Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Consumer Reviews
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Realistic Review of 1996 Tahoe
sjbwis, 06/01/2013
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
All-in-all a great vehicle, though it had some problems. Bought vehicle w/115K miles in 2009 and got rid of recently when the tranny went kaput at 186K miles. Put about $3,500 in repairs. Biggest problems (other than the tranny) were the EGR & fuel pump (typical for Chevy trucks), ball joints and A/C compressor. Smaller items were heater control valve leaking and misc items breaking/failing. Can't complain though for a 16 year-old truck. Just make sure to purchase a Tahoe that hasn't towed a bigger trailer or boat (my mistake with this Tahoe). 2WD was very good in heavy winter snow. 4x4 was virtually unstoppable. The Chevy 350 will run forever without a problem if normal maintenance is done
Great for just about anything
ladymgr59, 09/28/2012
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Tahoe in 2009 with 124,000 with the vortex V8. We are now in 2012, I now have 224,000 miles & driving it everyday. Work out of state and no worries about it failing yet. We have taken long trips, with extra people, camped in it, hauled motorcycles, and trailers. Now l will be pulling a camper. Great Truck as I call it. No leak at all, Have had to replace the usual maintenance like brakes, water pump, alternator, starter, fuel pump, tires. Never had any trouble with motor or trans. All power interior works like new. Runs strong.
BLUE
Anthony, 03/24/2016
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
In my wildest dreams, I could not have built a better SUV. Bought in 2001 with 80 thsd on it. Tranny and engine blew within a year, but tranny was driver error. Engine (prior owner abuse), but free due to extended warranty. Parts replaced: t case seal, blinker/cruise control tree, water pump, alternator, sway bar links, brakes rotors and pads, coolant hoze, wires and plugs, windshield, shocks frot and back, upper and lower ball joints, battery, wiper fluid pump, and of course all fluids at recommended intervals. Normal wear and tear to be expected, and she has never let me down. Rain, sleet, snow, ice storms, blizzard, towing, 4 wheeling, car camping, pulling people out, Holidays, and road trips. I'm 6'3" and I can sit comfortably, in every seat of this beauty. I can pack in 4 people, and all their luggage comfortably, and still have room. 06 Denver blizzard, 6 feet of snow...not a problem, mountain trips to Aspen for camping, concerts, with all gear, coolers, media entertainment, chargers, and 7 hour drive one way, like butter. Roads closed down, and only way out a small, winding, treacherous road with 3 feet of snow, and incredible steep angles, yep.. no problem. Tail gating at Red rocks for large group of friends, done. Catering for 80 people, all food, deco, ovens, dish ware, and bar..all good. Technology has come and gone, with bells, whistles, and gimmicks, and this, Beauty has performed and then some. I have upgraded every area possible. from stereo, chip, tuning, burl wood dash kit, air filter, headers, wifi, tires, wheels, custom mats, etc. And at a fraction of the cost of a new SUV. And did i mention, arguably the best truck/ suv engine ever built. My peeps have gone trough 5- too many cars, and this beast, has stood the test of time. I call it my living room on wheels. It has the most head/leg room, ever, and the body style is timeless. I do the maintenance, and its well worth my time. Many memories made, that were not possible with out this Beauty, and many more to come!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love this truck
barron, 06/18/2010
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this sport model when it had 125,000 on it for $6000.00. The only items I have replaced was the fuel pump, alternator, water pump, and transfer case. And it has had a regular tune up. I replaced most of the Items when it had over 150,000 miles on it. It now has over 162,000 on it now and is still going strong. The only thing I don't like is how the rear door opens. On mine you open the window and the door folds down like a tail gate on a pickup truck. It goes great in the snow and does everything I ask of it. The body on mine is excellent. Mine has the 5.7 vortec in it. All of the parts replaced were original factory parts. Love this truck
Top Notch
David Blass, 04/29/2002
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Ahead of it's time.
