New Car Review of the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $35,175 - $37,975
Invoice Price Range: $30,778 - $33,228
Where built: Mexico

The full-size wagon, one step down in size from Suburban, has four doors for passengers and up to three tiers of seats on a 1500 (half-ton) wagon with two trims and RWD or AWD traction.

Tahoe contains heavy-duty mechanical hardware backed by forceful power and sophisticated controls for suspension, traction and brakes plus complex safety systems -- all operating to take the work out of driving and boost a driver's confidence. Two Vortec V8 engines power the Tahoe. A base 4.8-liter plant puts out 285-hp, while Tahoe in LS or LT trim has a 5.3-liter, V8 for 295-hp.

In the cabin, there are two rows of seats in standard conformation plus an optional third-row bench split 50-50. Adding the third tier raises the passenger count to seven.

Tahoe's Z71 off-road chassis package installs Bilstein gas-charged shocks, tuned springs, jounce bumpers and stabilizer bars plus 16-inch all-season tires. Optional safety gear reaches to StabiliTrak vehicle skid controls and power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals.

For entertainment Tahoe shows choices like a DVD-based video entertainment kit and XM satellite radio service. And there are new paint colors for 2005 models, such as Sandstone Metallic and Bermuda Blue Metallic.