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Chevrolet Tahoe full-size wagon offers Z71 off-road package
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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RENO, Nev. -- Plowing up a twin-track path etched in snow and whipped by winds swirling off the high Nevada desert, we climbed steadily into eastern foothills of the Sierras on a barren landscape littered with sage and rock concealed under a blanket of snow.
Although our 4-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe sport-utility wagon had moved through 2,000 vertical feet of altitude gained since leaving Reno to the rearview mirror, a prudent driver, when viewing the icy route through the windshield, might naturally assume it should not be tackled without studded tires or a snow plow as escort.
But we had our ski gear aboard and a condo waiting in the mountains, and we were armed with Chevy's latest off-road wagon -- so steep slopes and patches of snow would not turn us back, at least not without trying.
Besides, our vehicle packed powerful weapons for dicy motoring: A strong frame, big V8 muscle and a high chassis.
In the spacious cabin with big bucket seats covered in soft leather, riders experienced no discomfort despite our wayward position. Set with fittings of the best luxury sedan, we could well have been scooting off to the country club instead of heading high into the snowy Sierras.
We also had a 4-wheel advantage Chevy calls Autotrac, as the Tahoe wagon in deluxe LT edition with the new Z71 off-road equipment contained the optional Autotrac automatic active transfer case.
The smart system automatically switches from standard rear-wheel-drive traction to a mode which channels power equally to the front as well as rear wheels when on-board sensors detect wheel spin.
Through a curve on snow our rear wheels began to slip out of line. In an instant, though, Autotrac transferred torque seamlessly to front tires, which clawed for traction. In another instant those wayward rear wheels pulled back into alignment and we proceeded through the curve safely.
It's a seamless transfer of traction, which Autotrac accomplishes so the driver can focus on steering without having to think about when to shift into 4-wheeling mode.
If the system detects too much slippage, it locks into full-time 4x4, again without needing driver's prompt.
Another 4x4 system, Insta-Trac, shows up as the standard 4WD mechanism for Tahoe. It permits shift-on-the-fly switching from rear-wheel to 4-wheel mode, and has a 4x4 low gear for serious off-road work.
Traction choices rank as only the first in a long line of options for Chevrolet's sport-utility wagon, which is available in 2-door and 4-door editions. Three levels of trim apply to the 2-door version, and two go to the 4-door.
The top 4-door Tahoe LT 4x4 now offers the new Z71 off-road package of functional and appearance items.
It shows color-keyed grilles and bumpers, front foglamps and a tough looking front brush guard, with tubular running boards set below side doors and black rear taillamp protectors too.
The Z71 off-road chassis package adds skid plates, 46mm Bilstein gas-charged shocks and heavy-duty engine and transmission coolers, plus large 16-inch all-season tires.
Inside, the Z71 Tahoe has subtle two-tone leather seat upholstery and special carpeted floor mats.
Drive Tahoe over rough terrain, and its cushy comforts will impress. So will its road manners.
Tahoe's organization starts with a rectangular ladder-type chassis with welded crossbars and boxed front end.
This rigid platform supports the fully-independent front suspension and a rear system with strong semi-elliptical multi-leaf spring. Add variable-ratio power steering and power brakes connected to a 4-wheel anti-lock system and Tahoe sets the scene for confident maneuvering, off-road or on.
Then there's that big V8 under the hood.
Chevy's 5.7-liter iron-block Vortec engine, generating 255 hp, provides all the muscle you need, even for towing a big load. When outfitted with Tahoe's optional towing package, the wagon can pull a trailer rig weighing as much as 7,000 pounds.
The engine's electronic powertrain control module regulates fuel injection, with micro-adjustments of the mixture of air and fuel 80 times every second. This means instantaneous compensation for stressful effects such as altitude, like our test Tahoe endured in Nevada, as well as load. The result: Continual, dependable power flow.
A single transmission, GM's smooth and intelligent electronic automatic 4-speed, connects with the V8.
For the 4-door edition, trim choices of LS and LT signify that Chevy's wagon starts out with all of the expected comforts, then heaps on extra luxury items.
Tahoe LS brings front bucket seats covered in soft cloth, a center console which converts to a desktop work station with storage spaces, rear heating ducts and a handy security shade that stretches across the rear space to secrete cargo from prying eyes.
One driver was impressed with the thoughtful placement of storage niches throughout Tahoe's cabin -- map pockets up front, a handy rack to stow audio cassette tapes, removable coin holder in the console, cup holders even for rear seat riders, plus a latched rear storage drawer and small hidden bays aft of rear wheel wells.
Check out the room remaining in back seat and rear cargo bay and you'll discover that Tahoe, which rides on a full-size truck chassis, could also haul three backseat riders and a batch of camping gear, golf bags or my skis.
As an added convenience, Tahoe's rear door system may be configured with dual swing-out panel doors or a fold-down tailgate with flip-up glass window. Pick either version, depending on rear-door access requirements.
Also, the spare tire stows below deck to increase storage space within Tahoe's cabin.
A variety of active and passive safety systems work on Tahoe, including 4-wheel ABS, twin air bags, daytime running lights and a safety-cage structure. Tahoe's energy-absorbing steering column adjusts, and the horn may be sounded by depressing any point on the wheel's center pad.
Overall, Tahoe seems easy to drive and certainly comfortable for extended touring. It's rugged, powerful and big, but a good design with expansive window glass and thoughtful features make Tahoe entirely friendly to use.
1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE WAGON
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE Z71 Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size SUV wagon |
| Model Options: |
Full-size SUV wagon |
| Wheelbase: |
2-door: 111.5 inches
4-door: 117.5 inches |
| Overall Length: |
2-door: 188.0 inches
4-door: 199.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 5.7-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
4x2, 4x4 Insta-Trac,
opt. 4X4 Autotrac |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
4x2: 14/18 mpg
4x4: 12/16 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 24,500 to $ 40,000 |
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