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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  GM employees dont care about quality. - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Adam123 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  From the designers and engineers to the management, sales and marketing people, and the people building the Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade, Yukon and Denali, its clear that GM is "Like a Crock." These reviews are limited to 700 words, so I cant explain all the faults. Suffice it to say, Ive had enough trouble to invoke the lemon law only to find my truck was "average."

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  itsnotarock - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By itsnotaford - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Breaks 3 times in 4 years 57000 miles. Speed sensitve steering slipping again 2 times. Leaking coolant at intake manifold. bolts not even tight. New waterpump at 48000. New alternator at 49000 miles. Air condition controls, compressor still runs when turned switch is in off position. Been replaced at 37000 miles. Was supposedly fixed 39000 miles doing same thing. Did not fix again, thank God i leave where it is hot 90% of the time. Evertime you get it fixed ther is something else. I have a 1994 ford f150, Knock on A BIG peace of wood. has but one thing and that was a transmission slip that a $150 fixed. CHEVY LIKE A ROCK! YEA RIGHT

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  Sweet SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Denver, CO - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Z71 for two weeks now. Absolutely love it. Smooth ride, good looks, and tons of power. The Z71 Package is the way to go if you do not need the third seat. GM, youre on the right track finally!

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  still great - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By chesterhd - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this ride. I have 117000 on it and only have had to deal with the dreaded clunk when starting from a complete stop. I had it checked by my local mechanic. He DID find a front universal joint going out, but everything else looked fine. It pulls trailers effortlessly and is comfortable enough to take a nap in on long trips where you need to stop for a quick nap. Bought car when it had 75000 on it. It was a lease up in Michigan. Some rust on bumpers and interior seat bolts, but nothing major. What ever happened to the standard undercoating all cars use to get. I guess that stopped in the 70s. LOL

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  High Cost of Ownership - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dissappointed - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I previously had a Suburban - which was almost zero trouble. The 1998 Tahoe by comparison has cost me almost $4,000 in various repairs. Brakes, AC Compressor, water pump and cooling system, computer & electronics. All was out of warranty when it happened. If you purchase a 1998 Tahoe, invest in an extended warranty. It may be well worth your money.

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  Solid and stable SUV - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Frank Landon - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Big and comfortable, great power, never gets stuck in snow, very stable in tight turns and on the highway. This truck gives you a commanding view of everything around you and great protection in collisions. My Tahoe was rear ended by a full size cadillac last year, and the Cadillac front end was totalled. My Tahoe only needed the bumper replaced ($300). Dependable truck.

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  Tahoe review - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Quentin Schraderq - June 3 - 2:00 am

  No problems and fun to drive. The best Tahoe ever made.

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  TAHOE -STABILITY - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By GUMMI BEAR - May 30 - 2:00 am

  ON ROUGH ROADS THE TAHOE IS HORRID. I SUSPECT THE DESIGN IS POOR AS ON ANY ROAD WHERE ONE FINDS ROUGH ROADS THE CAR LOOSES ITS ABILITY TO STEER PROPERLY. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING AND AM CONVINCED THAT THE TAHOE IS A BAD DESIGN.IT IS A SCARY THING TO DRIVE ON BAD ROADS

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  Brakes Suck - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By WW - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great drive train but the brakes suck. Entirely too small for the vehicle. 65000 on the vehicle and I am ready to install the 4th set of rotors and pads. Dealerships don the halo and claim no defect in the vehicle. Talk to ex Chevy dealership personnel and you get a different story,the brakes suck because theyre too small for the truck.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Chris142523 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We like our Tahoe an think it is a safe and reliable vehicle.