2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
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2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban ▼
- Price Range: $5,000 - $23,900
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Trailer-towing capacity
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
In addition to redesigning its full-size sport utility vehicles for 2000, Chevrolet added new V8 engines and standard front side airbags. The Suburban and its GMC Yukon XL equivalent were GM's largest SUVs--14.7 inches longer than the Ford Expedition, but 7.4 inches shorter than the Ford Excursion. Both the Tahoe and Suburban were 4-door wagons this year. Swing-open rear doors again were standard on both, but a liftgate with separate-opening glass replaced the drop-down tailgate as a no-cost alternative. Tahoes again came only in a half-ton series, while the Suburban was offered in both half-ton 1500 and 3/4-ton 2500 series. Available in base, LS, and LT trim, all models had V8 engines. The base Tahoe held a 275-horsepower 4.8-liter V8. Suburban 1500s and LS/LT Tahoes got a 285-hp 5.3-liter V8, while the Suburban 2500 carried a 300-hp 6.0-liter V8. No more turbodiesels were offered. An automatic transmission was standard, with GM's Tow/Haul mode designed to optimize shift patterns when carrying heavier loads. Both models could have rear- or 4-wheel drive. 4x4s used Autotrac full-time 4WD, which could be left engaged on dry surfaces. Traction control was a new option for 2WD models. Antilock braking again was standard, but 4-wheel disc brakes were new. Suspension changes included a switch from leaf springs to rear coil springs on Tahoes and Suburban 1500s, plus newly available rear leveling. Both models had 9-passenger capacity if equipped with a front bench seat. A new Suburban option replaced the second-row bench with a pair of buckets. Maximum towing capacity was 8800 pounds for the Tahoe, and 10,500 pounds for the Suburban.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD w/5.3-liter V8 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Chevrolet Tahoe:
A sporty new Z71 off-road option package for 4x4s included wheel flares, lower body moldings, color-keyed bumpers and grille, tubular side steps, and 17-inch wheels. GM's OnStar emergency/communication system was standard in the LT and Z71 Tahoe and Suburban, and optional in LS versions. With new aluminum cylinder heads, the 6.0-liter V8 gained 20 horsepower. An 8.1-liter V8, rated at 340 horsepower, became available for the Suburban 2500.
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe:
Tahoe and Suburban came standard with a host of previously optional equipment for 2002, triggering base-price increases of up to $9177. Most features of last year's LS package were now standard, including air conditioning, power windows, power front seats, heated power mirrors, rear climate controls, CD player, and alloy wheels.
2003 Chevrolet Tahoe:
Chevy's full-size SUVs gained new entertainment options along with an available antiskid system, 4-wheel steering, and adjustable pedals.
2004 Chevrolet Tahoe:
Standard on '04 Tahoes and Suburbans is a tire-pressure monitor.
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe:
An available navigation system tops 2005 additions to Chevrolet's large SUVs. Also, GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system became standard for all Tahoe and 1500 models during the '05 model year; it is not available on 2500s. Also, the Z71 off-road package is extended from 4WDs to 2WDs.
2006 Chevrolet Tahoe:
Some engine shuffling makes model-year 2006 news for Chevrolet's large SUVs, which await redesigned replacements due as early 2007 models. Also new for '06 is an upscale LTZ option package for Suburban. The 6.0-liter V8 is available for the first time in 1500 Suburbans as part of the LTZ package. The package also includes all-wheel drive, unique trim, and 20-inch chrome wheels.
Our road test for the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Tahoe/Suburban advances were mainly evolutionary, but they yielded some noticeable improvements. New V8s feel slightly smoother than the engines they replaced, but not dramatically stronger. Acceleration is adequate, aided by the smooth automatic's astute shifting, but the 4.8-liter feels strained in towing or heavy hauling. Gas mileage is dismal. A Tahoe 4x4 with the 5.3-liter V8 averaged 12.9 mpg, while a similar Suburban got 11.5 mpg. These big SUVs don't corner like cars, but handling is better than their size might suggest. They feel balanced in directional changes, and are fairly easy to maneuver. Steering is reasonably precise, but road feel is only adequate. At lower speeds, the speed-variable assist makes steering too light for some tastes. Biggest improvements are in ride quality and brake feel. The suspension absorbs bumps well and is sure-footed on rough pavement. Stopping power is strong, with firm, progressive pedal action. Wind rush is noticeable but not intrusive. Tire noise is low for a full-size SUV, but audible at highway speeds. The dashboard layout is logical and handy, with clear gauges and easily accessed controls. Drivers get a commanding view, while moving the spare tire beneath the rear undercarriage improved visibility and cargo space. Suburbans have ample head, shoulder, and leg room for two grownups, but leg and head clearance in the Tahoe's third-row seat suggests children and occasional use. Entry/exit is somewhat hampered by modest back-door openings, especially on Tahoes. A Tahoe has only enough room for a single row of grocery bags behind the third row, but Suburbans are more sizable. Third-row seats fold easily, and have wheels for removal. The Suburban's heavy bench takes two people to remove, while the Tahoe's third row is in two sections.
