2004 Chevrolet Suburban Review: A Great Full-Size SUV, but too Expensive to Own

The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is in an awkward position of being arguably the best full-size SUV released in its model year, and not nearly worth the steep cost of ownership.

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – It might just be the best used full-size SUV in its model year, and even won our Owner’s Choice award for 2004.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – The Suburban is simply one of the most comfortable and roomy vehicles on the market.
• Reliability 7/10 – The 2004 Suburban is absolutely reliable, aside from a few electrical issues. But, regular maintenance can get to be pretty expensive.
• Safety 7/10 – Onboard safety tech may be dated, but the Suburban is built like a tank.
• Gas Mileage 5/10 – Even by full size SUV standards, 15/20 miles to the gallon is pretty bad.
• Value 5/10 – Typical listing prices are fair, but add in refueling and maintenance costs and you’ve got a serious money pit on your hands.

What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban?

Consumer 2004 Chevrolet Suburban – photo by ChevroletReports praised the 2004 Suburban as a major imporvement over the earlier, more truck-like editions of the SUV. Handling, braking, and suspension were singled out for praise, while poor fuel economy earned the SUV a red mark.

Kelley Blue Book users gave the 2004 Suburban a strong 95% recommendation, with the Z71 off-road package earning rave reviews. Drivers liked the second row captain’s chairs, the dependable powertrain, and the spacious interior. Fuel economy was, again, the one major failing.

Edmunds liked the powerful V8 engines and the capable Quadrasteer four-wheel system. The massive interior earned some praise, as well. But, they note that the enormous scale of the SUV can make it a pain when it comes to steering around tight city corners, and that the steering feels a bit numb.

What Common Problems Does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban Have?

Electrical issues make up more than one third of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban’s 404 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These 162 reports cover ignition failure, fidgety instrument clusters, and failing air conditioners. Long story short: The wiring may wear out over the years.

The most worrying recalls issued to date have been for the service brakes. A 2004 recall covered fractured o-ring seals, releasing brake pressure. A 2005 recall addressed a potential hydraulic fluid leak due to a fracture in the brake assembly. Complaints have been scarce since then, but they still pop up from time to time.

The engine and powertrain have held up remarkably well over the years, with just 34 complaints between them, and many of these complaints for electrical issues with the transmission, rather than mechanical breakdown. If you’re having trouble shifting, make sure it’s not just an electrical problem before you scrap it.

The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban has just 7 recalls and 404 complaints on file with the NHTSA. These numbers are pretty low for a twenty year old vehicle.

How Long Will the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban Last?

The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban will almost certainly pass 200,000 miles with adequate maintenance, and it will probably reach 250,000 miles if you never skip an oil change. Beyond that, it comes down to how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle.

RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost in the area of $944, with the most expensive common fixes including new air conditioning expansion valves, and new power seat switches, both starting at around $277.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is dated, but generous. You’ve got a 6-disc CD player and Bose premium speakers in the entry level model, and a separate rear sound system in the higher trims. You’ll have to go aftermarket if you want to connect your phone to the audio system, but what’s already here ain’t bad.

Safety features are adequate for a 2004 SUV. Anti-lock brakes and full airbags come standard, but that’s about as high-tech as it gets here. Rearview cameras wouldn’t be common place for years to come.

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban a Good Value?

With the LS typically listing at around $6,447 and the high-end LT at $7,191, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is priced fairly. But, high cost of ownership may sour you on the deal. You’re going to be spending close to a thousand bucks a year maintaining the vehicle, and you’re getting less than twenty miles to the gallon, on average.

That being said, if you’re looking for an off-road vehicle, something to take out on weekends, and you’re not a fan of the stiff suspension and tight seating found in most Jeeps, you could do a lot worse than a 2004 Z71 Suburban. The steep ownership costs only come into play if you’re using this as a daily driver.

What are the Different Models of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban?

If we’re not counting the Commercial model sold to businesses for fleet purposes, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is available in three trim levels: The entry-level LS, the high-end LT, and the off-road Z71.

With the Base LS you’re getting:

• Power windows and door locks
• Driver information center
• PASSLock II theft-deterrent
• Remote keyless entry
• CD player with 6-disc changer and Bose speakers
• Tri-zone manual air conditioning
• Leather wrapped steering wheel

The top-of-the-line LT adds:

• Leather seating
• Automatic tri-zone air conditioning
• Power-adjustable pedals
• 10-way power adjust driver and front passenger seats
• 9 speakers
• Rear sound system

With the off-road Z71 you’re adding:

• Heavy duty springs and gas pressure shocks
• Skid plates
• High capacity air cleaner
• Z71 badge

What Engines Come In the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban?

• All 1500 model 2004 Suburbans are offered with a 5.3L Flex-fuel V8 delivering 295 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, it’s configured in rear wheel drive (or four wheel in the Z71 model), and it averages 15/20 miles to the gallon, city/highway. You can tow up to 8,400 pounds with this engine, depending on your options.
• The mid-range engine, available in 2500 models, is a 6.0L V8 delivering 325 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic, it’s configured in rear or four wheel drive, and averages around 13 miles to the gallon, combined. The 6.0L can tow up to 12,000 pounds.
• An 8.1L Vortec V8 engine is available in the 2500 model. This engine delivers 325 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired to a 4-speed automatic, configured in rear or four wheel drive, averages around 9 miles to the gallon, combined, and can tow up to 12,000 pounds.

What Colors Does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban?

The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the roomiest vehicles on the road. You’ve got 61 inches of rear hip room, which is wide enough for most adults to lay down and take a nap, and nearly enough head room to stand up straight.

There are very few suspension complaints on file, meaning that the shocks and struts have held up well over the years. You’ll want to test drive the vehicle and see how it bounces over speed bumps, of course, but expect the ride to be as smooth today as it was twenty years ago.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban Have?

The 2004 Suburban offers 45.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, and up to 131.6 with the seats folded flat. Pretty much anything that doesn’t require a moving van, you can fit into a Suburban.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 9th Generation Chevrolet Suburban ran from 2000 to 2006, with the 2004 edition being one of the later entries in the lineup.

2002: Chevy took a bunch of optional features, including power windows, tri-zone A/C, and fog lights, and made them standard for 2002.

2003: Interior upgrades for 2003 included Bose audio, XM satellite, and optional DVD systems.

2004: Hydroboost brakes were new to the 1500 models for 2004, having been exclusive to the 2500s in years prior.

2005: Chevrolet swapped the side-hinged doors out for liftgates in the back, and the engines received an all-new electric cooling system.

2006: No major changes for 2006, but a special all-wheel drive LTZ package was offered.

2007: The all-new 10th Generation Chevrolet Suburban featured sleeker, more aerodynamic edges, improved seating, and redesigned dashboards, while retaining the same powerful performance the nameplate was known for.

How Does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban Compare to the Competition?

If you’re looking for an off-roader, you’re probably comparing a Z71 Suburban to a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Neither of these SUVs are suitable for daily-driving, they’re both expensive to repair and to refuel. But, the Grand Cherokee is less roomy, and typically lists for a couple thousand dollars less.

The Ford Expedition is the Suburban’s closest competition as a family car. Performance is comparable between SUVs, but the Suburban’s interior is far more luxurious. And, again, the Suburban is far more expensive, sometimes selling for twice the cost of a comparable Expedition.

This brings us to the Suburban’s biggest issue: It may be the best full-size SUV released in 2004. But it’s not twice as good as an Expedition. It’s not two thousand dollars better than a Grand Cherokee. And, when you add in the cost of ownership, the purchase just doesn’t make much sense.

Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban?