In 1986, Texas Monthly declared the Chevrolet Suburban the “National Car of Texas,” saying that it was, “the most Texas vehicle there is… It’s big, it’s strong, it’s fun, it doesn’t put on airs, but it doesn’t keep you from putting on a few.” In the time since, the Suburban has undergone many iterations, but still maintains its original focus as being a capable people-hauler.
A new Change.org petition started by Chevrolet seeks to bring attention to the Suburban and gain support to name the vehicle the “National Vehicle of Texas.” Why not the State Vehicle of Texas? That designation was given to the chuckwagon in 2005.
“Honestly, the petition is not intended to result in any official proclamations,” Monte Doran, Manager, Chevrolet Truck Communications said. “Instead, the petition is a way to celebrate the long-lasting connection between Texans and the Suburban.” This year, the Suburban nameplate turns 85 years old.
According to Chevrolet, more Suburbans are sold in Texas than in the lower 25 states combined. Five of the top 10 Suburban dealerships in the country are in Texas.
“Suburbans are a familiar sight in the parking lot of the Argyle Club in San Antonio, which is not surprising since it’s hard to drive a block in surrounding Alamo Heights without seeing one,” said Doran. “At the end of a school day in North Dallas, Suburbans are lined up outside Hockaday and St. Mark’s. On weekday mornings Memorial Drive in Houston is a processional of Suburbans hauling children to private schools.”
They’re not just for families. “Around the Capitol in Austin, Suburbans are so popular with the influence-peddling crowd that they are known as lobby wagons. A single lobbyist can take as many as eight legislators to lunch, while tinted windows all around … ensure the anonymity of his passengers.”
Suburbans translate into life beyond the city and suburbs in Texas. You can find them on boat ramps, on rugged ranch roads, hunting and fishing locations, and camping areas. “Last year when the hunting season opened at the venerable St. Charles Bay hunting club in Rockport, there were 12 vehicles in the parking lot and every one of them was a Suburban,” Doran (rightly) bragged.
Every Suburban sold in the world is built in Arlington at Arlington Assembly Plant.
The next-generation of the Suburban will be revealed on December 10 along side the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe. Both SUVs will be 2021 models.
