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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  Poor Quality and Service - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Yule-B-Sorry - November 11 - 2:00 am

  After replacing the engine manifold, transmission, starter, water pump, master cylinder, radiator all between 70-80,000 miles, my tahoe runs ok. Brakes are poor as have replaced 2 sets of rotors but am still on the original pads. The rear door leaks and needs a new gasket. This car is only used by my wife for daily trips to take the kids to school and other events. Dealings with GM customer service are like having a root canal. They are very good at the denial game. My mechanic who is now my best friend says that my problems are not uncommon with regards to the transmission, manifold and brakes. Not a car I recommend purchasing.

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  GM employees dont care about quality. - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Adam123 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  From the designers and engineers to the management, sales and marketing people, and the people building the Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade, Yukon and Denali, its clear that GM is "Like a Crock." These reviews are limited to 700 words, so I cant explain all the faults. Suffice it to say, Ive had enough trouble to invoke the lemon law only to find my truck was "average."

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  Tahoe, not all thats its cracked up to - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Fdatahoe - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Tahoe for almost 2.5 years and have replace 3 gaskets (100bucks),all 4 shocks (200bucks), a water pump(300 bucks), the leather seat is ripping and the breaks twice. I sure am glad I bought a Chevy. Oh yeah I still have a intermitent vibration in the steering which they can not find, not bad for a 3 year old POS

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  Horrible build quality - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Johnny Bradabadowski - October 25 - 11:39 pm

  I have been driving Tahoes or Suburbans since the mid 90s and always found them to be very comfortable and reliable with decent build quality, BUT this 2007 Tahoe LTZ is the exception to the rule. My wife and I hate this truck. There is a constant problem with something. Usually with the build quality. Following is a list of problems that we have encountered with an expensive vehicle that has less than 100k. The fake chrome is peeling off of the door handles, power fold in mirrors stopped working and now passenger side outside mirror is loose and will not stay set for proper view, button to release rear window latch keeps falling out, dash is cracked in 4 places and rattles ( we park it inside the garage ), navigation cannot even find my house, the + and - paint on the dial for the heat / ac fan speed has completely come off, Black paint on steering wheel near controls is coming off, DVD player only plays when it wants to, power rear hatch pops and jerks when raising, tire air pressure sensors will not stay fixed and this causes a warning light to stay on ( have had them replaced twice at almost 100.00 per wheel in the last 10,000 miles ), remote start stopped working, and last but not least the engine is an oil burner. This Tahoe seems to be falling apart! Luckily we did not trade in our 2003 Tahoe with 273,000 miles that has never had ANY issues at all ( absolutely zero ). My wife drives the 03 almost always because its just a much better vehicle than this 07. Also I have a 2003 Avalanche with 158,000 miles that is a great truck. What happened?? Why did GM ruin these vehicles after 2006?? Im looking to sell or trade this Tahoe. It makes me sick that I spent so much money for this truck thinking I would have a vehicle that would last us for years and many miles and now we will probably take a huge financial loss just to get rid of it. Im probably going with a Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia, or maybe a Ford Expedition. Since I try to pay cash for my vehicles, I certainly hope that I make a wiser choice in the future. This Tahoe is horrible! Edmunds sent me an email and wanted an update so here it is. Since the original review the power lift-gate stopped working, interior lights would not work when opening the passenger side doors, and the brake lights would work part time only. Bulbs and sockets are O.K. The police pulled us over because of this issue. It has also developed a loud roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I traded this piece of junk in for a Ford Expedition Limited and boy am I glad I did. We love the Expedition and it has power flat folding 3rd row seats. Goodbye Chevy and hello Ford.

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  Forget the 2003 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Falige - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the 2003 Tahoe LT in October of 2002. It is now March 2003 and the truck has had to be repaired TWICE!!!!!!!!!! AND to top it off we have to take it back to have a part put in it that had to be ordered. I am totally disgusted after spending that much money for something that is UNRELIABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Destra - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The Tahoe is a great SUV but it has poor fuel economy and its not too comfortable in the third row.

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  BLAH! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tahoe is bad - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought a brand new white chevy z71. It listed for 47,992 with the options we put in it. It is one of the most horrible cars, seriously. You feel like your driving a 10,000.00 car from the inside. EVERYTHING on the dash and center console is plastic, and to top it all off there is horendiously cheap looking vinyl on the backs of the seat. It cruises well on the highway at aroud 70 but taking turns at 30 off exits is scary. Lately i have been hearing a esterior wistle and i dont know what it is...but i cant wait for a month to replace it with the new range rover.