Used 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Love My 1999 Chevy Tahoe
I can honestly say I really enjoy the reliability of my 1999 Chevy Tahoe with it's powerful 5.7 liter engine. I am a HVAC and water-proofing contractor and this truck exceeds all my expectations. I also charter fish on Lake Erie and this vehicle tows my Sea-Ray with little effort. I had to replace the fuel pump a couple years ago..and get a tune-up after 140 K miles, but let me tell Chevy cannot improve much on this vehicle.
Made In The USA SUV with good towing capability
I bought the vehicle used in 2014 at only 69,000 miles for $2,680.00, I know buying a 15 years old vehicle even with the low mileage was very risky, however what the heck I have good mechanical ability. Gas mileage is a joke for this truck, I think I am going to make a bumper sticker that said "I am supporting OPEC, one full gas tank at the time". It doesn't help my truck had the towing package with 3.73 rear diff gearing, even freeway driving only give me about 15 MPG. Of course in the SoCal freeway we need to drive at 80MPH to keep up with the traffic flow, and this high speed doesn't help. So the first thing you will have to replace on the 5.7L vortec (L31 Engine), is the intake manifold gasket and replace the coolant with the regular green prestone stuff. This would cost at the minimum about $700 at the dealership. So learn how to do this yourself. Second, make sure you drain and replace filter on the auto transmission fluid, and while you at it might as well install the corvette servo and Transgo shift kit (4L60E-HD2). This make your slush box shift a little quicker and actually make the the heavy vehicle feels lighter on its wheels. Third, check the high pressure power steering hose, most of the time this will also go bad. Fourth, check the brakes and replaced all worn out parts, this vehicle have a very underrated braking system thus you need it at the tip top conditions just to have a decent stopping distance. I also replaced the brake master cylinder to the NBS Tahoe (2001-2003) master cylinder. This help the braking a little but caution still needed when driving this heavy vehicle. Fifth, tune up by replacing the plugs, dist. rotor and cap, and belt. I don't see the need to replace the plug wires on tune up. Use the good oil for older high mileage vehicle, like Valvoline Maxlife. Other things that needed to repair on mine: 1. Passenger door latch - bent, caused difficulty in opening the door. 2. Power window main switch - rear passenger window will not work from the driver controller. 3. Radio light off - didn't fix yet. 4. Vanity mirror light and cover off the sunshade broken - didn't fix yet. 5. Cracked top dashboard - GM used a very low quality plastic in my opinion, all the interior plastics are suspect and especially the top dash cover. 6. Headlights sometimes dimmed - didn't fix yet and not really sure why. 7. Drive shaft u joint broke - this got me and the family stranded in the middle of the freeway and required towing, and the repair and replacement cost for the damage to drive shaft and transmission yoke was a little over $900.00 almost half the value of the truck. I should just left this beast on the 15 Freeway, but i just loved it too much. The way you sit high and have good visibility at all angle it's just priceless! It's also good for towing, even just towing the uhaul trailer. This truck inside creaks and groan as you drive through rough surface and the dash completely rattling during driving through an unimproved road, but still I loved it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- LS 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995203 mi away
- LS 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,995203 mi away
- LS 4dr SUVMSRP: $19,999609 mi away
They don't make them like they use to!
I have a 99 Tahoe Z71 powered by a LT1/340hp V8 (Yes, its original). Rear axle seals have always been a problem. Finally had to replace the axles. Brakes a huge problem; finally replaced with "greenstuff brakes", the jury is still out on that verdict. Transmission and engine still real strong after 121k miles. It's all the small stuff; power steering pump, alternator, fuel pump. However, try to tow 8000 pounds with your Toyota over the PA mountains! Gas mileage is 14/17. I can only use super unleaded fuel. I had to replace the entire exhaust system because both cats went out at 90k miles. Absolutely crazy; cats usually outlast the vehicle.
Prime Example Of American Trucks!
This is my 2nd go round with a tahoe. My first was a 97 and was an excellent rig! My current tahoe is a 99 and basicly reflects the 97 i had but has a few more cool options, Heated seats, Rear AC for the kiddos, This rig is hard to beat for the money spent. I paid $3800 for this 99 and it has 170K on it and still going strong. The Engine performs excellent, has great power and tows my 7000lb boat all the time. I read a few reviews of people bashing the transmissions in these tahoes but if you take care if it it will return the favor ( I.E. DO NOT TOW HEAVY LOADS IN OVER DRIVE! ) and treat it to a nice trans cooler and it will last forever. All in all this is an excellent SUV for the money!
