The Chevy Tahoe is a full-sized SUV marketed by General Motors. Similar to the GMC Yukon, the Tahoe SUV features a rear-wheel drive/four wheel drive configuration, a V8 engine and an automatic transmission (the manual transmission option was dropped in 1999). You can also opt for a lengthened wheelbase. The Chevy Tahoe is a common replacement for the Ford Crown Victoria as a police vehicle, especially in rural areas.
A Short History
Until 1995, all versions of this vehicle were called the Blazer, which came only in a two-door version. In the 1995 model year, Chevrolet changed the name to Tahoe and added a four-door model. The Tahoe was built on a true truck chassis, the GMT400, the same chassis used to construct the Chevrolet Suburban. Both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive versions were manufactured. In Mexico the vehicle was called the Silverado and was available in the same drive configurations and as both a two- and four-door SUV.
In the year 2000, a two-wheel drive Tahoe was produced because of demand. It sported monochromatic paint, police suspension, alloy wheels, leather seats, and no roof rack. Also for 2000, Chevrolet offered the Chevy Tahoe Limited Edition. Produced for only one model year, the units were all exterior black with 17-inch wheels, rugged Bilstein shocks, leather interior borrowed from the GMC Yukon Denali, and the 140-mph gauge cluster from the Cadillac Escalade. The Limited Edition also was 2 inches lower the standard Tahoe and sported other attributes to give it a more aggressive stance. Inspired by a police package shown at the 1996 SMA show, this package included all-black grille, side skirts, and fog lights set in the front bumper. New engines replaced the old 5.7L small block. The 4.8L and 5.3L V8s, although smaller, produced 10 more horsepower. This vehicle also offered XM Satellite Radio, "Stabili Trak" stability control, a DVD entertainment system and Bose audio.
In 2005, GM placed the Tahoe on a new GMT900 platform. This new version sold well even in an era of declining SUV sales. A hybrid version is expected for the 2008 model year while the latest conventional gas Tahoes get better mileage due to an Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. Fuel economy has improved from 19 mpg to 21-22 mpg highway. City mileage has improved to 15-16 mpg. Passenger capacity remains at nine.
Interesting Marketing Information
The 2007 Tahoe has been promoted through Donald Trump's The Apprentice television show where two teams get a show together so GM top executives could learn about the vehicle. The Apprentice also sponsored an online contest where consumers could create a commercial for the Tahoe to be aired on national TV.
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