With a seating capacity of up to nine, the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is the perfect large family vehicle for excursions to the flea market, the mall, or soccer field. Unchanged from 2007, the Chevrolet Suburban is an SUV that comes in 18 trims and can be powered by one of two V-8 engines, with a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission. Ranging in M.S.R.P. from $30,085 to $50,405, models come with either 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.

Starting from the moment you board your new Suburban you are impressed with its size, especially when you realize that those black side-mounted assist steps are not there just for looks. Other exterior features on the SUV present a well coordinated, handsome picture whether you opt for a model with black, body color, or chrome door handles. Suburban ships with grille inserts in black, chrome, or reinforced for off-road activity. At the rear of the vehicle the liftgate-liftglass opens high and wide, and with the convenience package, does so automatically, and with remote.

Environmentally speaking, the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban will not win any accolades except possibly for its Vortec 5.3L V8 FlexFuel half-ton which is specially designed to run on gasoline or any mixture up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Despite the alternative fuel it burns, the Suburban burns a lot; 11mpg city, and 14-15mpg highway depending on whether you drive the 2WD or the 4WD. The 5.3 Liter V8 which burns gasoline does a bit better at 14mpg city and 19-20mpg highway, 4WD vs. 2WD.

Chevrolet knows that it is not enough just to drive one of the most massive private vehicles in production to guarantee the safety of its passengers. All Suburbans come with driver and front passenger airbags and side curtain airbags to protect the outboard rear passengers from head injury. Although the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is as easy to maneuver as a shopping cart, when hazardous driving conditions develop, it is reassuring to have Chevrolet's StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System and ABS to minimize any loss of traction that could cause the vehicle to skid or slip. In the event of an accident, a vehicle such as the new Suburban is further protected with OnStar to bring help when needed, making it the most family-friendly vehicle possible.