Great SUV
I've owned a 94, 98, and 99 Tahoe, all of which have been exceptional vehicles. My 99 currently has 174k, looks great, sounds great, and has been very reliable. It might be slightly more expensive on gas than most vehicles, but the cheap maintenance more than makes up for it. At 140k I replaced the mechanism that opens the driver-side door. It was an easy fix and I was able to do it on my own in about 20 minutes. At 150k I had to replace the fuel pump. From what I understand this is a fairly common fix. Be sure to replace it with a GM factory fuel pump. 174k and only $800 spent on nonroutine maintenance! Looking forward to many years on the road!
Crunch
I gotta tell you all, I have been rear ended twice and both vehicles have just crumpled under the might of the tahoe. Not even a scratch or dent left on it. There is enough power to crawl over cars and make your own road. Install a grill guard and strike fear into all that drive slow in the fast lane. If thats not enough, install fog lamps. Once I ran over a civic and thought it was a pop can.
Tahoe is the alpha dog of SUVs
I have to say my Tahoe LT (fully loaded) has been a great, great, vehicle. Drivetrain and 5.7 Vortec engine delivers. Plenty of room for people and my Siberian Husky in the back too (who loves the rear A/C) Aggressive BF Goodrich All Terrain T/As (functionally large but not monster truck silly) make Tahoe the big dog in the yard. A balanced truck with Bilstein gas charged shocks that rides like a dream on or off the road. Love the 4WD, towing capabilities, and the heated leather seats. I may not get the best gas mileage at $4.35/gal for Premium, but the power is there when I need it, and will safely win the physics game in the unfortunate event there is a collision.
Rock Solid - like the ads
My Tahoe has performed admirably. Delivered with one defect - passenger seat lumbar didn't work - it stands as the most solid new car I have ever purchased. Oddly enough, it replaced a Lexus LS400 that was never right! This machine can take a beating, haul anything and never fails to perform. 2 months sitting while I travel and starts on the first turn of the key.
Tahoe LS
Good vehicle overall. Can take severe abuse and still hold up.
Slippage! But no clunk
My parents bought this Tahoe brand new and we havent had any problems..but about 2 months ago when we took a sharp turn the wheel would slip...felt like it just quit turning then it would come back...but that is our only..problem in fact in Febuary or so we are gettin another Tahoe or suburban...great vehicle to learn in...
99 Tahoe
very good vehicle for family use...spacious..comfortable...good front and rear air.......strong motor..good style
Great Vehicle
This vehicle has been good for everything. Very comfortable on long trips. Never had any major mechanical problems. Hauls large equipment weights. Plenty of space. I think it is great
What is wrong with these brakes?
We love this car for comfort, but we are changing brakes every 20,000 miles. We were told by a GMC salesman that there was a glitch in the design which was corrected on later models, but cannot get this confirmed by GM mechanics.
Big Footprint
This is a large, powerful vehicle. First american vehicle I have owned in 20 years. GM continues to have decent quality. Needed some interior room and got it with the Tahoe - truly spacious and accommodating. Handles well on hwy and in city. Brakes are poor but adequate. Mantenance costs are reasonable. My gas mileage is approx 16 city and 18 hwy - I understand this is relatively good for this vehicle. Joy to drive.
Great Truck
My Tahoe has a Monroe Sport Truck conversion package on it and I love it. The truck would be nice even if it didn't have the conversion package.
Job Well Done
In the past year, I have commuted 100 miles a day to school, 5,000 miles in three months of training, and have turned my Tahoe into my rolling office. Ride quality on the highway is superb, an estimated gas mileage of 18 mpg. If head gaskets, air conditioning sensors, and factory CD player haven't been replaced yet, expect to do so. The seats are incredibly comfortable and there is was enough room for four adult males and their gear during our three months of training. Several people have commented on the ride quality and feel it is better than their Z71 pick-ups or even 2004 F-150 with the suspension outside the frame. Well-built vehicle and would highly reccomend.
