2005 Chevrolet Suburban Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 15 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its capable suspension, excellent powertrain and standard room for nine, the Suburban remains one of the best family-haulers available anywhere. Add Quadrasteer and it becomes an excellent tow vehicle as well.
Pros
Choice of powerful V8 engines, available Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system, cavernous cargo space, room for nine.
Cons
Massive size can be tough in tight confines, vague steering feel, cheap interior plastics.
What's New for 2005
Revisions for 2005 include a new optional touchscreen navigation system. Rear barn doors are no longer available, as all models now come standard with an overhead rear liftgate (with separate liftglass). The Z71 off-road package is now available on two-wheel-drive models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Usable comfort
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this 2005 Suburban LT used a year ago with 35000 miles and it now have over 60000. It joined a 07 Quest van as our people hauler and run-about vehicle. The Suburban has won everyone's heart and we use it constantly, much more than the Quest. Superbly comfortable, capable and USABLE! Does all the chores including trips from Nebraska to Arizona. We love it. Only improvement would be the 6 speed transmission and a touch more power, but otherwise it has proven to be the best vehicle we have ever purchased. Certainly will not be our last Suburban.
Favorite Features
Comfort, quiet interior, gas mileage great for it's size, comfortable seating and of course, ROOM.
Suggested Improvements
6 speed auto (new ones have it), otherwise, keep building it the same. That's why people love them.
For a big family, there's no other ride!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Fleet Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
We have a large family (7) already when we purchased this Suburban. Then, we became foster parents and we grew to 9! Ours has the optional bench seat in the front, which is a rarity we found out, but we all love it. For the large family, there's no other way to go. We can even go on weeks' vacation with most of the luggage in the back!
Favorite Features
Seating capacity for 9, large cargo area, decent MPGs for a huge car.
Suggested Improvements
European Travel
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Z71 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This truck overall has been an excellent vehicle. When I came home from Iraq during R&R I had to replace the brakes. Now I am at 96,000 miles I am having a few minor issues. The speedometer is working off and on and I have a few sensors that are lit. It is letting me know that I need to check the air bag and the tire sensor. Other than that the truck has been very reliable. I drive it daily in Germany and just returned from Holland on a vacation. I will by another Suburban. The only features I wish I had was a navigation with the back up camera.
Favorite Features
Rear entertainment system, leather, interior space, and sunroof.
Suggested Improvements
A 6 speed transmission like the new ones have.
everything has its ups and downs
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Z71 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Loved the car before the problems but still love it. The transmission went out at 65,000 miles but was under extended warranty so they replaced it for free. Then cd player and stereo went out @ 3o, 000 miles but got it replace too. The car is amazingly comfortable and my mom rarely lets anyone else drive it but its got no power in that v8. I got beat by the VW jetta 2.5l, it was kinda embarrassing. Im a truck guy but this suv just makes me love it. Recall should've been done on transmission. Also this z71 is 2wd so better gas mileage
Favorite Features
comfort, luxury for price, gas mileage for huge suv, xm radio, the style of the Z71, and its 2wd. so cal! what would you need a 4wd for? driving on the sand to the beach?
Suggested Improvements
more powerful enigne thats it
2005 Suburban LT 2WD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
We bought this vehicle new in 8-05 and have been very pleased. Reliability has been top notch with not one issue at almost 50,000 miles. It's been on a 4,400 mile vacation round trip with a 20 MPG highway rating driving thru a stretch of interstate at 65 MPH. Most of the driving has been in the Baton Rouge metro area.
Favorite Features
Looks, comfort, reliability, performance, and exterior body integrity.
Suggested Improvements
Make a hybrid available at all levels. A large segment of SUV drivers might be willing to pay more for a vehicle up front for better fuel economy. It'll never be a Prius, but 20mpg overall certainly beats 14.
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