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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Gm has the worst service department - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
By DonH - September 19 - 2:00 amI brought the truck new and have put 20,000 miles on it. My onstar stop working, windsheild wipers wont shut off at times, airbag service light comes at times and the front end seems loose when curving right or going over bumps. Also, Ive been told the all gm vortec engines have piston slap and gm refuses to fix it. Ive been to the dealer 3 times and they cant seem to fix the problems. The dealer service department is the worst, no loaner car or ride to work, I get my truck back and it has grease and pen marks on my leather seats, it takes on average 4hrs to change the oil and worst of all the service tech told me dont worry about minor problems.
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Fun Ship - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Jim dSmith - September 18 - 2:00 amI am on my third Tahoe. This vehicle is easily the best value on the market today. It goes anywhere does anything. I could spend twice the price for a Lexus but why?
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The best SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By skylandcruser - September 16 - 2:00 amI had lease on trailblaizer and just recently traded this car for Tahoe Ls 5.3 V8. What a difference. The handeling is so much better compare to trailblaizer. This is a bigger car but the gas millage is much better than trailblaizer. I dont understand it? It is roomy and so comfort ride. next after this i am going to give a subburn a trial, however because it is longer car i may just stick with tahoe. It is so much stronger car and greater for off road. My wife had 4runner, v8 and this car spend less gas than that car. Chev has a winner here.
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My Chevy Tahoe is Green and has DVD - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By myr356 - September 14 - 2:00 amWE HAVE A SILVERADO 2001 AND WE LIKE THE POWER AND THE SOUND OF THE MOTOR AND IT WAS NOT ON THE SHOP FOR ANY REASON, WE HAVE NOT BEEN AT THE SHOP FOR ANY OTHER REASON BUT ONLY FOR OIL CHANGE EVERY 3 MONTHS OR 3,000 MILES.
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Great Vehicle - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
By pirate90 - September 12 - 2:00 amExcellent overall vehicle for family trips and outdoor events - Roomy, Powerfull and good fuel economy given its size. I have put 100k miles on it since purchase and just now starting to need some repoairs at 142K!
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great deal - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By jmov - September 12 - 2:00 amIf you like 4by 4 this would be the car you want. first i was looing at Toyota but after i test dirve the 4runner i decieded to go with cheevrolet. The toyota has one flaw with it power full v8. The 4 by 4 is working all tht time. you can make it 2 wheel.
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Love my Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By findmissy - September 10 - 2:00 amI just love it!
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Love our Tahoe! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Paul and Kelly - September 7 - 2:00 am8 months into my new Kia Sorento I had problems and traded it in for our Tahoe which we both love. It drives like a truck for my husband, but is smooth enough for me to drive. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Great truck!
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WOW - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By McKinneyHoe - September 7 - 2:00 amHi! I traded a 2002 Tahoe for a fully loaded Z71 and I am completely blown away from the quietness, smoothness and power of the new Tahoes. The Z71 suspension is awesome and the truck as a whole beats the Denali that I was looking easily. The Z71 is a lot lighter on the road, very responsive and well manuverable. Since the sticker price is $47495 I would like to see HID lights and air- conditioned seats though.... The DVD system is AWESOME by the way. I wish I had a driver.... NOT! :)
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Bad Ass Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By hgusmao65 - September 1 - 2:00 amI just love it
