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It may be unfashionable right now, but we are also very fond of our full-size 2007 Chevrolet Suburban sport-utility vehicle. Most families don't need a big-UTE like the "Burb" everyday, but when you do there is no substitute.
Our LT 4X4 is luxuriously outfitted for seven, with the kind of real quality that use to be foreign to Detroit automakers. While the split third row seats don't fold into the floor, they are on wheels for easier removal.
Our SUV's standard 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 does struggle a bit when fully loaded, but most will find it more than adequate. Fuel economy varies widely depending on use. Our overall average after only 2,500 miles is a low 13.7 miles-per-gallon on regular gas. But, on the highway, cylinder de-activation allows nearly 20 miles per gallon.
But, if you really need a really big utility, the new Suburban is the current king of the hill.
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For those that just have to have a full-size SUV for hauling an oversized family or load, its tough to beat our 2007 Chevrolet Suburban sport-utility vehicle.
With seven or eight seats, and an 8,000 pound towing capacity for our LT 4X4, there's no unitized crossover utility that can match the abilities of this body-on-frame SUV.
Our truck's 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 is just strong enough, and with its fuel-saving cylinder cutoff feature, it's averaging an acceptable 15.3 miles per regular grade gallon, after 5 months and nearly 11,000 miles. Highway cruise is closer to 20.
Still, this is not the kind of vehicle you want to drive everyday since its 18½ foot length makes it a bear to park.
As we have noted before the interior is exceptionally well done. It's refined, luxurious, and mostly ergonomically correct.
We like the fact that the second and third row seats quickly fold to make a continuous flat load floor. But, space between the cushions makes it easy to lose small items and hard for pets to keep their footing.
But when your big plans call for a big SUV, we think the Chevrolet Suburban is in a class by itself.
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If you have never owned a Chevrolet Suburban, you may find it hard to appreciate how much it can carry, and how much it can tow – up to eight passengers, and over 8,000 pounds of trailer. It can be both a real workhorse, and a long-legged luxury conveyor.
And before you say "gas hog," take note that our 2007 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4X4 came equipped with a low friction 320-horsepower V8 with cylinder cutoff. That allows this beast of burden to return 15 miles-per-gallon on regular gas. And on interstate trips, 20 is more the norm.
After 6 months and over 12,000 miles of duty, our only fault seems to be a passenger side mirror that often adjusts itself.
Positives are many, including a very refined and comfortable interior. While the bulky third row seats don't fold into the floor, removing them does make for a reasonably low load floor.
So, if you really need a very big SUV, the Suburban continues to be our pick.
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With capacity for eight and 8,000 pounds of trailer, our LT-trimmed 4X4 is enjoying a summer vacation workout.
After eight months and a rapidly climbing 18,000 miles, fuel economy stands at 15 miles-per-gallon on regular grade gas. Power from the 320-horsepower V8 with cylinder cutoff is adequate. But more gears for the 4-speed automatic transmission would make it more flexible and efficient.
A big brood will find the interior comfortable, refined, and durable. We've had no mechanical problems. But, another improvement we'd ask for is folding rear seats that make more of a continuous load floor. So, if you need a really big UTE, we think the "Burb" is the best.
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We have a lot respect for our four-wheel drive Chevrolet Suburban LT. With room for 8 and 8,000 pounds of trailer, our "burb" has been non-stop working and playing this summer.
In fact after 10 months, the odometer has already passed 24,000 miles, with fuel economy from the 320-horsepower V8 a modest 14.7 miles-per-gallon of regular.
The interior is not only extremely comfortable for long trips, with lots of nooks and crannys for all your stuff, but it has the best fit and finish we've ever seen on a GM truck.
It's not a daily driver, but for miles of long distance family smiles, the Chevrolet Suburban has no equals.
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With room for 8 and 8,000 pounds of trailer, our four-wheel drive "burb" is an ideal choice for big family vacations.
As for efficiency, at the end of our year long test, with 27,000 miles on the clock, fuel economy from the 320-horsepower V8 is a low 14.8 miles-per-gallon of regular. Without fuel cylinder deactivation it would have been worst.
This is why GM's initial full-hybrid efforts will focus on its big trucks and SUVs.
But our wants for the Suburban pretty much start and stop there. The interior is extremely comfortable and flexible for long trips. Plus its high style and outstanding fit and finish have set a standard for all future GM vehicles.
Simply put, this 2008 Chevrolet Suburban does all that its does better than any rival.
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