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:

• 

  My Chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Markizel - April 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Gets great gas mileage for a big vehicle and is comfortable to ride in. It has an extremely smooth ride. Rides like a car, even though it has the heart and soul of a truck.

• 

  tahoe of the northland - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DEP - April 18 - 2:00 am

  My Tahoe has done everything I have asked it to do. Only complant is the fuel economy seems to be much worse than I expected. I was hoping for 18 on highway and 15 in town, but I get 15 highway and 11-13 in town.

• 

  regret this buy - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By izzyb - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems literally from the start. I have had 3 or 4 different radios installed (I lost count) because a cd got stuck, then the clock stopped keeping time. This took months for the service department to figure out what the problem was. Apparently it was a very unusual problem, and since then I have had countless others. Will not buy another one!

• 

  have you had this problem - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mississippi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle would be great except that the abs system went out, right at 37k, out of warranty. I know 6 other people this happend too, I think they should recall it. It cost 1000.00 to repair. I wouldnt think anything but bad luck on my part if it wast for the fact that this problem has happend to 6 other people.

• 

  OK for the most part - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rangermutt - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for over two years and have been satisfied but not overjoyed. I swore never to go back to Chevy but needed something large to pack all my kids and belongings for trips. I am disappointed by the poor design/construction including doors that vibrate and dont seal tight, anti- lock brakes that have seldom work and fuel pump that went out while visiting friends in another state. Fortunately I bought the extended warrantee and saved over $500 on the bill! I had hoped to drive this Tahoe until the wheels fell off but with only 88,000 miles that may be sooner rather than later.

• 

  TAHOE MAN - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By BEAGLEHOE - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2 door Tahoe LT used and have had it for 6 months now. I spent a total of around 2K in repairs & maintenance in the first two months of owening it. It needed these repairs and since then I havent had any real problems (knock on wood). I love this car b/c i believe in Chevy & its gona be a classic Monster truck one day.

• 

  Great Vehicle, But........... - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dadrab - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My Chevy Tahoe has been a good experience with a few exceptions: 1)Reline brakes & turn rotors every 22,000 mile 2)Rebuild Transmission @ 97,000 3)2 alternators 4)replace mainifold gasket 5)Multiple leaks around windows & doors

• 

  I would rate this SUVs reliability Zero - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By zepres - February 21 - 12:50 am

  Loved this SUV until the rack & pinion drive gear started to leak oil at 2000 miles. Dealer fixed it. Then at 5000 miles, transmission leaked oil. My ride is still in the shop today. Very disappointed with GM. No wonder we cannot compete with foreign car makers.

• 

  Many repairs with this puppy!! - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By M&L817 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I am an ASE master tech. All my vehicles are maintained religiously. I purchased my Tahoe brand new. It is a love/hate relationship. At 31,000 the car quit on the road due to battery post failure. It spewed acid all over the R/F brake line. At 43,000 miles, the transmission failed. It was 8 mos out of warranty. Chevrolets response was I should have purchased an entended warranty. Now at 52,000 the intake manifold leaks. I have replaced the rear pinion seal,wiper motor,water pump,front brake rotors,the idler arm, and last week the transmission valve body again.

• 

  Good SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JBL44 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Tahoe used in 2001 with about 40K miles on it. Solid body. Great from hauling boats and trailers with its 5.7L V8. Very comfortable on the long trip. Capible of way over 100K miles. Only problems are the random times it doesnt start- 3 times. Had to replace batteries, brakes, and alternators many times.