The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that was produced by General Motors. It was the seventh generation of the Suburban and was produced from 1987 to 1991. The 1987 Suburban was available in two- and four-door models and was offered with a variety of engine options, including a 5.7L V8 and a 6.2L V8.
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban was a popular vehicle and was known for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and rugged construction. It was often used as a family vehicle or for commercial purposes. The Suburban was also popular with law enforcement and emergency services.
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban is a significant vehicle in the history of SUVs. It was one of the first full-size SUVs to be offered with a variety of engine options and features. The Suburban was also one of the first SUVs to be used for a variety of purposes, including family transportation, commercial use, and law enforcement.
1987 Chevrolet Suburban
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that was produced by General Motors. It is significant for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and rugged construction, making it popular for family use, commercial purposes, and law enforcement.
- Spacious Interior: Three rows of seating and ample cargo space.
- Powerful Engine: V8 engine options providing ample power for towing and hauling.
- Rugged Construction: Built on a sturdy frame for off-road capabilities.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for family transportation, commercial applications, and emergency services.
- Comfortable Ride: Coil springs and independent front suspension for a smooth ride.
- Advanced Features: Offered with amenities such as power windows, locks, and air conditioning.
- Safety Features: Equipped with anti-lock brakes and a reinforced body structure.
- Historical Significance: One of the first full-size SUVs with diverse engine options and features.
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban’s combination of space, power, and versatility made it a popular choice for families, businesses, and organizations. Its rugged construction and advanced features also contributed to its success, solidifying its place in the history of SUVs.
Spacious Interior
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban’s spacious interior is one of its defining features, making it an ideal choice for families and those requiring ample cargo capacity.
- Seating Capacity: Three rows of seating allow for comfortable accommodation of up to nine passengers, providing ample space for families or groups.
- Cargo Capacity: Behind the third row of seats, a generous cargo area offers 41.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 112 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it suitable for hauling large items or equipment.
- Versatile Configuration: The Suburban’s interior is designed for versatility, with removable rear seats allowing for customized cargo configurations based on specific needs.
- Comfortable Ride: The combination of coil springs and an independent front suspension ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, even with a full load of passengers or cargo.
The spacious interior of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban enhances its functionality and practicality, making it a versatile vehicle for various purposes, including family transportation, recreational activities, and commercial use.
Powerful Engine
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban’s powerful engine is a key component contributing to its versatility and capability. The available V8 engine options deliver ample power for towing and hauling, making the Suburban a suitable choice for a wide range of tasks.
The 5.7L V8 engine generates 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, providing sufficient power for everyday driving, towing, and hauling. For heavier loads or more demanding tasks, the 6.2L V8 engine delivers 230 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Suburban to handle even more challenging towing and hauling requirements.
The combination of a powerful engine and a sturdy frame construction allows the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban to tow up to 7,000 pounds and haul payloads of up to 1,500 pounds. This capability makes it an ideal vehicle for tasks such as towing trailers, hauling heavy equipment, or transporting large loads of cargo.
The powerful engine of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban not only enhances its functionality but also contributes to its overall value and appeal. Its ability to handle demanding tasks makes it a versatile and reliable choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Rugged Construction
The rugged construction of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban is a key factor contributing to its versatility and durability. Built on a sturdy frame, the Suburban is well-equipped to handle off-road conditions and demanding tasks.
- Heavy-Duty Frame: The Suburban’s frame is made of high-strength steel, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle and enabling it to withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
- Reinforced Body: The Suburban’s body is reinforced with additional bracing and structural elements, enhancing its rigidity and durability, especially in off-road situations.
- Four-Wheel Drive: The Suburban is available with a four-wheel drive system, which provides increased traction and control in off-road conditions, allowing it to navigate rough terrain with confidence.
- High Ground Clearance: The Suburban has a high ground clearance, enabling it to obstacles and uneven surfaces without scraping or damaging the vehicle’s undercarriage.
The rugged construction of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban makes it a capable and reliable choice for those who require a vehicle that can handle off-road conditions and demanding tasks. Its sturdy frame, reinforced body, four-wheel drive system, and high ground clearance contribute to its overall durability and versatility.
Versatile Use
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban stands out for its remarkable versatility, catering to a wide range of needs, including family transportation, commercial applications, and emergency services.
