Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet Tahoe
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	GMC Yukon Holden Suburban(in Australia & New Zealand) Chevrolet Blazer (in Brazil)
Production	1992–present (Yukon) 1995-present (Tahoe)
Predecessor	Chevrolet K-Blazer/GMC K5 Jimmy
Class	Full-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

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 mid-size S-10 Blazer as the Blazer, renaming the full-size Blazer as the Tahoe.

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

1992

GMT400
Production	1992–1999 Yukon 1992–1994 Blazer 1995–1999 Tahoe 1995–1999 Silverado (Mexico)
Assembly	Janesville, Wisconsin Arlington, Texas Silao, Mexico
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Platform	GM GMT400 platform
Engine(s)	5.7 L 200 hp V8 (1992-1995) Vortec 5700 5.7 L 255 hp V8 (1996-1999)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2-Door: 111.5 in (2832 mm) 4-Door: 117.5 in (2985 mm)
Length	1992-97 2-Door: 188.5 in (4788 mm) 1998-99 2-Door: 188.0 in (4775 mm) 1995-97 4-Door: 199.1 in (5057 mm) 1998-99 4-Door: 199.6 in (5070 mm) Denali: 201.4 in (5116 mm)
Width	2-Door: 77.1 in (1958 mm) 1995-97 4-Door: 76.4 in (1941 mm) 1998-99 4-Door: 76.8 in (1951 mm) Yukon Denali: 78.8 in (2002 mm)
Height	1992-97 2-Door: 72.4 in (1839 mm) 1995-97 4-Door 2WD: 70.2 in (1783 mm) 1995-97 4-Door 4WD: 72.0 in (1829 mm) 1998-99 Tahoe 2-Door 4WD: 72.5 in (1842 mm) 1998-99 Tahoe 4-Door 4WD: 72.4 in (1839 mm) 1998-99 Tahoe 2-Door 4WD: 70.8 in (1798 mm) 1998-99 Tahoe 4-Door 4WD: 70.3 in (1786 mm) 1998-99 Yukon 4-Door 2WD: 72.8 in (1849 mm) 1998-99 Yukon 4-Door 4-Door 4WD: 75.0 in (1905 mm) Yukon Denali: 74.3 in (1887 mm)
Curb weight	2-Door: 4500 lbs. 4-Door=5500 lbs.
Related	Chevrolet Suburban GMC Suburban

GMT400 GMC Yukon GT

1995-96 Chevrolet Tahoe

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. The two door weighs roughly 4500 pounds while the four door weighs approximately 5500 ponds. "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·lbf

2000

GMT800 Chevrolet Tahoe police

GMT800
Production	2000-2006
Assembly	Janesville, Wisconsin Arlington, Texas Silao, Mexico
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Platform	GM GMT800 platform
Engine(s)	4.8L 275 hp V8 5.3L 285 hp V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4L60-E automatic
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2946 mm)
Length	2000-01 Tahoe & 2000-06 Yukon & Denali: 198.9 in (5052 mm) 2002-03 Tahoe: 196.9 in (5001 mm) 2004-06 Tahoe: 198.8 in (5050 mm)
Width	78.9 in (2004 mm) 2004-06 Tahoe: 78.8 in (2002 mm)
Height	2000-01 Tahoe: 74.2 in (1885 mm) 2000-06 Yukon 2WD & 2004-06 Tahoe 4WD: 76.7 in (1948 mm) 2000-06 Yukon 4WD/Denali & 2002-03 2WD Tahoe: 76.5 in (1943 mm) 2002-03 Tahoe 4WD: 76.3 in (1938 mm) 2004-06 Tahoe 2WD: 74.8 in (1900 mm)
Related	Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade Hummer H2

The Chevy Tahoe Limited Edition was offered for the 2000 model year, but based on the first generation model platform. The Tahoe Limited was produced for only one model year. According to research, there were 8,905 units produced -- all in black. The Tahoe Limited was originally badged as the Tahoe SS (concept in 1995), but GM brass disliked the idea of an "SS" at a time when insurance companies were already demanding higher premiums for SUVs. Ronal 16" wheels, brakes borrowed from the Chevrolet Suburban, beefy Bilstein shocks, a two-tone leather interior, and a 120 mph gauge cluster were among the standard features in the Tahoe Limited. A body that sat 2" lower than normally aspired Tahoes, along with an all black grille, fog lights set in the front bumper and side skirts gave the Tahoe Limited a more aggressive stance -- which is said to have been originally inspired by a Tahoe Police Package shown at the 1996 SEMA Show.

