The 2008 Chevrolet Suburban would be a hands-down winner if only it didn’t sell in the $10,000 to $12,000 range. It’s the most comfortable vehicle in its class, and as powerful as a full-size pickup. But you don’t want to spend five figures on a vehicle that’ll be lucky to see another 40,000 miles.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2008 Suburban really is the best full-size SUV released in 2008.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – This is one of the most comfortable vehicles ever made. If the back row folded flat, this would be a perfect ten.
- Reliability 7/10 – The 2008 Suburban is dependable, but it’s reaching the end of its life expectancy, typically hitting the used car market with 160,000 miles on the odometer.
- Safety 8/10 – It’s built like a tank, crash test ratings are good, and standard safety equipment is generous.
- Gas Mileage 5/10 – You already know what you’re getting into with a 15 year old full-size SUV, but the Suburban struggles to deliver 12 miles to the gallon in the city.
- Value 5/10 – With the Ford Expedition offering most of the same amenities at around half the price, it just makes no sense to buy a 2008 Suburban.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
Consumer Reports found the Suburban to be well-suited to large families and for drivers who need a comfortable SUV that can go off-road and carry its weight as a towing machine. They note ungainly handling and poor fuel economy as the only major complaints.
Kelley Blue Book found the Suburban to be one of the most comfortable, capable vehicles on the road in any class, with enough towing power for anything you want to take with you. They note that it’s a lot more car than you need for anything but the biggest family, especially with gas prices on the rise.
Edmunds liked the smooth-driving V8 engine, the spacious seating, and the high-end interior finish. They note that the third row doesn’t fold flat, the SUV is slow to accelerate, and the curb weight leaves the vehicle steering more like a boat and less like a car.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban Have?
The 2008 Chevy Suburban has generated 310 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with 133 of these being for the airbags. A pair of airbag recalls for exploding inflators were issued issued in early 2021, but many drivers report that they’re still waiting on recall parts.
48 structure complaints point to cracks in the dashboard, right over the airbags. This may or may not always be related to the airbag issues, but is nevertheless worrying when you know that the inflators may be liable to explode.
Drivers have reported recurring issues with doors failing to unlock with the key fob, as well as door handles failing to work properly.
The 2008 Suburban has been recalled 4 times in total, which is average for an SUV of this age.
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban Last?
You’ll probably get around 200,000 miles out of your Chevy Suburban before the expensive repairs start to pile up. Some drivers have reported 300,000 miles and up, but 200,000 is more realistic when you’re buying used, as you can’t always vouch for the previous owner’s maintenance habits.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $804, which may sound high, but it’s on par for a full-size SUV this old. They cite AC condenser replacements, new spark plug wires, and new seat heaters as the most expensive common repairs, ranging from around $451 to $634 each.
Yes the Chevy suburban is very reliable. There are no known major problems given you just keep up with regular maintenance
It is regularly breaking down, large and small mechanisms need replacement often. It has cost a LOT in repairs and I can no longer afford it
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Chevy Suburban is pretty generous. Standard features include MP3 players and auxiliary input jacks, you’ve got 8 speakers to start with, and the SUV is available with a DVD player for the back row.
Safety technology is, likewise, pretty generous for 2008. Lots of now-standard features weren’t commonplace back then, but you’ve got StabiliTrak and anti-lock brakes as standard features, and rear parking assist as an option.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban a Good Value?
The 2008 Chevy Suburban is expensive. Yes, it’s the best full-size SUV released in 2008, but the entry-level LS typically sells for around $9,582, while a high-end LTZ usually goes for around $11,999.
You’re not just paying for a premium sticker price, either. The car guzzles gas like it’s free, and it’s expensive to maintain. Add to that the fact that these prices are for models with around 160,000 miles on the odometer. Do you really want to spend ten, twelve grand on an SUV with just 40,000 miles left to go?
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is available in three models, from the base LS to the high-end LTZ.
In the entry-level LS you’re getting:
- Heated mirrors
- Remote keyless entry
- CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers
- Anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak traction control
- Premium cloth seating
- Tri-zone manual air conditioning
The mid-range LT adds:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Optional remote start
With the top-of-the-line LTZ you’re adding:
- Fog lights
- Leather seating
- UltraSonic parking assist
What Engines Come In the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
- The base engine in the 2008 Chevy Suburban is a 5.3L Vortec V8 delivering 310 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in four wheel drive, and it delivers 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The 5.3L V8 can tow up to 7,000 pounds.
- A 6.0L Vortec V8 is available, delivering 366 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic in rear wheel drive, it averages 12/17 miles to the gallon, and it can tow up to 9,600 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most comfortable vehicles ever mass-produced. That’s no exaggeration. The suspension rides smooth, the seating feels like premium indoor furniture, and the cabin stretches a generous 62 inches across at the hip.
You will have absolutely no complaints in this department, even with the whole team on board.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban Have?
The 2008 Suburban offers 46 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, and an incredible 137 cubic feet with the third row taken out and the second row folded flat. The SUV lacks a folding third row, but if you haul more cargo than you do passengers, you may find that seating for five is plenty and leave the back seats in the garage.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the second model year in the Suburban’s 10th Generation, running from 2007 to 2014.
2006: The biggest changes for the 9th Gen Suburban’s final model year were towing mirrors, tire pressure monitors, and audio controls mounted to the steering wheel.
2007: Chevy relaunched the Suburban with a modernized body design, an improved interior layout, and seating for up to nine.
2008: There were no major changes for 2008.
2009: Chevy added a more fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission in 2009. The front row got a 12-way memory seat, too.
2010: Chevrolet dropped the 2LT trim options for 2010, simplifying the list to just the LS, LT, and LTZ, plus whatever optional packages you want.
How Does the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Chevy Suburban is the best full-size SUV released in its model year. But, that’s by a fairly narrow margin. The 2008 Ford Expedition is almost as good, if not quite as cushy, and it sells for about half the cost of a Suburban.
Even the GMC Yukon, which is almost the exact same SUV as a Suburban, sells for a few hundred dollars less, being the less known nameplate of the two.
The 2008 Chevrolet Suburban may be the best SUV in its category, but it wins by a nose, and it’s priced like a brand new compact. It’s just not worth it at this cost.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
Yes, the Chevy suburban is a good vehicle. It is good for large families with plenty of seating and does not feel crowded and has plenty of cargo space not available in other SUVs. It has a very helpful rear view backup camera and TV for entertainment during your ride
Somewhat. It has pros and cons. It fits a family of five and is food for road trips. However, it is always in the shop and is made of cheap parts