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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  my tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By arlene b. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  to me its the best vehicle ive even driven. sooooooooooooooooo smooth, ull never know that ur already "flying".

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  2004 Tahoe LT Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Uschold - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My 1998 TahoeLT was excellent. My 2004 Tahoe LT is outstanding.

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  Tall Order for Short People - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TahoeMama - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. As someone who drives ALL the time (about 3k mi. a month), I can honestly say I have never felt more comfortable (for the most part), safe, sporty, etc. Its hard to imagine an SUV feeling sexy..but this truck delivers! Its still brand spanking new (4 months old), so if it wasnt still reliable, I would be upset. The fuel rating is actually a bit better than I expected. Prior to this truck, I owned another full sized, albeit 6 cyl., SUV...it got around 20 mpg...my Tahoe gets around 18. I have been supremely pleased with this truck.

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  BHH Review - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bhh32 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My Tahoe is by far the best SUV I have owned. I love the driving comfort and its ability to get up and go. (When needed, of course!) Very comfortable and quiet ride.

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  Smooth Ride - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By LDA - September 23 - 7:20 am

  Just bought my second Tahoe. I traded the first one for a Suburban and bought a 2004 Tahoe after 4 months. The comfort is incredible and I love the big seats. It travels Great! Some minor problems that the dealership took care of but everything is under warranty. As long as Chevy keeps making a car this comfortable to drive, Ill keep coming back.

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  Tahoe owner - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Reddhead - September 20 - 5:54 pm

  I purchased my Tahoe in June of this year and I am really satisfied. I only have 2 regrets and that is that I did not go up to the LT and that I dont better gas mileage especially with the price of gas, but other than that I have gotten several compliments on my new truck. I purchased the Bermuda blue metallic and it truly does turn heads with/without having rims which I am considering.

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  Montahoe - 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Randy Schardein - September 19 - 7:17 am

  This vehivle is a truck based SUV. It is heavier and beefier than crossover unibody AWD type SUV. It is excellant for towing, and is a true 4 wheel drive with a locking transfer case. Would work well in a rural setting as well as being comfortable and maneuverable in the city. The gas mileage is what you would expect from truck.

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  Reliability - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ahunn - September 17 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had a great experience with my 97 Tahoe. Were selling to make room for a Volvo wagon now that we have a baby, but if I could, I would have held onto this truck for another 20 years. Gas mileage is not the best, but reliable and safe.

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  Tahoes are awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tahoe Boy - September 15 - 9:04 pm

  Have been wanting a Tahoe for at least the last 7 years and finally was able to get one. I love to drive this vehicle. The seats are supportive and comfortable. It looks great. Drives smooth and effortlessly. Has enough room for people and / or stuff. The doors feel solid and tight.

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  No more GM - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Disappointed - September 12 - 11:19 pm

  Nice looking truck, lots of power, very comfortable, but trouble started early. Repeated problems with the transfer case that should have been fixed under warrenty, but turned into a parts changing excercise. The transmission now slips and clunks. The shaft in the steering column wore out. A rattle under the vehicle that can not be located (not a heat shield inside the exhaust?), the climate control can not hold a consistant temperature. Im trading it for an Infiniti while it still has some trade in value.