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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  2002 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By likeit - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with this vehicle

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  LOVE THE EXTERIOR...UPGRADE THE INTERIOR - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MIKEYC - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MY 2002 TAHOE FOR 11 MONTHS, AND 11000 MILES. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PERFORMANCE THAT THE CHEVY V-8 IS UNSURPASSED, BUT THE INTERIOR NEEDS SOME UPGRADING. LEATHER SEATS ARE COMFORTABLE AND APPEALING BUT WAY TOO MUCH PLASTIC IN DASHBOARD AND DOOR PANELS. PUT A IMPORT INTERIOR WITH THIS DOMESTIC EXTERIOR, AND YOU WOULD HAVE S.U.V. EUPHORIA.

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  great truck - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By skyman - February 11 - 2:00 am

  102,000 miles with only one major repair when an injector failed. Great truck, holds so much more than any suv of its time. I would highly recomend this truck.

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  Love this SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Don Parker - February 7 - 2:00 am

  We have loved this SUV from the start. Ive had no problems with this clunk that some talk about -- perhaps because of the 4WD, not sure. Also, ours has the towing package and limited slip differential so that could be reason. The truck is very comfortable and the heated seats in winter and front/rear AC in summer make for enjoyable experience.

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  GREAT TAHOE - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By quorum - February 6 - 2:00 am

  im 16 and i just got my tahoe for x- mas. so far its been fun to drive on and off road. having no problems with over 100000 miles.

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  Not a bad Big Truck - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By BIGRIDER - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I am nearing the end of the lease on my 1999 Tahoe. Overall, it has been a very good experience. My payments were quite reasonable due to the high residual value. I did not have any big problems until 4.5 years into the lease. I had to spend $600 to repair a problem with the steering component and with my front hub assembly. Since these were safety items, I had to fork over the dough! My transfer case is leaking, and I may need new brakes, but I refuse to fix all of that with less than 4 months remaining. I think it is a good buy for the amount of vehicle you get.

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  Still In Question - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By NJR - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Fine until 75,000 miles, had to replace alternator twice, brakes and rotors, had to put in new Transmission, had coolant leak, motor for Windshield wipers went out, but still love the comfortable ride and big space SUV provides. Just dont expect these type of problems from SUV in this price range.

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  2 1/2 Years and Still Pleased - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JnGalt52 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  We waited for the 2000 model change and the "changes" were as promised. Jus had the brakes checked at 24,000 miles and they are still good to go! The only problems we had were with the back door electric window motors. Told the problem was a design flaw and the replacement motors have worked perfectly. I have driven off road, in heavy rain and snow and in heavy downtown traffic. I have towed several times as well. The Tahoe handled all tasks like a champ. I highly recommend the 2000 model and above.

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  Smooth and Powerfull...but the inside - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By VaGuy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We have over 35,0000 miles on the truck. Fine power and ride with good fuel economy for its size and the big V8. Interior design needs an update, too much plastic!

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  Tahoe now 3 years old - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jimc - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck three years ago just after they first shipped. Its been a great truck in general. My biggest complaints are the little things including 3 or 4 recalls. All were fairly minor, but still an inconvenience. Dealer service has been great while under warranty. The only major mechanical problem was the front end suspension had to be replaced even though we only drive 6000 miles per year.