A black 2015 Chevrolet Suburban was just dubbed the 10 millionth vehicle built at GM's Arlington Assembly Center. You don't care, but apparently that gave Chevy the excuse they needed to share this amazing photo album of the big, beloved SUV's last eleven generations. Enjoy!
The original Suburban came out in 1935 and had eight seats; most of which were removable to make a 75" long cargo area. Its inline six-cylinder engine was good for 60 horsepower. As it grew up it got generally bigger and lower. Which iteration is your favorite?
1930's:
1940's:
1950's:
1960's:
1970's:
1980's:
1990's
2000's:
...Then the second-newest and current ones, which you can probably see out your window.
Here's the abbreviated Suburban family history, straight from GM:
Generation 1 – 1935-36
The Suburban Carryall is introduced on a half-ton chassis, with a signature two-door body style that would be produced through 1967. Power came from Chevrolet's tough "Stovebolt" inline-six that produced 60 horsepower.
Generation 2 – 1937-40
New, streamlined exterior styling carried Art Deco cues, and horsepower from the Stovebolt six increased to 79.
Generation 3 – 1941-46
Production of almost all civilian cars and trucks halted during America's involvement in World War II, although many Chevy trucks – including the Suburban's body style – were pressed into military duty.
Generation 4 – 1947-55
Representing the first significant redesign of Chevrolet's truck line since before the war, the Suburban was welcomed by professionals in need of an all-new workhorse. Torque from the inline-six engine was 174 lb-ft at only 1,200 rpm, creating excellent towing capability.
Generation 5 – 1955-59
Revolutionary new styling is introduced midway through the model year. Known as the "second series" design, it features a wraparound windshield and the elimination of running boards – the body is flush with the fenders for the first time. The second series model also introduces the legendary Small Block V-8. In 1957, factory-installed four-wheel drive is offered for the first time, with the famous NAPCO-supplied "Powr-Pak" system.
Generation 6 – 1960-66
All-new styling greets the 1960s and Chevrolet institutes the C/K designations to denote models with 2WD (C) and 4WD (K). During the sixth generation, engine choices ranged from a 230-cubic-inch inline-six to the 283- and 327-inch versions of the Small Block V-8.
Generation 7 – 1967-72
A redesign of Chevy's half-ton trucks is introduced, including Suburban, which carries a unique three-door arrangement – with a single door on the driver's side and front and rear doors on the passenger side. The configuration, with easier access to cargo area, was popular with ambulance companies.
Generation 8 – 1973-91
The Suburban is offered in a conventional four-door body style for the first time. Increased focus on interior comfort and amenities brings more personal-use customers to Suburban. By the late-1980s, electronically controlled fuel injection and a four-speed overdrive transmission bring greater efficiency.
Generation 9 – 1992-1999
An all-new Suburban features sleek styling with flush glass and composite headlamps. Other updates include four-wheel antilock brakes, Insta-Trac on four-wheel-drive models and a suspension system designed to provide a more carlike ride. In 1998, OnStar and the full-time AutoTrac all-wheel-drive system are added. In Australia, right-hand-drive versions of the Suburban are offered through GM's Holden brand.
Generation 10 – 2000-2006
Launched in 1999 as a 2000 model, the 10th-generation Suburban brings new styling, new interiors and new powertrains. The engines include the Vortec 5.3L and 6.0L V-8s from the same Gen III Small Block family introduced a couple of years earlier in the Corvette. Other new features include four-wheel disc brakes and a load-leveling suspension system.
Generation 11 – 2007-14
The Suburban features a wind tunnel-shaped exterior and elimination of traditional chrome front and rear bumpers. More efficient, comfortable and capable than ever, the Suburban continues to offer customers uncompromising capability and versatility. In 2010, a limited-production 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition is offered.
Generation 12 – 2015+
Designed to be more functional and refined, while offering more safety features and a greater range of advanced technologies, the all-new Suburban is also more efficient, thanks to a range of enhancements that include a more aerodynamic design and a new, direct-injected EcoTec3 5.3L engine. Improved aerodynamics also contributes to a quieter interior.
Images via Chevrolet
Andrew P. Collins is Jalopnik's off-road and adventure guy. Shoot him an email at andrew@jalopnik.com or hit him up on Twitter @andr3wcollins to talk trucks.