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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  Love my used Tahoe - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jerry I - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Having been a Chevy loyalist since my first car, I knew the Tahoe would be my next vehicle. The 42K sticker on a new LT was too high, so I started searching for a used 2000 model that was black and had the 3rd row seat. After 3 months of searching, I finally found what I wanted with 18K miles on it. Ive only been it the vehicle for a few days, but I can proudly say the ride is awesome. I test drove a 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition and it drove like a truck. The Tahoe seems more like a car. I still have to get used to the size. The engine is strong, nothing like a Chevy V8 pulling you around. The gas mileage is reasonable for a vehicle of this size. So I give the Tahoe 2 thumbs up.

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  the best suv - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Vic Lashewitz - May 15 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable ride. Driving was fun, for being 55 years old, the drive from Cincinnati OH to Miami FL. was a joy. The quiet ride and smooth Driving did it. I towed a 18 ft bass boat no problems. At one time during the trip did get up to 19 mpg.

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  Clunk again - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kramer-again - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Im having the cluck problem again (at 51000 miles)after having a new transmission put in last time among other things (see my previous review). It was corrected for a while. Im convinced there is a design flaw which cannot be fixed with parts. Ill be getting rid of this thing as soon as the dealership temporarily fixes it again.

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  Worst vehicle I ever owned. - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rscfjj - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Make sure you take an extended test drive before you buy. Look for a vibration in the gas pedal below 40 MPH and a surge coming through the brake pedal especially noticeable right after stopping. The dealer tried hanging dampers from the exhaust system and eventually replaced the entire exhaust system. I complained to Chevy, and bottom line, they dont know how to fix the problem. Unbelievable!! I previously owned a 2001 Chevy Tahoe Z- 71 and it was perfect--- no compaints.

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  99 Tahoe - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By BNic61 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  very good vehicle for family use...spacious..comfortable...good front and rear air.......strong motor..good style

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  Tahoe 02 - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tahoe086 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  the Tahoe is great...towing is easy and power is huge...i done have any complaints other than fuel economy...

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  Tahoe is a great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JimL - May 11 - 10:00 am

  It drives small for a big car. My wife didnt want anything as big as a Tahoe because she expected it would be hard to drive. She loves the car! I think the engine and the short turning radius are two of the best features. You can actually beat most sedans of the line when the light turns green. The seats are comfortable and the car fits in the garage. The kids love having enough room to spread out and long car trips are so much more enjoyable for everyone.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Raj - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is best vehicle in class.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By snoopy31 - May 7 - 10:26 pm

  I traded a 2005 Toyota Sequoia on this 2007 Tahoe. My new Tahoe has it all over the Sequoia. Many more features plus lower price. As an added bonus, my warranty has now been extended to 5yrs and 100,000 miles better than Toyotas. Sticker on the 2005 Toyota was $49,735 more than $3000 over the Tahoe and with fewer features. I love the Tahoe, and so far no problems with 2783 miles and average 20.7 MPG

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  Tahoe, not all thats its cracked up to - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Fdatahoe - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Tahoe for almost 2.5 years and have replace 3 gaskets (100bucks),all 4 shocks (200bucks), a water pump(300 bucks), the leather seat is ripping and the breaks twice. I sure am glad I bought a Chevy. Oh yeah I still have a intermitent vibration in the steering which they can not find, not bad for a 3 year old POS