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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  Much improved over the last generation - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tb - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a definite improvement over the older generation Tahoe in areas of power, roominess and technology. It drives solidly (even off-road) and doesnt seem as mammoth as the Expedition. However, the transmission seems to be slipping occasionally and I still have yet to reach the EPA gas mileage estimates, averaging 12-14 MPG in 60% city/40% highway driving (EPA estimates indicate 14 City/17 Highway). Still, itÂ’s not as thirsty as the Expedition and what youÂ’d expect from a mid-sized V8 moving 5000+ lbs. around. The weatherstripping and interior trim has dislodged itself in a few select spots. Besides a few weaknesses, IÂ’m happy with my Tahoe.

• 

  Much improved over the last generation - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TB - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a definite improvement over the older generation Tahoe in areas of power, roominess and technology. It drives solidly (even off-road) and doesnt seem as mammoth as the Expedition. However, the transmission seems to be slipping occasionally and I still have yet to reach the EPA gas mileage estimates, averaging 12-14 MPG in 60% city/40% highway driving (EPA estimates indicate 14 City/17 Highway). Still, itÂ’s not as thirsty as the Expedition and what youÂ’d expect from a mid-sized V8 moving 5000+ lbs. around. The weatherstripping and interior trim has dislodged itself in a few select spots. Besides a few weaknesses, IÂ’m happy with my Tahoe.

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  Glad to own this truck - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Michael Harris - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought one of these back in the summer of 95. Its held up great ever since then, even though I had it serviced somewhat sporadically while I was in college. 4x4 works well, and the Tahoe can tow anything too. I hope this thing lasts forever. My wife doesnt like it because she says its hard to get into and hard to get the baby into the back seat. Well, thats why she has her own car!

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  The dreaded Clunk - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By FLTAHOE - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently sold my 99 tahoe, I had the exact clunk that many have written about. The dealer greased, replaced u- joints and replaced the yoke. This made the clunk go away for about 3000 miles, after that it came back again. I was told that there was nothing more that Chevrolet was willing to do...Guess I may go and buy an Expedition.

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  2001 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By WILLIAM - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd Generation of Tahoe ownership. They just keep getting better and better. Weekly trips to the Jersey Shore give us an average of 20.9 M.P.G., The Auto-Ride option was well worth the additional money. Lease buy out at end of 3 yrs is 22,000. We will more than likley purchase this one.

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  2002 Tahoe LS w/ pref. equipt. group - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bige - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a Loaded Tahoe LS. After driving Grand Cherokees for the last 6 years, Im impressed by the overall solidness of Jeeps GM counter-parts. Test drove both 2002 Tahoes and Yukons and also Sequoias, just for giggles. No real discernible difference between the Tahoe and the Yukon. Much V8 pep in both, the GMC was slightly more expensive and the dealers much less willing to deal, even during July 4th week. Made a pretty good deal thanks, in part to the present $2500 factory cash. This truck is just a blast to drive. Do check these beauties out.

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  traded in toyota... - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Pewter Metallic LT - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very pleased with our Tahoe. Boiled down to Sequoia vs. Tahoe-having been a satisfied toyota owner I chose Tahoe... Tahoe LT interior has a real luxury suv personality v. Sequoia with bland camry/tundra style appointments (just compare interior lighting style), Tahoe ride seems quieter and more refined, Tahoes leather color seemed richer looking than sequoias muddy brown or muddy gray.. We bought a fully loaded tahoe LT after rebates for less than price of Sequoia SR5... If the people at toyota would give the $40k Sequoia a more refined interior similar to that of their $30k Highlander SUV it would have been a much harder decision!

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  Great truck??? - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mike N - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my 2001 Tahoe for 1 1/2 years. Have had more problems with this vehicle than any other Ive ever owned. Problems have ranged from warped trim to major power-train issues. This truck has been in the shop more times than I care to think about. When it is functioning well I must say that it can haul, tow, comfortably seat and ride well the best in this class. Im concerned that it will continue to cause problems after the warranty expires and therefore am planning to get rid of it.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dem - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is so comfortable..it rides smooth, has great pick-up, can tow just about whatever you want, can fit lots of people comfortably. The only problem (other than sticker shock) is fuel economy.

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  Awesome - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By whcc10s - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I test drove everything out there for the past 6 months and the Z71 won hands down, Power, versatility, looks, and comfort. This truck has it all. I cant wait for my next road trip. It is a pleasure to drive.