Overview & Reviews

Few SUVs since the mid-1990s have been as popular as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and it's not hard to see why. With room for up to nine passengers, V8 power and plenty of available amenities, the Tahoe has traditionally been a go-to choice for large American families.

The Chevy Tahoe faced little competition when it debuted, popularizing the full-size SUV by being a somewhat smaller and more maneuverable version of the giant Chevy Suburban that established the segment. Today, however, there are more choices than ever. In particular, large crossovers are more efficient, easier to drive and more versatile inside. The Tahoe remains competitive, though, especially among those who need the added capability of towing.

Current Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a traditional full-size SUV built on a truck platform. It's been fully redesigned for 2015. Major updates for this fourth-generation model include added safety and technology features, improved fuel economy and a fold-flat third-row seat. Depending on the configuration, it will accommodate anywhere from six to nine passengers and tow up to 8,600 pounds.

Three trim levels (LS, LT and LTZ) are available. The LS is well equipped with tri-zone climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, a color display with rearview camera and three rows of seats, the rearmost folding into the floor. Going with the LT or LTZ fills out the standard equipment list with more luxury-oriented items. Feature highlights, depending on trim, include adaptive magnetic shock absorbers, a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, power-actuated second- and third-row seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and an integrated brake controller.

Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front side as well as an innovative front center (between seats) airbag and three-row curtain airbags. Available safety technology includes adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, lane-departure and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and a vibrating safety-alert seat. Options include a navigation system and a rear entertainment system on most models.

Ample power comes by way of a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, matched to a modern and efficient six-speed automatic transmission. There is a choice between two- and four-wheel drive, with the latter available with either a traditional two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit without low-range gearing (not available with Max Trailering package).

In reviews, our editors found the Chevy Tahoe to be a capable and comfortable performer with a welcoming and, for its class, upscale interior. The ride quality is comfortable and handling surprisingly composed, but you'll find the ride comfort deteriorates with either of the available 20- or 22-inch wheels, even with the adaptive suspension. Also, larger crossovers tend to be more maneuverable and responsive. The cabin's redesign and modern connectivity are welcome, as the Tahoe is now competitive with its rivals. Another significant change is the integrated fold-flat third-row seat, the downside of which is an elevated floor into the cargo area.

In total, if you're mostly looking to carry a bunch of people, the Tahoe isn't the best choice. However, if you also need to tow or venture off-road with a real four-wheel-drive system, the burly Tahoe continues to make a lot of sense in an anachronistic category that continues to dwindle.

Used Chevrolet Tahoe Models
The third generation of the Chevy Tahoe spanned the 2007-'14 model years. Compared to earlier Tahoes, it represented a marked improvement in terms of drivability and interior design, as well as materials and build quality.

Initially for this Tahoe, Chevy offered one of two V8s: a 4.8-liter (295 hp) or a 5.3-liter (320 hp). Both engines came with a four-speed automatic transmission, but the 4.8-liter V8 was paired with rear-wheel drive only. For a single year in 2009, a 6.2-liter V8 with 395 hp was available. A six-speed automatic was introduced that year and was fitted to both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s. After that, the Tahoe came exclusively with the 5.3-liter engine and six-speed auto and either RWD or traditional 4WD with low-range gearing.

Trim levels for this 2007-'14 generation were LS, LT and LTZ. Feature content varied somewhat through the years, but typically the LS came standard with 17-inch wheels, cruise control, stability control, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. For a time, the LT model was split into three sub-levels: LT1, LT2 and LT3 with progressively more convenience or luxury items such as heated leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start, tri-zone automatic climate control and rear park assist. The LTZ remained the most well-appointed and typically came standard with 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, navigation, ventilated front seats and a premium sound system. Sporadically, Chevrolet also offered an Off-Road package.

This generation also experienced a steady infusion of standard or optional technology: we recommend going with a 2009 or newer model for equipment like Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port (2010) or hard drive-based navigation. Other key changes for this generation involved safety feature content. For the 2007 model, side curtain airbags were optional on some trims, while front side airbags were unavailable prior to 2010. Another noteworthy change involved the 50/50-split third-row seat, which was optional for 2007 and '08.

Overall, we found this versatile and ever-improving generation of Chevrolet Tahoe to be desirable for a full-size V8-powered SUV. Car-based crossover SUVs became much more popular during this time, and they're worth consideration given the advantages in fuel economy, handling and ride quality. Yet the Tahoe remained a capable and comfortable, if slightly large, daily driver throughout. Our one main criticism involved the Tahoe's third-row seats. At more than 50 pounds each, they were heavy and cumbersome to remove. And when folded inside the truck, they did not offer a flat cargo floor. The third-row seats were also a favorite of smash-and-grab thieves.

