-
Chevrolet Suburban
Is there anything more American than going on a road trip in a Suburban? This is a big SUV that has been in production for over 80 years. They made the Suburban to be a people carrier and road trip vehicle. Despite being slow and not as exciting as some other cars on the list, the Suburban still has several tricks up its sleeve. The Suburban is the longest-serving nameplate in car history with the first model under this name emerging in 1935.
Right from the start, the Suburban defined itself as a people carrier in a body style closer to a minivan than to a regular wagon or SUV. During the ’50s and ’60s, the Suburban moved to a truck platform. It also benefited from advanced construction, tough suspension and a long list of engines and options. At the same time, Chevrolet introduced the all-wheel drive option for its truck line, so the Suburban could come with an AWD drivetrain, as well.
This was the moment Suburban became an off-road model. The all-wheel drive option proved popular during later generations. It even became an almost mandatory option for the famous, long-serving 7th generation they introduced in 1973 and discontinued in 1991.
Today, the Suburban is still around as a big, heavy full-size SUV, still on a truck chassis with V8 engines. It has lost some of its rugged character, but retained the basic layout and name. So, whichever generation you choose, you will have a dependable ride for those cross country trips.