Chevrolet Tahoe

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 and 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 1995'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.

In the United States, the Tahoe is a popular alternative to the Ford Crown Victoria for police car use, especially in rural areas.

1992

The new GMC Yukon was introduced for 1992, while Chevrolet continued calling their version the Blazer. All were 2-door models through 1994. 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.

Engines:

• 1992-1995 - 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8, 200 hp (149 kW)
• 1996-1998 - 6.5 L Diesel V8, 180 hp (134 kW) (2-door 4WD Tahoe only)
• 1996-1999 - 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8, 255 hp (190 kW)

2000

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.

"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 recieved 10 hp (7.5 kW) more for 2004.

Engines:

• 2000-2003 - 4.8 L Vortec 4800 V8, 275 hp (205 kW)
• 2000-2003 - 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8, 285 hp (213 kW)
• 2004-2005 - 4.8 L Vortec 4800 V8, 285 hp (213 kW)
• 2004-2005 - 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8, 295 hp (220 kW)

2007

In 2007, General Motors is expected to replace the Tahoe and Yukon on the new GMT900 platform. It will also introduce a hybrid version of the Tahoe which uses the shared GM/DaimlerChrysler Advanced Hybrid System 2.