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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  Still going - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ad199030 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Tahoe for over 2 years and for the most part I have had only a couple of items go bad. I would say they are normal wear. I would have to say when something goes wrong it can get expensive to fix.

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  Z71 Great But..... - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cnick54 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the way this truck looks, rides, confort, Great in the snow. One Mojor complaint Lousy gas miliage only 11 mpg. For the money I would have gotten the Suburban version instead. The mpgs would be the same and Id have more room. Brakes are so-so leave plenty of distance

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  Beautiful car with underlying defect - 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Amy - April 28 - 3:27 am

  I purchased my car with 55,000 miles on it and a cracked dash. After being told by the dealer that "those trucks get cracks on their dashes all the time," I decided to do some research. $650 for a new dash in Texas. Local dealership was willing to replace at no cost, even though my truck was out of its warranty period. However, there are thousands of owners who have not been as lucky. There is an entire Facebook page and class action lawsuit in place due to GMa unwillingness to acknowledge the defect in the 07-13 dashes. The cracks always present behind the instrument panel and in the upper left hand side of the airbag compartment. This will be my last Tahoe until GM does the right thing and recalls these dashes.

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  Perfect, not a single problem - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By thatdenverdog - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several brands of SUV,95 Montero (a mechanical nightmare), 00 4Runner Ltd-4WD,small inside,metal so thin the hood flapped, 01 Exped EdBauer 4WD (worst gas mileage you could imagine and really poor service from Ford in Nebraska and Florida).I wanted to tell you what I had previously so you have an idea what Im comparing the Tahoe to.I paid 34000 for an 01 LT 4WD Autoride.I was immediately impressed by the quality of the vehicle.GM has a better finish than the 4Runner.Handling is amazing.First off, it is one of the quickest out there, it posts a zero-60 in 7.6 seconds.The gas mileage is 19.At 75mph the engine is at only 2000 rpms.

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  Stay away from the 2007 Tahoe BUYER BEWARE - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Not happy in OKC - April 23 - 7:17 am

  First let me say from the time I was 25 until now which Im now 53 years of age ive always driven Suburbans or Tahoes. I brought this car in 2008 . I have never had so many little details add up to big details from a vehicle but this one takes the cake. The interior by 6 months was ruined. Peeling door handles that cut you , seat belts that just broke, lights that flicker on and off, air conditioner that just quit blowing then will start back up again, the dash is cracked in 3 places but I have always used sun reflectors to keep heat away from dash, and a cd player that works then doesnt work. The outside the cargo came off in mid drive and had to be remounted, the day running light has had to be replaced a nto less than 12 times since I owed meanwhile the other lights have been just fine. I drive around town only to find other Tahoes with the same light out, I even asked another owner how many times they replaced theirs and they said it went out like almost every month so they quit replacing after 15 times. I believe there has to be a major issue going on with that. First month I owned it I took it back and spent 2500 on an emission problem. Not sure if that was even the issue. That was also supposed to covered on warranty and low and behold it wasnt. Im a single mother of 3 and needed a reliable car and it has preformed for me but not in the way Im used to these vehicles performing. I have had to take it to the shop so much I just decided to get my own mechanic because taking it to the dealership has been extremely expensive each time. Im one to get all the fluid levels drained and restored every year and my vehicle gets changed on time. I know that vehicles are expensive to maintain but never have I had to spend so much on one vehicle in order for the car to preform. I love Tahoes and Suburbans and I dont know if it is just this year or what because the last one I had was a work horse and lasted me well over 259,000.00 miles. I really cant trade it in because the dealership is now saying this car isnt worth anything so Im just stuck with it. If I decide to go out and get another vehicle I will lease it and I think I will be choosing a different SUV. Makes me sad because I have always loved my other SUV from Chevy but I think this is becoming a norm with their cars

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  Great Truck - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By fastben - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck about three years ago. It has had a few minor problems, but nothing out of the ordinary. All cars have problems. If they didnt there would not be a service industry. Love the leather, great sound system, tons of power for a truck that heavy.

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  what else can go wrong - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By waterboy19812001 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun SUV to drive except for the time when i had to replace the front rotors, fix intake manifold gaskets, new fuel pump, etc. Other than that it is a reliable car with a nice look.

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  2000 LT Tahoe - loves it - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bkjohnson - April 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a used 2000 Tahoe with approximately 25,000 miles on it. It was our first used car purchase so we were initially a little apprehensive. Luckily, we have had no problems whatsoever (*knock on wood*). The main reason we bought the Tahoe was for its towing capacity, and we have not been disappointed. My husband trailers cars and when doing so with the Tahoe, you wouldnt even know it was towing unless you looked out the back window. Overall, our experience has been very positive. The Tahoe is a great vehicle. We would definitely recommend a Tahoe and purchase another one in the future, but we plan on keeping this one for a long time.

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  DONTCALL - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DISSATISFIED - April 17 - 2:00 am

  BAD SALES, BAD CAR, BAD RIDE, ROTTEN PRICE

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  J.D. Powers Quality Awards Commercial - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JMV51 - April 16 - 3:14 pm

  Own 2010 Tahoe LT, great truck! Feel extremely safe in it while driving. But all cars are not perfect and neither is this one. About the third and/or the fourth year of ownership the trim details began to show faulty, specifically the side body moldings and the dashboard. Side body moldings began to separate severely from the body on the front passenger side door as well as on the other doors at certain areas on the trim. On the dash, cracks have developed over the driver instrumentation panel as well as an area over the passenger side airbag area. Service managers have told me that they know of these problems, but Chevy hasnt given any directives to correct them. My extended warranty doesnt cover these "defects" because theyre considered "trim" which isnt covered! The J.D. Powers commercial on quality doesnt mention how far back that study goes other than those presented in the 30-second ad. Ive made temporary repairs on the moldings but cant do anything about the dash. Thats the only stuff thats disappointing about owning my Tahoe, quality is not spent on Trim!