When it’s all said & done: Second impressions
Coming into this test drive, we were both predisposed to grimace at big SUVs. But after a long drive (with kids), the need to haul both trailer and more people, we found ourselves grinnin’ a bit. Yes, we were pleasantly surprised by this big guy’s manners and overall usability.
We give kudos to the design, engineering and overall usability of this vehicle. It’s easy to drive, easy to park, extremely comfortable—and just plain easy to live with. Well, except for the hurting it puts on the purse after a fuel-up. Yes, our only real knock on this Suburban is that we’d like to see even better fuel mileage— cylinder deactivation notwithstanding. It could be a real pocket-pincher if this vehicle was a daily driver “grocery getter.” And as far as being an inefficient lumbering land yacht that is a cross between a school bus and a 747?
Not so this Suburban. It’s king-size, but quite cooperative. And forget those dirty looks—this full-size SUV is quite a head-turner—in a good way.
Pros:
- superior comfort and handling
- ready to haul lots of friends
- flex-fuel capable
Cons:
- big V-8 is fuel thirsty
- little tricky to park
- reserve the whole afternoon to wax it
Details and Specs: 2007 Suburban 1500 4WD LT
Technical Features: 5.3L Vortec V-8 with Active Fuel Management & Flex-fuel capability, GVW rating – 7,400 lbs., rear axle ratio – 3.73, 4-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode
Safety Features: 4-wheel ABS, dual frontal air bags, StabiliTrak stability control system, OnStar Safe & Sound one-year service plan
Interior Features: Suburban LT2 Equipment group, AM/FM Stereo with DVD/MP3, XM Satellite Radio, remote keyless entry and vehicle starter, Driver Information Center, universal home remote, manual tri-zone AC, 2nd row leather appointed seats, 2-passenger 3rd row seat
Exterior Features: 17-inch aluminum wheels, assist steps, heavy-duty trailering equipment
The 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is built in Arlington, TX, Janesville, WI, and Silao, Mexico.