1996 Chevy Tahoe Review
1996 Chevy Tahoe Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
For 1996, Tahoe gets 50 additional horsepower and more torque out of a new 5700 V8. Other improvements include rear-seat heating ducts, quieter-riding P-metric tires, improved automatic transmissions and extended interval service schedules. Daytime running lights are new for 1996.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe 2dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$293/mo
Tahoe Base
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Compact sport-utility vehicles get most of the attention nowadays, but for folks with big families--or scads of goods to lug around--they're just not spacious enough inside. Chevy dashes forth this year with an answer: a four-door version of the full-size Tahoe, marketed since spring of 1995 alongside the shorter-wheelbase two-door. That one was formerly known as the K-Blazer, but Chevrolet now restricts the Blazer badge to compact sport-utes, to avoid confusion.
At a glance, the four-door Tahoe and Suburban look nearly identical, but a Tahoe measures 20 inches shorter. That means it's more likely to fit into a normal garage. Beneath the hood sits a brand-new Vortec 5700 gasoline V8, rated 250 horsepower. That's 50 more ponies than the 1995 Tahoe. Aren't you glad now that you had to wait so long to get one? Two-door Tahoes can be equipped with a diesel instead of the Vortec 5700.
Also new for 1996 are rear seat heater ducts, a revised armrest storage compartment with the 60/40 split bench seat, and a new interior color called Neutral. Outside, daytime running lights have been added, and two new paint colors are available. Tahoes get new P-metric tires for a quieter ride. A two-wheel drive two-door Tahoe has been added to the lineup, though we wonder who will buy it.
From the driver's seat forward, Tahoes are virtually identical to full-size pickups. Space is massive up front. Capable of towing as much as 7,000 pounds, four-door Tahoes seat either five or six, and an underbody-mounted spare tire helps boost cargo space. The driver faces a new airbag and revised instrument panel. A passenger airbag is not available.
On the Interstates, a Tahoe rides nicely, but the wide body takes some getting used to if you're accustomed to compacts. Turning onto smaller roads, it suddenly feels more like a truck. Easy to control either way, the sizable machine is reasonably maneuverable, if driven with discretion. The V8 is strong, and the four-speed automatic transmission shifts neatly.
Think about the "entry assist" running boards if your regular riders aren't so nimble. They help. So do the robust grab bars that ease entry into the rear seats. Rear cargo doors are standard, but a lift glass version is available.
Because Chevrolet targets customers with an income of $85,000 a year, luxury conveniences are part of the Tahoe package. The typical prospect is an upscale 40-year-old man who currently drives a Ford Explorer and is attracted to a vehicle's size and power. Those attributes, the Tahoe has in abundance, as does its little-different GMC Yukon counterpart.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe.
5 star(58%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Realistic Review of 1996 Tahoe
sjbwis, 06/01/2013
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV 4WD
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
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great for just about anything
ladymgr59, 09/28/2012
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV
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.
5 out of 5 stars
BLUE
Anthony, 03/24/2016
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD
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!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love this truck
barron, 06/18/2010
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 2dr SUV 4WD
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
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- N/A
- MPG & Fuel
- 12 City / 16 Hwy / 14 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 30.5 gal. capacity
- Drivetrain
- Type: four wheel drive
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 250 hp @ 4,600 rpm
- Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 188.5 in. / Height: 72.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 77.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,731 lbs.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
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More about the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Overview
The Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe is offered in the following submodels: Tahoe SUV. Available styles include 2dr SUV 4WD, 2dr SUV, LS 2dr SUV, LT 4dr SUV, LT 4dr SUV 4WD, LT 2dr SUV, LT 2dr SUV 4WD, LS 2dr SUV 4WD, LS 4dr SUV 4WD, and LS 4dr SUV. Pre-owned Chevrolet Tahoe models are available with a 5.7 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 250 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Can't find a used 1996 Chevrolet Tahoes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials
Check out Chevrolet Tahoe lease specials
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