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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  1995 Tahoe - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Lets fish - June 19 - 12:16 pm

  We used the Tahoe for both city driving and for long distance travels (Florida to Virginia). We have the towing package and have towed a large 18 boat to the Florida Keys and to Virginia with no issues. Very reliable and dependable. Even after 11 years we have had minimal component replacement. 1 A/C, 1 radiator, 1 water pump.

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  Great reliable car - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By A E Smith - June 13 - 8:18 pm

  This vehicle has been to college with 2 kids and has been a great...no accidents, cosmetic dent in left fender the size of large grape!!! And a cosmetic scuff along the right side

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  gotta have a Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ravenjr3 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely awesome the comfort and and ease it handles with are great. the only bad thing is the gas mileage is bad but i will never buy another make again except the Z71 Tahoe, but i also wish you did not have to pay for the Onstar and XM radio

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  i tlike this suv - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By saclepto - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I like this suv very much nice room and great power with the 5.3 motor i have pulled some heaviy stuff with it and had no problems at all highly recomm

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  Nice truck but had problems - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jocatch - May 23 - 7:38 am

  Had for 7 years. At 24,000 miles needed a new engine because of oil consumption. At 88,000 needed a new transfer case. A few small problems like passenger side seat wouldnt slide forward and passenger door lock wouldnt work all the time. Some times passenger side seat back wouldnt lock in upright posistion.

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  Dress It Up! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 1st Tahoe - April 6 - 11:01 am

  I have owned several cars/SUVs in the past. I replaced a BMW 325xi with my Z71. I bought the Tahoe for 31k with 12K miles. Previous owner put 20" rims, dual side exhaust, all window tinted, nav, 6 disc, remote start, xeon lights and high flow air. Stands Out. I tow a 27 powerboat with the truck. Cant even tell it is being pulled. Ride great, handles better than expected. 13.2 mpg average. Driven as primary car in sales job, I use the nav system everyday. Powerseats and adjustments a must! XM radio great for N. MN and NW WI. Have owned 2 Honda Passports, Jeep Wrangler, Pontiac Bonneville, Dodge Durengo, BMW 325 xi, BMW i. Must say the Tahoe is the overall the most fun to drive.

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  Never Again - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MONICA - March 28 - 9:27 am

  We bought this car loving the style and abailible space for hauling sport equipment around. We expected this beautiful car to become the end of our sanity. It would have cost us less in the long run to buy a new car at that time. We had to put in a new trans, new steering and fuel pump, new locks (all broke at the same time), fix the sagging doors ect. All in a matter of 2 years. Still needs some work but we are fresh out of money and dont want the car anymore. What a lemon.

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  Nice, powerful and reliable ride. - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SMac - March 5 - 10:41 pm

  Even though I dont have anything or anyone to haul around, I love having the room if I need it. Actually, I did once deliver a new stove and it fit in the back with the seat folded down. Not great gas mileage - but Im glad I have the power to get on the highway with no problems.

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  Tahoe - SUV for the Rockies - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Don Douglas - March 4 - 8:57 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. It is equally fitting for driving around town in Denver or taking the toughest incline in the Rockies. I love the power my wife loves the comfort. We recently drove from Denver to Houston and it was the most comfortable long trip I have ever taken in a vehicle. The only complaint is slightly squeaky brakes.

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  Bad Experience - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Martha Garza - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I been driving my Tahoe for about a year now, but had to take to get repairs about 4 to 5 times now. I am very dissapointed, because they even replaced my fuel pump when it wasnt even a year long..It is hard to belive that I am having this kind of problems with a new vehicle.