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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  First time Tahoe owner - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By L. Sherry - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Moving up from a Blazer to the Tahoe was definitely worth it. Seriously considered the TrailBlazer, but, opted for more room with the Tahoe. Living in deep snow country the 4WD is a needed feature. My only wish is that the mileage was better.. but,it goes with the territory.

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  A Few Changes Needed - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rancher03 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  There are many things to like about the Tahoe. It is a reliable vehicle and a good size.The seats are comfortable and the controls are easy to use. But there are a few changes needed to make me keep this one or buy another one. I have had 2 previous suburbans and a Chev conversion van in the last 15 years.

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  Z71 A step up from everthing else - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kgc - September 29 - 2:00 am

  The Z71 is definitely a vehicle you want in your garage if you plan on driving in any condition. During and after the Blizzard of 2003 I was the only vehicle on the road that was not in a ditch. The biggest problem that I have discovered with this vehicle is its ability to drain a tank of gas with no difficulty, as well as few minor issues with the interior quality of the vehicle. I would request that GM increase the level of the 2nd row comfort, sitting in the back is like ridding on a wooden bench. Over all I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who does not want to sit in there house when the weather turns bad.

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  Big Footprint - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By j roberts - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a large, powerful vehicle. First american vehicle I have owned in 20 years. GM continues to have decent quality. Needed some interior room and got it with the Tahoe - truly spacious and accommodating. Handles well on hwy and in city. Brakes are poor but adequate. Mantenance costs are reasonable. My gas mileage is approx 16 city and 18 hwy - I understand this is relatively good for this vehicle. Joy to drive.

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  From BMW to Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By BMW/Z71 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2003 Z71 two weeks before I took 1900 mile trip to Fla and back. Just drove excellent thru the N.C. mountains, wife claimed she had tough time keeping up in the BMW. First American vehicle purchase since my 1974 Blazer. Im impressed how well it handles.

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  My last Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Fruit - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my third and final Tahoe...I thought the 95 and the 99 Tahoes were much more comfortable in their rides...this 01 gives a more trucklike ride..the cargo capacity is also smaller. The smaller engine didnt save anything in the gas milage dept. I also found rattles in the front end...the rear tailgate window came off its hinge. I think there is better value out there in the future....

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  2003 Tahoe LT - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Creekman - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I owned an Explorer since 98 and was never pleased with it. I was not even planing on buying this Tahoe until I saw it in a dealers lot. I thought about it a few days and went and bought it. I will tell you this, I will never buy another Ford. I love this vehicle. It looks good sitting beside my 1991 Chevy truck. I feel like I have come home.

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  1999 Tahoe - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Spotchaser - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Had the vehicle two years now and I am pleasantly surprised. The engine is strong enough to tow a house but I am getting 16 to 20 miles a gallon. Not bad for a full size SUV. A real nice "road trip" vehicle.

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  Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Byates - September 6 - 2:00 am

  No problems with the exception of the tachometer not working. Overall, the Tahoe has met our expectations and is an great riding and driving vehicle.

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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By stasia - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Tahoe. I love them especially with one in sports I can keep everything in the cargo area and not have to take this in and out everyday. The turning radius is a lot better than it used to be. The seats dont seem to be as comfortable as my last but thats okay. I really like the radio to where we can both listen to different things at the same time.