1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1999 Chevrolet Suburban
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1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban ▼
- Price Range: $1,000 - $4,900
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (7.4-liter)
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Highway ride
- Trailer-towing capability
- Visibility
Cons
- Acceleration (early models)
- Fuel economy
- Handling
- Maneuverability
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Suburbans moved to the platform of the current full-size GM pickup trucks for 1992. Cargo space and towing capacity grew. As before, Suburbans were sold in nearly identical form by Chevrolet and GMC dealers. Both have four side doors. Wheelbase grew two inches (to 131.5), and Suburbans stood 3.2 inches lower. Glass area grew by 30 percent, and buyers could choose either twin swing-open rear panel doors or a lift-glass tailgate. A 210-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 continued as standard, but a heavy-duty 190-horsepower version went into some 2500-series models. Diesel V8s departed, but a 7.4-liter gas V8 could be installed. A 4-speed automatic was the only transmission. Suburbans came with 2- or 4-wheel drive, in a 1500 series with half-ton payload, or as the 2500 series rated 3/4 ton. Each could be equipped to seat up to nine passengers. Part-time Insta-Trac 4WD had standard automatic-locking hubs. Antilock brakes now worked on all four wheels, in either 2WD or 4WD.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Suburban 5.7-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 1 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Chevrolet Suburban:
Electronic control for the automatic transmission was one of the few changes in Chevrolet's big wagon. The new automatic also added a second-gear start feature, for increased traction on slippery surfaces.
1994 Chevrolet Suburban:
A turbodiesel engine returned to the powertrain parade, as side door-guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp were installed.
1995 Chevrolet Suburban:
A driver-side airbag was added, in a redesigned interior with recontoured seats. The turbodiesel engine could now go into 1500-series models as well as the 2500 series, and the standard V8 lost 10 horsepower.
1996 Chevrolet Suburban:
More-potent Vortec engines debuted for '96. The 5.7-liter gas V8 leaped from 200 to 250 horsepower. The optional 7.4-liter V8 gained 60 horsepower (now 290). Pushbutton engagement for the 4-wheel-drive system became available, and daytime running lights were installed.
1997 Chevrolet Suburban:
A passenger-side airbag was installed on '97 models. Outboard seats in the middle row gained height-adjustable shoulder-belt anchors. The standard 5.7-liter engine added five horsepower.
1998 Chevrolet Suburban:
Suburban added an optional full-time 4WD system called Autotrac. This system can remain engaged on any road surface.
1999 Chevrolet Suburban:
GM's biggest wagon was all but unchanged for '99, pending the arrival of a redesigned 2000 model.
Our road test for the 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Evolved from GM pickup trucks, full-size Suburbans might be fitted to haul either cargo or passengers. Step-in height is a lot lower than in earlier Suburbans. Even so, it's tough to get in and out from the back because the opening between door pillar and seat is narrow, and step-in height of 4WD Suburbans is still quite tall. Access to the optional third seat demands some serious stooping. Three can easily sit abreast, but there's not as much stretch-out leg room for adults in the back seats as the vehicle's size would suggest. Folding the 70/30 split middle bench is a two-step procedure, and a handy carpeted panel hinges down to create a flat load floor from front seatbacks to the front of the rear-most bench. Unfortunately, the rear bench's seatback does not fold flat. Though it's removable, that seat is heavy and cumbersome. Visibility is fine, from a carlike seating position. Controls are within easy reach, though the climate and radio buttons suffer from a haphazard layout. Cargo space is cavernous and loading is easy, because the load floor is more than two feet off the ground. Acceleration with the early 5.7-liter V8 is only adequate in town, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift. With its extra 50 horsepower, the Vortec gas V8 introduced for 1996 gives the Suburban a much-needed boost. That one is more lively off the line, and teams with an improved transmission to furnish better power for passing and climbing long grades. No longer is it necessary to push the pedal to the floor to induce a downshift. Fuel economy is no bonus, with any engine. Don't expect much more than the miserable 10.7 mpg achieved in mixed driving with a K1500. The big 7.4-liter engine is the choice for truly heavy towing, but most shoppers will be satisfied with a 5.7-liter V8. Suburbans are smooth and capable on the highway. Bumps are absorbed well, with only moderate floating over freeway dips--though turns at any speed are accompanied by noticeable body lean. Simulated panic stops induce pronounced nosedive, and occasionally a bit of rear-wheel lockup (despite the antilock braking system).
