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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  First & Last Chevy Ill buy, EVER - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By k2dunk - February 24 - 2:00 am

  great driving truck, BUT GM engineers oughta have theirs put in a vise for these V8 engines Cold start Knock at 12K miles Dealer TSB says its carbon Right Seems to me they just cant get those pistons right Every AM that rattling noise in garage so so discouraging And me Born and raised in a Chevy house I cant wait to get the wife in an Armada 3 more months,gonna trade that sucker.Me I wanted a Vette, forget that 350Z or G35 here I come. Shame on you GM. Google for cold start knock do your own homework youll see.45K and climbing.Ive now heard the Trans isnt so great either.Hopefully shell stay together a little while longer.700 not enough...

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  I would rate this SUVs reliability Zero - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By zepres - February 21 - 12:50 am

  Loved this SUV until the rack & pinion drive gear started to leak oil at 2000 miles. Dealer fixed it. Then at 5000 miles, transmission leaked oil. My ride is still in the shop today. Very disappointed with GM. No wonder we cannot compete with foreign car makers.

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  Many repairs with this puppy!! - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By M&L817 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I am an ASE master tech. All my vehicles are maintained religiously. I purchased my Tahoe brand new. It is a love/hate relationship. At 31,000 the car quit on the road due to battery post failure. It spewed acid all over the R/F brake line. At 43,000 miles, the transmission failed. It was 8 mos out of warranty. Chevrolets response was I should have purchased an entended warranty. Now at 52,000 the intake manifold leaks. I have replaced the rear pinion seal,wiper motor,water pump,front brake rotors,the idler arm, and last week the transmission valve body again.

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  I love it!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By alandtaysmom - February 19 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car!!! It is so comfortable and fun to drive! It makes you feel like you are bigger than everyone and yet you feel like you are classy as well. It feels like you can dress it up or dress it down, in other words, you are in luxury yet you can still be casual. I am sooo happy I bought this car!!! I LOVE IT!!!

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  Good SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JBL44 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Tahoe used in 2001 with about 40K miles on it. Solid body. Great from hauling boats and trailers with its 5.7L V8. Very comfortable on the long trip. Capible of way over 100K miles. Only problems are the random times it doesnt start- 3 times. Had to replace batteries, brakes, and alternators many times.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Garnern - February 11 - 2:00 am

  At 64 years old I have had many cars including Cadillacs. This Tahoe is by far my favorite vehicle ever! It is very comfortable to drive and ride in the heated seats, seat memory, handling are great.

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  I Luv My Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By andersonsr - February 10 - 2:00 am

  We just bout this Tahoe used a few weeks ago and I LOVE it. We traded in our 97 Monte Carlo for in and WOW what a change. I have never owned a SUV before but now will never go back to a car. It has tons of get up and go for the highway but also is good in town. Love the Auto 4X4. Must be the best ever!

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  Incredible value for the money - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Robert from Arizona - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Carefully consider what else you can get for the same price, and youd have to be crazy to buy anything else. Extreme value. Performance is excellent, extremely safe. I drove it across the Mojave desert and loved every minute of it. Dealership was courteous and easy to deal with, and is a very strong credit to the Chevrolet name. Their service, and the Chevy Tahoe is why real Americans still buy American.

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  Good Choice - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mdmader - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The smaller 4.8L engine is a bit under powered. Im getting about 16 MPG on average. Mixed city and highway driving. Mileage could be better. Breaking is weak. If you haul large load, consider aftermarket breaks. Goes great in the snow and off road. Smooth when driving on the highway with stock tires. Visors are a bit small could be a bit longer to cover width of the side windows. Interior is dated.

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  2003 Taho - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ljn9156 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Of all the SUVs Ive owned and driven, the Tahoe is - by far - the best ride.