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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  J.D. Powers Quality Awards Commercial - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JMV51 - April 16 - 3:14 pm

  Own 2010 Tahoe LT, great truck! Feel extremely safe in it while driving. But all cars are not perfect and neither is this one. About the third and/or the fourth year of ownership the trim details began to show faulty, specifically the side body moldings and the dashboard. Side body moldings began to separate severely from the body on the front passenger side door as well as on the other doors at certain areas on the trim. On the dash, cracks have developed over the driver instrumentation panel as well as an area over the passenger side airbag area. Service managers have told me that they know of these problems, but Chevy hasnt given any directives to correct them. My extended warranty doesnt cover these "defects" because theyre considered "trim" which isnt covered! The J.D. Powers commercial on quality doesnt mention how far back that study goes other than those presented in the 30-second ad. Ive made temporary repairs on the moldings but cant do anything about the dash. Thats the only stuff thats disappointing about owning my Tahoe, quality is not spent on Trim!

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  Owner - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By scheller - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Great (small) turning radius. Good power. We leased the car for 4 years which is coming to expiration next month. Now we wished we had purchased it in the first place. This is only the second vehicle which Ive owned in the past 35 years which I truly enjoy. We never plan on selling it. The other vehicle was a 1974 Camaro. Terrific hauling capacity.

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  Owner - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By scheller - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Great (small) turning radius. Good power. We leased the car for 4 years which is coming to expiration next month. Now we wished we had purchased it in the first place. This is only the second vehicle which Ive owned in the past 35 years which I truly enjoy. We never plan on selling it. The other vehicle was a 1974 Camaro. Terrific hauling capacity.

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  Too little for too much!!!!!!!!!! - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jwolff - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle about 6 months ago and have found out that I really dont like Tahoes! In the begining I loved it but the fact that is so large in size really distortes any acceleration it may have. I think that this vehicle is very comfortable but the styling is not for me. One month after I purchased this vehicle I had to have the tires replaced and the oil lines replaced. I also think that they sould change the placing of the cup-holder and the ash tray. Who the hell wants to reach over their passengers legs to put out a cigarette? Not Me! Right now half of the dash lights are out.

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  2001 LT fully loaded Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By blk trk - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. It is big, comfortable and easy to handle. The only complaint on this big vehicle is how easy things fall off. On my door where the buttons for the windows and doorlocks are..that panel keeps popping out. Also within about 4 months of me buying the vehicle the driver side window motor burned out and had to be replaced.

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  2001 Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By J_Baller - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with it. No problems to date. Tons of power, good looks... no complaints

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  Exceeding my expectations - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By aaron - March 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving a 97 Nissan Pathfinder for 5 years, I though ride quality couldnt be improved on another SUV. I was wrong. This car rides like a well mannered Cadillac. 5.3 V8 is a must. Has a nice throaty V8 rumble when you punch it. low road noise compared to my wifes new Ford Exploder which we hate. Very little cargo room when 3rd row seat isnt folded up. Fuel economy totally stinks, especially if you like to utilize the big V8 (which I do.) Turning radius is absolutely fantastic, light years better than my Pathfinder or the Exploder even though they are much smaller. I feel very safe carrying my 9 month old. I couldnt ask for a better family car!

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  Exceeding my expectations - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Aaron - March 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving a 97 Nissan Pathfinder for 5 years, I though ride quality couldnt be improved on another SUV. I was wrong. This car rides like a well mannered Cadillac. 5.3 V8 is a must. Has a nice throaty V8 rumble when you punch it. low road noise compared to my wifes new Ford Exploder which we hate. Very little cargo room when 3rd row seat isnt folded up. Fuel economy totally stinks, especially if you like to utilize the big V8 (which I do.) Turning radius is absolutely fantastic, light years better than my Pathfinder or the Exploder even though they are much smaller. I feel very safe carrying my 9 month old. I couldnt ask for a better family car!

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  adios my tahoe - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tahoe bill - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my faithful 97 Tahoe in on a Honda Accord. No longer need the Tahoes room or towing ability, and gas is getting expensive. After 92k miles, it ran like brand new, used zero oil, and was as tight and rattle-free as the day I bought it. Id give it a 10 for reliability, except I had to replace the water pump, alternator, front rotors, & rebuild the master cylinder. Otherwise it was trouble-free and only needed tires, a battery, & gas (15 mpg avg). It was an excellent, comfy, roomy, nice-driving rig, and I know therell be times Ill miss it. Id buy it again if I had the need.

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  Not bad GM - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By chevy1567892 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  After reading the other reviews, my Tahoe looks like a Toyota. I was woried about GM quality but had to have a V8 SUV for towing which meant Expedition or Tahoe. At 100k mile, the only real problem was the front suspension (Pitman and A arms had to be replaced to keep the truck in alignment). New altenator, battery, a few sensors, cap and rotor have also been replaced. This SUV still has the most confortable seats of any SUV, tows exceptionally, is just the right size, and has classic SUV styling. Didnt think I would get used to the mushy brakes, but they do stop ok if you remember what youre driving. MPG has been about 16.5 in city/highway mix.