Other than the Tahoe Limited Edition, the vehicles was 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 (350ci) small-block V8, 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

GMT900
Production	2007–present
Assembly	Janesville, Wisconsin Arlington, Texas
Platform	GMT900
Engine(s)	4.8L 295 hp V8 5.3L 320 hp V8 6.2L 380 hp V8 (Yukon Denali & 2008 Tahoe LTZ)
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4L60-E automatic 6-speed 6L80 automatic (Yukon Denali only)
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2946 mm)
Length	202.0 in (5131 mm)
Width	79.0 in (2007 mm)
Height	76.9 in (1953 mm) Yukon Denali: 77.0 in (1956 mm) Hybrid: 74.6 in (1895 mm) Tahoe Hybrid 4WD: 74.8 in (1900 mm)
Fuel capacity	26 gal.
Related	Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade

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/Chrysler 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.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid

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 the GMT800 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 Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Both the old and new versions get 15-16 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) in town.

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	295 hp (220 kW)	305 ft·lbf (414 N·m)	does not feature active fuel management
2007–	5.3 L	Vortec 5300 V8	320 hp (239 kW)	340 ft·lbf (461 N·m)	standard on 2WD models
2007–	5.3 L	Vortec 5300 V8	320 hp (239 kW)	340 ft·lbf (461 N·m)	FlexFuel; standard on 4WD models
2007–	6.2 L	Vortec 6200 V8	380 hp (283 kW)	417 ft·lbf (565 N·m)	Yukon Denali only; does not feature active fuel management

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 USD$51,160 for standard Yukon Denali to $58,710 for a loaded top-of-the-line Yukon XL Denali.

1999

GMT400 GMC Yukon Denali

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

2005 GMC Yukon Denali

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 slightly reworked headlights with projector-beam lenses differentiate the Yukon Denali from the regular Yukon. 2001 also saw the introduction of the billet grille which now has become the hallmark of the Denali nameplate.

2007

2007 GMC Yukon Denali

The Yukon Denali was redesigned for the 2007 model year alongside the regular mainstream Yukon. The only exterior difference between the Yukon EPADenali and the standard Yukon remains to be the billet grille; and of course the insignias, embeveled rockerpanels, chromed headlights and the Vortec 6200 engine which it shares with the Cadillac Escalade.

Hybrid vehicle

Tahoe made its hybrid electric debut in fall, 2007. In January, 2008, starting price was USD$50,540.

Black 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrids have replaced the GMC Yukon Denalis on CBS's hit-series CSI. However the GMC Yukon Denali XL is still being used as the CSI's mobile lab/command vehicle.

EPA fuel economy

Year	Model	City MPG	Hwy MPG
2008	1500 2WD 4.8 L	14	19
2008	1500 2WD 5.3 L	14	20
2008	1500 2WD 6.2 L	12	19
2008	Hybrid 2WD 6 L	21	22

The Apprentice make-your-own-ad contest

The 2007 Tahoe was featured on and promoted through Donald Trump's TV series, 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.

The Tahoe in foreign countries

In Brazil the Tahoe GMT800 is officially sold and registered under the name of "Blazer", as the original Blazer's were never sold in Brazil in large amounts. The GMT800 is also widely used by Brazilian elite police units, such as the BOPE (Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais) in Rio de Janeiro and the ROTA (Rondas Ostensivas Tobias de Aguiar) and GATE (Grupo de Ações Taticas Especiais) in São Paulo. It is also used by the São Paulo State Police and the Rio Grande do Sul State Police in large numbers.