2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, A Refined Beast

Is there a place for a full sized SUV in our driveways anymore given the erratic spiking full prices of late, the answer is yes. While it doesn't serve our global concerns to own one and commute to work alone in it, there are other considerations where a vehicle, like the Tahoe is essential to safe family transportation as well as infinite business applications.

This month my wife came home with a 2008 Tahoe, taking advantage of Chevrolets recent Employee Discount promotion. Having owned an SUV for the last twelve years, she will never, and I mean ever own a car again. She loves the secure feeling of being elevated and the ability to open her field of vision.

Having coming off another 4x4 that had been plagued with transfer case problems caused her to re evaluate the need for four wheel drive. All things considered, she estimated that on those days when she would need to have that 4x4 capability, she likely would work from home avoiding the weather altogether. Having another 4 wheel drive vehicle in the household really negated the need for another, so she opted for the 2 wheel drive model with Stabilitrak, GM's traction control technology, which would better suit her opting for a bit more control on wet and snowy pavement. Stabilitrak goes a long way in determining steering angle and heading to apply correct brake pressure to the right wheels to keep your vehicle under control. I drove this vehicle in the rain and I have to say it handles impressively on wet pavement.

Chevrolet offers three engines in six configurations. Her 4.8 liter V8 is the smallest power plant offered with 14/19 mpg figures which makes filling the 26 gallon tank an $87.00 proposition considering $3.35 per gallon of regular which are the prevalent gas stats today. Using regular gas gives the small V8 a leg up on a lot of its counterparts which use if they decide to ever get a boat like he's been threatening, the 7500 lbs. towing capacity could net them a nice little sport boat! The four speed hydramatic with overdrive is smooth shifting but there a fifth gear would save gas and quiet it down a little. Four wheel anti lock brakes bring the beefy 7100 pound Tahoe to a stop.

Inside, the LS model is dressed nicely with a bench seat, which I haven't seen in years. There is a fold down armrest/console bin that is cavernous with a desk top that would be of great help to her in her business, allowing plenty of storage and laptop capability with the help of three auxillary power outlets. There is also a locking stow under the front seat which keeps valuables out of plain sight. The upholstery is soft and durable with comfortable seating, although it gets progressively less comfortable as you progress back to the third row seating. Second row 60/40 and removable 50/50 third row seating make the Tahoe a real people mover. My only complaint here is the lack of fold down third row seating. Having to remove the third row is a bit of an inconvenience because now you have to both haul the heavy seat out and store it somewhere.

The ride is decidedly truck like but far more refined than you would expect. The springs and monotube shocks perform well. We rode around town on a REI run which was a good representation of the type of driving you would encounter day to day and I have to say I was impressed at just how civilized it was at keep you from getting jostled about even over rough roads. I have ridden in older Tahoes that still exhibit that quality, even after a couple of years and more than a few miles on the odometer; so that is an encouraging sign that Chevy got this one right. Turning radius is amazing for a vehicle this size. At 39 feet; you could just about turn full circle on a two lane road.

While the LS 2WD version may seem stripped down, it does have many of the creature comforts that a lot of consumers look for including:

•· Luggage Rack
•· Fog lights
•· Halogen headlights
•· Solar Tinting throughout
•· Electric Drivers seat
•· Tire Pressure Monitoring
•· Remote Keyless Start
•· Speed Compensated Stereo Volume
•· Dual Zone Air Conditioning
•· Vehicle Data Center

Inside you see airbag tags everywhere. Dual stage airbags are provided for driver and front passenger. Air bags with full curtain are provided for second and third row occupants. GM's LATCH system provides an integrated anchor to secure children's car seats, something I have a distant recollection of. Safety wise, the Tahoe is a contender to be sure.

The warranty is fairly comprehensive at:

•· 3 years/ 36,000 miles for basic coverage,
•· 5 years/100,000 miles drive train coverage,
•· 6 years/100,000 miles for corrosion coverage
•· 5 years/100,000 miles roadside assistance,

which is close to its direct competitor, Toyota Sequoia's warranty, topping their power train coverage by 40,000 miles and falling short to Toyota's unlimited corrosion coverage.

I had mixed feeling 2008 Tahoe before having ridden and driving it. This version in 2WD makes a great deal of sense for those drivers who don't need it but want the sheer capacity it offers. It is a good if not a less fuel economical alternative to the mini van but some folks just can't seem to make the leap to a mini van, they just won't do it! The 4.8 liter is peppy, smooth riding and practical in a lot of ways. You can't argue with the sheer space you have inside; all this and creature comforts too!

Styling is a bit boxy but has a sophisticated similarity to the Escalade especially from the rear end. I see a lot of women driving them around and you got to believe that Chevrolet has done something that just appeals to women, although I suspect my wife is not unlike those gals that just feel secure in a big vehicle like a Tahoe. That's not to say that the Tahoe is a "Chick" car (excuse me ladies) there is a brutal appeal that comes with a fully dressed 4WD Tahoe that may be wasted on a woman who has no interest in off roading or driving in 36" snowstorms.

Granted, there are more economical alternatives and we may take issues with the one guy or gal riding around in the Tahoe, but folks, there may be more to that person than meets the eye, there certainly is with the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe!