chevy was like,these things are pretty useful,maybe we could make one for the public.Some sort of backwoods,family and possessiontransport vehicle.Why not call it the Suburban Carryall.My dude, Brad, that is whythey call you the thesaurus.Dude, thank you, I love that nick name.The Suburban Carryall hadits Chevy Truck papa'srugged full size frame,and from its station wagonmama it got a sleek body.Windows, and plenty of seats,and it came out in 1935.You may know that GM was inthe habit of sharing designsbetween their companies back in the day,and the boys over at GMC where like,hey, can we borrow your backwoods,family and possession transport vehicle?And Chevy was like, sure.So in 1937 both GMC and Chevrolet,had the same care with the same name.During Dub-Dub two, Suburbans were usedas military transport vehicles,and soldiers got to likin' 'em.So after all that warin' over seas,GIs were coming home buyinghouses and making babies.A lot of them wanted to loadthose families into the bigSuburbans they got used to in the war,so Chevy gave 'em what they wanted,with the third gen Suburban in 1947.Look at those curvefenders and sweeping lines.This gen Suburban was theinspiration for the 2011 HHR.The greatest looking car of all time.Through the 50s and 60sthe Suburban got beefier,and more capable just like my grandpa,but it also had some strong competish.Jeep and the Ford Bronco started to siphonsome business from the Burban,so GM responded by makingit more off-road capable.But they were faced with a decision.Would they slim down theSuburban so it can competewith the new brood ofoff-road fun machines?No, let's make it bigger!So they did.The 'Burban got overa foot longer in 1967.Sticking to their guns worked.Just 6200 Suburbans were produced in 1967and by 72 that numberhad grown to over 27,000.As is the custom with such great sales,Chevy and GMC decided it wastime for a new generationof the 'Burban, and itwould be the best yet.- (Announcer) ChevySuburban, tough like a truck,smooth like a wagon.- The seventh genSuburban, debuted in 1973and would last for almost 20 years.This is the Suburban that would defineSuburbans for most Americans.When it came out, you couldget it with the legendaryChevy small blocks, or thebeefilicious 454 under the hood.It was tall and aggressive and screamed,I know what the heck I'mdoin', now get the frickout of my way, you fence!(Wilhelm screaming)By the mid 80s, it was the Jeep Cherokeeand Toyota 4Runner thatwere changing the game,and the term SUV first enteredthe automotive lexicon.Lucky for Chevy, thehardy, capable Suburban,was ahead of the game.By 1984, Chevy and GMC werecranking out almost 65,000Suburbans a year.Remember, aside from small changes,this model had alreadybeen out for over a decade.The world could not getenough of this over sized,outdoorsy, sports vehicle people hauler.After 20 years it was time for a new look.And GM handed the taskto their establish designer Chuck Jordan.(jazz music)I love doin' up the speedepisodes on American cars,because I know how tosay everybody's name,Chuck was known to designcars that embodied the erain which they were designed.This '59 Caddy, the BuickReatta, this Oldsmobile 98.He'd later do the Chevy Cavalier.All of them competent designs,but none of them very exciting.Why choose someone so vanilla?Well military and specialforces loved the Suburban,for many reasons, butone of those reasons,is that it's not flashy.It blends in as much as somethingcan, as massive as it is.But when you need to stand out,Caravan four more black 'Burbans,and no body is gettin' in your way.If you see a hoard of black Suburbans,you know something is going down.These vehicles are also reliable,and easy to work on, all over the globe,thanks, in part, to GM's worldwide parts supplier network.They're everywhere and they're durable.There are stories of dudes drivingthrough hostile territories andtaking fire in these things,but making it safely out in a Suburbanriddled with bullet holes.You know who else likes being badassand traveling in an entourage?Celebrities.The beefy Suburbanscame with luxury optionsand had plenty of room insidefor friends and business partners.Biggie Smalls was in one when he got shot.Rest in Peace big poppa.He used to love when I called him that.In 2000, GMC figuredit was time to rebrandtheir Suburban as themuch fancier Yukon XL,and the Chevy Suburban soldiered onas though nothing had happened.It did start to get a littlemore comfortable to drivewhen it was loaded up with high tech,load leveling auto ride, andrear leveling suspension.Chevy leaned into theoff-road rugged image,and unveiled the legendaryZ71 package in 2001,which featured a front skidplate, off roadin' tires,a unique grill, runnin' boards,and Z71 stamped everywhere!They also had available Quadrasteer,which means all four wheels steer,which helps when yourvehicle is over 18 feet long.And families love Suburbans.They're not for everyonebut we all had a friendwhose mom or dad hauledthem around in a Suburban.2007's 10th generationSuburban took inspirationfrom the Tahoe and was redesignedwith more modern, less boxy styling.It had a badass, more aerodynamic shape,and a steeply raked windshield angel.It also got even bigger,growing almost half a foot in length.In February 2010, for theSuburban's 75th birthday,Chevy, of course, unveiledthe 75th anniversarytrim level, the Diamond Edition.Chevy was embracing the luxury SUV marketand decided they wouldabsolutely kill it with this one.This big, beefy beauty hadwhite diamond exterior paint.It had standard 20 inchchrome clad wheels.Remote starting, adjustable pedals,and leather upholstery withheated slash cooled front seats.Yes, Hip Hop moguls, and special opswould still drive theirblacked out Suburbans,but now Mariah Carey could have one too.(James singing)That brings us all the way to the current,11th generation Chevrolet Suburban,which was introduced topublic in September 2013.Special edition, 11th gen Suburbansabound the Texas Edition.A little thank you to the lone star state'cause more Suburbans are soldin Texas then anywhere else.Texas Edition featured a trailer package.All them suspensiongoodies, all wheel drive,big old wheels, and of course,an exclusive Texas Edition badge.What could be cooler than Texas Edintion?Only the most badassspecial ops inspired vehicleof 'em all, the 2017 Chevy Suburban!Midnight Edition.I want you guys to do anexercise with me right now.Close your eyes, imaginethe blackest blackyou can think of, you got it?The Midnight Edition is blacker!Windows, grills, wheels, andeven the bow tie is black.It's so badass!The secret service andspies must love this thing!Summer of 2019 will bring us the fastest,and most furious street themedsuburban to date, the RST.RST stands for Rally SportTruck, think about that.A Rally Sport Suburban?The Suburban is alreadyunreal for it's size.Now listen to what's in the RST.6.2L V8 makin', 420 buff horses,it's got magnetic ride controlwith variable performance settings,and a 10 speed automatic transmission.Borla makes the exhaust,and it comes out of the fricken side!And it's also got Brembos,because Brembos on everything.And if 420 ain't your lucky number,a specialty vehicleengineering out of New Jerseysays they've perfected a tuning kitthat'll bump your beefy'burbin to 1,000 horsepower.That's buff horse power!Over 10 decades, and 11generations of vehicles,four generations of humans,have learned the Suburbanis unrivaled in a class it created.And I wouldn't be surprisedif it keeps kickin',for another century!(tires squealing)Thanks for watching Up to Speed,every Thursday 'til the day I die,new episode on Donut.Smash that like button, smashthat like button, smash it!This show is a history show,but if you want me to actually,you want to see me actuallyinteract with the cars,check out my new show Bumper to Bumper.I host it, it's just as funny as this one,except there's cool cars in it.