Sunday, July 4, 2010

1999 Chevy Tahoe

1999 Chevy Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe of the late 90's was also known as the cowboy Cadillac, and for good reason. These vehicles were some of the most well built large SUVs ever produced and offered years of reliability. Multiple body styles and engines were offered for the 1999 Chevy Tahoe which was very similar to the GMC Yukon. Both vehicles were based off of the same frame, with the GMC model supposedly being slightly more refined on the interior. For a vehicle weighing in at just under 3 tons (largest 4 door models) they were known for exceptional handling, while fuel economy certainly wasn't too horrible either.

As mentioned before buyers have a choice between either a 2 door or 4 door model and multiple different trim packages. The lowest trim package is the LS which came with only basic accessories. While these models weren't loaded to the max, they were very decent for driving and some were even equipped with A/C and some power accessories. Moving up in luxury are LT models which could be outfitted in a variety of ways. The most common features of this trim level include a wide variety of cloth colored seats, CD/Cassette players, AC, power windows and locks, rear folding seat, and the option of either a lift gate rear door or two separately hinged doors.

Z71 packages were also available for the 1999 Chevy Tahoe, along with most other trucks made by the company that year. Owners could expect that a Z71 would come with a choice of leather seating, full power accessories, possibly dual rear and front controls, optional bucket seats, and just about anything else that was offered in a luxury vehicle in '99. Z71 models were also built for off-reading with raised bodies, enhanced suspensions, and better geared 4 wheel drive systems.

Owners were quick to note that these vehicles handled very well in less than optimum conditions. Being that they also came with a wide variety of engines and body sizes, fuel economy ranged from mediocre to down right horrible. The larger 4 door models with at least a 5.7 liter V8 engine would get around 12-14 mpg in the city, and upwards of 17 mpg on the highway. Smaller models with two doors and a V6, if not equipped with a V8, which is the standard engine could produce slightly better numbers. Besides the V6 and 5.7 liter V8 was an even more impressive 7.0 liter engine capable of up to 505 horsepower.

Being such a large vehicle, the overall interior ride quality was superb. Even large potholes are barely able to jar passengers inside a 1999 Chevy Tahoe. For city driving one of the 2 wheel drive models is the optimum choice, along with highway driving in good conditions. People who live in northern climates should consider one of the 4 wheel drive models, since they are virtually unstoppable in any type of weather condition. They were prone however to hydroplaning at higher speeds, which drivers should take note of as not to lose control.

Overall the 1999 Chevy Tahoe set the standard for what a large SUV of its class should look like and be capable of doing. The safety afforded to passengers is amazing in good and poor driving conditions. If you need a durable SUV known for reliability, these trucks can make a great choice.

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