Value for the Money
Through the early '90s, Suburbans were virtually unchallenged in the full-size wagon segment. GM's Tahoe/Yukon offers much of the Suburban's brawn in a more manageable size. Still, those two cannot match the Suburban's payload ratings and towing ability. Neither can they seat more than six--a feat that's possible, however, in a Ford Expedition with third-row seating, as well as in a full-size van. Sales declined during 1996, for the first time in this generation. Some potential Suburban buyers evidently gravitated to the smaller Tahoe/Yukon. No rival can match the Suburban's 149.5-cubic-foot cargo capacity. Also, no engine is as powerful as the muscular 7.4-liter V8.
Through the early '90s, Suburbans were virtually unchallenged in the full-size wagon segment. GM's Tahoe/Yukon offers much of the Suburban's brawn in a more manageable size. Still, those two cannot match the Suburban's payload ratings and towing ability. Neither can they seat more than six--a feat that's possible, however, in a Ford Expedition with third-row seating, as well as in a full-size van. Sales declined during 1996, for the first time in this generation. Some potential Suburban buyers evidently gravitated to the smaller Tahoe/Yukon. No rival can match the Suburban's 149.5-cubic-foot cargo capacity. Also, no engine is as powerful as the muscular 7.4-liter V8.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Suburban 5.7-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 1 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Suburban includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Suburban .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake wear:
Front brake linings wear rapidly. Replacing the proportioning valve and the rear shoes with a different friction material prolongs front brake life. (1992-99)
Clutch:
The clutch may fail to engage or disengage, or become noisy due to overtravel of the clutch damper on trucks with the 6.5-liter diesel engine. Revised parts are available to prevent recurrence. (1992-99)
Dashboard lights:
The oil-pressure gauge may read high, move erratically, or not work because the oil-pressure sensor is defective. (1992-93)
Doors:
The rear cargo doors may be hard to open because the hinges corrode requiring the hinge pins and bushings to be replaced. (1992-97)
Fuel pump:
The electronic injection pump on diesel engines is prone to failures and may be covered under an extended warranty up to 11 years or 120,000 miles.
Hard starting:
No-starts, hard starting, or rough idle may be due to some gasolines dissolving compounds in the fuel-filler pipe that then clog the fuel injectors. (1997-99)
Oil leak:
Oil loss and fouled spark plugs result from intake manifold gasket leaks. (1996-98)
Transmission leak:
Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $520 |
| Alternator | $225 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $850 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $800 |
| Exhaust System | $485 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $410 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
| Universal Joints | $270 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Suburban details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $4,400-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $5,000-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| Suburban 2WD | $4,100-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Suburban 4WD | $4,600-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,700-2,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Suburban 2WD | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| Suburban 4WD | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1997 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $3,200-4,000 | $2,500-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| Suburban 2WD | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| Suburban 4WD | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Suburban 2WD | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Suburban 4WD | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1995 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Suburban 2WD | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Suburban 4WD | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Suburban 2WD | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Suburban 4WD | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| 1993 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Suburban 2WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Suburban 4WD | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1992 | |||
| LS, LT 2WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| LS, LT 4WD | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Suburban 2WD | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Suburban 4WD | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Suburban include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 131.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 220.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4634 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 149.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 42.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 9 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 26.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Suburbans carried a standard 210-horsepower, 5.7-liter gas V8, with a heavy-duty version and a big 7.4-liter V8 available. The 5.7-liter V8 dropped to 210 horsepower for 1995. Both gas V8s gained considerable power the next year, and the 5.7 added five more horses for '97. The 7.4-liter engine was optional only in the 2500 series. A 6.5-liter turbodiesel arrived for 1994. Regardless of engine, the only transmission available was a 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 190-210 | 300-310 | 4-speed automatic: 13/17 | 4-speed automatic: 10.7 |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 250-255 | 330-335 | 4-speed automatic: 12/16 | 4-speed automatic: 13.9 |
| ohv V8 | 7.4 / 454 | 230-290 | 265-410 | 4-speed automatic: -- | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbodiesel ohv V8 | 6.5 / 400 | 190 | 385 | 4-speed automatic: 15/18 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Suburban include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Suburban 1500 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1999 Chevrolet Suburban directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992:
Brake-pedal pivot bolt can disengage.
1994:
Reversed polarity of brake switch can cause contacts to wear prematurely; may result in loss of brake lights without warning.
1994-96:
Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.
1994-97:
The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1995 w/automatic transmission:
External transmission leak can occur.
1995 w/automatic transmission:
When shift lever is placed in "Park" position, its indicator light may not illuminate.
1995-96 w/gasoline engine:
Throttle cable may contact dash mat and bind.
1997-98:
On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1998:
On some vehicles, one or both front-brake rotors/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.
1999:
In a crash, right front passenger-restraint systems may not meet neck extension requirements.
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