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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  Love this car - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By sweets - December 19 - 12:45 pm

  ..never thought Id like a Chevy. Fun to drive, 17mph in town, 26 on hwy (not too bad for a large SUV). Lots of fun bells & whistles. Just a few little adjustment would make it perfect!!

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  Wished I didnt buy it - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By C. M. A. - December 16 - 9:43 am

  From the day I got my Tahoe the 1st month it had been in the shop 3 times for the dashboard popping up. The little things such as sometimes the window wont go down, doors wont unlock when I want them to other things like when airconditoning is on it makes a high pitched squeal, but yet it only does it once in a while and the wont fix it because its not happening at the time I bring it in. But the part that really stunk, 6 months after buying it it got stuck in FWD and I put it neutral to get it out but that wasnt working so I got stuck on the side of the road for over an hour till the dealership picked me up. When you buy a new car it should be reliable.

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  I hope ALL the Bugs are Gone!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steven - December 9 - 3:45 pm

  My wife & I bought a 04 Tahoe LS w/ the 5.3L. Almost instantly we noticed the vehicle clunking into gear while driving between 45-55 MPH. When we took the Tahoe to the dealer Â…1,600 miles Â… Renee & I found the car a faulty Rad which leak coolant into the tranny causing major damaging not limited to the torque converter. Anyway, thank God the dealer step up & provide an extended warrenty on the new transmission. Let hope everything goes smoothly now that the transmission is fixed!!!

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  My 2005 Z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dammitjim1 - December 8 - 11:08 am

  I have always admired the look of the Z71 Tahoe, particularly in black. IMO, no Tahoe and not many other SUVs look better than this. When I was notified by GMAC that I could "Pull Ahead" 9 months early on my 02 Trailblazer lease, and they gave me some other incentives as well,I jumped at the chance. The comfort, ride and handling of the Z71 is outstanding - equal to or better than any car Ive ever driven. At 75 MPH, the ride is smooth and quiet, with the engine positively loafing at less than 2K RPM I am very pleased after nearly 1 month of ownership. If the reliability holds up over the 48 month Smartbuy, Ill probably be driving a new Tahoe off the lot at Bast Chevy in 2008

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  The Best Vehicle Out There - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jo - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I thought the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 edition was one of the most fun vehicles to drive.

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  Trouble Free Service - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DaveTV - December 5 - 1:30 am

  My Tahoe has been a wonderful truck. I bought it with 6000 miles and 119,000 miles later it continues to satisfy. The only repair work has been brakes at 80,000 and a fuel pump at 124,000. The car has yet to need a tune up and is still on the original CV joint boots up front. The Tahoe is very comfortable and easy to handle with a relatively short turning radius. The truck has been a great tow vehicle for my fairly heavy 19 ski boat. The 5.7 Vortec with OD tranny performs well while turning in a respectable 17 MPG on the highway. No plans to unload this one anytime soon.

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  Better than old ford - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CA1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is outstanding. My job requires a lot of driving and this car is so much better than the Ford Van that I used to drive. I had an Eddie Bauer Ford and the standard/leather Tahoe is just perfect for me. So far so good.

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  WOULNT TRADE FOR ANY OTHER SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By PAM CRUISE - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I JUST LOVE MY Z71. IT WORKS GREAT IN THE SNOW AND ON WET ROADS. ANYONE WHO HAS RIDEN IN IT REMARKS ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR AND GREAT RIDE. I CAN TELL YOU MY NEXT SUV IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER Z71.MY LAST SUV WAS AN EXPLORER WHICH I LIKED BUT NOT AS MUCH AS THE Z71. I PUT APPROX. 25,000 MILES ON MY SUV A YEAR. I RODE IN THE HONDA PILOT AND DIDNT FIND THE RIDE THAT COMFORTABLE.

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  could have done better - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By norberto perez - December 1 - 10:00 am

  lost market value to fast. drinks to much gas want to trade it.

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  the best suv - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tahoelover - December 1 - 10:00 am

  this is my second new tahoe, i had an explorer, expedition and a mountaineer and was not satisfied with them at all would not have anything else but a chevy tahoe and i even waited several weeks for the dealer to find the exact one i wanted the only thing i can say to anyone is drive one and you will fall in love