Alternator & Battery Problems
waginc, 05/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted a truck so bad and finally was able to afford a used 96 Tahoe LT. I sold it last month after putting in 3 alternators and 4 Sears Gold Batteries in less than 1 1/2 years. I called Chevoret and they told me they would be happy to sell me a new one and did nothing for me in regards to the recurrent problem. It would last for 2 months than stall and quit.
The best SUV I have ever owned/driven
mike, 02/09/2009
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have only had my Tahoe for about a month. I've towed with it, used it for work and just driving with my family. I'm 25 yrs old and even the way I drive the truck still rides great, handles perfect, and I'm getting over 19mpg. Since the truck was used and had 168k miles on it when I bought it, it was really taken care of. The interior is luxury especially for a workable SUV.
Good as new!
Butch, 02/10/2009
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my '96 Tahoe, 4 door 2 wheel drive LT, brand new. It was easily the best vehicle of its type at the time. And I think it is still the best vehicle of its type after all these years. Masculine look. Heavier than the new SUV's that get blown around in the wind. It is a "truck"! I have used Mobil 1 5w30 Syn in it since about 25,000 miles. It now has over 130,000 miles. The inside of the engine looks like new. It does not use any oil. I have went as many as 8,000 miles between oil changes, but never more than a year. Mobil 1 fluids also in the transmission and rear end. Also syns in the brakes and steering pump. Valvoline. Truck still looks and drives almost like new. 22 mpg highway.
great truck
skyman, 02/11/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
102,000 miles with only one major repair when an injector failed. Great truck, holds so much more than any suv of it's time. I would highly recomend this truck.
All about my 1996 chev. Tahoe
Fred hoffman, 05/21/2016
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best vehicle ever owned bought new 20 years ago burgundy with silver bottom loaded 65200 original miles no rust or repaint all original. Better built than the new one,s. No comparison. Not for sale I could drive for a very long time. Solid but very well taken care of. That's the answer to long life.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
my 2 door baby tahoe
pointdexter, 06/22/2009
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2dr SUV 4WD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchase this truck in 2000 my baby is a 1996 2door 4x4 and what a story i have about this truck. in 2005 this baby was stolen and found strip the whole interior, door panels even the carpet everything was stolen they only left the dashboard, found a salvage yard and had the interior replace, also my transmission been replace twice, but I still like this truck I always get offers by people who see my truck, I have 165 k miles on this girl but she still runs and look new.
awesome
blue beauty, 06/26/2009
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this suv from a friend and it was in excellent shape it looked brand new all that we really needed to fix was the engine and buy new wipers but it is the best suv I have ever had....
It's a Man's Truck!
IT'S A MAN'S TRUCK, 09/08/2009
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well I had a 2001 surburban, got rid of it and bought the 96 tahoe.. Strong truck.. Transfer Case went out on 4x4.. Other than that I have 235,990 on it now.. Truck runs great no problem.. Oh yeah did change the intake gasket.. Great truck..
4 Transmissions in 4 Years
dhawk, 08/30/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Tahoe. I love it so much that I keep putting transmissions in it instead of getting rid of it. Just two days ago it ate its fourth transmission. Apparently there is a defect (complete with s TSB to fix it) that makes these trucks eat transmissions. Unfortunately, GM doesn't feel they owe the owners for the transmissions or the fix. Other than that, the truck is awesome. It will tow a boat, trailer, or car. It will haul your family and all their luggage. While driving, you feel totally safe. My gas mileage averages about 17 mpg and the ride is smooth.
Great Fun
freedrfreed, 07/11/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the comfort and stlye and the power comes in real hande when you need it,towes very well.my truck has 220,000 miles with a new motor{rebuilt} and the only thing that broke was my rear end but after 220,000 miles I paid the $1,500 to repaire it and never looked back and tow a 4,500 pound boat with no promblem, but this truck is a gas sucker but it handles and does so much work for you I won't sell mine.
