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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  LT tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 02duty - September 8 - 3:12 pm

  I purchased my 2005 tahoe LT with every possible option (Navi, leather,sunroof,DVD, 5.3 V8,etc). The vehicle runs great but has major flaws. First, the A/C doesnt blow cold when its hot outside.(Not a dealer fix...its just horrible) At highway speeds the wind/road noise is unbearable. The seatbelt chime is so loud I can hear it inside my house if the car is in the driveway. The tranny slips once every so often. (Dealer said this is normal?!?) Third row jump seats are too heavy. $49k sticker and no back-up sensors or keyless pad entry?! Im not a Chevy hater, Ive had them before...but give me a break. I needed the room for kids and now Im suffering. Buy the 07 or buy a toyota sequioa.

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  LS Should Mean, "Lousy Seat" - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tony - September 5 - 6:56 pm

  Worst vehicle I ever owned. Steering intermediate shaft needs lubed every 3000 miles. Engine knocks when first started. I get maybe,12 MPG. Seats are the worst I ever had the misfortune to sit in. If ninety % use their vehicle for transport of the driver only, why dont these idiot engineers design a vehicle that a person over 52" can get comfortable in. I mean does it make sense to cram a person in a cocoon shaped drivers compartment with their feet stuck in one position, the floor curved, so their feet are never on a flat surface, a steering wheel that will not adjust fwd and aft, seats that only adjust the bottom half, arm rest that stick in the air when top half is reclined.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Disappointed - November 22 - 5:53 pm

  Nothing but trouble. In less than three years, the cruise control quit working, as did the speedometer, antilock brakes, power door locks, and the gas guage. The front end will not stay aligned, even when mainly driven on highways. No lumbar support in the front seats no leg room in the rear seats. This vehicle has cost more in repairs than many vehicles total purchase and ownership costs. Biggest automotive mistake Ive ever made.

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  $$$$$ EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN $$$$$ - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Remodelman - July 20 - 12:18 pm

  We owned a Chevy Astro van several years ago. We sold it because it was nickel-and -dimming us way too frequently. We switched to Ford products and noticed a dramatic difference with over 250,000 miles on the Explorer we sold after buying this Tahoe. We bought a Tahoe because the Ford SUVs were blowing spark plugs out of the heads. We purchased a used Tahoe that was loaded from a mature private party after having the vehicle checked-out professionally. Maintenance records indicated that the transmission had already been replaced by a dealer under warranty. I have two major gripes with this vehicle: 1. The vehicle is in the process of nickel-and-dimming us with repairs needed such as the rear heater core for the passenger compartment leaking, the electronic instrument cluster going out, and the four wheel drive selector switch getting stuck in 4WD for no apparent reason. 2. The transmission. While in overdrive and in cruise control on the highway at speed, the transmission downshifts consistently (too often) at every little rise in the road. My independent transmission repair facility tells me thats the way its designed. WHY? This is a well designed, comfortable vehicle that does very well in the snow and ice of Colorado. However, Chevrolet needs to do a far better job with the longevity and reliability of their components. Were simply not used to this much unnecessary maintenance with our garage full of Fords that we put tires and brakes on, along with routine fluid changes. Shame on you Chevy!

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  Chevy Sinks Like A Rock - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By acme - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Since I have owned this POS I have replaced Two water pumps, two starters and three altinators. All parts replaced were GM factory parts. As for the interior the dash cracked fater the first year and the seat frame broke and I only weigh 185 lbs.

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  Run Away! - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By McKeever - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Tahoe for 4 years and can write a book on the problems I had with it. So, Im afraid that I cannot write a decent review in 700 characters or less. So heres a condensed review of my 1995 Chevy Tahoe: Stay away from this "SUV"!!! I have owned 20-25 vehicles over the years. My Tahoe was the absolute worst! How was that?

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  Dont buy this car. - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JJ - June 10 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this vehicle new from the lot. The window moldings kept popping off, a defect which was confirmed by the dealer. The front seat is too small for me, I am 510". It is made for "soccer moms". The pedals are too close to the seat, and the steering wheel is not telescopic. Adjustable pedals wont push them back. The plastic on the sideview mirrors was separating, and the battery died, twice. I did not leave any lights on.

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  Not So Hot - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Ralf Suater - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Very poor quality for the price.

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  Lemon in the making! - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JFPToyota - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My problems since I acquired my vehicle less than 2 months ago. Engine stalls and power failure in the middle of an intersection. Learned that battery post busted and battery acid leaked every where. Dealership paid for this one. While Service was fixing battery, Service notice that the Intake Manifold was leaking. Took 3 days before they could even start on it. Warranty Repair Status was screwed up and STILL IS. Waterpump leaking at weep hole. 30 days in the shop is all I need for Lemon Law .. Im a 1/3 of the way there.. . I just noticed today that the rear passenger windows go only a 1/3 of the way down... Can you say Lemon?

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  I do not like this truck - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dorothy - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy anything from GM again. My Tahoe only has 50,000 miles on it and it has needed an excessive amount or expensive repairs. When I tried to call GM to tell them about my complaints I realized they have discontinued their customer service number. That says it all!