2007 Tahoe review

[TahoeMikeZ71]

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/je...et&model=Tahoe

Expert Rating
Dan Jedlicka's Rating:
8 out of 10.

Bottom Line:Redesigned full-size Chevy SUV is a big improvement over its predecessor. Pros:

• Roomy
• Powerful
• Comfortable

Cons:

• High step-in
• Scant cargo room with available third seat in place
• Only a 4-speed automatic transmission

Expert Review

General Motors redesigned its new Chevrolet Tahoe sport-utility vehicle several years ago, when fuel prices were lower and sales of large SUVs were booming. So don't blame the Tahoe, or any of the revamped large GM sport utes, for seeming a bit out of place with today's higher fuel prices and the move to smaller, more economical SUVs and car-based crossover vehicles.
On the other hand, the early 2007 Tahoe is a big improvement over its predecessor, which was the top-selling full-size SUV in 2005. And the market for large, comfortable SUVs is hardly going away, considering the need by many folks for such vehicles, with their roomy interiors and impressive people/cargo hauling and towing abilities.
GM is hoping its new Tahoe and other redesigned large SUVs, which arrive later in 2006, will sell well; they're profitable and troubled GM needs all the financial help it can get. Initial consumer reaction to the Tahoe, at least, has been good.
Solidly Built
The new Tahoe looks better than its predecessor, inside and out. My test 2007 Tahoe seemed as if it's built by—dare we say?—Toyota, with tight body fits and such. A stiffer structure made it feel more solid. And rough roads elicited no squeaks or rattles.
The Tahoe comes in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, with the high-volume LT offered with LT-1, LT-2 and LT-3 equipment. Rear- or 4-wheel drive are available.
Tahoes are pretty well-equipped. List prices range from $33,115 to $37,665, although options can cause prices to quickly escalate.
New and revised features include an optional power fold-and-tumble second-row seat, rear seat entertainment system, XM satellite radio, ultrasonic rear parking assist and a remote starting system to warm up the Tahoe interior before winter driving.
Safety items include optional side-curtain airbags with rollover protection.
More Precise Feel
Nobody expects a full-size SUV to drive like a sports sedan, but the new Tahoe's driving feel is far more precise. The old sloppy steering is gone, although the new rack-and-pinion steering has a bit of an on-center soft spot. Handling and maneuverability are good, and redesigned anti-lock brakes and anti-skid/traction control are standard.
The ride is smooth, and GM's Autoride suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness based on road and driving conditions, is standard for the LTZ, but not for other Tahoes.
Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches.
Home Run Interior
Chevy hit a grand slam with the interior. The old Tahoe's haphazard placement of marginal knobs and switches has given way to a dashboard with nicely placed controls, although some sound system controls are too small.
The new Tahoe has a more chiseled, aggressive appearance. Its body sits on a stiffer new frame and chassis. It's about 5 inches longer and nearly one-half inch higher, with wider tracks for a lower center of gravity and a more hunkered-down look
A third-row seat is standard in the LTZ, optional for the LS and LT. That seat allows enough head and leg room for two 6-footers, but it has flat cushions and thus is nowhere near as comfortable as the nice first-and second-row seats.
Above-average agility is needed to reach the third seat, although you can get second-row seats that power fold to provide easier access to the third seat.
Total seating capacity is nine, but five or six is a more realistic and far more comfortable limit.
Standing Tall
The Tahoe stands tall, so extra effort is needed to get in or out, and my test Tahoe's running boards were too narrow to provide much entry/exit assistance. (Power running boards will be offered later in the model year, and let's hope they're a bit wider.)
The view is commanding from inside, and a lower dashboard makes front-seat occupants feel as if they're sitting higher than they actually are.
There's little cargo space behind the third-row seat in its upright postion. That seat folds forward to allow more cargo room, and also is removable. However, yanking it out calls for extra muscle because it's quite heavy.
The rear hatch has separate-opening glass and is wide, but the cargo floor is rather high.
Strong Acceleration
The 5.3-liter V8 provides 320 horsepower and lots of torque for strong acceleration. (A lower-priced Tahoe with a 4.8-liter V8 will be offered later with only rear-wheel drive.)
The 5.3 V8 works with a responsive 4-speed automatic transmission, but the Tahoe lacks the more modern 6-speed unit promised for the 2007 Cadillac Escalade SUV.
Higher Fuel Economy
Chevy says estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg in the city and 22 on highways with rear-wheel drive and 15 and 21 with 4-wheel drive. But those optimistic EPA numbers should be taken with a grain of salt—my test Tahoe only got 13-14 mpg in town.
However, the EPA numbers aren't bad for a big, powerful SUV that weighs about 5,500 pounds. Fuel economy is slightly better than that delivered by the 2006 Tahoe, thanks partly to a more aerodynamic body and a gas-saving 4-cylinder cutoff feature when cruising. In any case, nobody who buys a powerful full-size SUV expects more than mediocre fuel economy. As for the Tahoe, it provides lots of compensating benefits.