Great Truck... Last 6 years so far
I've owned this car since March of 2001 and it has been a joy. I do a lot of driving (135k miles in 6 yrs) and it has held up to all the abuse. Only problems I've had were the manifold gasket and the fuel pump. Both happened in the last two years (130,000 miles and up). It does eat up brakes, but it is a 3-ton vehicle... Chevy realized this and changed for the next model year (along with tire size). Engine is unbelievable. No problems with 158k miles on it. Runs as well as when I bought it with 23k. No problem pulling the large U-Haul trailer, fully loaded, from Ga to D.C. in 2006 with 150k on it. Handles great on and off road. Turning radius is great. Better than wife's 2005 Equinox
99 tahoe
Bought truck last summer. Has 92K miles. I needed a good tow vehicle for hauling my boat to the lake. It is very good at hauling the boat. That is the good news. The bad news in the last three months It needed a new transmission, water pump, and intake gaskets. I am afraid to drive it because I cant afford any more repairs. Very high cost of ownership.
Great Vehicle!
My first 4WD...Had 95,000 when I bought it but it had been taken cate of very well. No problems at all other than regular maintenance. Could benefit from larger brakes. Get a K&N air filter! No "Clunking" noise here! SNOW! I'm not scared of any stinking SNOW!
Tahoe
This is the perfect vehicle for a soccer mom and her 3 soccer stars. We had a bad snow storm last winter close to 5 ft. all the other fancy suvs (a volvo, land cruser and mercedes) were stuck in the banks in the side of the rode as I plowed through 1+ ft. drifts coming back from a birthday party.
Good Hauler But Had to Go
I purchased my '99 Tahoe 4x4 LT used in 2001 with 64,000 miles for less than 1/2 what it sold new. I traded it in this summer with 154,000 after I got tired of replacing parts for the second or third time including: Anti lock brakes went out at 60,000; driver window motor 3x; driver outside door handle 3x; blower fan; intake manifold gasket; air conditioner pump; power steering sensor 2x; radiator; water pump; vanity mirror; console latch; distributor rotor 6x (I was stranded on the interstate last Thanksgiving when the rotor failed again). The straw that broke the camel's back was a misfire on the #4 cylinder that neither I nor the dealer could remedy.
YES!
SO far... this is our dream vehicle! The best feature is the handling ability of the vehicle! In addition, the shift to 4 wheel drive on the fly already saved us on slick ground (rain)!
Great truck, needs brakes
I must admit, I haven't owned it long, but a very good vehicle, EXCEPT for the brakes. Between the increased pedal travel 'till somewhat firm and a mushy pedal beyond that, creates continual uncertainty of having enough room in front of you to stop. Probably because of the 4whl ABS. The dealer checked them out and more than one person at the dealership said "that's the way they are, you have to get used to them". Otherwise it has a drive train which (so far) has been dependable and gets very good gas mileage for its size (16-18 hiway).
1999 Tahoe LT
This vehicle has met all of our expectations. It is safe and reliable. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a large SUV.
I do not like this truck
I will never buy anything from GM again. My Tahoe only has 50,000 miles on it and it has needed an excessive amount or expensive repairs. When I tried to call GM to tell them about my complaints I realized they have discontinued their customer service number. That says it all!
Nice truck but had problems
Had for 7 years. At 24,000 miles needed a new engine because of oil consumption. At 88,000 needed a new transfer case. A few small problems like passenger side seat wouldn't slide forward and passenger door lock wouldn't work all the time. Some times passenger side seat back wouldn't lock in upright posistion.
Not the best truck
We bought it with 65,000 miles on it. It was never used for towing or off road. We have had to replace the transmission, fuel pump/sending unit, alternator. Still have to replace A/C lines to rear A/C. They rusted. Imagine that...they are run along the inside of the frame. the blinker switch is bad, there is a sensor in the steering column that senses the speed of your turning and boosts the power steering as needed. It boosts on its own once in a while. Scary when you are driving through a curve. The 4 wheel drive service light comes on now and we already had some sensors replaced a few months ago. I cannot figure out why the transmission would fail before 100,000 miles.
It won't die
Purchased in 2003 used with 38,000 miles and just turned 147,000. This vehicle makes several trips per year to various location of 1000 to 2000 miles in distance. It is like driving in your favorite lounge chair sitting in your living room. Even at 147,000, with regular care it still averages 18- 19 mpg on trips. Replaced fuel pump, alternator and had Major tune up at 95,000 and rebuilt rear end and axles due to bearing wear. After looking at new and "slightly?" used replacements, I will drive this one till it won't move any more. (300,000 maybe?)