- Family Transportation: With ample seating for up to nine passengers and a spacious cargo area, the Suburban provides a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation for families. Its durability and rugged construction ensure a safe and reliable ride, making it an ideal choice for road trips and everyday family adventures.
- Commercial Applications: The Suburban’s spacious interior and payload capacity make it suitable for various commercial applications. Businesses can utilize it for transporting equipment, tools, and materials, while its towing capabilities allow for hauling trailers and heavy loads. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset for companies involved in construction, landscaping, and other industries.
- Emergency Services: The Suburban’s ruggedness and spacious interior make it well-suited for use by emergency services such as fire departments, law enforcement, and ambulance services. Its four-wheel drive capabilities enable it to access rough terrain and navigate challenging conditions during emergency situations.
The versatile nature of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban is a testament to its well-rounded design and adaptability. Its ability to fulfill diverse roles makes it an exceptional vehicle, meeting the demands of families, businesses, and emergency services alike.
Comfortable Ride
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban’s comfortable ride is a direct result of its coil springs and independent front suspension system. This combination effectively absorbs road irregularities, providing a smooth and controlled ride even on rough terrain.
Coil springs, unlike leaf springs, are individually mounted and can compress independently. This allows each wheel to respond to bumps and dips in the road without affecting the other wheels, resulting in a more comfortable ride for passengers.
The independent front suspension further enhances ride comfort by allowing each front wheel to move up and down independently. This prevents the transfer of vibrations from one wheel to the other, providing a smoother and more stable ride, especially when cornering or driving on uneven surfaces.
The combination of coil springs and independent front suspension in the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban sets it apart from other vehicles of its era. It provides a comfortable and controlled ride, making it an ideal choice for families, long road trips, and even off-road adventures.
Advanced Features
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban embraced modernity by offering a range of advanced features that enhanced comfort and convenience for its occupants. These features played a significant role in distinguishing the Suburban from its competitors and contributed to its reputation as a well-equipped and driver-friendly vehicle.
- Power Windows and Locks: The convenience of power windows and locks cannot be overstated. With the touch of a button, occupants could effortlessly raise or lower windows and lock or unlock doors, eliminating the need for manual labor. This feature added a touch of luxury and ease to the driving experience, especially for families with children or individuals with mobility limitations.
- Air Conditioning: In an era when air conditioning was not as ubiquitous as it is today, the Suburban’s air conditioning system provided a welcome respite from the summer heat. It allowed occupants to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall driving enjoyment.
- Cruise Control: Cruise control made long highway drives less strenuous, enabling drivers to maintain a steady speed without constantly adjusting the accelerator. This feature not only reduced driver fatigue but also improved fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent speed.
- Tilt Steering Wheel: The tilt steering wheel allowed drivers to adjust the steering wheel’s angle to their preferred position, enhancing driving comfort and reducing strain on the arms and shoulders.
The inclusion of these advanced features in the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban demonstrated the commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for its occupants. These features not only added convenience and comfort but also played a role in safety by reducing driver fatigue and distractions.
Safety Features
In the realm of automotive safety, the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban stands out with its inclusion of advanced safety features that were uncommon during its time. Two notable features are its anti-lock brakes and reinforced body structure, which significantly enhanced the protection and well-being of occupants.
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Anti-Lock Brakes: Enhanced Control and Stability
Anti-lock brakes, also known as ABS, played a crucial role in preventing wheel lock-up during braking, especially on slippery or wet road surfaces. By maintaining traction, ABS allowed drivers to maintain control of the Suburban, reducing the risk of skidding or losing stability during emergency braking situations.
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Reinforced Body Structure: Improved Crash Protection
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban featured a reinforced body structure that provided enhanced protection for occupants in the event of a collision. This reinforcement was achieved through the use of high-strength steel and additional bracing, creating a more rigid and impact-resistant passenger compartment.
The combination of anti-lock brakes and a reinforced body structure in the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban represented a significant advancement in automotive safety. These features not only reduced the risk of accidents but also mitigated the severity of collisions, providing peace of mind and increased protection for drivers and passengers alike.
Historical Significance
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban holds historical significance as one of the first full-size SUVs to offer a diverse range of engine options and features. This played a pivotal role in shaping the SUV market and establishing the Suburban as a versatile and capable vehicle.
