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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  97 And Still Better Than Most New - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By gavin - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This 1997 Tahoe is still better than most new vehicles!! I cant believe I see people complaining about stupid stuff. Of course you are going to fix things on a 6 (almost 7) year old vehicle. Go buy your Toyota Sequia and pay the bill to fix it. wow!! Go bowtie!! Cant wait to get a new one, but this one does just fine and still pulls good money. how many other products can say that? so what if it drinks a little gas. if you pay that much for a luxury vehicle, why do you worry about a few dollars extra a week!

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  Nice Truck - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Posted1 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 59,000 miles, 1 owner. I checked the vehicle out extensively prior to purchasing it adn I have had absolutely no trouble with it. Decent ride, adequate comfort and plenty of power make this a great vehicle for all 4 seasons that Colorado has to offer.

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  Sorry to see my Tahoe go - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mac in Kentucky - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 97. Early on, vehicle required five sets of front rotors due to faulty brake design. Chevy covered it all under warranty -- even after warranty expired. No other problems encountered. At 182,000 miles, brake failure caused me to rear-end a pick- up. This wiped-out the front end. I walked away with minor bruises. I replaced my Tahoe with a Suburban.

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  Great Vehicle! - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Doc Watson - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My first 4WD...Had 95,000 when I bought it but it had been taken cate of very well. No problems at all other than regular maintenance. Could benefit from larger brakes. Get a K&N air filter! No "Clunking" noise here! SNOW! Im not scared of any stinking SNOW!

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  Comfort and Class - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rob Lee - May 30 - 2:00 am

  When I decided to buy the Tahoe I knew I would be spending more than I ever have for any vehicle I ever owned in my life. But I can tell you without hesitation I am glad I did. This vehicle has to be the most comfortable to operate that I have ever experienced. It is like driving a luxury car on a truck chassis. The steering is awesome, it is a tight radius, and very smooth. Maneuvering the truck is extremely easy. Interior controls on dash as well as the L.E.D. driver display information center is a breeze to set up.

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  Tahoe LS - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kaskillah - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle overall. Can take severe abuse and still hold up.

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  Crunch - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Synkronized - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I gotta tell you all, I have been rear ended twice and both vehicles have just crumpled under the might of the tahoe. Not even a scratch or dent left on it. There is enough power to crawl over cars and make your own road. Install a grill guard and strike fear into all that drive slow in the fast lane. If thats not enough, install fog lamps. Once I ran over a civic and thought it was a pop can.

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  After 2 years...its still a great SUV! - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mikesc - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before I bought my brand new 2001 Tahoe over two years ago. I read about the build quality and the problems when the new Tahoe was introduced in 2000. Sure, you worry about things like that, but two years later I love my Tahoe as much as I did the day I bought it. Ive done all the schedule maintenance and havent had a single problem. I use it as my commuting vehicle (80 miles daily) and its never let me down.

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  2001 Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bharrison - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The only problems I have had with this vehicle has been the heating element in the driver side mirror, the door strap hinges squeeking, and carbon buildup in the throttle body which caused a sticking gas peddle. The dealer replaced all hinges under warranty, I havent had the time to get the mirror repaired. I got rid of the carbon build up with a Tornado.

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  Best Tahoe Yet - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bruce - May 15 - 9:40 am

  Still new but I love this truck. Looks great, runs great, performs great. Only complaint I have so far is the height of the hitch receiver.