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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  Not bad for one coat of paint - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By REC - February 20 - 9:42 pm

  I have loved my Z71 version of the Tahoe. It is a strong running vehicle with all the options. One of the options was the rear captains chairs, I wouldnt reccomend for the price. Its just as easy with the bench seat. All in all I have been happy with the performance and prefer the ride over the Expedition.

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  Nice Improvement Chevy! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jhunt946 - February 20 - 10:23 am

  I really like the improvement in design and build quality. The interior is finely made and all gaps and fits on the body are tight like a car. You dont expect to get great fuel economy on a vehicle like this, but I was pleasantly surprised to be getting 19-21 mpg on the highway. The cylinder deactivation is a great feature and it is especially cool that you can see how it is working on the IP display. With the big fuel tank, this babys got range. Very roomy and comfortable in the back.

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  2005 Tahoe Z71 - Only drawbacks - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steven - Detroit - February 17 - 12:09 pm

  My new 2005 Tahoe Z71 came with a faulty tire pressure sensor. Already have to take in for service. Driver side window sprayer plugged - I repaired. Noticeable height variance to brake pedal over gas pedal. May prove to be a safety issue. Watch for recalls to close the variance in height in future months.

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  Love My Tahoe! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ollysha - January 22 - 11:22 am

  We love our Tahoe. The only, only, only thing we do not like about is the power button on the radio, the black is coming off. We called our dealer and we are covered under warranty but they will have to replace the entire radio. The car is strong and has good "get up and go". We got the 3rd row seat which we keep stored and put a plastic liner in the back. The rear A/C is AWESOME each row has two vents and it works fast! The CD changer in dash is sooo convenient and never skips. The 4x4 feature is amazingly easy to use. We will keep this car for a long time! We did buy small round mirrors to put on side mirrors and this made traffic easier to deal with.

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  Long haul - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By xyzbill - January 4 - 8:24 pm

  This is a great vehicle - It is small enough to use as a daily driver - is easy to drive around town - easy to park and rides and handles good. Where this SUV really shines is on a long trip - just came back from a 2,480 mile vacation - my family including 2 dogs (a 7 # Chihuahua & 90 # Golden) 12 large bags, cooler and other misc. stuff all fit inside the vehicle. I guess the weight of passengers / cargo etc. was over 1,000 pounds - set the cruise on 77 MPH and got 19.2 MPG. Handled the drive through Denver / Loveland pass (close to 12,000 ft above sea level) and never even broke a sweat. From 85 degree heat in Houston to -12 in Keystone, CO the HVAC always kept the cabin the right temp.

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  04 Z71 Tahoe Review - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jis - December 31 - 4:47 pm

  Outstanding power, comfort and 4WD. Chose this over all others because of leather seat comfort, visibility and other consumer ratings. 10K miles on it after five months and no problems. Not even a rattle.. I drive long miles for work and the seats with lumbar support are unmatched for my bad back. Im getting about 17 mpg. Seat comfort is the best Ive seen, especially on long trips.

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  I hope ALL the Bugs are Gone!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steven - December 9 - 3:45 pm

  My wife & I bought a 04 Tahoe LS w/ the 5.3L. Almost instantly we noticed the vehicle clunking into gear while driving between 45-55 MPH. When we took the Tahoe to the dealer …1,600 miles … Renee & I found the car a faulty Rad which leak coolant into the tranny causing major damaging not limited to the torque converter. Anyway, thank God the dealer step up & provide an extended warrenty on the new transmission. Let hope everything goes smoothly now that the transmission is fixed!!!

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  could have done better - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By norberto perez - December 1 - 10:00 am

  lost market value to fast. drinks to much gas want to trade it.

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  No Probs So Far...knock on wood. - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CrowneRoyal - November 29 - 3:07 pm

  I have only had my Tahoe for 8 weeks, but I must say that it is a better vehicle so far than any of my past cars. I love the way that the TV folds down at the punch of a button, therefore the kids can watch TV or play a game without my having to pull over to turn it on. The gas mileage had a lot to improve on, however, I was told that 12-15 mpg was normal for a truck of this size. I look forward to having my truck for many years to come.

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  NICE SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ma101365 - November 12 - 3:20 am

  Picked mine up in Sept, needed some time to adjust (was driving a 2 seater conv for the last 7 yrs) but now am loving it, has a great ride, and the gas milage keeps getting better, up to 13.5 mpg now (only have about 1100 miles on it though so hopefully will continue to improve)Got it with the captains in the back, friends say its like sitting in their living room