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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  tahoe review - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By c gray - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Just a great all around vehicle for a reasonable price, buy american

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  My 3rd - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joe Sixpack - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 is my 3rd Tahoe. The 2001 never went back to the dealership after I drove it off the dealers lot! I loved it.

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  Tahoes Are Great - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JaStewrt - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Tahoe.My first was a 98 and I have passed it on to my daughter. We have had NO problems of any kind with either Tahoe. I do not know why anyone would buy any other SUV! My husband drives a Suburban and needs the extra room but we both really like to drive the Tahoe better,even though there is very little difference.

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  Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By LPS - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Best SUV on the market.

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  LATE LIFE TREASURES - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MARIE TANEY - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has made this Grandmothers life so much easier to handle my grandson in and out of the car. The safety features are very important but the luxury features are awesome. Everything it at fingertip reach and it does so many functions automatically once it has been set. With the 3rd back seat down it is so easy to put cargo in the back with either the window up or the entire door. I recently took a business trip of over 350 miles and it was wonderful, from the ride to the music sound system. I will never own any other form of transportation. Thank you

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  Z71 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mws517 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  It pulls my 21 foot boat with no problems. It handles the bumps in the road while towing better than my 2002 LT Tahoe. Pulls the boat out of water on slippery boat ramps with little to no problem. Only problem is that it is very difficult to add after market items (ie) XM radio. After three tries finaly got it right. Other than that I love it

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  Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By vein - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive been absolutely thrilled with my 2002 Tahoe. The seats are so comfortable (and the heated leather is so nice on cold mornings!) and the 2nd row seating is even quite comfortable. Its easy to park and complete tight turns. Super quiet even at high speeds on the highway and a wonderful smooth drive even on the awful streets of Detroit. Surprisingly good gas milage for a heavy V8 with pep.

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  My Red Toy - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MCox - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Took little kids up skiing and left after a storm. Pulled out of my parking space and drove away while a Pathfinder and a 4-Runner were spinning their tires. Ive dropped the backseat down and used it to move 14 kids around a field, moved a ton of landscaping stone and filled it to the ceiling with cedar fencing. We use it to haul our racecar and trailer and our boat.

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  Sporty and Powerful - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jackblack - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Has about 130,000 miles and still runs great. Some reoccurring electrical issues. Battery is subject to overcharge, even with new alternator. Terminal posts dissolve after two years. Even thenÂ…I would not trade it for the world. I fit over 1000 lbs inside the cargo area truck during a recent move. Engine didnÂ’t even know it. Several 1000 mile trips have been made and the comfort level is amazing for a truck\SUV. CanÂ’t say enough good things about it!

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  Lift it UP!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Lacie - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Have only had one problem with the Tahoe. The air conditioner went out with about 3000 miles.