The availability of multiple engine options, including the powerful V8 engines, provided customers with a choice to suit their specific needs and preferences. Whether it was towing heavy loads or navigating challenging off-road terrains, the Suburban’s diverse engine lineup catered to various requirements.
Furthermore, the introduction of advanced features such as power windows, locks, air conditioning, and anti-lock brakes marked a significant departure from traditional SUVs. These features enhanced comfort, convenience, and safety, making the Suburban more appealing to families and individuals seeking a well-equipped vehicle.
The historical significance of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban lies in its pioneering role in the evolution of full-size SUVs. Its diverse engine options and advanced features set a new standard for versatility, capability, and comfort, influencing the development of future SUVs and shaping the automotive landscape.
FAQs about the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban
This section addresses frequently asked questions about the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: What engine options were available in the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engine options, including a 5.7L V8 and a 6.2L V8. The 5.7L V8 generated 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2L V8 produced 230 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque.
Question 2: What were the key features of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban featured a spacious interior with three rows of seating and ample cargo space. It was known for its powerful V8 engines, rugged construction, and advanced amenities such as power windows, locks, and air conditioning.
Question 3: What was the towing and payload capacity of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban had a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. Its sturdy frame and powerful V8 engines made it capable of handling heavy loads and towing trailers.
Question 4: Was the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban fuel-efficient?
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban was not particularly fuel-efficient by today’s standards. Its large V8 engines and rugged construction contributed to higher fuel consumption. However, it was comparable to other full-size SUVs of its era.
Question 5: What safety features were included in the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with anti-lock brakes and a reinforced body structure. Anti-lock brakes prevented wheel lock-up during braking, enhancing control and stability, while the reinforced body structure provided improved crash protection for occupants.
Question 6: How does the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban compare to modern SUVs?
While the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban was a capable and versatile SUV for its time, modern SUVs offer a wider range of features, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced safety technologies. However, the Suburban remains a popular choice for those seeking a classic, rugged, and spacious SUV.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of its capabilities, features, and historical significance.
Tips for Maintaining a 1987 Chevrolet Suburban
Maintaining a classic vehicle like the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban requires attention to detail and a commitment to preserving its performance and longevity. Here are some valuable tips to help you keep your Suburban in top condition:
Tip 1: Regular Maintenance
Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks. Regular maintenance helps prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs.
Tip 2: Transmission Care
The Suburban’s transmission is crucial for smooth gear shifting and power delivery. Ensure timely transmission fluid changes and check for leaks or unusual noises to maintain its optimal operation.
Tip 3: Brake System Inspection
Regularly inspect the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. Replace worn components promptly to ensure effective braking and prevent safety hazards.
Tip 4: Electrical System Checks
The electrical system powers various components in your Suburban. Check for loose connections, corrosion, or faulty wiring to maintain proper functioning of lights, gauges, and other electrical accessories.
Tip 5: Rust Prevention
The Suburban’s rugged frame can be susceptible to rust. Regularly wash and wax the undercarriage, and apply rust-resistant coatings to prevent or mitigate corrosion.
Tip 6: Interior Care
Preserve the Suburban’s spacious interior by cleaning and conditioning the seats, carpets, and dashboard. Address any stains or tears promptly to maintain its aesthetic appeal and comfort.
Tip 7: Engine Tune-Ups
Periodic engine tune-ups, including spark plug replacements, fuel filter changes, and air filter inspections, help maintain optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.
Tip 8: Off-Road Considerations
If you frequently use your Suburban for off-road adventures, consider installing skid plates to protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris. Additionally, equip your vehicle with appropriate tires and accessories to enhance off-road capabilities.
By following these tips and adhering to recommended maintenance practices, you can extend the lifespan of your 1987 Chevrolet Suburban and ensure it continues to provide reliable performance and classic style for many years to come.
Conclusion
The 1987 Chevrolet Suburban stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of full-size SUVs. Its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and rugged construction made it a versatile and capable vehicle, suitable for a wide range of tasks and purposes.
From its advanced features to its historical significance, the Suburban has left a lasting impact on the automotive landscape. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a classic and reliable SUV that combines functionality with timeless style. Whether used for family adventures, commercial applications, or off-road escapades, the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban remains an icon of American automotive heritage.