2004 Chevrolet Suburban

Hydroboost brakes are now part of the standard package on half-ton models of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, along with a tire-pressure monitoring system and new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels. A locking rear differential is now featured on the two-wheel-drive models with traction control, and the trailering package gets a 7:4 pin brake wiring adapter. An added safety feature, a front seatbelt reminder, has been added. And the output figures for the Vortec 8100 have been lowered, bringing the engine rating down to 320 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.

The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, according to the company, is just the ""right size."" It sits atop a 130-inch wheelbase and it is 219.3 inches long overall and easily fits inside average-size garages. The 2004 Suburban has four side doors and buyers can pick either the standard aluminum lift gate or dual swing-out cargo doors. Power camper mirrors are offered as optional.

Inside, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban seats nine by way of three, three-place bench seats. Additional options for seating arrangements include twin bucket seats for the front and middle row. The middle and rear bench seats are removable or they can be folded down as well.

Cargo area grows to 134 cubic feet when the middle and rear seats are taken out. This leaves plenty of room to carry something as large as a 4-by-8-foot plywood sheet. Driving is made easier with adjustable pedals that come with or without a memory feature. Tri-zone climate control is standard, and XM Satellite radio and a Panasonic DVD system are available as options.

Although the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban looks huge from the outside, once sitting behind the wheel, consumers find that it doesn’t feel quite so large, and the SUV therefore handles with relative ease. The automatic transmission can be a tad slow in reaction, but acceleration is sufficiently quick from a standstill and in passing situations.

The Suburban 1500 is outfitted with a 295-horsepower, 5.3-liter, V-8 engine. The Suburban 2500 has standard the 325-horsepower, six-liter V-8 or an optional 8.1-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower. All of the Suburban’s engines are teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission. Drivers have their choice of rear drive or Autotrac four-wheel drive, which comes into play automatically to maintain traction. Equipped with the 8.1-liter V-8, the Suburban can tow up to an impressive12,000 pounds.

In the way of safety equipment, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags. Dual-stage airbags and a passenger-sensing system are installed as well.

• Passenger space
• Cargo options
• Steering
• Ease of driving

• Big size
• Fuel economy
• Entry and exit
• Rear visibility w/ cargo doors

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