2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With room for up to nine passengers, gutsy V8 engines and a long list of available options, it's no wonder the Tahoe is the best-selling fullsize sport-ute on the market.

Pros

Strong engines, roomy and versatile interior, numerous available amenities.

Cons

Spotty build quality, interior materials could use improvement.

What's New for 2003

The Tahoe gets a host of new upgrades for 2003. On the inside, you'll find new tri-zone climate controls, an enhanced driver-information center and a redesigned center console and instrument panel. New options includes second-row bucket seats and adjustable pedals. A revised lineup of entertainment options offers buyers a Bose audio system, as well as XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based entertainment system. For increased safety, there are dual-stage airbags, a standard front-passenger-sensing system, three-point belts for all second-row passengers and an available StabiliTrak stability control system on Tahoes with the 5300 V8. The braking system has been upgraded for what Chevrolet says is better pedal feel and performance and Tahoes sold in California are now fitted with a new catalytic converter that earns the truck ULEV certification. Deleted items on the Tahoe are minor. No longer standard are third-row floor mats, an underhood light, a 7-to-4 pin trailer brake adapter, an auxiliary door lock switch in the cargo area and a lock for the center console.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

End of an Era

Written by: Marc on 05/26/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	3	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	1	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Bought for its ability to go off-road, have only done that a handful of times. Lots of electrical gremlins, have had it in and out of the shop for repairs.

Favorite Features

Folding mirrors, heated lumbar seats, does provide commanding position on the road. Quiet on the highway.

Suggested Improvements

Obviously, MPG stinks (12 city - 17 HWY). Anemic engine for a vehicle this size. Doesn't have the cargo space I envisioned. Needs rear captain chair seating. Brakes are squishy. Reliability stinks.

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Great Family Car

Written by: hot mama on 03/08/2008


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

This car has been a great car for our family. We put on a lot of miles traveling all over town and it is for the most part very reiliable. There has only been minor problems with some electrical in this car. like a light won't work one day but will the next. It is extremely comfortable. In 2003 there was no other SUV on the market this roomy or comfortable. We have a Z71 package with a TV and that has also been a great delight for our kids

Comfort, styling, look

Electical problems

Money Pit

Written by: Kiki on 01/12/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

I love my Tahoe, but I have had many problems with it. The intermediate shaft's gone out twice. The actuator for the vent control's going out (will eventually lose control over where the a/c and heat come out). Speedometer cluster went out. Passenger window's getting slow. Steering wheel and driver door sqeak uncontrollably (door bolt costs $100 to fix). Chevy says actuator, intermediat shaft, and speedometer cluster problems are common in Tahoes with this body style. Not sure if I'll ever buy another one. All of the problems have been expensive and made me dislike the car that I once loved. Not worth the money. The new ones would have to be totally different for me to buy one.

Great gas mileage for the size. It's very comfortable to drive and ride in. Roomy and nice looking (inside and out).

Intermediate shaft is the pits. Many mechanical and design flaws that can hinder the likeability/operation of the Tahoe.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

2nd SUV

Written by: 2nd SUV on 10/19/2007


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	6

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS Rwd 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)

I bought the SUV new, and had some initial problems with the locks. It had to be taken to the dealership several times before they finally got the problem fixed. The front end wasn't aligned when I bought the SUV and it took two trips to get that properly aligned. At about 40000 miles, the speedometer quit working and the whole gauge unit had to be rebuilt. It now gets about 2 mpg less than when new. The only other repairs that have been needed is when my son literally drove it through a brick wall. It only had a couple of scratches and dents, and the exterior mirrors had to be replaced; but it was drivable and I made my son drive it until the garage got the parts to fix it.

Room, lots of room. Before this SUV, including a Jeep Grand Cherokee, I needed a trailer to carry everything on a trip. Our first trip with the Tahoe, left me asking, "Is that it?"

Add the 6.0L engine from the 2500HD to the Tahoe, needs more power.

1500,000 miles and Still Going

Written by: TMcCall on 09/14/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4 Dr STD 4WD SUV

I have had my Z71 Tahoe since I bought it brand new in 2003, and I have yet to change the brakes! Yes, I have triend to get someone to change them and they wouldn't do it becuase they told me the Tahoe didn't need them. Amazing. I owned a silverado before this and the ride difference is huge. I installed a K and N cold air intake system on it and my accelleration is so much better. I travel all over the Southeast driving an average of 30,000 miles/year and this is a chariot. By far the best vehicle I have ever owned. When this one dies on me I will buy another one to last me another 5 years.

Comfertable seats, Bose System, Great A/C and the best highway ride out there (Get Michelin tires)

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2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Consumer Ratings & Reviews