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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  Good Choice - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mdmader - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The smaller 4.8L engine is a bit under powered. Im getting about 16 MPG on average. Mixed city and highway driving. Mileage could be better. Breaking is weak. If you haul large load, consider aftermarket breaks. Goes great in the snow and off road. Smooth when driving on the highway with stock tires. Visors are a bit small could be a bit longer to cover width of the side windows. Interior is dated.

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  Love it till Tran droped - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Pardoe1 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved my Tahoe Great power and almost no problems in 2 years. Just a fuel pump. That was covered by extended warenty. BUT @ 111000miles the transmission droped 3rd and 4th and I was in the middle of no where. Limped it home and find the company I bought extended warenty from is belly up and dealer says oh well. Im going to see if I can get a Allison trans in this thing.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Michael E. Urbanski - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Love the vehicle, gas milage is not good at all. I am ready to purchase another one, which will be my third Tahoe. Trade value is a lot lower that I expected on a one year old unit.

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  2003 Chevy Tahoe LS 4WD - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Antihype - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Definitely get the 5.3L engine. The 4.8L engine is good, but the 5.3L is worth the extra money. I love the steering on this vehicle. Its a large vehicle, but it steers better than my old compact pickup. The Auto 4WD system is a great feature that competitors dont offer. Only get the third row seat if you expect to carry children around because the third row will only be comfortable for children. Since I dont have children, I find myself taking out the third row seats most of the time for cargo room. Great ride quality with quiet engine and cabin.

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  4 Years and counting... - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jay_1970_K5 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great looking Truck. Very few 2 doors on the road these days. In 105K miles there have been a few problems. Mass airflow sensor is too delicate so any type of grime causes problems. Since it cannot be cleaned it has to be replaced at $400 a pop. K/N air filter will also cause it problems. Transfer Case sensors and ball bearings wore out too quickly. I believe this is due to the auto 4x4 which I use alot here in CO. Breaks and steering is mushy, always has been. Gaskets for coolent cracked too soon as well. I love my truck, but I love my 1970 K5 better because it lasts longer.

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  Charlies Tahoe - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By chabea - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this SUV new and it has never let me down. It is great in snow. I got through 20 inch snow fall in 1996 when nothing else in my neighborhood could. Ive had oil changed every 3.000 miles and basic dealer maintenance - the truck still drives like new!

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  Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lilskimo - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Tahoe has been everything I expected. Even with the smaller engine it has great pickup even on the freeway. The standard package provides so much comfort there is no need to add any extras.

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  As the add says, "LIKE A ROCK" - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jenga - December 30 - 2:00 am

  The Tahoe blows away the competition (Expedition, Landcruiser, etc. with their wimpy 230hp engines). The 5.3L engine is a MUST have over the standard 4.8. Interior qualities and features are very adequate regardless of "spotty build quality" often described by J.D. Power and other groups - what do they expect? Its a TRUCK for cryin out loud! My 1st ever large vehicle/SUV and Im committed for life as long as Chevy maintains their quality standard. Hats off to "MOTOR CITY" for a job well done!

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  Truck Saved my life, very well built - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mandi78 - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I recently rolled my Tahoe over twice on the highway doing approx 60mph and literally other than being bruised up I walked away from the accident.. The truck also saved my baby (I am 9mos pregnant) and the baby is fine as well.. I must say the truck is top heavy I have always said that but it certainly help up well.. The only downfall now is that because the truck is so high priced the insurance company is fixing the truck (25,000 worth of damage). But defenately worth the $$$

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  Love it,love it not(longtermreliabilty?) - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By stevenrobinzz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Tahoe little over year ago. Have begun to question longterm reliabilty of vehicle. Have had problems with brakes squealing from day we left the lot. Terrible noise in front of vehicle when turning and accelerating. After repaired, steering more stiff and making grinding noises. While washing the vehicle (with sprayer) paint chipped off. Problems with lights and seats when operating. Doors sound horrible when opening and shutting. Dealership has been good about fixing things but should not be having these problems with a new vehicle. How well will it hold up? I love the ride, comfort, etc. Purchase another? Doubtful.