Why do Suburbans have 3 doors?

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

As the title states why would they go with such a configuration?

Was it for passenger safety as I have read before.

Or was it a cost cutting thing since SUV's as they are now known were not a go to family vehicle at the time. So borrowing a thought from Bucky Knudson, and car at every price point for every person.

As prior Burbs were essentially 2wd Blazers. Albeit with better passenger sitting arrangements, and more room to get in back.

Granted people through the years have come to expect more, and more for each new generation of vehicle.

Such as from my point of view SUV's really took off in 1992 when the GMT400 Burb came into the market. The 60's, and earlier wagons were the big hit till late 70's roughly. Then Conversion vans, and passenger vans were the "best" family vehicle as decided by the market. Coming in the early 80's mini vans became the dominate van in the van category. All the while wagons were still power players in the ultimate family vehicle category. Then 1992 came, and wow over night litterly suburbans everywhere as the ultimate. Getting into the 2000's, and CUV's have taken over somewhat. But the Suburban is still big time, and bigger then ever.

I left the Square body Burbs out as I am 45, and honestly do not remember anyone I was familiar with owning one for a family vehicle. Rather countless Vans of all styles, and wagons. Of course living in the LA area can taint my remembrances.