LONG-HAUL LONG-TERMER; Suburban takes on every challenge.(features of Chevrolet Suburban)

Byline: WES RAYNAL, BOB GRITZINGER

If our long-term Chevrolet Suburban has taught us anything in its first six months in our hands, it is this: Sometimes you find yourself in situations that require hauling huge piles of gear or a boatload of people, or both. In those cases, the Suburban has no peer. Simple, no?

For proof that the Suburban is one of the more useful vehicles on the planet (and the most requested in our fleet), consider that we've put 17,043 miles on it in just six months. If we keep up that pace, the truck will easily rank in the top five in total mileage of any long-term car that has come through our parking garage.

We have driven it all over the place, from freeways to farm fields, on pavement, gravel, snow and mud. We have piled it with people, gear and even hunting dogs and then flogged it for 18 hours straight without complaint from either the vehicle or its occupants. We've gone to the other extreme as well, commuting in it, solo, to and from the office.

The wallowing body roll found in old Suburbans is gone. The brakes are dramatically improved. Steering is direct and linear, especially for such a big, heavy four-wheel-drive truck. With XM satellite radio, an iPod plug and a DVD entertainment system, our passengers have ...