Workhorse
Magnus, 07/17/2006
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned for over 10 years, great for the family, boat and overall workhorse. Only wished I had purchased the larger Suburban. Chevy should build all thier car/trucks this well.
Favorite Vehicle
Dave, 05/29/2007
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I regret having to sell this truck mostly due to the gas prices nowadays. Me being over 6'0 tall, I really do appreciate all the room this truck offers. I have not yet had any type of major engine problem (only replaced the water pump and alternator recently) and the engine still runs smooth. I really encourage anyone who does not have to drive long distances regularly and have kids then look at getting one too. Especially if you live in a winter or rugged enviornment.
Lemmmmon
HenrytheDog , 06/14/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It seems chevy put explosive bolts in this thing. After 36k miles it's undependable. Compressor, transmission, alt., coil, ign switch, electronic trans case, etc.. This thing has been towed 4 times to the dealer.
As good a vehicle as my 450sl
John Ridgway, 03/19/2016
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe 2dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
You will love it and keep it until someone takes it from you.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The BIG one.
housebuilder, 08/28/2002
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my tahoe at auction today. It is a big nice truck. I just sold an s-10 and would never go into a smaller truck again.
Great truck
me343, 12/26/2002
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
100,000 miles on a 96 no problems
I LOVE MY TAHOE
Go4everFst, 01/06/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I could not be more happy with my 96 2Dr Sport. I have a DVD player and a system that Snoop Dog would say turn that down. but i could not have asked for a better truck.
Roys Rating
Royoftex, 01/11/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had few problems with my Tahoe and this was unexpected being I bought it used with close to 70000 miles, but I am extremely pleased with the performance.
Great Truck
charley, 06/10/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this truck! It has almost 160,000 mile and has had very few problems. I can always count, great towing power, great sound and comfort! I never want to get rid of it!
Looking for new owner!
Brent Rheinheimer, 07/27/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has tow package. First three years used to pull boat. Not since. Great SUV. No rust or dents. Paint is in very good condition. Mobile One oil since first oil change. All papers on service avaiable. Life time brakes. New Full set of new tires this year. New battery 2003.
Lovemytruck!
MacDaddy, 02/28/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck to upgrade from a Ford Explorer and never looked back. I have had no major problems with this truck. It has been a pleasure to drive as my primary vehicle. I love this truck and would recommend it to anyone. One thing I'd recommend is changing the original tires (235/70/16) to (255/70/16) they are wider and taller. It made the best difference in ride and handling. If you can get your hands on a good used Tahoe in good condition, grab and hang on to it!
Happy with my Tahoe
dhill, 11/03/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has excellent power on demand. It has been a good toe car and given me very few problems. Of course you get typical GM stuff like the transfer case going bad in the drive train when I hardly ever use 4WD anyway. Overall, two thumbs up.
Seems like a "One of a kind" SUV
Rudys, 07/21/2005
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought it new, and it still looks like new, on the outside. Even though it's 9 years old, it makes rattling noises like a rattlesnake inside. The exterior looks like a classic, well- built beauty! As for the interior, seems that Chevy ran out of money, and put cheap plastic everywhere. What's with the sound system anyway? It sounds like all of the speakers are blown. Has anyone had trouble with the rearview mirror? The mirror keeps falling off of the windshield.
Love it till Tran droped
Pardoe1, 01/22/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved my Tahoe Great power and almost no problems in 2 years. Just a fuel pump. That was covered by extended warenty. BUT @ 111000miles the transmission droped 3rd and 4th and I was in the middle of no where. Limped it home and find the company I bought extended warenty from is belly up and dealer says oh well. I'm going to see if I can get a Allison trans in this thing.
96 Tahoe
driesterer, 02/26/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
126000 miles. no rust, no breakdowns, uses less than 1/2 quart every 3000 miles. nice truck.
