Chevrolet Suburban: Evolution of an Icon MotorTrend
June 2014
Few automotive nameplates have survived nearly as long as the Suburban, but as Chevrolet debuts the new 2015 Suburban, we're taking a look at this legendary model's history. What started in the 1930s as a two-door, eight-passenger people-mover with 60 hp has morphed into an imposing yet still capable 355-hp SUV with a luxury price-tag if you're not careful with the options. So as you read the First Test of the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban and 2015 GMC Yukon XL, take a look at how the Suburban has evolved over more than 10 generations.
Pretty cool article! I love the fake smiles on all the people jammed into the first generation! Amazing that GM at times built the same style vehicle for 20 years.
My favorites are definitely the '67 to '72 Suburbans and the '73 to '91s.
You could literally equip them to your liking and either have a base model stripper for survey crews or load them out with front and rear A/C, captain chairs, etc for family use.
As nice as the new ones are, you still have to spend a small fortune to buy one. 10 years ago you could get a fairly nice Suburban in the low $30k range.
I think that the '67-'72s are the best looking. Plus the 3rd door was both additionally functional & stylistically unique. I guess it worked so well, GM decided to add the 4th door in '73. :lmao: The '96 MCE & newer models are great all around, until you hit the 2015 models. Maybe the tab will grow on me, but for now, I haven't found a color that can hide it enough for me to fall in love with it. Otherwise, the 2015 looks great. The tab is like a mole on someone's face. It won't hurt anything, but it get's your attention.
In other news, I feel like I've seen these photos & this article before. Ah, I remember. This came up with the Suburban's 75th Anniversary. Motor Trend is recycling their articles.
It also looks like I have some great new computer background pictures.
Never forget I saw one at a car show about 10yrs ago with a chrome detailed 502!!!
It was painted in that Pearl Cadillac white that looked yellowish in the sunlight. Skirts on the back wheel wells and the theme of the GMC Burb was Falkor (the flying dragon dog from The Never Ending Story). The grill had teeth, 70's style fur on the seat, and so many more details this guy included just to be funny and keep the theme going.
Even changed all the decals to Denali as well.
Show vehicle at its best. He never took it off the trailer the entire weekend. What a good waste of brand new tires that 502 could of been eating.
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