[DuSpinnst]

Wonder what the Auto Rags will complain about in 2008 when the GMT-900's get 6 Speeds AND Hybrids!

[TahoeMikeZ71]

"High step in"

It's a fullsize SUV not a Camry.

[TuffG929]

I hate when they mention the "high step-in" as a con or flaw. It makes one wonder what the hell they were expecting.

[jomo]

What got me was the "scant cargo room with 3rd row seat". What did you expect, dummy? If you wanted cargo room, don't get the 3rd row seat! If you wanted 3 rows and cargo room, get a Suburban! Oh, but you would have complained about how big/thirsty it was. Vehicles are a compromise, for crying out loud!

[Mrbowtie]

Another example of GM offering best in class, but not receiving credit for it. This article proves that this writer will never be interested in a full size SUV, but you would think that he would mention a soon to be released 6 speed.

[GM-Joe]

Go look at a Sequia and compare the body gaps to a Tahoe; there is no comparison, the Tahoe's are more than noticably tighter.

At work, I saw a 10 years old Cav parked next to a new Corrolla; the Cav's body gaps where at least as tight as the Corrolla, if not tighter.

I am just getting sick of hearing these authors review a vehicle then compare it to a toyota; toyota is not the benchmark anymore!!!

[01cavalier]

Originally Posted by GM-Joe

Go look at a Sequia and compare the body gaps to a Tahoe; there is no comparison, the Tahoe's are more than noticably tighter.

At work, I saw a 10 years old Cav parked next to a new Corrolla; the Cav's body gaps where at least as tight as the Corrolla, if not tighter.

I am just getting sick of hearing these authors review a vehicle then compare it to a toyota; toyota is not the benchmark anymore!!!

I agree, Toyota is not the benchmark, especially in SUV's and trucks. I like previous Tahoe, but the new one is great.

[Ytriox]

The 900s are great products, but every review seems to be hitting their one major flaw: rear cargo room is poor, and the rear seats have to be removed to expand it as they don't fold into the floor. That isn't nitpicking. Fullsize SUVs are supposed to move lots of people and stuff, so limited cargo room or flexibility directly impacts their primary function.

[Ytriox]

Originally Posted by Mrbowtie

Another example of GM offering best in class, but not receiving credit for it. This article proves that this writer will never be interested in a full size SUV, but you would think that he would mention a soon to be released 6 speed.

He gave it an 8 out of 10. That's hardly a bad review. And the Tahoe's actually the highest rated non-luxury, fullsize SUV on MSN, so, it is, in fact, getting credit for being class leading.

It does nothing for a GM fan's credibility when they bash a good, fair review that takes a very positive stance on a GM product just because the reviewer doesn't think it's perfect or beyond criticism.

Now, if you want to see some real bias, go check out the Consumer Reports ratings for the various large SUVs, including the Tahoe. Something definitely ain't right there.

[eaton53]

Another example of GM offering best in class, but not receiving credit for it.

70% market share... 'nuff said. They're getting credit from those who matter.

[SigEpCutlass]

I'm glad to see that Dan recognized how well the interior is put together. I liked how he highlighed the significantly improved fit and finish of the interior. Overall, I would say this is a very good review coming from one of the MSN editors that usually rags on the "cheapness" of certain areas of American vehicles.

[ChevyPV]

Originally Posted by Ytriox

The 900s are great products, but every review seems to be hitting their one major flaw: rear cargo room is poor, and the rear seats have to be removed to expand it as they don't fold into the floor. That isn't nitpicking. Fullsize SUVs are supposed to move lots of people and stuff, so limited cargo room or flexibility directly impacts their primary function.

Theres a reason why Chevy sells a Suburban too...

[Hugh Jass2]

Originally Posted by ChevyPV

Theres a reason why Chevy sells a Suburban too...

Not everyone wants the yaht-sized burb, and that's one feature that Ford has it over the Tahoe. Flexibility. Who wants to climb in and out of the back to load/unload those heavy seats. I really think nobody would even bother unless they had no choice, where the Ford Expy offers a simple button. That's huge to many people.

Another would be a better interior.

Or IRS.

Or 6 speed tranny.

Or more torque and towing.

[ChevyPV]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jass2

Not everyone wants the yaht-sized burb, and that's one feature that Ford has it over the Tahoe. Flexibility. Who wants to climb in and out of the back to load/unload those heavy seats. I really think nobody would even bother unless they had no choice, where the Ford Expy offers a simple button. That's huge to many people.

1. Another would be a better interior.

2. Or IRS.

2. Or 6 speed tranny.

4. Or more torque and towing.

1. The Chevy has a better interior, im not sure what you are talking about

2. I dont care what anyone says, a solid rear axle tows better than IRS

3. coming

4. how much more do you want, if you want to tow over 8000 pounds, get a pickup...