DriveTech

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is completely re-designed

It's only the first month of 2006 and yet the re-designed 2007 Chevy Tahoe is already out. Go figure.

Looking at this vehicle, it's easy to ask why would anyone buy a vehicle this big? But there are folks who need a full eight-passenger vehicle and until manufacturers figure out how to haul eight bodies in a compact vehicle that gets 30 plus mile per gallon, we're stuck with vehicles like the Tahoe.
And that's not a bad thing!

The '07 Tahoe is very easy to drive. It's responsive, very comfortable and doesn't have any blind spots that bothered me. I didn't care for the option that turns down the outside mirror when backing up, but you can turn off this feature by going into the information center. In fact, there are a lot
of commands that can be activated or de-activated with the touch of a button. But please don't adjust the vehicle options while driving.

The seats are big, comfy and can be adjusted to your liking. Between the driver and passenger is a very large armrest/console. In front of the console are two good-sized cup holders and in front of them is a generous tray that's deep enough to hold all cell phones, candy bars and pens without fear they'll shoot across the vehicle in a tight turn.

The dash display in the '07 Tahoe is like the '06 Tahoe with retro gauges that add to its look. My test vehicle came with a very nice "Gold Mist Metallic" paint on the exterior and an ebony/light cashmere interior, which I liked a lot. It looks as if chrome is out!

The second row seating is very comfortable and incorporates a center armrest with two cup holders that can be used when watching in the overhead DVD screen. You can control the DVD from the backseat, thanks to a control panel mounted on the backside of the center console up front. But the driver or front passenger must load the DVD in the dash. I imagine this saves a lot of arguments with the kids as to what they want to watch.

Another feature developed by Chevrolet's competition that's been added to the '07 Tahoe is the adjustable brake and gas pedals. If you need to get into the third row seats, hopefully you're a kid because the legroom is somewhat limited. But the seats are fairly comfortable. Behind the third row seat is a small area for groceries or maybe a golf bag or two (if you lay them on top of each other).

The engine in this '07 Chevy Tahoe is a 5300 Vortec V8 that can drop to a four-cylinder engine on the open road. And if it weren't for the display on the dash, you wouldn't know it had dropped to four cylinders. Tap the gas pedal and it's back to eight cylinders. Backed by a butter-smooth four-speed
automatic transmission, it gets fuel mileage in the mid-teens in the city and 20 MPG on the open road. I can't give you exact numbers because the vehicle is too new and the numbers haven't yet been publicized.

The audio systems in GM products are the best in my book and that has to do with its partnership with XM Radio. I know we shouldn't have to pay for radio but XM allows listeners to hear jokes, music, news and NASCAR races. But don't believe XM when it says it's commercial free. I would still opt for XM; laughter is the best medicine for a bad day!

You get tons of safety features, including front air bags, side curtain air bags for all rows of seating, crush panels surrounding the occupants, daytime running lights, traction control and ABS brakes, just to name a few.

Another neat feature worth mentioning is an electronic rear door opener perated by your key fob. Want to start the engine before you get in?
Program the Tahoe and hit the key fob. You can tailor the '07 Tahoe to just about all your needs. The Tahoe is priced in the 30s, but it really depends on your option list.

I got this Tahoe from the good folks at Security Chevrolet in Vista. If you can't get out to Vista, check out the all-new Tahoe at your local Chevrolet dealer.