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:
Showing 371 through 380 of 1,461.00-
Great Truck - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
By RVAS - September 16 - 2:00 amThe truck has always been good to me and has never given me any problems. Actually you can get used to the brakes and its not totally unsafe. Quesiton if you really need the room. I bought it thinking that I will use it, but it mostly sat in my garage as a second vehicle. So, if you really are going to use its towing and interior size, it would be worth it.
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Tahoe 02LT - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Jarule - August 26 - 2:00 amI love my 02Tahoe LT. Its a great SUV. Warning. this vehicle has a great ride. One mus be careful in long trips because it will put you to sleep.
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Buy 1 - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
By LB625 - August 25 - 2:00 amExcept for a poor design overdrive transmission the Tahoe is excellent. Owned it for 7 months and the sun gear broke and for $1400 we were back on the road. Throttle body gasket leaked but the felpro replacement gasket which is at least twice the size goes in easily. This is the unit to buy!! Comfort, power, ride are all the best I have owned, so far.
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Power!! - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
By The Only, Jason - August 16 - 2:00 amSo far I have loved this vehicle. Sometimes I wonder if I really need that much power but the truck is great. I have had Chevy Cars, an S-10, a GMC Blazer (2dr as well) and now my Tahoe. Everyone likes riding in my truck. Its great. Powerful, comfortable, smooth and easy to control.
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Great Ride! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By purplegina - August 9 - 12:56 pmI love everything about this car except the lack of storage inside this car. Its the only drawback. I wish I had noticed this before I bought. May have gone another way, but everything else is great..
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From the 1st to the Next - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Tahoe02000 - July 29 - 2:00 amWe bought one of the first Tahoes when the new "Suburban" bodystyle came out in 1995. It was a great vehicle for family ventures to the beach and nice for hauling groceries and shopping packages. The new model goes well above our previous Tahoe with improved engine performance, ride, and features. A great family SUV for road traveling and long trips.
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I agree with AlexP on autoride - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Kimiko Wakabayashi - July 19 - 2:00 amThe autoride is really awful. The dealer said it would imporve stability but it makes the SUV handle like a drunken cow. It is terrible to drive in the highway and almost impossible to keep on the road. It feels like one of those old Caddilacs with Jello shocks with the tire air pressure at 6 pounds. We have a small boat and it feels like a 19 foot boat in 5 foot seas. It wiggles and wobbles and sways around where you need dramamine. Awful. Other than that and the gas mileage it is a great truck, or would be without the autoride.
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Much improved over the last generation - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
By tb - July 10 - 2:00 amThis is a definite improvement over the older generation Tahoe in areas of power, roominess and technology. It drives solidly (even off-road) and doesnt seem as mammoth as the Expedition. However, the transmission seems to be slipping occasionally and I still have yet to reach the EPA gas mileage estimates, averaging 12-14 MPG in 60% city/40% highway driving (EPA estimates indicate 14 City/17 Highway). Still, its not as thirsty as the Expedition and what youd expect from a mid-sized V8 moving 5000+ lbs. around. The weatherstripping and interior trim has dislodged itself in a few select spots. Besides a few weaknesses, Im happy with my Tahoe.
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Much improved over the last generation - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
By TB - July 10 - 2:00 amThis is a definite improvement over the older generation Tahoe in areas of power, roominess and technology. It drives solidly (even off-road) and doesnt seem as mammoth as the Expedition. However, the transmission seems to be slipping occasionally and I still have yet to reach the EPA gas mileage estimates, averaging 12-14 MPG in 60% city/40% highway driving (EPA estimates indicate 14 City/17 Highway). Still, its not as thirsty as the Expedition and what youd expect from a mid-sized V8 moving 5000+ lbs. around. The weatherstripping and interior trim has dislodged itself in a few select spots. Besides a few weaknesses, Im happy with my Tahoe.
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LT5.3 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Jake4 - June 24 - 2:00 amThe 5.3L is not as snappy as I thought it would be. A friend put dual exhaust on his, and gained 10+ HP plus gas milage. On a 2000 mile road trip, we averaged 19 mpg - however, if you go over 80, that turns into about 12 - 14
