2002 Chevy Tahoe Review
2002 Chevy Tahoe Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engines, roomy interior, truck-like durability.
Cons
- Spotty build quality, dated interior design.
What’s new
All models get the previously optional Premium Ride suspension. LS Tahoes get six-way power driver and front passenger seats, along with foglights, heated outside mirrors, side-mounted assist steps and a programmable HomeLink transmitter for opening garage doors or automatic gates. The 5300 V8 is now capable of running gasoline/ethanol fuel blends.
Edmunds says
With room for up to nine passengers, gutsy V8 engines and a well-sorted suspension, the Tahoe is one of the best full-size sport-utes on the market.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2WD 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$287/mo for Tahoe LS
Tahoe LS
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
Chevrolet calls its Tahoe a "real" sport-utility, implying that sport-utes are more about getting things done than doing them in style. With nearly every automaker offering an SUV these days, it takes a lot of effort to be unique. However, despite differing opinions of what does and does not constitute a good SUV, the 2002 Tahoe has a whole lot going for it.
Built on the same platform as GM's full-size trucks, the Tahoe inherits the strength and durability of its workhorse brethren. The most recent redesign gave the Tahoe new sheet metal with enhanced corrosion protection and stronger dent-resistant steel. GM engineers further enhanced Tahoe's sturdiness with redesigned door hinges that last four times as long, while a unique front-end crush cap allows easy replacement in the event of a slow-speed crash.
Under the hood, the 2002 Tahoe offers two powerful Vortec engines. The 4800 V8 is standard on the LS and offers 275 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the LS and standard on the LT is the 5300 V8 that ups the ante with 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. All that power runs through an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Even with class-leading levels of power, these engines lead their competition in fuel economy and are compliant with low emission vehicle (LEV) standards. This year, Chevrolet is even offering a flexible fuel version of the 5300 V8 which allows it to burn gasoline/ethanol fuel blends that produce less harmful emissions.
The powertrain benefits from previous upgrades that include the addition of a more durable rear axle, a strengthened differential case and stiffer axle shafts. But Chevy didn't bump up its off-road durability at the expense of the highway drive. With a 400 percent increase in body-mount structure stiffness over its predecessor and a five-link rear suspension, the Tahoe provides a smooth, quiet and extremely stable ride on virtually all road surfaces.
Inside is an innovative 50/50 split third-row seat that provides superior cargo flexibility and the possibility to boost passenger capacity to nine. Those eight other people will be better protected because this Tahoe has a host of advanced safety features, including four-wheel ventilated disc antilock brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, seat-mounted safety belts in the first- and third-row outboard positions, and energy-absorbing foam on the interior surfaces. The base model Tahoe LS has added additional standard options this year that make it even more comfortable and functional than before. Six-way power driver and front passenger seats are now the norm along with heated outside mirrors, foglights, side-mounted assist steps and a programmable HomeLink transmitter for opening garage doors or automatic gates.
Hardcore off-road enthusiasts can order the Z71 off-road package, which gives the sturdy Tahoe an even greater assortment of protective equipment. A specially tuned suspension with larger shocks and jounce bumpers are added along with underbody skid plates to shield vital components. A locking rear differential and aggressively treaded tires aid in the traction department, while a roof rack and special Z71 appearance badges give it a distinctive look. All Z71 Tahoes also come standard with the OnStar vehicle assistance system just in case you venture a little too far from civilization. This Tahoe is one tough truck that can still handle itself well about town. With a roomy and comfortable interior, it makes for a great weekend-getaway machine. If you want a sport-utility that can handle passengers and cargo as well as it does a backcountry road, the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe should be on your short list.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe.
5 star(75%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
118 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Tahoe
kolocar, 12/12/2015
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2WD 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Purchased this 2002 LS (with most of the LT features) in April 2015 with 104K on the clock. It's now December 2015 and we are approaching 123K. We have driven it on at least a half dozen trips between Dallas and Chicago, Asheville-NC and Colorado Springs. With the exception of having to replace the flex fuel module, the truck has been amazing. Extremely comfortable, and with handling … reflexes that would otherwise be expected of a much smaller SUV. Absolutely love the 325 CID V8 - smooth and pulls strong all the way to 6000 rpm. It uses a quart of oil about every 6,000 miles - amazing. It has hauled anything we have had to stuff into it.
June 18, 2016 Update: Just passed 132K. Have just been filling the tank and changing the oil/filter. And enjoying every mile behind the wheel. A comment on the suspension. The GM "ComfortRide" suspension is generally too soft for my liking. On normal roads it can get a little bouncy. But where the suspension really excels is on gravel or dirt roads, or pothole-filled gravel parking lots. Still, overall, I would like it to be more controlled in normal driving.
Sept 30, 2016 Update: Just passed 139K miles. Still just changing the oil/filter, rotating the tires. Our most recent new task for the tireless Tahoe has been to tow a roughly 3000 pound travel trailer. Recently took in on a 3000 mile trip from Dallas to Myrtle Beach and back. We use tow-haul mode depending on the situation (hills, heavy traffic, etc.) - works as advertised. Even with the 3.73 rear end and the 325 CID V8 (yields about 1900RPM at 70MPH in 4th/OD gear), you feel the extra weight of the trailer. Still, the 325 seems to have plenty of power when needed when going up hills and passing slower traffic. Real world gas mileage continues to be 12-14 around town, 16-17 highway - without the trailer; 13-14 highway while towing the trailer.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best vehicle around
vthokie12, 12/19/2012
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Purchased LT 4x4 model used with 42K miles on it...now 130K miles later the only thing I've had to do is put gas and oil in this work horse and it goes!
I have owned everything under the sun and typically have maintenance problems with vehicles around 100K, but the Tahoe has broken that mold and I could not be happier.
Hopefully they still make them like this when I buy a newer one.
5 out of 5 stars
This was the best car I've owned!
Lindsey G., 09/16/2015
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
I'll miss my Tahoe. My mom and dad bought it with about 45k miles on it and gave it to me when it got to about 190k. I drove it for about 3 years until it got to 265k! I had to replace some things but at over 200k miles I felt like that was normal. Then, I got a 2009 Buick Enclave with 28k miles on it and have had to do more work to it than I ever thought about doing to the Tahoe! Great … car to own.
5 out of 5 stars
2002 Tahoe LT w/Autoride
Rhet, 03/15/2002
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 2WD 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Overall this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned! Power, Comfort, and Reliability.. it's all there!
I test drove an LT with out the Autoride option, and one with... for the difference in price, the Autoride option is WELL WORTH the extra money! VERY SMOOTH RIDE!
2002 Tahoe Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,204 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $287/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 63.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Tahoe include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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