The Chevrolet Tahoe (and similar GMC Yukon) is a full-size SUV from General Motors. Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their Blazer/Jimmy model names through the early 1990s. This situation changed when GMC rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the Yukon in 1992. Chevrolet waited until 1994's introduction of a four-door version to rebadge the compact S-10 Blazer as the Blazer, renaming the full-size Blazer as the Tahoe.
| Chevrolet Tahoe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | GMC Yukon |
| Production | 1992–present |
| Assembly | Janesville, Wisconsin Arlington, Texas Silao, Mexico |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Layout | FR layout/Four wheel drive |
| Related | Cadillac Escalade GMC Yukon XL Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Avalanche Hummer H2 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet K-Blazer/GMC K5 Jimmy |
The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon currently serve as General Motors' full-size SUVs. Lengthened wheelbase models are available for both as the Suburban for the Tahoe and Yukon XL for the Yukon. A luxury Denali model joined the Yukon lineup in 1998. As of 2002, a Denali version of the Yukon XL was also available as the Yukon XL Denali.
In the United States, the Tahoe is a popular alternative to the Ford Crown Victoria for police car use, especially in rural areas.
1992
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1992–1999 Yukon 1992–1994 Blazer 1995–1999 Tahoe 1995–1999 Silverado (Mexico) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door SUV 4-door SUV |
| Platform | GM GMT400 platform |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban GMC Suburban |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.7 L 200 hp V8 5.7 L 255 hp V8 Vortec 5700 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 111.5 in. (2-Door) 117.5 in. (4-Door) |
| Length | 188.5 in. (2-Door) 199.1 in. (4-Door) |
| Width | 77.1 in. (2-Door) 76.4 in. (4-Door) |
| Height | 72.4 in. (2-Door) 76.4 in. (4-Door) |
The new GMC Yukon was introduced for 1992, while Chevrolet continued calling their version the Blazer. All were 2-door models through 1994. In 1995 the Chevy changed the name of the Blazer to Tahoe and introduced a 4-door version. The Tahoe was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1996.
The Tahoe/Yukon were shorter than the Suburban on which they were based, but shared that vehicle's GMT400 platform. This was a true truck chassis, and was based on that used in the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup truck. Both two-door and four-door models were produced, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive.
"AutoTrac" full-time all-wheel drive and OnStar were added for 1998. The upscale Denali trim line to the Yukon appeared around this time as the vehicles became popular with wealthy families.
In Mexico, the Tahoe 2-door was released in 1995, called the Chevrolet Silverado, and in 1998 the 4-door was released as the Silverado 4-door, and both were available in Base, LS and luxury LT trim lines.
When the GMT800-based SUVs were released in 2000, a 2WD Tahoe Limited was produced for demand purposes. It featured Police package suspension, monochromatic paint, no roof rack, distinctive front bumper and body kit, 2-toned leather seats and 16" alloy wheels. A 4x4 Z-71 Tahoe was also produced that had a monochromatic paint scheme, distinctive front bumper and wheels.
| Year | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–1995 | 5.7 L | 350 TBI V8 | 200 hp (149 kW) | ||
| 1996–1998 | 6.5 L | Detroit Diesel V8 | 180 hp (134 kW) | 2-door 4WD Tahoe only | |
| 1996–1999 | 5.7 L | Vortec 5700 V8 | 255 hp (190 kW) | 335 ft/lbs |
2000
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2000-2006 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Platform | GM GMT800 platform |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade Hummer H2 Cadillac Escalade EXT |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.8L 275 hp V8 5.3L 285 hp V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4L80-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in. |
| Length | 198.9 in. |
| Width | 78.9 in. |
| Height | 74.2 in. |
The vehicles were redesigned for the 2000 model year on the new GMT800 platform, still shared with the full-sized pickups. Two new engines replaced the old 5.7 L small-block, and while both were smaller, both produced more power. The manual transmission was dropped. In Mexico, the GMT800 Chevy Tahoe is called a Chevrolet Sonora.
Both vehicles received significant updates with only the grille and headlights distinguishing one from the other. Both vehicles now featured softer lines as part of a more aerodynamic design. The interior was also updated with new seats, dashboard, and door panels.
"StabiliTrak" stability control was offered for the first time in 2003, as were XM Satellite Radio, Bose audio, and a DVD entertainment system as the models continued to climb upmarket. Both engines received 10 hp (7.5 kW) more for 2004.
| Year | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003 | 4.8 L | Vortec 4800 V8 | 275 hp (205 kW) | ||
| 2000–2003 | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 280-285 hp (213 kW) | 325-330 ft·lbf | |
| 2004–2006 | 4.8 L | Vortec 4800 V8 | 285 hp (213 kW) | ||
| 2004–2006 | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 295 hp (220 kW) |
2007
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GMT900 |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade Cadillac Escalade EXT |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.3L 320 hp V8 5.3L 320 hp V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4L80-E automatic 6-speed 6L80 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in. |
| Length | 202.0 in. |
| Width | 79.0 in. |
| Height | 76.9 in. |
General Motors replaced the Tahoe and Yukon on the new GMT900 platform in late 2005 as a 2007. A hybrid version of the Yukon, which uses the shared GM/DaimlerChrysler Advanced Hybrid System 2, is expected to follow with the 2008 models. The GMT900 based Tahoe and Yukon exceeded initial sales expectations and continue to sell well despite a weakening market for large SUVs.
