The history of Chevrolet Suburban
- 4 years ago
Chevrolet didn’t trademark the name “Suburban” when it introduced the industry’s first steel-bodied, eight-passenger truck-based wagon back in 1935. Other marques subsequently used the term, and it didn’t officially become General Motors’ until 10 years after Plymouth discontinued its Suburban station wagon in 1978. Now, 83 years on, the Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history and is attached to the go-to hauler for people with big families and big needs. With a new Chevy Silverado just unveiled, a 12th-generation Suburban is imminent.
Chevrolet first applied the name to a $675 (about $12,000 in 2017 dollars) depot hack, a basic truck used to ferry passengers and luggage to and from train stations and ship terminals. A heater and rear bumper were notable options, but the innovation came in using steel rather than wood for the body, which now boasted an enclosed cabin. As amenities increased, mainstream buyers followed. The Suburban now starts above $50,000, and Americans bought nearly 60,000 last year.
Chevrolet first applied the name to a $675 (about $12,000 in 2017 dollars) depot hack, a basic truck used to ferry passengers and luggage to and from train stations and ship terminals. A heater and rear bumper were notable options, but the innovation came in using steel rather than wood for the body, which now boasted an enclosed cabin. As amenities increased, mainstream buyers followed. The Suburban now starts above $50,000, and Americans bought nearly 60,000 last year.