The previous-generation Chevrolet Tahoe was built for the 2000-'06 model years. Through most of this period, our editors considered the Tahoe to be one of the best full-size SUVs available. This second-gen Tahoe was a little bit smaller than the third, but it still offered room for up to nine passengers. Two V8 engines were available -- either a 285-hp 4.8-liter or a 295-hp 5.3-liter -- as were 2WD or 4WD. For most of its history, the model came in LS, Z71 or LT trims. The Z71 was designed for improved off-road performance.

Generally, our editors were impressed with the power from the V8 engines and the truck's maneuverability, but put off by cheap interior materials and spotty build quality. Shoppers placing a priority on safety will want to look for a Tahoe with the optional stability control system; Chevrolet started offering it in the 2003 model year on trucks with the larger V8.

Previous to this was the first-generation Chevrolet Tahoe offered from 1995-'99. It could carry a maximum of six passengers, large amounts of cargo and best of all would fit in most garages. This was the only generation that offered both two-door and four-door models. The two-door versions were also available with a 180-hp turbodiesel V8 instead of the 255-hp, 5.7-liter V8.

User Reviews:

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  Great for the REAL world! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By KensZ71 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  5 months & 4500 miles & I love my Z71. Wow,the visceral feel of nailing the throttle on those 285 ponies. Yowie! Everything is still tight and rattle free. It fits my 62" frame better than any other vehicle Ive been in. it handles great and the tranny shifts are seemles. Gas mileage is good. 15mpg around town (come on people its 285hp pushing around 2 and a half tons, be realistic). It feels, dare I say almost sporty around town and down right plush on the highway. The Bose stereo kicks butt as does the Autotrac system. The incentives were great and the resale should be above average as well.

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  Make Ready - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jack Barthel - November 25 - 11:36 pm

  I really like my 2007 Tahoe but it has some problems. I cannot get it to stop the engine light from coming on when I use e-85. Also the traction light keeps coming on and they cannot find out what to do with these problems,they are working on it but I have lose 7 days driving time already.

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  Idle problem - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jimstaff - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed the features and performance of my Tahoe however it surges when idling. This summer it would not pull the AC and now it dies sometimes when I turn left. Dealer says it needs "throttle body clean out & reprogrammed - $300+). Im skepital about paying that. This is the second time this has occurred. First time was under warranty. Ive tried different fuel brands and grades. It does seem to run better on premium. Tahoe has 75,000 miles. If this is resolved, all else is satisfactory. Any feedback appreciated.

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  170 miles and broke down - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dirtywork - November 21 - 1:00 am

  Love this truck, but left me dissapointed today after a gas leak in the middle of a major street. Had my family inside and got out quick when a pedestrian said the car was leaking gas! Turned into major ordeal, fire truck came and waited to see if the truck got on fire or something. Just installed 22" rims on it yesterday and now I wont see my truck until Tuesday and see what the heck happened to it. I love the truck so much that I wish I can get a new one or fix it and make it safer. Thank God that we are alive, it could of been worse. I could of ignited or some smoker flicking their cigarette out the window. Have your truck inspected before you drive home with it.

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  review - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tahoeboy2 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  great for road trips, even when towing a fairly heavy load such as a 5 wheel. day to day gas mileage sucks with the 4.11 rearend... but you can almost pull a house off the foundation!!!

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By skay - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Working for a car dealership that does not sell 7 passenger vehicles, I searched Hi and Low and compared all 7 passenger vehicles in the market. I decided on the Tahoe. It was priced resonably as opposed to some other manufactures. I couldnt be any happier with the decision that I have made.

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  Z71 is the Best of the Best - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tampa Z71 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! My Mercedes SLK230 and Harley Road King end up spending a lot of time in the garage on battery tenders because the Z71 is so much fun to drive. If you are looking for a good traveling vehicle, this is it. Three trips from Tampa to Atlanta since December 2002, and the Z71 made each one a joy.My truck is jet black and I added window vent covers and a matching plastic front spoiler for the hood. I also painted the chevy bowtie black and removed the chevrolet badge from the rear. This baby looks awesome and gets many drooling looks every where I go.

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  Chevy Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By gandalf - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Rear Window no longer works

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  A great value for the money! - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kaushik - November 10 - 2:00 am

  A fantastic SUV for the money. I have the fancy, decked-out version with the optinal Z71 off-road package, which gives it a really taut, robust (albeit a teensy bit rough) ride. Corner handling is excellent for a bus this size. I currently have a little over 40,000 miles on it and the brakes are hardly half-way through!! I had a really bad experience with the brakes on the previous model (the previous body-style), but this is worlds better. Very comfy and roomy inside, the A/C is superb to control and maintain temperature. Very reliable so far, although Ive only had it for a year-and-a-half!

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  my 1st 4wd - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jerry bishop - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Simply said its a luxury vehicle with the strength and power of a truck. Unbelievably quiet and ready to go anywhere. A little tough on the fuel economy but I guess that can be expected given its size.