More times than not, successful new trends can be traced back to simple, basic ideas. For example, take minivans and sport utility vehicles. When minivans burst onto the scene in the mid '80s, cargo vans were already well established. Minivans borrowed many successful cargo van features to create a popular, scaled down people mover. Even though minivans continue a torrid sales pace, cargo vans continue filling a niche. The same scenario holds true for hot-selling, sport utility vehicles. Their roots can be traced back to tried and true all-purpose utility vehicles like Chevrolet's Suburban. First introduced in 1936, the Chevrolet Suburban competes in the full-size truck/wagon segment. This segment accounts for a relatively small 2.3 percent of the entire light truck market. However, Suburban dominates this segment with well over 50 percent of the market. It's a workhorse; the blue-collar vehicle that gets jobs done. "Suburban has been sold out since its redesign three years ago. and I might add nary an incentive," said Jim Perkins, Chevrolet General Manager. "In fact, Suburban just set a February sales record, its fifth record sales month since September." Suburban's February sales were 8,767, a 32 percent increase from February 1994. Total sales in 1994 was 91,393. Suburban is available in three trim levels: Base; LS and LT. Two-wheel or four-wheel drive is available. We test drove a four-wheel-drive LT 1500 with 3,800 odometer miles. General Motors utilizes numeric codes to identify payload capacity. Higher numbers represent higher payload capacity. For example, '1500' denotes half-ton capacity while '2500' denotes 3/4-ton capacity. Suburban's base price starts at $23,897. Our test model listed for $34,826, including a $650 destination charge. A $9,100 preferred equipment package included front and rear air conditioning, rear heater, power driver seat power- locks and windows, dual electric outside mirrors, upgraded stereo and electronic cruise control. Inside, Suburban perks for 1995 include a redesigned instrument panel, utilizing dials rather than levers and a standard driver-side airbag. Even with an airbag, the horn is easily activated by pressing anywhere on the steering wheel hub pad. A new brake/transmission interlock device prevents vehicles from being shifted out of park before the bake pedal is depressed. The door handle is in easy reach of the driver, and swings open with relative ease. Drivers, sitting higher than most conventional vehicles, have an excellent view of roadways. Our model included an optional mini work station with pivoting writing surface and jumbo storage area between the front bucket seats. In addition to a driver-side airbag, other notable standard safety items include four wheel anti-lock brakes, which prevent wheel lock up in panic braking situations, energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones and reinforced safety cage. Our four-wheel-drive Suburban included Chevrolet's patented Insta-Trac system allowing easy shifting in and out of four-wheel drive. The system also boasts a four-wheel drive low gear for driving through deep snow or mud. Suburban maintains its workhorse image. This vehicle is in for the long haul, measuring 220 inches in length, 76.7 in width and 71.9 inches in height. With rear seats removed, lumber, boxes and many other large items can be transported. Also, heavy-duty trailering equipment is optional. Under its hood, a 5.7 liter, electronic fuel injected V8 powerplant provides 200 horsepower at 4000 revolutions per minute. Additional engine sizes are available, including diesel models which significantly improve gas mileage. Suburban's extra large fuel tank holds an impressive 42 gallons of unleaded fuel. You'll need it because Suburban won't challenge Geo's Metro's gas mileage leading title. Chevrolet estimates mileage at 12 mpg city, and 15 mpg highway. GM assembles Suburban in Janesville, Wis. Except for nameplates, Chevrolet Suburbans are virtually identical to its corporate twin, the GMC Suburban. |