Value for the Money
GM's impressive new full-size SUVs are capable, comfortable, and easy to live with. Though too big for a lot of buyers, their size fits nicely into the gap between Ford's Expedition and Excursion. Don't buy a big SUV without trying a Chevrolet or GMC.
GM's impressive new full-size SUVs are capable, comfortable, and easy to live with. Though too big for a lot of buyers, their size fits nicely into the gap between Ford's Expedition and Excursion. Don't buy a big SUV without trying a Chevrolet or GMC.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD w/5.3-liter V8 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Tahoe includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Tahoe .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Cabin air filter dust cover screws can puncture the HVAC case causing water to leak onto floor when using air conditioner. (2000)
Climate control:
Low output of the rear heater in very cold weather is due to a restrictor in the T-coupling. A revised coupling is offered. (2000-01)
Oil leak:
An oil leak may be created by the front driveshaft hitting the oil filter on 4x4 models with the 7.4L engine. An adapter will relocate the filter. (2000)
Rough idle:
Debris buildup in throttle body leads to high accelerator pedal effort and/or uneven idle. Requires installation of an air bypass plug. (2000-02)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $390 |
| Alternator | $325 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,115 |
| Brakes | $375 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $890 |
| Exhaust System | $455 |
| Radiator | $555 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $665 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $610 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Tahoe details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2006 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $19,000-22,000 | $17,500-20,200 | $12,400-14,300 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $21,000-26,000 | $19,300-23,900 | $13,700-16,900 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $20,000-23,200 | $18,400-21,300 | $13,000-15,100 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $22,000-25,000 | $20,200-23,000 | $14,300-16,300 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $18,500-22,000 | $17,000-20,200 | $11,800-14,100 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $21,000-24,000 | $19,300-22,100 | $13,700-15,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $16,500-19,300 | $15,000-17,600 | $10,600-12,400 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $18,500-21,300 | $17,000-19,600 | $11,800-13,600 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $17,500-19,800 | $16,100-18,200 | $11,200-12,700 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $19,500-21,800 | $17,900-20,100 | $12,700-14,200 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $16,000-19,000 | $14,600-17,300 | $10,200-12,200 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $18,500-21,000 | $17,000-19,300 | $11,800-13,400 |
| 2004 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $14,500-16,800 | $13,200-15,300 | $9,000-10,400 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $15,800-18,200 | $14,400-16,600 | $10,100-11,600 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $15,000-17,400 | $13,700-15,800 | $9,500-11,000 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $16,300-18,700 | $14,800-17,000 | $10,400-12,000 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $14,200-16,500 | $12,900-15,000 | $8,700-10,100 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $15,700-18,000 | $14,300-16,400 | $10,000-11,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $11,900-13,500 | $10,700-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $12,800-14,900 | $11,600-13,600 | $7,300-8,500 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $12,400-14,000 | $11,200-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $13,200-15,300 | $12,000-13,900 | $7,700-8,900 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $11,800-13,500 | $10,600-12,200 | $6,600-7,600 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $12,800-14,800 | $11,600-13,500 | $7,300-8,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $9,300-10,800 | $8,400-9,700 | $4,800-5,600 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $10,300-11,600 | $9,300-10,400 | $5,500-6,100 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $9,700-11,200 | $8,700-10,100 | $5,000-5,800 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $10,700-12,000 | $9,600-10,800 | $5,700-6,400 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $9,200-10,800 | $8,300-9,700 | $4,800-5,600 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $10,200-11,500 | $9,200-10,400 | $5,300-6,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $7,000-10,000 | $6,200-8,900 | $3,300-4,700 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $7,700-10,800 | $6,900-9,700 | $3,900-5,400 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $7,400-10,300 | $6,700-9,300 | $3,700-5,200 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $8,200-10,800 | $7,400-9,700 | $4,200-5,500 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $6,800-10,000 | $6,100-8,900 | $3,200-4,700 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $7,500-10,800 | $6,800-9,700 | $3,800-5,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| Suburban 1500 2WD | $5,900-8,100 | $5,100-7,000 | $2,500-3,400 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | $6,600-9,100 | $5,800-8,000 | $3,000-4,200 |