TAHOE MAN
BEAGLEHOE, 03/18/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2 door Tahoe LT used and have had it for 6 months now. I spent a total of around 2K in repairs & maintenance in the first two months of owening it. It needed these repairs and since then I haven't had any real problems (knock on wood). I love this car b/c i believe in Chevy & its gona be a classic Monster truck one day.
Solid Vehicle (so far)
calljunior, 07/24/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this vehicle for 2 year and other than corrosion on the + battery cable it has been a champ inside and out. Now at 60k miles it's developed a "whine" that appears to be coming from somewhere in the engine compartment so I'm holding my breath a bit...wondering. I've run across some vehicles I'd like to own but I just can't justify letting go of what has been such a reliable SUV. I'm crossing my fingers for another good 60k miles.
Reliable
Brad English, 09/22/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck/suv based on the look, but was soon won over by the power and versatility of this truck/suv. It has done everything I have asked it to do, and more. I regularly pull a 1989 24' travel trailer with it and it has not problems doing so. I thought the Tahoe would have problem with such an old heavy trailer, but it doesn't.
Transmission problems
bittle, 10/24/2004
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had to replace parts of the transmission three different times in the last two years. Head gasket replaced twice in same time. Timing chain replaced. EGR valve gone bad twice, and replaced 3 of 4 o2 sensors and still have trouble. Other than that, we like our Tahoe.
Nice Vehicle
rick, 07/01/2005
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I always wanted a Tahoe, and luck was on my side at my local dealer. An older getleman traded a 1996 Tahoe in for a new one. The vechicle only had 36,000 actual miles! It has been a very good and pleasant experience so far. The mileage is about 17mpg which is pretty good. The only big problem was a miss it developed. It took the dealer several days to find the problem which turned out to be a bad plug and wire. The computer stated it was a misfire and the plug was the last thing checked. It runs fine now and is a joy to drive.
Love my Tahoe
Celtfire, 01/17/2006
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Tahoe for about 2 years. I absolutely LOVE it. The previous owner really rode it hard but she is still truckin'. I had to put a rebuilt trany in her when I bought her but I've had zero problems outside of the normal wear and tear. I just had a baby and I call her my rad mommy wagon. You won't catch me behind the wheel of a minivan. Her interior trim rattles inside at highway speeds and the windshield pops everytime I shut the door. The rear wiper desides when it wants to work and the paint on the top center of the hood is peeling. The CD player will not play when the truck is cold. All very minor problems that are easily corrected.
We call her "BIG RED"
Deborah, 06/28/2006
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
She is a beauty & a real tall truck with big tires. I love my truck! I can never wait to drive it. We have 4 cars, so this one's dedicated to towing RV. The tires and the huge engine result in some poor mileage from this gas engine when towing. Hwy 2, Washington State is a real hard pull for anything less than a mighty diesel, but Big Red handles the job quite fine. We get about 9 mpg for that tough pull. Hiway we get 14 mpg but the monster tires r 2 blame. This is one sexy truck that gets looks everywhere I go. Both men & women try to catch a glance of what is behind the limo tinted glass with the real big bass. We'll invest money in her & keep her 4-ever! This truck rocks.
A Classic
4CHVY, 01/22/2007
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
105K miles on it and the only major repair was a water pump, o2 sensor and serpentine belt. Still looks cool. I still get compliments and offers to buy it.
safe, reliable and tough
ROLO, 03/25/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have ad this vehicle for 7 years now-- -its about time to get a new one, but i have a hard time getting rid of this one--i still love it. it had had a few problems --ex--bad intake manifold gasket--at 6 years---$25 part with much labor--other than that no real problems except for normal wear and tear---i have 93000 miles and still going strong- -its a beast in the snow and great for towing--i would get another TAHOE---but not if prices keep getting out of reach.
