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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  Job Well Done - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jdsax85 - June 14 - 11:55 pm

  In the past year, I have commuted 100 miles a day to school, 5,000 miles in three months of training, and have turned my Tahoe into my rolling office. Ride quality on the highway is superb, an estimated gas mileage of 18 mpg. If head gaskets, air conditioning sensors, and factory CD player havent been replaced yet, expect to do so. The seats are incredibly comfortable and there is was enough room for four adult males and their gear during our three months of training. Several people have commented on the ride quality and feel it is better than their Z71 pick-ups or even 2004 F-150 with the suspension outside the frame. Well-built vehicle and would highly reccomend.

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  Great Truck... Last 6 years so far - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 79Dawg - June 13 - 10:56 pm

  Ive owned this car since March of 2001 and it has been a joy. I do a lot of driving (135k miles in 6 yrs) and it has held up to all the abuse. Only problems Ive had were the manifold gasket and the fuel pump. Both happened in the last two years (130,000 miles and up). It does eat up brakes, but it is a 3-ton vehicle... Chevy realized this and changed for the next model year (along with tire size). Engine is unbelievable. No problems with 158k miles on it. Runs as well as when I bought it with 23k. No problem pulling the large U-Haul trailer, fully loaded, from Ga to D.C. in 2006 with 150k on it. Handles great on and off road. Turning radius is great. Better than wifes 2005 Equinox

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  03 Tahoe LT - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By esureta - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical about buying a car built in the US, but friends who own the Tahoe are more than satisfied with the reliability and performance. Truly amazed of the handling and styling for a large SUV.

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  Good Bye Expedition - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joda - June 2 - 2:50 pm

  We recently traded in our Ford Expedition for our new Tahoe with the LTZ package and never looked back. This truck is miles ahead of the large SUV competition. The ride, performance and interior design is unbelievable. We made 16.3 miles a gallon on our last tank of gas. Not bad for a 5500 lb. truck. You owe it too yourself to take a look at the new Tahoe, it may change your perception of the American auto.

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  Favorite Vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dave - May 29 - 5:31 am

  I regret having to sell this truck mostly due to the gas prices nowadays. Me being over 60 tall, I really do appreciate all the room this truck offers. I have not yet had any type of major engine problem (only replaced the water pump and alternator recently) and the engine still runs smooth. I really encourage anyone who does not have to drive long distances regularly and have kids then look at getting one too. Especially if you live in a winter or rugged enviornment.

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  My second 4X4 Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By GrmnShortHair - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a new 2003 4X4 Tahoe to replace my 1995 4X4 Tahoe. I had over 100,000 miles on the 95 with no major problems since new. I was just looking to upgrade. I bought the 2003 without even driving it. It had all the bells and whistles and I was more than pleased. Better steering, took the bumps better, better mileage and a lot better excelleration than the 95. It was hard for me to spend more money on a car than I spent on my house 28 years ago. But Im not sorry I did.

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  love my tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By herbie876 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. Unmatched styling and great interior comfort. Rides and handles like a semi-luxury car.

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  LOVE my truck - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Revalimage - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Not good maintenance record - drivers armrest fell off 1st day! ABS brakes have gone out and a bad fuel pump has left me stranded. I feel VERY safe in the sturdyness of this truck with my family.

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  2 door monsters - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Fish - May 7 - 9:58 pm

  I have a 2 door Tahoe that has been the best vehicle I have every owned. This SUV has seen a lot of road and dirt. With 175000 miles on it I have put this truck through hell and back. I have put very little money into this truck.with no leaks, no smoke, great handling, this still a very reliable monster. The only disappointment is that Chevy does not make a 2 door Tahoe any more.

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  The best SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Martin - April 30 - 1:56 am

  Ive had over 25 vehicles and never one like this. Its fun to walk up to your auto and see people just standing around looking at it. It drives better than the 2000 Z71 1500 1/2 ton truck, and I cant get over the look it carries.