Chevy Tahoe is an attractive truck, though it doesn't stand out with its conservative and familiar styling. It is essentially a shortened version of the Chevy Suburban and shares much in common with it.
The Tahoe is the same width as the Suburban. The Tahoe is more than 22 inches shorter than the Suburban and nearly 9 inches shorter than the Ford Expedition. The Tahoe is nearly 11 inches shorter than the stretched, midsize Chevy TrailBlazer EXT (and about 5 inches longer than the standard TrailBlazer), but the Tahoe is 4 inches wider than the TrailBlazer EXT.
Big outside mirrors afford an excellent view rearward. The mirrors on LT and Z71 models feature puddle lamps that light up the perimeter. These are nice at night in the woods, or when stepping out on nasty nights in your city best, and they provide some security in underground garages and other spooky places. The mirrors also tilt down when you shift into reverse. Press a button and they fold in for parking in narrow places. Heating elements keep off frost and ice. Turn signals are integrated into the mirrors to warn drivers alongside of your intentions. The left mirror automatically dims to reduce headlamp glare. If that isn't enough, these wonder-mirrors remember his and hers adjustments, just like the seats.
Tahoe buyers can select either a traditional rear hatch with a flip-up window, or split-panel doors, sometimes called barn doors or cargo doors. Choosing between them is a matter of lifestyle and personal preference. On the LS, cargo doors are standard, and the hatch a $250 option. On the LT, the hatch is standard. Cargo doors are more convenient when towing and for other truck chores, and they make it easier to control a dog. The traditional hatch is made of aluminum for light weight; being able to open just the glass is often more convenient when loading groceries or outdoor gear, especially since it can be operated with the keyless remote. The rear hatch offers a better view out back than the split doors, which block the view in the center.
The Tahoe's door handles are well-designed and easy to use; you do not need to flip your hand over to pull on them.
for 2003 and the driver information center was enhanced, making life in the Tahoe a little easier.
The Chevrolet Tahoe rides smoothly on the open road, and it's stable and comfortable at higher speeds. Although big and ponderous, the Tahoe handles well for such a large vehicle.
The Tahoe is built on GM full-size truck platform (GMT 800, if you must know), which forms the basis for the Silverado and Sierra pickups as well as the Suburban, Yukon, and Yukon XL SUVs. It's a superb platform, notable for the rigidity of its hydroformed frame. Chassis rigidity is the key to achieving good handling and a smooth ride, and the Tahoe delivers on both of those scores. It handles bumpy roads well, a good test of chassis rigidity.
Tahoe's front suspension is conventional in design, except for the springs. To save space, the Tahoe uses torsion bars instead of coil springs. And the Tahoe now comes standard with the Premium Ride suspension, formerly an option, which uses self-leveling rear shocks to maintain trim height for better handling when hauling heavy cargo or pulling a trailer.
Our Tahoe LT had the optional Autoride suspension ($1,120), which electronically controls rear air shocks to provide real-time adjustments in suspension damping. It provided a comfortable ride on I-405, a bumpy, busy freeway in Los Angeles. Autoride also kept the Tahoe from bounding around after running over railroad tracks when pulling a trailer.
The available Z71 package, with its off-road suspension, provides a good ride quality on gravel and washboard surfaces.
The brakes were greatly improved for 2003, so they're smoother and easier to modulate than before. The brakes comprise four-wheel discs with dual-piston calipers for good stopping performance. We were impressed with the Tahoe's braking ability while towing a horse trailer. A dynamic proportioning system continuously balances the front and rear brakes for maximum effectiveness without activating the ABS. Once activated, the ABS allows the driver to maintain control of the steering in an emergency maneuver. For 2004, Tahoe introduces Hydroboost braking. Most power-brake systems rely on engine vacuum to reduce braking effort, but Hydroboost uses power-steering fluid pressure, which provides added safety, with more reserve power assist for braking under specific conditions. The system will continue to provide sufficient power assist to stop the vehicle even if the engine stalls or is turned off.
