2006 Chevy Suburban Review
2006 Chevy Suburban Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Choice of powerful V8 engines, class-leading cargo space, room for nine.
Cons
- Massive size can be tough in tight confines, vague steering feel, cheap interior plastics.
What’s new
Only minor changes occur to the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban. Updates include a redesign of the optional camping/towing mirrors and, for all trim levels, the addition of OnStar, a tire-pressure monitoring system and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Stability control has also been added to 1500-series models. Also note that Quadrasteer is no longer available.
Edmunds says
With its capable suspension, strong powertrains and seating for nine, the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban remains a solid family hauler and tow vehicle. Competitors may offer more refinement and conveniences, but it's still the only SUV in its class available in light- and heavy-duty versions.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban LS 1500 4dr SUV w/1WT (5.3L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$296/mo for Suburban LS 1500
Suburban LS 1500
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
Introduced way back in 1936, the Suburban SUV is Chevrolet's longest-running nameplate. The original was merely a standard panel van with a few extra seats and windows, but its reputation as a sturdy people mover made it a popular vehicle. Now 10 generations later, the tradition continues as the Suburban is still known as a stout, spacious vehicle that can take up to nine people just about anywhere they want to go.
Last redesigned in 2000, the current-generation Chevy Suburban rides on a modern chassis that has all the strength of previous models while providing a more comfortable ride and improved overall performance. A lineup of three Vortec V8 engines is available depending on your needs, and a laundry list of interior options allows you to add as much or as little luxury as you might want. Modern advancements like a stability control system make the Suburban safer than ever before. Although there are a few capable competitors out there, the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban remains the most popular SUV for those looking for maximum passenger capacity and solid towing capability in a comfortable, easy-to-drive package.
Performance & mpg
All 1500 Chevy Suburban models feature a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. 2500 versions can be equipped with either a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 335 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque or an 8.1-liter V8 that produces slightly less horsepower (325) and 447 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard on all Suburbans. Equipped with the 6.0-liter engine, the Suburban can tow up to 9,900 pounds, while the 8.1-liter engine can pull up to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped. The maximum tow rating on half-ton models is 8,400 pounds.
Safety
Standard dual-stage front airbags deploy based on crash severity, and a passenger seat safety system can sense the presence of a child riding up front and disable the airbag to prevent injury. Standard on all half-ton models is the StabiliTrak stability control system. Front-seat side airbags are optional, but full-length side curtain airbags are not available. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Chevrolet Suburban received four stars (out of five) for protection of the driver and three stars for the front passenger in front-impact crashes.
Driving
We've always been impressed with the current-generation Chevy Suburban's smooth, comfortable ride quality and easy-to-drive nature. Thanks to a stiff frame and a well-insulated cabin, Chevrolet's big SUV is generally quiet and rattle-free, making it a great long-distance cruiser. The ride of the heavy-duty 2500 models is a little less forgiving for rear-seat passengers, but they're still comfortable enough to be daily drivers.
Interior
All Suburban interiors are spacious with solid ergonomics and plenty of creature comforts. There's room for nine if you stick with bench seats; ordering the optional captain's chairs drops capacity to seven passengers. There's a little more plastic than we would like in the cabin, and build quality could be better, but overall it's still a pleasant environment for a family vehicle. The Suburban leads the class in cargo capacity (132 cubic feet) but doesn't offer fold-flat seats as in the Nissan Armada and Ford Expedition.
2006 Chevrolet Suburban models
The Chevrolet Suburban SUV is offered in half-ton (1500) and three-quarter-ton (2500) configurations with either two- or four-wheel drive. Four trim levels are available: LS, Z71, LT and LTZ. Standard equipment for LS models includes tri-zone manual air conditioning, cruise control, a driver message center, OnStar, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and an AM/FM/CD stereo. The Z71 adds off-road suspension tuning, leather seating with 10-way power adjustments for the driver and front passenger, Bose audio system and unique trim. LT models add automatic climate control and XM Satellite Radio. The LTZ includes an automatic adjusting suspension, side airbags and power-adjustable pedals. Options like a navigation system and a rear-seat DVD video system make the Suburban a family-friendly vehicle.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Chevrolet Suburban.
5 star(69%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
93 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended, plus decent MPGs
99avalon, 05/05/2014
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
For 2 yrs we have owned an 05 Suburban 1500 LS 2wd and we love it. It is comfortable, capable, and spacious. I have hauled 9 large adults in it for work trips. We tow our family quads to the dunes or the cabin with it. We travel, and run errands, and basically do everything with it. Easy to get in and out of. Low maintenance. 139K miles. All original. Last week I drove from Utah to … Arizona and back with my boys and a load of stuff, and at 70 mph with the cruise/AC on I averaged 23.5 mpgs with my manual calculations. My wife loves this truck for hauling kids and friends to school or the park. I love how smooth it rides down the freeway and the power it has. It's a perfect vehicle for us.
5 out of 5 stars
Another superior Chevy truck!
Maestro, 08/14/2016
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
*UPDATE, 2/17/2019
Edmunds asked me to update my review. After adding another 29K to the odometer between February 2017 and February 2018, and starting to see the effects of salt damage appear, I decided to sell me beloved Suburban in March of 2018. A local guy bought it, and we still seem him driving it around from time to time! So it is still on the road! Look for another review … though, because I bought another one!!!
*UPDATE, 8/16/2017
Since my last update six months ago, I have added nearly 10K to the odometer. Still going...
*UPDATE, 2/15/2017
I can't kill it! This Suburban just goes and goes! Since the last review, I have replaced the rear brakes and paid for a software update ($120) that improved climate control functions and other items. That's it!
I reluctantly replaced my 2004 Chevy Avalanche for no other reason than the condensed salt spray being used on highways in MA, RI and CT during the winters, which began to rot out the undercarriage. I toyed with having an auto body shop fix it, but my wife and I agreed that our needs had changed. I purchased a pre-owned Ford Expedition - BIG MISTAKE. It was a problem child, and the dealer had to buy it back from me 3 months later. So I went back to Chevy and bought this Suburban LT pre-owned with 125K miles on it. WOW! Two years later, I have added 44K miles to the odometer, and have only replaced the tires, rear brakes and an original front wheel bearing. I use it to plow in winter, tow a cargo trailer and camper, and make routine trips across 4 states. This is one tough truck with all the comforts! I am so glad I went back to Chevy, and have, after many years, developed brand loyalty.
5 out of 5 stars
220k later and keeps on ticking!
dean Carter, 05/17/2016
2006 Chevrolet Suburban LS 1500 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Suburban are the best full size suv for the money. Have only had to replace the transmission at 160k and the is running strong at 210k.Bought brand new in December 2005.
4.25 out of 5 stars
For a big family, there's no other ride!
Ricky, 07/01/2009
2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
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!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban, so we've included reviews for other years of the Suburban since its last redesign.
2006 Suburban Highlights
LS 1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $36,865 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $296/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Suburban include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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