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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  Nice Vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rick - July 1 - 12:42 pm

  I always wanted a Tahoe, and luck was on my side at my local dealer. An older getleman traded a 1996 Tahoe in for a new one. The vechicle only had 36,000 actual miles! It has been a very good and pleasant experience so far. The mileage is about 17mpg which is pretty good. The only big problem was a miss it developed. It took the dealer several days to find the problem which turned out to be a bad plug and wire. The computer stated it was a misfire and the plug was the last thing checked. It runs fine now and is a joy to drive.

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  Tahoe Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Larry - June 8 - 1:05 pm

  I own a loaded Z71 Tahoe. Im a very tall male who wanted not to feel cramped in my vehicle. This truck is exceptionally comfortable. Its a little hard on gas, but lacking nowhere else. I wanted an American truck, and Im very satisfied.

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  Very Happy with my purchase - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Desiree - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my purchase...love it!

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  Love my Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mark - May 15 - 2:13 pm

  Seats are wonderful. Power very adequate. Mileage OK considering how much weight you are moving. Comfort and convenience are outstanding.

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  Surprise Surprise! - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MarJan42 - May 1 - 8:24 pm

  After towing a trailer of furniture from VA to NJ the transmission is shot! 2nd time towing a trailer and is very disappointed that it broke down without any indications in MD. Now I have to put out big bucks to have it replaced before I get it home to VA. This SUV has less than 82,000 miles on it and I have owned it for less than 3 months. Purchased it because it was suppose to be able to handle towing.

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  Best SUV on the Market in 1997 - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Nick L - April 18 - 1:55 pm

  I have had a good experience with my Tahoe, I have put in about $2500 in general maintenance about 1600 was labor. I put on a new water pump, alternator, brakes and cleaned the fuel injector, as well as other general maintenance. For 116,500 miles you figure that replacements parts will be needed. Very dependable. Will get new shocks soon, as I am starting to bounce. The platform is old but my 97 rides and handles better than my dads 01 Expedition Eddie Bauer. It is also quieter and the seats are more comfy. I gave it a 4 for fuel economy other than that its a great vehicle.

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  Z-71 Experience - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rick Gorham - April 12 - 4:11 pm

  Smooth ride w/ excellent towing capacities. Hatch door better than barn door which obscures view. Leather appointments hold up well. Large mirrors which give good visual impacts. Steering is tight and a/c makes some noise....trying to cool down the big interior. Computer set- up not easy to learn and evaluate

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  Hot & Cold Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 1stTimeChevy - March 29 - 9:47 pm

  Picked up loaded Z71 on 02/17/05. We love the interior room and the smooth ride. Interior plastic is too cheap for a $40K+ vehicle - shame on GM! Gas mileage could be better but 16-17 isnt too bad for this size truck. Used 4x4 once and it seemed okay. Climate control makes a loud thump when energized - dealer says this is normal? Passenger side has a buzzing noise at 40-45 mph that cant be isolated - maybe wind noise? Had a major water leak on the rear hatch. Dealer claimed it was a faulty wiring harness compromising the gasket - well see if they were right. Overall still skeptical about truck - within 30 days of ownership its been in the shop 7 days.

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  Good Stuff! - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By NewCoach - March 16 - 8:33 pm

  This vehicle had about 35k when I bought it. I have never had a single bit of trouble with it. I did replace the carrier bearings at about 80k, and a few other normal items. The gas mileage is not that great (avg of 13), but this is a totally solid vehicle. It rides high and drives great. It still gets as good of gas mileage as the day I bought it. I use a Carquest sport filter and synthetic Mobil oil every 5k. In general, I love this vehicle. I plan on keeping it until my 2 year old gets old enough to drive it.

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  Good Stuff! - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By NewCoach - March 16 - 8:33 pm

  This vehicle had about 35k when I bought it. I have never had a single bit of trouble with it. I did replace the carrier bearings at about 80k, and a few other normal items. The gas mileage is not that great (avg of 13), but this is a totally solid vehicle. It rides high and drives great. It still gets as good of gas mileage as the day I bought it. I use a Carquest sport filter and synthetic Mobil oil every 5k. In general, I love this vehicle. I plan on keeping it until my 2 year old gets old enough to drive it.