Chevrolet Tahoe Review



The all-new Chevrolet Tahoe, General Motors and Americas longtime, best-selling full-size SUV, Has arrived in the first quarter of 2006 as the New Improved 2007 model. It was last revamped for the 2000 model year and has been a staple of Chevy's lineup for decades, sold as the Blazer until 1995. Originally set to debut in the fall of '06, General Motors accelerated the release of its big SUVs, including the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, by several months in an effort to jumpstart sales for what had been the company's best selling most profitable products. Unfortunately for GM, soaring gasoline prices have prompted a decline in sales of large SUVs like the Tahoe. As a result, the automaker now predicts sales of full-size models will remain flat, despite the freshened inventory.The Tahoe will be sold in three trim levels — LS, LT and LTZ — in both rear- and four-wheel drive versions. A base 4.8-liter V8 will later be added to the line as the standard engine for two-wheel drive models. Unfortunately, the Tahoe will continue with its familiar four-speed automatic, even as the competition offers more sophisticated and smoother five-speed gearboxes.

See also the main fact sheets for the Chevy Tahoe.

High Points

 * Handles rough terrain well (New Car Test Drive)
 * Carries more than a compact sport-utility, yet more maneuverable than a Suburban (New Car Test Drive)
 * Powerful Vortec engine (Edmunds.com)
 * Coil springs on the back axle smooth ride (USA Today)

Low Points

 * Third-row seating doesn't fold into floor to optimize space
 * Only offers a four-speed automatic
 * With the optional third-row seat in place, cargo space is meager (Automobile Magazine)
 * Automatic door lock when you shift into drive can be troublesome (New Car Test Drive)

Performance and Handling
The Tahoe rides on its all new chassis with a fully boxed frame that's stiffer than the previous model's and reduces noise and vibration being transmitted to the cabin for a more refined feel. A wider track and lowered center of gravity should help provide greater stability, and a revised suspension improves the ride and handling.

Gas Mileage
The 2000-2005 Models 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine carries over, but now offers improved fuel economy by employing GM's Displacement on Demand Technology, in which half of the engine's cylinders are deactivated in low-demand driving situations. The power plant should get an estimated 20.5 miles per gallon on average in a combination of city and highway driving, which is on par with estimates for the midsize Hummer H3.16-MPG City, 22-MPG Highway for the 2WD. 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway for the 4WD.

Safety
The Chevrolet Tahoe is available with the following safety features:
 * Front passenger sensing airbags
 * Head curtain side impact airbags
 * Electronic stability control system
 * Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
 * DIC (Driver Information Center)
 * On-Star

Reliability and Maintenance
This is always an area that’s open for discussion. Regular oil changes and tire rotation are the most important maintenance items along with clean air filters. Dealer service centers do a great job but charge way to much for a basic oil change and tire rotation, there are a variety of other choices to have these services completed at, but if money is no option by all means go to the dealer!!

Interior and Comforts
The all-new handsome interior includes a two-tone instrument panel with LED-backlit instrumentation, chrome trim and a high center console for the climate control, audio and navigation systems. As before, a split-folding third-row seat will be optional for seven-passenger capability. Also on the models with the leather seating options, this gives a good bang for buck, and is well above average for style and comfort.

Exterior
The Tahoe rides on an all new chassis with a fully boxed frame that's stiffer than the previous model's and reduces noise, vibration and harshness transmitted to the cabin for a more refined feel. A wider track and lowered center of gravity should provide greater stability, and a revised suspension improves the ride and handling. A Z71 off-road package — similar to the one on the previous model — will be offered later in the year and add aggressive styling touches with larger 18-inch wheels and tires. Optional rims and rubber as large as 20 inches in diameter are also available.

Styles and Options
The Tahoe will be sold in three trim levels — LS, LT (which has three seperate sub-trims) and LTZ — in both rear wheel drive and four wheel drive versions. Newly available features will include head-curtain airbags, power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seating, a remote starter, heated first- and second-row seats, rear proximity warnings, a rearview camera and power-deploying running boards.

Options that are extremely convinient include power-adjustable pedals and power-deploying running boards for smaller motorists; side-curtain airbags; rear ultrasonic parking sensors and a rearview camera.

Main Competitors

 * Ford Expedition: side-by-side comparison
 * GMC Yukon: side-by-side comparison
 * Nissan Armada: side-by-side comparison
 * Toyota Sequoia: side-by-side comparison