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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  Sorry I bought this - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By sorry I bought it - April 23 - 7:19 am

  We bought this 07 Tahoe to haul around our 3 young children. We thought this was going to be a functional family vehicle for many years to come. Boy were we wrong! The Chevrolet engineers obviously do not have children. The LATCH placements make the 3rd row inaccessible when using a child seat and the LATCH system. The 3rd row seats do not fold flat and are too heavy to be taking in and out, the rear doors are designed to come to a sharp point and small children darn near cut their heads open on them when open. My breaks are hanging up at 40,000 miles, my battery died at 30,000 and left me sitting, the door hinges are all frozen up, and do not work worth a crap....wish I had more room

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  Will Miss My Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SR Cordell - April 17 - 2:06 pm

  Purchased new in 02 and just gave to my son with 180k miles on it. Maintenance items were normal wear items with very little in major repairs. I Normally trade my cars at 100K miles but liked the Tahoe so much I held onto it for 180k miles. Miles were road miles not around town. 18 MPG highway when new, and just checked at 180K and still gets 18 MPG highway. Turning radius is incredible, comfort is excellent, ride is "car-like", still looks like a new car. Best all-around vehicle I have owned. Will purchase another when GM doesnt stand for "Government Motors".

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve - April 13 - 12:27 pm

  This 2008 LTZ is our second Tahoe. Our first was a great all around truck and this is even better. We need a versatile 4wd that can be used to haul our boat and take our kids sports teams all over Northern California. The ride is excellent, quiet, smooth and the transition to 4WD is seamless. We also own two Toyota SUVs (kids cars) and a Honda Accord. Over the years weve owned Porsches, Volvos, Mazdas and Nissans, but the Tahoe is the best overall period. On our first Tahoe we had over 100K miles and the people that now own it have 126K on it. it still looks and drives like new. Weve never had any maintenance issues with either Tahoe. On a recent trip to Salt Lake we averaged 22 mpg.

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  Buyer beware, no help from factory - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By I. Escoto - April 11 - 2:05 pm

  Some GM 2002-2006 V8 motors have factory defects in the cylinder heads. See service bulletins, always adding coolant, loss of coolant and no signs of coolant leaks and heater blows cool air are all signs of possible defective heads. Problem starts small than gets worse with miles. Hedricks Chevy of Fresno, Calif. misdiagnosed my Tahoe and now that extended warranty is out it could cost me over $3000.00 to repair. Poor GM and Hedricks customer service, with no help from factory. I lost my faith with Hedricks and GM customer service. I spent over $45k for this vehicle and expect engine to last over 200k miles with normal service, not get stuck with factory problem. BUYER BEWARE

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  Great reliability, Bad build qualty - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By R1der2002 - April 11 - 11:43 am

  Dont get me wrong i love my Tahoe it has not broken down on me yet but the interior squeaks a lot, the fit and finish of the materials is not that great either. Would I buy it again though, yes like I said it has not broken on me yet and actually for its size I get good MPG I get 17.6 city and 21.8 HWY. I do not know what is wrong with everyone elses Tahoe lol

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  If I could only do it all over again! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By sid - April 9 - 8:50 pm

  This vehicle drives ok but has many flaws, It would be a great vehicle if it were price more in line with the quality. This is a great $25,000 vehicle but is no where near a $50,000 vehicle as sold! I have service lights on that have been on since the day I bought it and neither the dealer or GM could fix or compensate for, Fuel mileage is not only not even close to what was estimated but someone should be ashamed! There is no storage, my 98 Grand Cherokee had much more room after storage! (hard to believe!) Poor tire wear, Air conditioning is intermittent without reason and dont plan on listening to the radio without it running or after 30-45 minutes you will need a jump! I miss my Jeep!

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  Best Vehicle I have owned in years - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ret11b - April 9 - 9:45 am

  I have never owned an SUV until I bought this Tahoe. Had driven several but loved the body style. I bought it in 08 with 42,000 miles on it. I love this vehicle, have had no maintenance issues with it. The ride is great, the higher seating for driving is excellent and it maneuvers like a sports car. It is big enough to haul most items from Home depot or Krogers. The interior layout is great. When it comes time to buy another vehicle it will be a Tahoe.

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  Incredible work by Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SCchevyBoy - March 28 - 2:22 pm

  I needed a SUV to help me out with my every day life I was thinking more along the lines of a trailblazer but I am so happy that I did not get it and got the Tahoe instead this is by far the most impressive vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning we recently took a trip to the beach and the roominess of the truck far exceeded my expectations and the gas mileage isnt really that bad Im averaging 22-23 hwy and 18-19 cty plus if I was concerned about gas I would bout a yaris but me and my family really enjoy the size looks and comfort plus with a a K and N air filter new plugs and wires and TB spacers Im hoping to up my mileage around 26-27 before exhaust changes

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  Bought a Lemon - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By meachamd - March 25 - 10:24 am

  I believe I bought a Tahoe that was built on a Friday (or maybe Monday depending how you look at it). I purchase it Feb 13, 2010 and it immediately had a vibration that would drive you crazy. Very uncomfortable to drive/ride in. Not sure what is causing the problem. Dealer has had it more then me. Wish I had gone to Nissan and brought another Pathfinder.

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  LTZ - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By park9properties - March 23 - 9:00 pm

  Very nice truck. They blew alot of wasted space that could be used for storage, ie rear doors and third seating area. Also the drivers door has been out of alignment since day one. They have fixed it twice but no luck. I have only averaged 16.4 on the highway. I have just noticed a small amount of oil on the garage floor. I still cant bel. they cant perfect the 3 rd row seat storage. Break your back moving it in and out.