Opinions on Tahoes

I am planning on buying a Tahoe. The ones I have looked at range between 1995 and 1999. I would like to hear anyone's opinion on the Tahoes...good or bad!!

I own a 1997, and I like it.
Good: Nice power and ride. Haven't had any engine trouble. Transmission's pretty sturdy (I've used it to tow big lawn equipment 6 days a week for 4 years).
Bad: Steering can become loose (not dangerously loose though), had to replace fuel pump twice (the first one didn't even last two months; but since it has a lifetime warranty I only had to pay for labor).

I like mine alot, for all the same resons as mr. hitamine

I love mines, I got a 97 2dr. Mines got a 6" Fabtech suspension lift. n yes the suspension does get loose but not stupid loose. Im bout to get all the ball joints replace + steerin joints so mines wouldnt wander.

I have a 96 2dr LS 4WD, it's the best truck I've ever owned! My last truck before it was a 94 GMC Yukon 2dr SLE 4WD.

i have a 2000 tahoe limited (old body style) love it...no problems.......my next vehicle will be just an updated version someday

The steering problem in the 97-99 usually is the EVO sensor. Can be changed but I am waiting for someone to tell me how to change it.

I have a 95 Tahoe 2DR LS with 175k, and I can't seem to part with it.
When I drove it off the lot in Newton, MA the mechanic told me it would "go 200k easy with that engine"

It has the original starter, and I just replaced the alternator at 160k to be safe and sound after it was pinging a little.

I'm on the second flowmaster exhaust system (1st at 55k, 2nd at 145k), and I use the K&N Air Filter and platinum plugs and silicon wires (put on at 75k). The plugs and wires have over 100k now and they are still roaring (although I should replace them now)

The rear brakes are original hardware, but I had them cleaned and adjusted regularly with tire rotations. I have replaced the front rotors and brake pads twice and they are due for another round..$)

Believe it or not my Michelin tires have over 120k on them and are just below 1/2 tread. If you treat the tahoes right, all you will need to do is change the u joints every 25k and make sure they hit all the fittings (12 of them) when you are being lubed (at the shop-not with billybob).

The 96 and up have the new vortec engines with 260plus horsepower,
which will get you up hills and allow you to tow without any gear shifting. Whereas the 95's had the new release of the Chevy EFI 200 horse 350. Less horse, but mine has the engine and transmission towing package with a 3.75 rear differential.

The 95 also had the new dash, cupholders, and 3 adaptors in the ashtray, which carried on to subsquent years.

Great truck especially when you throw a dual exhaust on it.

Best of Luck.

Sorry to get off subject...

01TahoeJunk:
Yeah, that corrected the popping problem. But I'm having problems with loose steering. They've replaced the steering gearbox, but that didn't help and they've ruled out bad alignment. My dad had a 2001 Chevy Suburban w/AR (a wonderful SUV) that handled ridiculously well (even at 90+ mph); so I was kinda hoping that I could get that same handling with my Tahoe (which I do for the first 2 months after the dealership adjusts the steering). I dunno, maybe it's just a lost cause.

expe1969:
Mine's got over 250K on it and it's still got the original engine, so what that mechanic said isn't far from the truth. What Michelin tires and dual exhaust do you have on your Tahoe?

My exhaust is made by FLOWMASTER, but you can also use a
BORLA. You'll need to find a custom shop that bends 3" pipe and
doesn't rip you off. Sometimes the little guys are the best when it comes to that stuff. Just have to have a lot of experience and good equipment.

You can choose your throat level....from average to LOUD. I prefer the
middle range because the interior noise can get out of control with some of them. They bend them around and weld them in tight. Dually all the way.

The tires are the XCX APT purchased at Sears or National Tire Battery back in 1998. I have seen the same tread wear much faster on the expeditions which are heavier vehicles, but the tahoe has good weight distribution and you can stretch them out with propper care.

Also forgot to mention that I had a new CAT converter cut on two months ago and the truck runs like new. I should have done it at 125k when I first noticed that it was lacking some balls.

Funny thing is the engine is going thru less oil now than it ever has.
For 8 years it has burned a quart every 3-4k miles.

Take it easy.