The 2007 Chevy Suburban

I know I’ve used this space in the past to harp on gas-guzzling oversized SUVs. And I’m sure I’ll do it again. But even I will admit—there’s a market out there for them. I’ll even go further and admit that some people who buy them actually have a need for them. Businesses, for example, who may need to haul seven or eight people around at a time. Or maybe haul a trailer. And I’m sure you’ve noticed many government officials who’ve taken to riding around in these things instead of a limo. They’re roomy (for doing whatever it is government officials feel the need to do in the back seats while being driven around at our expense); they’re durable; they’re relatively safe; and in four-wheel-drive mode they can go where many Lincolns and Cadillacs may fear to tread.

This all came to mind last week during our latest weather-related foray into the national news spotlight. Were you behind the wheel of something like this week’s subject, the newest Chevy Suburban, you wouldn’t have had much trouble navigating through the heavy wet snow which clogged many of our streets.

The Suburban has certainly shifted gears since its introduction back in the 1940s. It started life basically as a closed, four-door version of a Chevy (or GMC) pickup truck. They were primarily used by small businesses such as plumbers or handymen, or as delivery vehicles for florists and the like. When fitted with three rows of seats, some saw them as the perfect vehicle to fit large families into and still have room to carry stuff.

The 2007 Suburban is the newest generation of the old workhorse. Only now we seldom see it as a business or delivery vehicle. One reason is cost. As they’ve become more plush, they’ve become more expensive. And with the advent of the minivan in the 1980s, the Suburban moved upmarket in both style and price.

For 2007, Chevy offers two different V-8 engines in the Suburban, in 5.3- and 6.0-liter versions. Both come mated to a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. It’s also available in two- or four-wheel drive in 1500 (half-ton) or 2500 (three-quarter-ton) heavy-duty series. When properly equipped, the 2WD 1500 can tow up to 8,200 pounds, while the 2500 can tow up to 9,700 pounds. That’s a lotta towin’. In addition, the Suburban can be equipped to run on E85 fuel, which is a mixture of 85 percent ethyl alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. This engine is standard on half-ton 4x4 models, and available on half-ton 2WD models. Expect fuel economy for any Suburban to be in the 15/20 mpg city/highway range.

Earlier I mentioned price. The Suburban comes in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. The half-ton LS starts at $37,365 while the top of the line 4WD LTZ will put a dent in your wallet the size of $48,855. At least. You can still option it out higher. Yikes.

What does one get for nearly 50 large? Active Fuel management, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders when they’re not needed; autoride suspension, which monitors shock damping and maintains the rear suspension level during trailering or when under heavy loading conditions; heated, 12-way power front seats; XM satellite radio; power adjustable pedals; power remote liftgate; OnStar; rear parking assist…the list goes on and on, as well it should at that price.

I must admit that this newest Suburban is probably the best looking of the lot—much smoother than its nearest rival, the Ford Expedition. If you’ve absolutely gotta have one, may I suggest you get it in black with the two-tone cashmere and ebony interior and the 20-inch painted aluminum five-spoke wheels.

Just the vehicle to show up in for your next press conference.

More info: chevrolet.com.