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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  1998 Chevrolet Tahoe Review - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Wagner - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a brilliant package. Towing is bliss with the power of the Vortec 350. The interior is well designed, everything is right where it should be. I have 81,500 miles on my truck and there isnt a squeek or rattle to be found. The 4WD autotrac works flawlessly in low traction situations. The transmission performs wonderful...smooth shifts, with or without towing. I have yet to find something I do not like about this truck! I recently made a 1,500 mile trip and the truck averaged 21 mpg on the highway doing 75 mph. I am not complaining with all of the available power and torque on tap. JOB WELL DONE CHEVROLET!

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  Very Good Vehical - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Happie44 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a big improvement over previous models. This truck has been problem free.

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  Gas is a killer, but I love my Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cschell - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Tahoe, and it is everything I thought it would be. Gas is a killer, but dont you hear that complaint with all BIG SUVs. I wanted it..I got it...and I am HAPPY!!

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  0 Complaints, I LOVE IT - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Munchkin25 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by-far the best SUV Ive driven.The ride, power, transmission is perfect. Fun-to-drive, comfortable, 4x4 is great. Stereo was lacking, so i parked it and spent the last 2 months installing a Mcintosh,boston,kicker system and now i cant quit driving it! This one is a keeper.

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  Smooth as Silk - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CCTX - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I just purchace my Z71 Tahoe, and all I can say is WOW what a vehicle. This thing is quiet, stable, smooth, and powerful. This proves to me that America can build a great vehicle!

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  I agree with AlexP on autoride - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kimiko Wakabayashi - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The autoride is really awful. The dealer said it would imporve stability but it makes the SUV handle like a drunken cow. It is terrible to drive in the highway and almost impossible to keep on the road. It feels like one of those old Caddilacs with Jello shocks with the tire air pressure at 6 pounds. We have a small boat and it feels like a 19 foot boat in 5 foot seas. It wiggles and wobbles and sways around where you need dramamine. Awful. Other than that and the gas mileage it is a great truck, or would be without the autoride.

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  07 TAHOE - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rrmm - July 16 - 7:13 pm

  Very solid car. Looked at the Sequoia also but was very impressed with the Tahoe. The handling is excellent and the LTZ model has all the options you could every want. Gas mileage has been pretty good so far especially on the highway where it cuts to four cylinders.

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  Excellent So Far - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By smithpcs - July 16 - 2:00 am

  We have the 4.8L which is adequate. The size, space & comfort are excellent. Incredible options for the base 4Wd vehichle including AWD. 50/50 3rd row is superior to essentially all competition for ease of folding/removal & functionality (most are a 1-piece bench). Superior look, quality feel & ride vs. the competition.

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  Over the top - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By blaster_md - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Tahoe used with 68K miles. Im up to 78K, and havent had truck for a year yet. Ive only had to replace the water pump, due to a leaky shaft seal. The truck has been great! Im 67", and dont fit many of the other trucks, as I guess theyre designed for women...... Anyway, I dont have any problems with this truck, the mileage is great as long as you keep in mind this aint no Honda Civic. Ive ridden in Civics, Im much happier in the Tahoe.

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  Frustrated As Hell - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Garry98117 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Recently upgraded from my 1998 Tahoe LT to this one. Big mistake, in under 4k mi. the power-steering pump shaft broke (making my return trip from the lake the best upper body workout of my life). After 3 days waiting for a new PS pump, got it back and now I am blowing interior light and sunroof fuses every 15 minutes for no apparent reason. Transmission clunks loudly when I pull my small boat, and still having trouble with climate control system (A/C goes on for no reason, and no it was not set on auto)! If possible I will unload this albatross and buy 1999 Landcruiser with 45k Mi.