GMI Exclusive Review: 2007 Chevy Tahoe

[ChevroletRevived]

GMInsideNews Reviews:
2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ 4WD

A GMI Exclusive Article by ChevroletRevived






Lights, Camera, Action: The executives are fidgeting, the clock is ticking, and the world is watching. The most widespread application of GM's new vehicle philosophy is being tried before the American market. This it: the world stage. This very important new vehicle will be seen, driven and felt by millions of Americans across the country. It's success is vital to the well being and financial position of GM's core North American operations. In hard times, Wagoner bet the company on one, all important lineup of new vehicles; the GMT-900's. The jury is out, and America is the judge. Will it be enough to save GM and keep buyers in the fold? To find out, GMI goes in depth in this Exclusive Review of the 2007 Chevy Tahoe.


Introduction

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. That's how long the 800's have gone without a significant redesign. Even the refresh in 2000 wasn't a full makeover. The design and platform date back to 1993, the last ground up GM Large Truck and SUV redesign. In 1995, the trucks and SUV's received a much improved interior, which brought them up to date and ahead of the competition. In 1996, the powerful new Vortec engine joined the lineup. Since then though, there hasn't been much change. And while the 800's are good, solid vehicles; their interior design is dated, and they have been surpassed by newer, more modern competion, which have had the benefit of significant refreshes and redesigns in that time period. There are different kinds of ''new vehicles''...there are updated designs, significant mid cycle refreshes, light mid cycle refreshes and completely new models (like the G6). Then, you have complete, next generation makeovers, which carry over very little unchanged parts. This is that kind of new vehicle. The 2007 Tahoe has been redesigned from the ground up, with aggressive, well honed lines and a chiseled, refined look. New features for 2007 include Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, Remote Start, Rear Backup Camera, Power Liftgate and Rainsense rain sensing wipers with heated washer fluid. Down below there's a new frame, front suspension, rack and pinion steering and Autotrac 4x4 system bring a level of refinement to the 2007 Tahoe like nothing seen before. Propulsion comes from a next generation Vortec 5300 with 320 HP and Active Fuel Management technology. Later this year, the Vortec 4800 will join the lineup as the standard engine. Armed with the facts, let's take a look at the 2007 Tahoe.





Exterior

Out with the old; in with the new. Boxy, unrefined lines give way to a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile. Tight panel gaps help the Tahoe achieve excellent fuel economy, and contribute to the look of refinement and sophistication. Flush, well designed panels fit together well; there are no mistakes here. No hard edges, no poorly done hinges; it's all well done, expertly designed and well put together. The GM emblem that's made it's way to every GM vehicle looks excellent, and it let's you know it's a GM vehicle in a classy, sophisticated way. The front end is where the Tahoe really shines; it's bold, aggressive face is distinctive; it does something for you in a way the 800's never did. All the panels up front fit together beautifully, but what impresses me the most is the front quarter panel. It's smooth, gentle curves are like nothing ever seen before on Tahoe. Out back, the taillights are nicely done, and their size and consistency is much removed from the previous Tahoe. They really help contribute to the overall look of the back end. There will always be people who say the Tahoe's exterior is not differentiated well enough over the 800's; but in reality, it's as differentiated as it's shape and proportions will allow. Everything that could be changed, was; there are no exterior body panels carried over whatsoever. Anyone who mistakes the 07 for another year Tahoe after a good look needs an eye exam. GM really put a lot of work into refining the Tahoe's exterior to look stylish, yet still provide much improved aerodynamic efficiency. Their hard work has paid off; and the handsome new Tahoe is a testament to that.





Interior

Stepping into the Tahoe reveals an attention to detail and level of luxury worthy of a luxury sedan. GM really went all out to make sure the Tahoe's interior was a stunner. A moment behind the wheel of the Tahoe quickly erases any preconceived notions of domestic inferiority; the design is beautifully done and well thought out, and interior materials are first rate. Tight panel gaps and a stylish center stack contribute enormously to this modern, high tech environment. Technology is now a welcomed part of the equation; the Tahoe has some high tech tricks up it's sleeve for 2007. New features include a rear back up camera, heated seats all round, a modern navigation system and individual temperature controls for the front and middle row passengers. Two very useful features, new for 2007, include rear bucket seats with a power release switch that, at the touch of a button, folds and tumbles the seats forward, for easy access to the third row, and a power rear liftgate, controlled by keyless entry, useful for when you are carrying groceries or hauling a load. Another useful feature, new for 2007, is a factory installed remote starter system, which can be a welcomed and much used feature in cold weather climates. For all you fold in the floor seat fans, I think it's a small price to pay for the lower price and higher ground clearance. Those virtues outweigh the benefits to be had with fold in the floor seats. On a side note, I personally could use the exercise. OnStar and a navigation system are selling points, and are a vital part of the technology package. The navigation system is superb, easy to use and operate, and is loaded with features like touchscreen control and available voice recognition. The convenience and assurance of OnStar are important parts of the Tahoe's safety pitch. Something no one else offers, In this increasingly competitive world, OnStar may be the deciding factor on what manufacturer to go with. Recent studies show that over 75% of OnStar customers want OnStar on there next vehicle, and 90% of OnStar customers say they would reccomend OnStar to their friends.
Taking a seat, the leather is of excellent quality, with the softness and rich aroma rivaling today's best luxury cars. The seats are comfortable and supportive, keeping you placed in your seat, even during intense driving. This truck is truly the ''comfort mobile'', having higher amounts of space and luxury than a luxury car itself. Relax in the four heated bucket seats...keep the kids occupied with the DVD system, which cleverly adds input jacks for game consoles, video cameras, etc..even a power outlet. You name it, this truck's got it all. GM cut no corners in it's execution of the Tahoe interior; the quality is exemplary and the attention to detail is phenomenal. We now have an interior that we can point to as an absolute, no excuses example of GM's renaissance and new found interest in quality, style and technology. An interior that can rival the big boys...and one we are proud to point to and say ''This is a GM''. And for some, that is the greatest accomplishment of all.





