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

'03 Tahoe

Written by: Shirley D. on 09/12/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

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

Review

While not the most gas efficient, considering the size, I still get an average of 17 mpg. I love it, it's comfortable, reliable and safe. Outside of the general oil changes, tire rotations and one recent brake job and a/c repair, I have not had to do anything to it but drive and enjoy it. Recommend to anyone. Good quality vehicle. Bought used in '03 with 35,000 miles, I now have over 119,000 on it and it is still going strong, looks and runs like new! Hope to keep it a few more years!

Favorite Features

Radio controls in the steering wheel and power seat controls

Suggested Improvements

Controls for back a/c should be more accomodating for driver. Front cup holders should be raised up higher.

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Best SUV ever

Written by: lovemytahoe on 09/06/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	8

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

A great choice for comfort and performance. 5.3 liter V8s are also Flex fuel which is a plus. We have gotten as high as 21 mpg. on the interstate at 80 mph burning gasoline. What a quiet highway vehicle, with power to spare for towing our jeep. Very few minor things have gone wrong, two replacements of the radio, a sensor etc. We love this vehicle and plan to keep it a long time

Never Getting Rid of It

Written by: Erin on 08/28/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

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

I purchsed this my 2003 Chevy Tahoe in August of '03 brand new right off the delivery truck and had loved it since. I've only had minor problems with it like the fuel pump going bad, 2 dead batteries, and bad starter. Besides all of that it has been very good to me. I don't plan to get rid of it ever. I recently gave it to my 15 y/o son as a gift for getting his permit when I purchsed the '08 Tahoe. Hoping for the same.

Folding mirrors, heated seats, size of the SUV, and handling.

Gas mileage, power

Great Truck

Written by: kstall3 on 08/08/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

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

I bought this truck used in 2004 with 19,000 miles. I have had very few problems in the last 4 four years. My fuel pump did go out, but I have observed that happens on all Chevy trucks, you have to factor that into the cost. My fuel economy is pretty good for having over 300 HP and 33inch tires (after market). I love this truck and don't have any plans to trade in.

The multiple storage areas. Great cup holders. The power is fine for big truck. I love the fold down seats for moving big items. The truck is great for moderate to heavy towing. With a little suspension and tire work this truck can look really mean.

The paint on my stereo has been comming off that last couple of months.

End of an Era

Written by: Marc on 05/26/2008


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

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.

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

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.

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Consumer Ratings & Reviews