| Suburban 2500 2WD | $6,300-8,300 | $5,500-7,300 | $2,800-3,700 |
| Suburban 2500 4WD | $7,000-9,500 | $6,200-8,500 | $3,300-4,500 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | $5,800-8,000 | $5,000-7,000 | $2,400-3,400 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | $6,500-9,000 | $5,700-7,900 | $2,900-4,100 |
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Tahoe include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Tahoe 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5050 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 108.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 9 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine for Tahoes was a 4.8-liter V8, rated at 275 horsepower. A 285-hp 5.3-liter V8 went into LS/LT Tahoes and the Suburban 1500. Standard engine for the Suburban 2500 was a 300-hp 6.0-liter V8 (raised to 320 horsepower in 2001). An 8.1-liter V8 with 340 horsepower became available for Suburban 2500s in 2001. All models had a 4-speed automatic transmission. For 2006, The 6.0-liter V8 is available for the first time in 1500 Suburbans as part of the LTZ package.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 4.8 / 292 | 275 | 290 | 4-speed automatic: 15/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.3 / 325 | 285 | 325 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 | 4-speed automatic: 12.9 |
| ohv V8 | 6.0 / 364 | 300-320 | 355-360 | 4-speed automatic: -- | 4-speed automatic: 9.8 |
| ohv V8 | 8.1 / 496 | 285 | 455 | 4-speed automatic: -- | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Tahoe include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Suburban |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000 Suburban:
Hydraulic pump driveshaft could fracture, resulting in immediate loss of power-steering assist; on vehicles with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition could result in loss of braking assist after the reserve pressure is depleted.
2000:
Clearance between front right-hand brake pipe and body cross sill could decrease to the point of allowing contact, which could result in damage and loss of brake fluid and pressure.
2000-01 Suburban:
Fuel pump wires in reservoir assembly may overheat under certain operating conditions; if ignition wire is exposed, fuel pump fuse will blow, causing engine stall or non-start condition or possible fuel leakage.
2000-01:
Rear wheelhouse plugs may be loose or missing, allowing exhaust gases to flow forward under certain conditions and accumulate in rear wheelhouse.
2000-02 Suburban:
In environmentally corrosive areas of specified "salt belt" states, unwanted antilock braking activation may occur, causing increased stopping distance during low-speed brake application.
2001:
Outboard-seatbelt retractors for the 2nd and 3rd row of seats could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could spread to the point such that the seatbelt would no longer lock.
2001-02 Tahoe:
Rearward folding head restraints may pinch and trap fingers if protective covers are not installed.
2003:
In certain extreme impacts frame cross member could tear fuel tank resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a fuel-tank shield on affected vehicles.
2003-04 Tahoe/Suburban:
Certain vehicles may have been produced with an out-of-specification brake relief valve, making steering difficult when braking. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003-05 Suburban:
Seatbelt routing for second-row center occupant may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the belt low around the occupant's hips.
2004-05 Suburban w/Bosch Hydro-Boost brake assembly:
Hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate during normal operating conditions, possibly issuing fragments and allowing fluid leakage.
2005 Suburban:
Brake-pedal pushrod retainer may be missing, which could result in loss of braking.
2005 Suburban:
Under certain vehicle-starting conditions, shift-lever position indicator in instrument panel may not illuminate.
2005 Suburban w/5.3-liter V8:
Engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screw could break, allowing fuel leakage and possible engine stalling; engine-compartment fire could occur if ignition source were present.
2005 Tahoe w/aftermarket leather seats:
Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction. If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. GM will purchase these vehicles for the full price paid for it (not exceeding the fair market value at the time it was bought), including taxes and fees, if the vehicle is returned to GM's possession by January 31, 2007. Through January 31, 2007, GM will also pay for the removal of any aftermarket accessories that may have been installed and return them to the customer.
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