Used 99 Tahoe 4WD LT
I purchased the vehicle used with 38,000 miles. I have taken the Tahoe on a couple of trips and have enjoyed having the V8 and the space. I had the dealership perform the 45,000 mile service on the car. I have noticed only one thing out of the ordinary with my Tahoe. The lights both interior and exterior flicker with the car running. I am not sure what the problem is ,because I have a new battery. Any ideas?
LEMON !!
I bought this vehicle from my brother- in-law in June of 2008. Given it had 200,000 miles on it. It was driven easily and well maintenanced. (most of miles being highway miles) Anyway, within the time period we've put app. 5000 miles on it. In November it through a rod and the engine was shot. We bought a new Engine out of NAPA for about 2,200. A GM dealership installed the engine. After that we've went through two intake gaskets, and Now it blew a head gasket!! I bought it for $6000 and have put almost $5000 into it! What a disgrace to a great American Auto Company !!
OK for the most part
I have owned this vehicle for over two years and have been satisfied but not overjoyed. I swore never to go back to Chevy but needed something large to pack all my kids and belongings for trips. I am disappointed by the poor design/construction including doors that vibrate and don't seal tight, anti- lock brakes that have seldom work and fuel pump that went out while visiting friends in another state. Fortunately I bought the extended warrantee and saved over $500 on the bill! I had hoped to drive this Tahoe until the wheels fell off but with only 88,000 miles that may be sooner rather than later.
The Best
Has been a perfect vehicle for me on road, off road, in town or cross country. Mountain snow, desert heat, it doesn't matter.
Love my Tahoe
Have not had a problem except brakes which we replaced at 60 thousand miles.
honey the tahoe is making a funny noise
Got this angel from hell with 48000 on it. Looked great ran great. Since then have done front brakes three times in 40000 miles, manifold gasket, then the kicker it dropped a rod at 72000. BLOWN ENGINE. Cost of ownership has been more than any vehicle I have owned over 30 years. Would not buy another but the way the resale is dropping on this puppy may not be able to unload it. GM was sorry but of no help with the engine problem even with recorded oil changes and maintenence I will not buy one of these again period.
best thing ever
have my truck now for 2 years put over 30,000miles on it with no issue. pulled a 7x16 trailer from ny to fl with 4 sports bike like nothing. truck now has 129000 miles on her and i think i can get 300000 out of her ...best truck ever
Couldnt Get BETTER!
Traded a 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition for this 99 Tahoe. WOW! Had 28k on it when I got it, and now has 145k. In that time, Tires (once) Front Pads (Once) Intake Gaskets (at 100k, Anyone surprised) battery (this winter) and that's it. I run it hard - Heavy trailers, High speed long distance cruises (80+) and its never been a problem. Just replaced a headlamp. I have NO complaints at all. She just runs. The mileage has been incredible to almost unbelievable. 20mpg cruising at 75. It really sucks it up in town at 7mpg though... Locking Differential and manual transfer case are really nice.
my tahoe
i bought it with cargo doors ,don't like a liftgate, i'm 6'6" i fit comfortablely in it, a/c works great, i live in arizona, drives like a truck not like car, but hey it fits in my garage,
99 Tahoe; Great Choice for Full Size SUV
Pros: Smooth ride(4X4 models). Plenty of power/cargo space. AutoTrac system provides exceptional stability on slick surfaces; allows economy of 2WD. The tailgate provides maximum flexibility for recreation. Interior ergonomically excellent. Cons: Prod quality in Aug '99 after UAW strike very poor. Fit and finish problems obvious; mechanical problems surfaced. Purchase an extended warranty. Overall: A joy to own. I recommend this vehicle ONLY if you plan to purchase a warranty.
Satisfied after reading your problems
I bought mine used to tow a loaded car hauler all over the country. I have driven it places I won`t take my big 4x4. It now has 240000 miles and still going. Regular maintenance on schedule. Never had any major problems untill this year. Radiator, water pump ,and fan all decided to commit suicide within a two month period. The mechanic that replaced everything was amazed at the condition under the circumstance of the heavy duty usuage. Everything was factory except alt., batt., brakes,the usual maintenance parts. One rear axle is going bad and I will be replacing it this week. I have driven this through creeks with water up to the doors and up and down mountains fully loaded. I won`t have anything else.
