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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  04tahoe-mcd - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By hnds hky - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is great with one exception and not limitted to the Tahoe. The air conditioning is a problem. does not blow cold air consistently. customer in front of me complained of same problem, 2 loaner cars loaned to me same problem. friend who purchased 04 silverado same problem. chevy have not acknowledged a widespread problem, however, are trying several ways to corect the problem still not fixed. may have to turn to lemon law. my last choice since i selected this vehicle by many features of which price was not any of the choices.

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  Fantastic Truck! - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bo - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with 20000 miles on it, I have 72000 miles on it now.No problems to report. The 350 and towing package are a great combination.This is a fantastic truck!

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  adios my tahoe - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tahoe bill - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my faithful 97 Tahoe in on a Honda Accord. No longer need the Tahoes room or towing ability, and gas is getting expensive. After 92k miles, it ran like brand new, used zero oil, and was as tight and rattle-free as the day I bought it. Id give it a 10 for reliability, except I had to replace the water pump, alternator, front rotors, & rebuild the master cylinder. Otherwise it was trouble-free and only needed tires, a battery, & gas (15 mpg avg). It was an excellent, comfy, roomy, nice-driving rig, and I know therell be times Ill miss it. Id buy it again if I had the need.

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  TAHOE-AWSOME - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Vic & Norma - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, Gas mileage is not to great, mainly because of the Flex fuel injection. Otherwiae has all the bells and whistles.

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  Lovemytruck! - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MacDaddy - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck to upgrade from a Ford Explorer and never looked back. I have had no major problems with this truck. It has been a pleasure to drive as my primary vehicle. I love this truck and would recommend it to anyone. One thing Id recommend is changing the original tires (235/70/16) to (255/70/16) they are wider and taller. It made the best difference in ride and handling. If you can get your hands on a good used Tahoe in good condition, grab and hang on to it!

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  I LOVE MY TAHOE - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wyche227 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Im very impressed with the handling and power. The truck is easily driven through tight spaces and on the open road (unlike the bigger Ford Expedition). I suggest installing after-market front brake pads and rotors. Also, I opted for the rear bay doors but I should have purchased one with a barn door with the optional windshield wiper/cleaner.

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  THE BEST SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By suska - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Chevy got it right.

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  Well I was suprised.. Maybe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By markyboy@sbcglobal.n - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Well, I was suprised. I owned a chevy truck C10 for 10 yrs in the 70-80s, and was basically happy. No major problems in 10 years. Then I started buying Japanese cars. Enough said. I was looking at the Toyota Sequoia to buy and did not even thaught of buying a Chevy. Then, on the way home to pick up my wife to go to the Toyota dealer, for some un explained reason I stopped at a Chevy dealer and test drove a Tahoe. Well after a few months, of being downright confused (I didnt want to buy the Chevy), I bought the Tahoe and havent looked back. I have the LT w/ Autoride, and have been extemely happy with it. Well, again, I was suprised.. Maybe not.

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  Look out for this Lemmon!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By X-ChevyMan - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I learned to drive in a Suburban and Ive been a Chevy man since. I had a K5 blazer & loved it. I liked the Tahoe and got a 97 in 01 w/60k. I should have known truck was trouble when I drove it off the lot & the alt. went. Since then I have replaced brakes & rotors, rebuilt trans, replaced water pump, battery, starter, windshield wipers just stop working, trans cooler, built into the radiator, sprung leak causing all sorts of probs, the head gasket leaking all this under 88k! Believe what you read in the reviews. Its not reliable, brakes are awful, electrical system is bad & the trans is trouble

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  Awsome, Awsome! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jacki - February 26 - 11:50 pm

  I never thought a vehicle could be so comfortable. I live on a dirt road and I cant even feel any of the bumps. I feel like Im gliding . I feel assured that myself and my children are safe in my Tahoe. Chevrolet has out did any other company in my opinion.