The Driving Experience

Driving the new Tahoe is a whole different experience than the 800's. The new Tahoe's feeling is one of insulation.....The ride is well damped and smooth, and the chassis insulates the cabin from the hard road surfaces below. There are no shimmies, squeaks, rattles or jerking vibrations to be found. It's a weird feeling driving the Tahoe; one of quietness and insulation from the elements, something no Tahoe has ever come close to. Engine noise is kept to a minimum; only a low, smooth thrum is to be heard. Driving on unkept roads reveals the great amount of work done on the Tahoe to ensure the drive is sophisticated and refined. Sitting down in the drivers seat, you're in a position of authority, and the hood bulges, a la' Hummer, look big and imposing from this point of view. In order to give the new Tahoe a workout, I decided to take it out on the twisty, mountainous backroads. Getting there included a different range of driving styles; city traffic and highway driving, where I had a chance to test the power and handling of the new Tahoe. Highway passing power is great; this engine walks the fine line between the power/fuel economy tradeoff. The brakes work great, with good stopping distances and minimal brake fade, as witnessed by our 50 to 0 stopping test, and Stabilitrak does a good job of keeping the Tahoe stable and going in the intended direction, as evidenced by it's praiseworthy performance in our intentional high speed oversteer and braking maneuvers. In the twisties the new Tahoe handles well, with minimal body lean, good turn in and excellent steering feedback. On-center steering feedback is excellent; alot of work went into making the steering more communicative then previous generations. Driving this big vehicle in the twisties in not a chore; the new Tahoe handles it well. I experienced a little of everything in our 32 mile, 48 minute test. One thing is certain; the driving experience is much different than any previous Tahoe. It's a refined, quiet and luxurious experience. Shut your eyes, you think you're in a Lexus....open your eyes, cover the emblem...you're still think you're in a Lexus. Only the proud Chevy emblem in the middle of the steering wheel is enough to wake you up and say......"I'm in a Chevy?"


Conclusion

The GMT-900's are unprecedented. They are like nothing we have ever seen from GM ever before. The segment's profit margins and high sales volumes are the aspiration of every automaker; And GM, with 60% of full-size SUV market share, has a formidable new player, ready to wage war. The 900's add a hybrid model, impressive fuel economy, and outstanding quality to their already impressive suit of armor. This is the kind of GM that we have all been waiting for. And now, it's here. Competent and world class refinement..in a Full Size SUV. GM has given it's all, and has America responded? Overall Tahoe sales have jumped 53%, and have exceeded sales expectations by 50%. GM sales for the month of January have risen 7%, stopping the market share slide. Promising signs of sunlight in a cloud of rain. Will this be the beginning of a bright future..one of success and victory? GM has a ways to go...we aren't out of this yet....but this could be the beginning of a brighter, more promising future. GM, keep up the good work.....The world is watching and anxiously waiting on the answer to the question....Will GM emerge victorious? Only you, America can determine the answer to that question.

A special thanks to Mauricio and the Santa Rosa Chevrolet Dealer for making this review possible.

[gerardo_zg]

Outstanding review.

[56 Starchief]

A+ review

[asim]

Nice review...

[GTOobsession]

Great review. Only thing missing is some mention of real-world fuel economy gains over the GMT 800 Tahoe.

[guido]

If it looks and drives like a lexus i am 100% not interested. I am also missing headrests in the second and third middle seat. And why is the split in the last row 50-50 and not 40-60. I loose either way storage or have too much seat space which is not necessary. I think a diesel engine would be a nice addition, not too big and please 6 speed auto on all models. But the rest looks good and I think sales will be good too, but Ford is coming with a new suburban fighter.

[genjy]

Is the overall demand and interest for traditional truck-based SUVs sliding a lot? The release of this SUV (and new Expedition) should be a huge deal, but it doesn't seem to getting that much buzz from what I can tell. Maybe the Escalade will get more attention, but maybe not.

[JazzyChef]

Now we need to hear reviews like this from the Escalade and Yukon's. I still have yet to see one at a GMC dealership or Cadillac dealership.

[tamaz72]

Nice write-up, bro! Incorporated a whole lot more than the typical auto-rag review. Where they just kind of dictate their impressions of the vehicle, you gave a real background on it. It was entertaining.

Excellent.

[Proetus]

What's the deal with the small images in bmp format that are over 300KB each?

[01cavalier]

Great review, thanks! Definitely looking forward to driving one.

[JG1115]

Great Review..i cant wait till i get to test one of these for myself

[69Firebird400]

Originally Posted by JazzyChef

Now we need to hear reviews like this from the Escalade and Yukon's. I still have yet to see one at a GMC dealership or Cadillac dealership.

Actually, it would be great to read a newspaper or magazine review on these three (four if you include the Avalanche) as favorable as this one. I love these new trucks as much as anyone, and they are probably class-leading, but they aren't perfect. Still, they are a quantum leap for the class.

[CobaltSScrazy]

Great review, thanks for that enjoyable read...I just finished stuyding for my nutrition test tuesday !!!!! AAAHHHH!!! LOL, the tahoe is class leading, buts its truly the escalade that is world class and cannot be touched by anyone. Practically perfect in everyway, just like Mary Poppins (childhood moment).

[TaHoE]

Well done! I would not change a thing on the new Tahoe, it is perfect.