What's so impressive about this SUV? EVERYTHING! It was finally time to trade my 99 Durango. I was a little reluctant to move up to a 'full size' SUV until I drove the 2004 Tahoe. My main priorities with any vehicle are safety, sharp turning radius for easy parking, comfort for long trips, and sufficient power for towing. The Tahoe far surpassed all expectations I had.
My 2004 Tahoe is fully loaded with all available options. I didn't think I really needed so many buttons and gadgets but after a month, I have used all of them and quickly become spoiled. For instance...If I see a traffic backup, I hit the Onstar button, ask for 'virtual advisor' and then say "get my traffic," within seconds, I have a full traffic report for the exact area that I am traveling.
When the kids are in the truck, they spend their time watching the built in DVD player which includes 2 sets of wireless headphones. I don't think I have ever experienced peace and quiet when kids were in my vehicle until now. Speaking of quiet; the 2004 Tahoe can be almost too quiet. I can't hear sirens coming from behind (such as police or fire trucks) which can be a slight downfall but overall, I enjoy the 'lack of traffic noise.' I really love the sound of my Bose stereo system with a 6 disc cd changer and XM radio. XM radio and Onstar Phone services both have additional subscription fees after the trial period but once you get used to listening to the Weather Channel, Fox News, Disney Music Channel, or E! you won't want to go back to FM.
The third seat is split in half and each side is removable by the push of 2 buttons. If you need a extra cargo space, take out 1 seat, if you need a lot of cargo space, take out both and you can fit just about anything into the roomy rear. If you have a standard garage, the Tahoe would normally be a very snug fit but with the push of a button, your side mirrors will automatically fold in giving you the extra space you need. All of the buttons/gadgets are easy to reach. The front console has a lot of storage compartments for everything from cell phones, to CD's, to Spare change.
The V8 engine can pull just about anything. This truck has the 'get up and go' that you need on a highway and the comfort of a smooth ride when you hit those back roads full of potholes and bumps. During my first week of owning the new Tahoe we got 7 inches of snow. The automatic 4x4 worked great with No sliding and no spinning even on my icy uphill driveway. My average gas mileage so far is about 13 miles to the gallon which isn't great but the other features definitely make up for it.
Don't let the size or the over-extensive 'gadgets' intimidate you. This truck is EASY to drive. My mom who is 65 is afraid of BIG vehicles and very intimidated by 'gadgets.' We had a family emergency last week and she had to drive my truck to the hospital to visit a sick family member. She had absolutely no trouble driving the Tahoe and parking in a small parking garage.
If you are in the market for a new SUV, I would definitely suggest a 2004 Tahoe.
UPDATE: May 2006
According to the display on my dash, I drive a LOT!
My Tahoe has 43367 miles & 1324.7 hrs. on the Hourmeter
I haven't had a single problem with it. Just the regular oil changes and standard maintenances have been performed and my truck still runs like new. No broken gadgets so far...everything has been very smooth. The cost of gas has gone up but I still haven't seen any other vehicle I would trade over my Tahoe.
The 'low tire pressure' alert has been a huge help as I'm not in the habit of checking my tires before getting into my vehicles. I have locked my keys inside which won't normally happen unless you have a 'remote start' installed but after a 5 minute call to Onstar, I'm always ready to travel again. I've taken the rear seats in and out many times with ease. I didn't renew the Phone subscription until I was in a remote area where my cell didn't work (as long as you are receiving signal to your XM radio, the built-in phone will work) but it was a quick call to Onstar and my phone was re-activated immediately.
The Tahoe is a great truck that can haul around a trailer full of 4 wheelers all day long and after a $3.00 car wash, it's ready to drive to the prom (my 17 yr. old LOVES my truck too). I've received nothing but compliments from all of my friends and family over the 2 years that I've owned my Tahoe.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 46000.
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: LT