I LOVE MY TAHOE
I'm very impressed with the handling and power. The truck is easily driven through tight spaces and on the open road (unlike the bigger Ford Expedition). I suggest installing after-market front brake pads and rotors. Also, I opted for the rear bay doors but I should have purchased one with a barn door with the optional windshield wiper/cleaner.
Unstopable. Period.
I love how from the back of the front seats to the front bumper, every single part of this rig is a SILVERADO. This thing is tough as nails, having towed trailers over 10,000 lbs more times than i can count, countless trips across the country at 85+mph speeds... I have replaced a battery, tires and brake pads. Gets between 17 and 21 MPG depending on drive. (gets 5 in town though) at 187,000 miles, can still do a wicked burnout! Its a loaded LT with the locking differential and manual transfer case. I have driven through snow past the front bumper and it just keeps going. (Michelin LTX MS's help) and its still smooth and quiet. Everything works. Like a Rock.
1999 Tahoe
Had the vehicle two years now and I am pleasantly surprised. The engine is strong enough to tow a house but I am getting 16 to 20 miles a gallon. Not bad for a full size SUV. A real nice "road trip" vehicle.
1999 Tahoe
Neat simple exterior design. Would change the tailgate to that of a Suburban (2 opening doors). Peppy engine for a SUV.
Never Again
We bought this car loving the style and abailible space for hauling sport equipment around. We expected this beautiful car to become the end of our sanity. It would have cost us less in the long run to buy a new car at that time. We had to put in a new trans, new steering and fuel pump, new locks (all broke at the same time), fix the sagging doors ect. All in a matter of 2 years. Still needs some work but we are fresh out of money and don't want the car anymore. What a lemon.
Not a bad vehicle so far
This truck has been in the family since new, my mom owned it until last year when I took it over. It has approximately 97k on it and we have never had any major issues. The heated seats have burnt out, and the seats themselves only recline to one position, fortunately that position works for me. The inside is comfortable, I am 6'4" so the headroom is a big plus for me. It has a terrible meandering problem, which I now understand to be a weak point in the idler/pitman/ball joints. I am considering upgrading to some performance parts after I take care of the steering, and doing a much needed change of shocks.
Trouble Free Service
My Tahoe has been a wonderful truck. I bought it with 6000 miles and 119,000 miles later it continues to satisfy. The only repair work has been brakes at 80,000 and a fuel pump at 124,000. The car has yet to need a tune up and is still on the original CV joint boots up front. The Tahoe is very comfortable and easy to handle with a relatively short turning radius. The truck has been a great tow vehicle for my fairly heavy 19' ski boat. The 5.7 Vortec with OD tranny performs well while turning in a respectable 17 MPG on the highway. No plans to unload this one anytime soon.
still great
I love this ride. I have 117000 on it and only have had to deal with the dreaded clunk when starting from a complete stop. I had it checked by my local mechanic. He DID find a front universal joint going out, but everything else looked fine. It pulls trailers effortlessly and is comfortable enough to take a nap in on long trips where you need to stop for a quick nap. Bought car when it had 75000 on it. It was a lease up in Michigan. Some rust on bumpers and interior seat bolts, but nothing major. What ever happened to the standard undercoating all cars use to get. I guess that stopped in the 70's. LOL
4 Years and counting...
Great looking Truck. Very few 2 doors on the road these days. In 105K miles there have been a few problems. Mass airflow sensor is too delicate so any type of grime causes problems. Since it cannot be cleaned it has to be replaced at $400 a pop. K/N air filter will also cause it problems. Transfer Case sensors and ball bearings wore out too quickly. I believe this is due to the auto 4x4 which I use alot here in CO. Breaks and steering is mushy, always has been. Gaskets for coolent cracked too soon as well. I love my truck, but I love my 1970 K5 better because it lasts longer.
The dreaded Clunk
I recently sold my 99 tahoe, I had the exact clunk that many have written about. The dealer greased, replaced u- joints and replaced the yoke. This made the clunk go away for about 3000 miles, after that it came back again. I was told that there was nothing more that Chevrolet was willing to do...Guess I may go and buy an Expedition.
One of the best trucks around
This is not a small SUV. If you have big jobs or just have to have some room, it fits the bill. You can slide a full sheet of plywood in the back without having to tilt or cut to fit.I Love this truck