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-JGM - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joe Morra - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Only problems have be the master cylinder and the battery cables. Otherwise reliable and safe. About 18 mpg on the road.

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  Tahoe review - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tomyboy - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I think GM wrecked the 2003 tahoe, the 2002 was the last good year. The front seats are larger in the 02 than the 03. There are too many cubby holes in the dash area in the 03, and it looks unattractive. Had to take it to the dealer many times to fix a simple, yet, messy problem with the front axle leaking due to a defective vent tube. Build quality was surprisingly good. Great ride for an SUV with a truck frame!

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  my 2003 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By oienfvef - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This SUV stands far and away better than Expedition or Navigator for a couple of reasons. Better build, better ride, and better quality for your money. We did not pick the Navigator because it was just an over priced FORD. We also did not pick the Expedition because from the inside the quality was not their. Although the Expedition was comparably priced it just "Felt Cheap". The Tahoe is all class and very very comfortable and enjoyable.

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  2000 Chev Tahoe - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By eman - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Great comfort for both driver and passenger. Very roomy for kids and vacation. We drove this vehicle to our Oregon property the past two years (approx drive time 7 hours), and never felt crowded. Excellent handling, poor gas mileage around city.

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  Great truck, needs brakes - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I must admit, I havent owned it long, but a very good vehicle, EXCEPT for the brakes. Between the increased pedal travel till somewhat firm and a mushy pedal beyond that, creates continual uncertainty of having enough room in front of you to stop. Probably because of the 4whl ABS. The dealer checked them out and more than one person at the dealership said "thats the way they are, you have to get used to them". Otherwise it has a drive train which (so far) has been dependable and gets very good gas mileage for its size (16-18 hiway).

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  Geat Choice - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By K.C. Clark - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for a car and or an SUV to eplace my Ford Explorer. (By the way - My for NEVER had a problem and I had it 4 yeas.) Anyway, The Tahoe Z71 (with the entire bell and whistle package) is not a sports car. Too fast around a corner and the high side walls of the tires flex and a 4 wheel drift is started. But, very responsive. But, its not made for that. Power, its there when you need it. Comfort, its definately there. Smoth ride and a very suprising tight turning radius for the size. Overall, I am very happy with the puchase. I got white with tan leather. Other car/SUVs I was looking at: BMW X5, Land Rover, Lexius 330

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By parispat - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle. It drives like a car and is very versatile. I drive the Tahoe mainly to work, but during family vacations, it has been wonderful. The acceleration is very good. Handling is excellent for my type of driving ( mild).

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  poor mechanical quality - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tahoe - October 10 - 2:00 am

  two transmission failures (no reverse) which i am told is very common by dealer. no assistance by gm when only 36,800 miles (800 over warranty). now having abs problems @ 40,000 miles. also common accoring to dealer, but out of warranty. quoted $800.+ to repair. abs controller loses sensor signals at low speeds (3-8 mph) and causes system to engage dropping pedal to floor and losing hydraulic pressure. truck is then impossible to stop.

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  YES! - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bailey - October 4 - 2:00 am

  SO far... this is our dream vehicle! The best feature is the handling ability of the vehicle! In addition, the shift to 4 wheel drive on the fly already saved us on slick ground (rain)!

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  cluck=transmission - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JACOBS - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I 1st noticed a clunk around 39000, right after my warrenty expired. I got the transmission serviced as required. It came back. Loud this time. I replaced the U-joints. The clunk came back, along with check engine light. Took it in to the dealer, they fixed nothing. 2 miles and $250 later the clunk was back. I had under 60000 when I had the transmission replaced. I spoke with chevy directly on this matter, the number in the Warrenty book, They saw my point. They had me bring in my records as far as maintance, which I kept, b/c Im anal, and covered the cost of parts($1000) Over all the quality of this vehicle has been suspect.