Disguising the Tahoe's size would be a monumental task. The only way to put its sizein perspective is to park it next to a Suburban, which is almost 2 ft. longer. Fortunately, Chevrolet's stylists have opted for the straightforward approach, making the big Tahoes attractive in a rugged, assertive manner. Research shows that's the way folks like these vehicles to look, and General Motors is obviously listening to what potential owners are saying. Whether 2- or 4-door, Tahoe shares front end sheet metal with the large C- and K-series Chevy pickup trucks. The high, bluff front doesn't do much for aerodynamics, but looks just right. All versions save the 2-door Sport have plenty of bright trim; within the limitations imposed by size and basic form, the stylists have given the Tahoe a downright elegant look. The 4-door Tahoe rides on a longer wheelbase, making space for four large portals. Both versions can be ordered with either a pair of rear cargo doors or a conventional tailgate/lift glass setup. Although the rear doors make loading and unloading easier, we prefer the tailgate because it doesn't interfere with vision out the rear window. Three trim levels are available. A base model is confined to the 2-door only; both versions are offered in standard LS and upscale LT trim. This year, buyers have a choice between 2- and on-demand 4-wheel drive across the board. Regardless of model or number of driven wheels, the standard powerplant is a 5.7-liter gasoline V8 mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6.5-liter turbodiesel is available in the 2-door 4WD Tahoe; a beefed-up 4-speed automatic comes with it. Regardless of engine choice or door count, Tahoes ride on the beefy Chevy C- and K-series truck frame. Stiff and heavy, the ladder chassis gives Tahoe versatile on- or off-road competence. Its long wheelbase, size and comfort-oriented suspension tuning limit its off-road range to some degree--this isn't the right vehicle for the cliff-hanging perils of the Rubicon Trail, for example--but it's capable enough for any off-road adventures a family might be inclined to tackle.
The most noticeable interior feature is the redesigned dashboard introduced in the 1995 Tahoes. Big and rounded, it looks far more attractive than the previous squared-off panel and holds a complete array of gauges (speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level and voltmeter) and soft-touch rotary knobs for headlamp and heat/vent/air conditioning controls. All switches, knobs and buttons are backlit, making them easy to use at night. Give General Motors one demerit, however, for not including a passenger airbag among the Tahoe's safety features. No doubt one will be offered in time, but we believe it should be there now. Depending on seating arrangement, Tahoes can carry five or six passengers. Three can ride in front on a standard bench seat; the optional bucket seats hold two, and are far more comfortable for extended use. In standard form, the seats are covered in attractive and long-wearing cloth that has been treated with Scotchgard for improved stain and soil resistance; the base 2-door has durable but less attractive vinyl upholstery. Leather seats are optional. As expected, the sporty 2-door is best used by two people and luggage. The rear seat has adequate room, but getting there is something of a chore and the 4-door is far more spacious. Climbing into the 4-door's rear seat presents no challenge, of course. There's a good-sized step-up, but passenger-assist handles take excess effort out of this and the door openings are wide. A side benefit to opting for the larger Tahoe is the extra cargo room freed by placing the spare tire under the rear floor. Two-door models still carry their spare upright in the cargo space. Tahoes can be as plain or fancy as the owner's inclinations and budget allow. A long list of extras are offered to make them more comfortable, including air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, power assists for windows, door locks and mirrors, a variety of sound systems, fancier paint and upholstery upgrades, side running boards/steps that can support 600 lbs., styled steel or cast-aluminum wheels, or easier to drive off-road electric pushbutton shifting for the 4x4's 2-speed transfer case. |
