- GMC---owned by General Motors---creates many makes and models of automobiles. Although Chevrolet Suburbans are still produced by Chevrolet---another General Motors company---they were only produced by GMC from 1988 until 1999. Suburbans began as a spin-off to panel truck models, using the additional bed space to add seating and storage.
- Much cheaper than modern Suburbans, 1988 GMC Suburbans were available for as low as $13,997 for a 1500 two-wheel-drive version. They were also available in four-wheel drive, as well as four-wheel-drive diesel, with prices ranging from $15,657 to $19,324. The 1999 versions of the GMC Suburban started at $25,839 for a 1500 two-wheel-drive vehicle. It was also available as a 2500 two-wheel drive, 1500 four-wheel drive, and 2500 four-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $25,839 to $30,423.
- Large vehicles such as the Suburban require large engines. Original 1988 versions were produced with a few different engines. The 1500 two-wheel drive came with a 5.7-liter 210 horsepower V8, which was also standard in the four-wheel drive and 2500 models. The diesel versions of the 1988 Suburban were produced with a 6.2-liter V8 that produced between 130 to 148 horsepower. By 1999, all versions of the Suburban were produced with a 5.7-liter 255 horsepower V8 engine that operated off of unleaded gasoline.
- Although the fuel efficiency of the GMC Suburban was never great, it is better than many pickups, which can average as low as 10 mpg. In the city, the 1988 GMC Suburban was capable of 13 mpg for gasoline models to 16 mpg for diesel versions. For highway driving, these engines range from 17 to 23 mpg.
By 1999, the GMC Suburban was no longer available with diesel engines, leaving only the less fuel-efficient options available, ranging from 12 to 14 mpg in the city and 16 to 18 mpg on the highway.
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