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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  Mr - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Bercier - December 29 - 2:00 am

  whats there to say this thing is plain awesome

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  I like it! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By GK from LA - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Other than the typical gas hog complaints, this is one great vehicle! Chevy has refined this SUV to be serviceable and comfortable.

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  2004 Tahoe, sure beats the Durango p.o.s - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rick martin - December 29 - 2:00 am

  so far so good. we traded in a 2000 Durango because the ball joints were failing. Have been extremely pleased with the tahoe. I have an escalade ext and the tahoe is very similar in features and handling. The ride is almost as good as the caddy--but not quite as foregiving on bumpy roads

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  love the tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By nataliek - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The Tahoe is an ideal SUV for a my family of 5. It is comfortable and the design is sleek compared to a mini van. It has all the features a mini van has and you have the added bonus of 4x4. It is spacious and nice to look at.

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  Tahoe Review - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By pstro97 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  We had a fuel pump sending unit go out, but other than that no problems, not to impressed with the fit and finish of the interior (cheap plastic) DVD system is great seats are nice.

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  First New Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Chevy Forever - December 28 - 1:56 pm

  After 32+ years of driving, this is the first new vehicle my wife or I have purchased. Our previous 1985 Chevy Suburban (7.4L) with over 316,000 miles, is getting tired, but still going. However, the opportunity fell in out lap for a great deal on an 07 Tahoe and one test drive is all it took to make our first ever new purchase. Although my strong ties to the Chevy brand, which I have been driving since 16 (OK, 15, but dont tell anyone), I think finding a better value is not possible. Comparing to other SUVs in its class, there is no competition. Sure, one could pay a zillion dollars for a Mercedes SUV, but for the average Joe, or even the upper crust, the new 07 is hard to beat!

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  Super vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By noopdog - December 28 - 9:24 am

  Love my Tahoe!! I pull a 20 boat occasionally, and its a breeze! Im a big guy (64") and I love the roominess. Its also a very comfortable ride, great amenities (all power seats, windows, etc., etc.), pretty good sound system, push-button 4WD. Ive garaged it and otherwise tried to maintain it well w/regular service. It has been extremely dependable and very utilitarian (hey, its a sport "utility" vehicle, right)? If you are in the market for a used but dependable, well-performing, roomy SUV (understanding you wont get Prius mileage, to say the least) and can find one well-maintained, go for it!!

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  i love my tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tommy t - December 16 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 2003 lt Chevy Tahoe in 2005 with 72xxx. It was what I had always wanted. Now in 2009 I have 181k and the truck still drives like it did when I first bought it. Sure I had my few problems like every car does. I had to replace the whole front end at about 130k, battery, alternator, window motor. Other than those few issues I have had great luck with this truck. And I will keep it until the wheels fall off. I love my truck like I said before. Couldnt ask for anything better.

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  Speedometor - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By momof3 - December 15 - 3:41 pm

  I actually just got off the phone and asked in regards of the "recall" for the speedometer problem and was told that it cannot be done after 70,000 miles free of charge, that I would have to pay $500.00. I was told that GM was ONLY doing this out of "COURTESY" and that it was NOT an official safety recall. Well what happens when you are driving and not know how fast you are going, is THAT not count as a SAFETY?

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  A Real Pleasure - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TCVICKIE - December 15 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our 1997 Chevy Silverado Ext Cab for a 2003 Chevy Tahoe and it has been such a pleasure to steer a truck with this much ease! The Silverado was a bear to turn, park or just manuever through a parking lot. The Tahoe redesigned steering is a hot item. I handles better than our BMW! We are really pleased with its smooth ride and handling.