Love this car
BigBrit66, 04/11/2007
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As others have said, this too was my first car. Being a typical high school kid this car took a beating, now I am older it is still reliable and I have had few problems with it. One thing I will say is that GM does not build very good drive trains, but the rest of the car makes up for this. It handles great on the road, and unlike most SUV's has very minimal body roll, it can also tow plenty and remain stable. The Z71 editions are great for offroad, decent ground clearnace and skid-plates help, I have taken mine to Moab many times and it works great. Bottom line is these things keep going and going, as long as they are maintained. I have 150K on mine!
Best trucks on the road
alphaecho4386, 04/19/2007
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely love this truck. I've always wanted a Tahoe, amazing room, excellent power, parts are easy to find, and just really nifty features like the underhood reel light, and storage box. I go to college and even though gas just ain't cheap, I never complain. This truck is just worth every penny. Gas mileage is not too bad for a full size truck. My friends and I take "the bus" whenever we head out as everything, and one, can fit in it. It works great around town, the turning radius and sight lines are excellent. And on the highway it hauls and cruises down the road. It's scarily fun to drive this 5k pound rig!
A dealer's delight
steffko, 04/07/2007
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I bought this in 2000 with 60K on it. She loves it, and it loves the local Chevy garage. We have replaced the fuel pump at 90K, the alternator at 95K, the tranny at100K (as everyone I know with a '96 has), the old style transfer case solenoid with the new/improved version, and have put two batteries in it. It also has a drinking problem. I top off the coolant about once a month. It now has a leak out of the rear seal of the transfer case (which I'll fix if it ever stops snowing), as well as lifter rattle and high oil pressure readings when first started. The a/c crapped out last year as well. But to borrow an old juice ad, I never have to say, Wow, wish I had a V8 because when the 350 rocks, she rocks!
Great Go-Anywhere Truck
GM Lover, 05/10/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am convinced that this is the all time best SUV\Truck ever built. I was 17 and i beat the hell out of it for about a year and a half before i grew up, the truck never even blinked an eye. It has monster HP and Torque, i did a few modifications and the HP is around 330 now and the torqu about 400 ft\lbs, destroys a lot of sports cars. Being a very wide truck it handels like a dream, never been a problem, the back wheels will spin before the truck flips over. It has got me through everything, ski trips in nor' easters, 4 foot blizzards, beach driving, some heavy off-roading i'm sure GM wouldn't like even a flood with water over the hood!!!
Great Go-Anywhere Truck
kirkivich, 05/10/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am convinced that this is the all time best SUV\Truck ever built. I was 17 and i beat the hell out of it for about a year and a half before i grew up, the truck never even blinked an eye. It has monster HP and Torque, i did a few modifications and the HP is around 330 now and the torqu about 400 ft\lbs, destroys a lot of sports cars. Being a very wide truck it handels like a dream, never been a problem, the back wheels will spin before the truck flips over. It has got me through everything, ski trips in nor' easters, 4 foot blizzards, beach driving, some heavy off-roading i'm sure GM wouldn't like even a flood with water over the hood!!!
Farewell GM
Dallas Driver, 05/08/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good experience to a point. Vehicle is 7 yrs old, only 42,000 mi. Front passenger seat EZ release cable breaks frequently resul;ting in 2hr labor fee. Now a head gasket is leaking. Have been told this is common to this engine. Had a shifting sensor go out at 26,000 mi. Battery tray problem resulted in leaking battery and corrosion.My previous SUV was an '89 K5 Blazer-paint peeled,factory engine defect resulted in engine overhaul at 81,000 mi and tranny went out at 90,000mi. all at my cost. Chevy engines seem to have built in problems.
GREAT TAHOE
quorum, 02/06/2003
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i'm 16 and i just got my tahoe for x- mas. so far it's been fun to drive on and off road. having no problems with over 100000 miles.
Love my hoe
Kelsie, 02/15/2016
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 16 and my dad gave me his old Tahoe when I got my license. I love driving it, and it's really good in the snow. It has a great amount of space, and I can fit a lot of my friends in it. I highly recommend this Tahoe
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value