2008 Chevrolet Suburban

SUVs don't get any bigger or more serious than the Suburban. Measuring 222 inches long, this monster Chevy stretches beyond any car, SUV, or minivan on the market, continuing a decades-long tradition of serving folks who need as much seating capacity and cargo space as humanly possible.

Like its smaller brother, the Chevy Tahoe, the Suburban, enjoyed a 2007 redesign that resulted in a much improved product. Thanks to new hardware in the steering and suspension, the Suburban actually drives decently and handles allright (if you can get over its mass and measurements). Its two V8 engines are strong and satisfying (even if they return a dismal 13 MPG), and they're connected to smooth-shifting transmissions. Ride quality is friendly, too.

Unlike past generations, the latest Suburban also enjoys a handsome interior with well-arranged controls. Its seats aren't the greatest, but when fitted with bench seats in all three rows, the Suburban becomes the only SUV (besides the Tahoe) in all the land that can fit nine humans. It can also fit 137 cubic feet of stuff (vs. the Tahoe's 109).

As impressive as all this is, the Suburban has a few slip-ups not found on its lone competitor, the Ford Expedition EL. Its third row seats aren't as comfortable to sit in, and they can't fold into the floor. Also, Chevy's 8,100-pound towing capacity falls short of Ford's 9,200. Still, the Suburban's strengths are enough to keep it in the running for the heavyweight title fight.

What's new for the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban: The interior gets standard side curtain airbags. Heavy-duty 2500 models get a 6-speed automatic, 17-inch wheels, and stability control.