2002 Chevrolet Tahoe

Authenticity matters in the sport-utility vehicle market—especially for the full-size ones. Some try to conceal their truck origins. Chevrolet's full-size Tahoe almost flaunts its heavy-duty foundation, though that admission is softened somewhat this year by what the company claims is a "premium ride."


Competing against the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, the Tahoe measures 198.8 inches long overall, on a 116-inch wheelbase. Curb weight with two-wheel drive is a hefty 4,828 pounds, while a 4WD system tacks on an additional 242 pounds. If those figures sound large, consider that Chevrolet's Suburban is even bigger yet.

Base Tahoes are discontinued for '02. The three remaining levels are Z71 4x4 (above), LT (not shown), and LS (4x4 model pictured here). LS and LT are available in both 2WD and 4WD.

Last redesigned for 2000, the modern-day Tahoe has a heritage more than three decades long. (GMC offers same-platform SUVs that bear Yukon badges.) Tahoes come in three trim levels: LS, LT and Z71 off-road. (Base models have been dropped for 2002.) Aimed at "adventurous" outdoors enthusiasts, the Z71 features new body-colored components for 2002, including a roof rack that incorporates an integral roller for easier luggage loading up top. A specially tuned suspension uses specific shock absorbers with standard stabilizer bars. Its locking rear differential and burly P265/70R17 tires help with traction in difficult conditions.


Z71 models also feature tubular assist steps, wheel flares, front bucket seats, and machined cast-aluminum wheels. Skidplates protect vital underbody parts, while GM's satellite-based OnStar emergency/communications system is on call at any time. OnStar is also standard in the Tahoe LT and optional for the LS. The Vortec 4800 (4.8-liter) V-8 engine goes into the Tahoe LS, while the LT gets a 5.3-liter version, producing 285 horsepower rather than the 4.8-liter's 275 horses. Torque output is 35 lb.-ft. greater with the bigger V-8. Running on regular gasoline, both engines are mated to four-speed automatic transmissions.

Only 10 horses separate the base 4.8-liter V-8 and optional 5.3-liter version, but the latter (pictured) produces 35 more lb.-ft. of torque and can also handle ethanol-content fuel.

Great gas mileage is not in the cards for the Tahoe, despite a 20-mpg highway estimate from the EPA for 2WD models with the smaller V-8. Pick the 5.3-liter V-8 and four-wheel drive, and the estimate dips to 17 mpg. The EPA's city-driving figure is 14-15 miles per gallon. (If you can achieve that, you're driving mighty gently.)