For 2007 the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe received different front fascias and hood. The GMC Yukon features a monolithic grille and headlights, while the Chevrolet Tahoe's grille is divided by a body colored bar similar to the chrome bar found on most of today's Tahoes. While the Tahoe's hood now features a design attribute obtruding from its otherwise smooth contour, the Yukon features a smooth hood with two slight curves on both sides of the hood. Both the new Yukon and Tahoe feature a more angular design that supposedly gives the vehicles a more upscale appearance. The interior was significantly redesigned as well. It features a new wooded trim dashboard with new chrome accented instrument controls. New door panels as well as new seats were also added to the interior.
Short wheelbase and police Tahoe production began at Arlington Assembly on December 1, 2005. SWB Yukon production began in early 2006, with Janesville Assembly coming on line as well. Long wheelbase versions began at Janesville and Silao Assembly in March.
GM plans to heavily tout improvements in fuel economy for the new-generation Tahoe and Yukon. Highway mileage has improved from 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21-22 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) with the addition of Displacement on Demand cylinder deactivation. Both the old and new versions get 15-16 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) in town.
The Tahoe/Yukon will offer GM's new Hydramatic 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2007 Tahoe was featured on, and promoted through Donald Trump's The Apprentice, where the two teams put together a show for the top General Motors employees to learn about the new Tahoe. Also, The Apprentice sponsored an online contest where you can create your own commercial for the new Tahoe, and the winner's ad would air on national television. The vehicle will still continue to have a maximum capacity of 9 passengers.
| Year | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007– | 4.8 L | Vortec 4800 V8 | 290 hp (216 kW) | ||
| 2007– | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 320 hp (239 kW) | 340 ft·lbf (461 N·m) | |
| 2007– | 6.0 L | Vortec 6000 V8 | 350 hp (261 kW) |
GMC Yukon Denali
The GMC Denali nameplate started as the luxury version of the Yukon for the 1998 model year. The Denali trim is as in the GMC Envoy available on both standard and XL versions. Prices for a Yukon Denali range from $51,160 for standard Yukon Denali to $58,710 for a loaded top-of-the-line Yukon XL Denali.
1999
In 1998, at the time of its introduction, the Yukon Denali was GM's answer to getting back at the Lincoln Navigator, but then GM introduced a clone to the Yukon Denali and rebadged it "Escalade" under the Cadillac nameplate. The Yukon Denali's exterior was shared with the Cadillac Escalade, with the entire front clip and lower side body panels differing from the standard Yukon. In the interior, however, the Denali features many luxury options not available in the mainstream Yukon. These features included an upgraded leather interior, power seats, heated seats front and rear, Bose stereo system and some woodgrain on the dashboard.
2001
Even though the Yukon was redesigned alongside the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe in 2000, the Denali and Escalade retained their 1990s base design. It was not until 2001 that the Denali and Escalade were redesigned. While the Escalade departed from its Yukon based exterior design scheme in attempt to hide its humble roots, the Yukon Denali's exterior is almost the same as that of a post-2000 GMT400 model year Yukon. Embossed side body panels and chrome surrounding the headlights differentiate the Yukon Denali from the regular Yukon. 2001 also saw the introduction of the bullet pattern grille which now has become the hallmark of the Denali nameplate.
2007
The Yukon Denali was redesigned for the 2007 model year alongside the regular mainstream Yukon. The only exterior difference between the Yukon Denali and the standard Yukon remains to be the bullet grille; and of course the insignias, embeveled rockerpanels, chromed headlights and the Vortec 6200 engine which it shares with the Cadillac Escalade.
The Apprentice make-your-own-ad contest
The 2007 Tahoe was featured on and promoted through Donald Trump's The Apprentice, where the two teams put together a show for the top General Motors employees to learn about the new Tahoe. Also, The Apprentice sponsored an online contest in which anyone could create a commercial for the new Tahoe by entering text captions into the provided video clips; the winner's ad would air on national television.
Many users took advantage of the contest to point out the SUV's higher fuel usage relative to other types of vehicles. Chevy originally said it would keep the negative ads online, but eventually took them down.
External links
- Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Club
- 2DoorTECH.com - Two Door Tahoe/Yukon Community
- Chevrolet - Tahoe
- GMC - Yukon
- AutoGuideWiki.com - Chevrolet Tahoe
- GM-Trucks.com
- RoadTests.com - Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevy's 'Make Your Own Tahoe Commercial' idea not exactly going as planned
- 3rd Gen Gallery - FamilyCar.com