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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  Better than Ford Expedition - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By yoyohong - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have own both and the tahoe has a better engine and build quality, though not perfect.

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  Robs Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rdlopez - August 16 - 2:00 am

  After looking at and test driving both the Expedition and the Land Cruiser, the Tahoe was by far the best vehicle in its class. This is my first Tahoe and I probably wont buy anything else. My Z71 is fully loaded including heated seats (although I cant see myself using it, my wife might). It handles like a car rather than a large SUV and is just as plush as a luxury car. The engine is very powerful, though the gas mileage suffers driving the way I drive. Very roomy interior. I love the fact that I can listen to the radio, one daughter watches a DVD and my other daughter can listen to her CDs. All at the same time!! I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  It definetely lives up to its rep !!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DsG - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to buy an SUV for a while, and my kids were set on one only -- the Great TAHOE. Im glad I listened to them. It is a strong, well built, confident SUV - yet it makes me feel sporty and dressed up a the same time. It has a powerful yet smooth ride, with a large yet easily accessible interior. Its a fun car to take trips with or simply zip around town everyday shopping with the kids. I have always given Chevrolet the seal of approval - The Tahoe simply validates what I always knew. I would recommend this SUV to anyone - After owning one, I can see why its one of the most sought after SUVs.....

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  tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tsykr - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle overall. It drive well and I like the comfort of this vehicle. I would like to buy another one in a hybrid when and if its available.

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  I LOVE MY TAHOE - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By COOKIE - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I am so happy with my purchase. The only complaint, mostly due to increased gas prices, is the gas expense.

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  its a chevy - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Michael - August 12 - 2:00 am

  What can I say, its a chevy, my tahoe has served its purpose in a variety of places, its great in the snow, in rain, dry, and stormy conditions, even mud...:) only everyonce and a while, but the only thing gm should have put the engineers to work on were the weak brakes that are meant for a civic or a small piece of crap, but tahoes are very versatile, and capable of whatever you chsoe to throw at it, it can easily conquer them, reliable and good looks.

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  Excellent Vehicle Travel Delight - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Charlie Mac - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving Tahoes for several years they were a nice vehicle when I first started purchasing them, they have seem to improve with each design and the engine preformance and handling is top-shelf. I would recommend for this vehicle for anyone that does very much traveling. Very comfortable and performs well.

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  Get It Now - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By sgphilips - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I researched the Tahoe for the best price using Edmunds and CarsDirect. The day before I go to make the offer the dealer called and said they were offering the Tahoes at $12k below MSRP. It was an offer that I couldnt refuse. I knew that the dealers and GM had to do something to clear their SUV inventory but I had no idea that they would offer what they have at this much of a discount.

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  Awesome OffRoad - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kfoshee - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable vehicle I have owned on/offroad in many years. It also handles, rides and performs unlike any 4x4 in its price range.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By roubre - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Chevy Tahoes for the last four years. I am very satisfied with the looks, performance, value, ride, comfort, and reliability of the vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to any serious buyer without reservation. Features on my present Tahoe that I like are XM radio, computerized information system, and self adjusting seat. The service received from my local Chevrolet dealer even though I purchased from a dealer outside of my area has been excellent.