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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  No more GM - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Disappointed - September 12 - 11:19 pm

  Nice looking truck, lots of power, very comfortable, but trouble started early. Repeated problems with the transfer case that should have been fixed under warrenty, but turned into a parts changing excercise. The transmission now slips and clunks. The shaft in the steering column wore out. A rattle under the vehicle that can not be located (not a heat shield inside the exhaust?), the climate control can not hold a consistant temperature. Im trading it for an Infiniti while it still has some trade in value.

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  Tahoe - What a great SUV - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By burt13 - August 18 - 2:44 pm

  I have a 98 Tahoe which I bought in 99 with 22,000 miles. It now has 110,000 miles on it. I have had to have a few things done to it like have the brake master cylinder replaced, a new alternator and the lower gasket seal replaced. In addition the transmission slider bar snapped which needed replacing, strip down of transmission! Although I have had to replace these items over the last 6 years, the Tahoe has been great to drive, especially on our long haul trips to see family in other states. Nothing like the roominess this vehicle has. Iam getting ready to trade her in and will be sad to do so, but with the rising cost of gas these days and the currents offers now is a good time.

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  Problems within a year - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tahoe07 - August 13 - 10:03 am

  I had a lot of problems within a year with my 2007 Tahoe. First, was the drivers seat. It happened 3 mos after my purchase. The auto function wouldnt work so I had to bring it to the nearest dealer. Second, on the fifth month, the digital display of my tire pressures wasnt working, again I had to bring it to the dealership. On the 8th month, major problems. My car wouldnt engage to Drive, I had to put it to 2nd gear in order for it to move. It took a week for the dealership to fix the problem. Too many problems with the vehicle, its been less than a year. Lastly, I average 15mpg.

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  Like it .. Love it - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CheriSki - August 8 - 1:25 pm

  I like this Tahoe, but am going to make some changes. it needs bigger rims and tires, a DVD system, and the glass needs to be darker. Once that is done, I will go from Like it to Love it. It drives great, can fit 3 full size car seats in the back and the AC is freezing.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Higgie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great acceleration for 5500 pounds, very comfortable front seats when equipped with the LT package. Low road noise levels and great sound system

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  I want another one - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Cliff - July 26 - 5:31 pm

  This is my second GM SUV. The first was a 1999 Yukon. When It hit 80,000, I had to trade for the new body style. This has been the best truck I have ever owned. I am currently holding out for the new 2006.

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  Seems like a "One of a kind" SUV - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rudys - July 21 - 2:48 am

  We bought it new, and it still looks like new, on the outside. Even though its 9 years old, it makes rattling noises like a rattlesnake inside. The exterior looks like a classic, well- built beauty! As for the interior, seems that Chevy ran out of money, and put cheap plastic everywhere. Whats with the sound system anyway? It sounds like all of the speakers are blown. Has anyone had trouble with the rearview mirror? The mirror keeps falling off of the windshield.

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  Tims big Red Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tim - July 16 - 1:43 pm

  This my first Chevy SUV, which is all Ive have been talking about getting for 5 years. I love my Tahoe. Its big enough for our family, plus keeping all my work gear in the back. Our son cant wait to turn on the DVD player. I, on the other hand, cant wait to use the GPS system on our first road trip to somewhere that we have never been before. My wife loves its roomieness plus the fact our son can watch his DVDs and we can still listen to the XM radio. I will buy another Tahoe down the road.

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  2002 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tom Whitehead - July 7 - 1:33 pm

  I have been very pleased with this vehicle. Very minor warranty work. I was thinking about buying a new vehicle, but now feel I will be unable to improve over what I have.

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  Got it right GM! - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Happy in P-Town - July 6 - 3:33 am

  GM has their trucks dialed. Yes, I have a "ticking" engine, but hey, so what? After 10 seconds the sound is gone. The engine is strong and sturdy. I love the torque. Smooth, quiet, but there when you need it. Interior finishes are sub-par. Reliability is much better than my BMW X5, which is in the shop every month.