2005 Chevy Tahoe Review
Price: $5,750
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engines, roomy and versatile interior, numerous available amenities.
Cons
- Spotty build quality, interior materials could use improvement.
What’s new
A touchscreen navigation system is optional on Tahoe this year, and all models now come standard with the overhead rear liftgate (with separate rear lift-glass). The Z71 off-road package can now be had with two-wheel drive.
Edmunds 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 full-size sport-ute on the market.
For sale near Hallandale, FL
66 listings
- $5,750good price$1,905 below market
- 164,839 miles
- 6 Seats, 13 City / 18 Hwy MPG
- 19 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
- Alarm
Close
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
- Features and Specs:
- 15 Combined MPG (13 City/18 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 1GNEK13T65R144237
- Stock:
- 144237
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 05-27-2026
- 143,790 miles
- 6 Seats, 13 City / 18 Hwy MPG
- 401 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
- Alarm
Close
Located in Tallahassee, FL
Must See 2005 Z71 Tahoe with only 138k miles, 4x4 and superior condition!!
- Features and Specs:
- 15 Combined MPG (13 City/18 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 1GNEK13T25R245419
- Stock:
- 7763
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 05-05-2026
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe is unequivocally favored for its versatility and power. Owners frequently praise its substantial cargo room, making it ideal for family road trips, camping, or towing trailers. The 5.3-liter V8 engine is renowned for delivering ample power, which is particularly beneficial when navigating challenging terrains or hauling heavy loads. Many appreciate its capacity to comfortably seat multiple passengers, highlighting its practicality for large families or group outings. Additionally, the Tahoe's smooth ride quality and stable handling, even in adverse weather conditions, resonate strongly with those who use it for long-distance travel or in snowy climates. The robust build and commanding driving position contribute to a sense of safety and control on the road. Finally, drivers enjoy the refined interior, noting how features like heated seats and an efficient A/C system enhance comfort for all occupants during extended journeys.
Common Issues
The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe presents several persistent issues that frustrate owners. A frequently mentioned problem is the vehicle's transmission, which is prone to slipping and unexpected downshifting, particularly noticeable when using cruise control. Rusty rocker panels are a common cosmetic concern, especially as the vehicle ages, often detracting from its appearance. Some drivers report recurring electrical issues, such as malfunctioning instrument clusters and gear indicators, that can complicate driving situations. The factory radiator in several Tahoes has failed, leading to coolant and transmission fluid mixing, requiring costly repair or replacement of components. HVAC system noises and ineffective HVAC control have annoyed many owners, especially given the vehicle's size and expectations for comfort. Finally, the Tahoe’s third-row seating can be cumbersome, reducing cargo space and convenience when attempting to fold or remove seats for additional storage.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe is generally appreciated for its day-to-day performance and reliability, though it's not without its challenges. Despite some owners experiencing component failures, many report that the Tahoe has proven to be a reliable vehicle over the years with regular maintenance. Its ability to handle a variety of driving conditions, from city commutes to snowy mountain roads, makes it a versatile choice for diverse needs. The Tahoe's practicality shines when used for transporting families, gear, or trailers, though this utility comes with a trade-off in fuel efficiency. While the vehicle offers a comfortable ride, the interior noise is occasionally noted, with some attributing it to the transmission or HVAC system. On the whole, while specific reliability concerns like the transmission and electrical systems may arise, the vehicle continues to be a beloved choice among those who appreciate its power and capacity. As some owners have put it, the compromises seem manageable when considering the vehicle's overall utility and drive experience.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
$293/mo for Tahoe Fleet
Tahoe Fleet
vs
$281/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Reliability
The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
7 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 14V070000
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-01-01 to 2006-05-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 22
- Defect Description:
- Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
- Defect Consequence:
- Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Monroe will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2014. Owners may contact Monroe at 1-608-328-8127.
- Recall Number:
- 07E106000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 130000
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
- Defect Consequence:
- WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
- Recall Number:
- 06V417000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 06102
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-06-01 to 2005-06-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 794
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
- Corrective Action:
- BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
- Recall Number:
- 06E043000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 88303
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Recall Number:
- 05V163000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 05037
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-02-24 to 2004-11-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1359824
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
- Defect Consequence:
- A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
- Recall Number:
- 05V103000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 05039
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-02-01 to 2005-03-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 707
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER MAY BE MISSING. IF THE RETAINER IS MISSING, THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER AND INSTALL ONE IF IT IS MISSING FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER BEGAN CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
- Recall Number:
- 05V055000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 05023
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-01-01 to 2005-02-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7194
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(69%)
4(22%)
3(6%)
2(2%)
1(1%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Regret selling it everyday
5 out of 5 starsprodigy1, 10/10/2013
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Bought a 2005 tahoe LS with 60k miles on it and feel I love with it! It's the best "do anything" vehicle. You can use it for family or work or towing and it even looks good all cleaned up taking the wife out on a date in a classy part of town. The 5.3 was extremely reliable and even with low Mpg's
(15.5 no matter what) it was a pleasure to own and drive. We took this truck across the … country multiple times and never felt fatigued after 12 hour days. It was loaded to the brim with features and never got tired of owning it. We traded it in for a "gas sipper" and every since we did, I've been miserable. I'll take the fuel cost over not being happy.
Excellent Performance
4.63 out of 5 starsdillonk, 07/17/2012
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
The Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3L V8 is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned!
I bought it with 82,000 miles on it, and now it has 95,000 miles on it.
The Tahoe can accelerate very fast for a large size vehicle.
One of the reasons why I would recommend it to others.
The only problem I had with it was that the clutch for the A/C and/or Heater went out.
But It was a small repair, otherwise the … Chevy Tahoe is the best SUV ever.
Excellent value for money
4.38 out of 5 starsTarek, 11/22/2009
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
i purchased my tahoe 4 years ago, so far i didn't face any kind of problem with the car. i live in the arabian gulf so hot during summer but the cooling system and A/C are very efficient.dealer service is excellent. until this day i'm still using the original brake pad after 65000 Km and the dealer said it is still 50%
So Far, So Good
4 out of 5 starsJustin P, 01/31/2010
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe LS Rwd 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
This is my second Tahoe purchased new and it does exactly what I need it to do. I have had to use the stability control and it does work. LT w/ autoride is great. This SUV is now 5 years old and everything still works. It may not get 25+ mpg but look at the thing. Its a big SUV with a big engine. The transmission seems to know exactly when to shift and is holding up well with … maintenance. I still love it.
2005 Tahoe Features & Specs
Fleet
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $35,820 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $293/month |
| Seating | 6 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 63.6 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Tahoe include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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