1997 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.7 from North America

Summary:

Great vehicle, but horribly unreliable and breaks a lot!

Faults:

Factory Tires done at 40,000

Head gasket blew at 60,000

Brakes about every 20,000

Rotors about every 40,000

Alternator at 80,000

Both CC'c at 70,000

O2 Sensors at 35,000, 80,000, 115,000

Door Hinge Repairs at 60,000 and 100,000

Driver's Seat Base Broke at 85,000

Transmission 78,000 & 98,000 & 120,000

Distributer at 76,000.

General Comments:

I am (now WAS) a "Chevy person." This is a great truck... on road, off road, long road trips. Just a pleasure to drive. But I could have bought another Tahoe for the money that I have spent on transmissions alone. There is something very wrong with the workmanship in this vehicle. I expect this from "cheap foreign car," but not something that should be "CHEVY TOUGH." I am completly disgusted with the reliability of the Tahoe... and I am not the only one. Just use google and you will find that these trucks are basic pieces of junk in terms of reliability. My advice, because I really do like driving the Tahoe, is to buy one new and sell it before it reaches 50,000 miles because after that it will suck the life out of your bank account.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st January, 2006

12th Apr 2006, 21:57

This is exactly my sentiments and experience with the 98 Tahoe. It is like being in an abusive relationship that you stay in because you hope it will get better, but only gets much worse. This truck is a cruel joke.

28th Jul 2006, 17:46

What are you talking about? I have a 96 two door, and it is the best SUV I have ever had. I have had to replace minor things that just wore out, but nothing major. I have 150,000 miles on it and runs awsome. The only thing is that I wish GM would build another two door, I would buy right away.

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.7 Vortec V8 from North America

Summary:

Best full sized SUV on the road!

Faults:

Water pump started leaking at about 170000. $75 to replace.

Fuel Pump went out at 185000. Pain to fix. New pump ran about $100.

Had to replace the battery at 175000.

No other problems.

General Comments:

This is a great SUV! Other than the items listed above, I have not had any problems. It is very reliable and has never stranded me.

The 5.7 vortex engine is a real power-plant. I can cruise at 85 mph up hill and it never has to down-shift. It does hurt to fill the thing up, but on long trips I can get about 19 mpg.

It is spacious and comfortable. It is nice to be able to pack up the family for a weekend camping and not having to worry about space for everything.

The A/C is cold and heater hot. The stereo is nice and the Speed adjusted volume control is a great feature.

When this truck finally quits, I will buy another!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2005

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 1500 4X4 5.7 Gas from North America

Summary:

An all purpose SUV

Faults:

I bought the truck used. The owner before me must have treated it with no respect. We got the truck for a great price and also got an extended warranty. After a couple of weeks, I notice there was a little mis in the engine. It would only mis if you were putting a load on the engine. So I took it to the dealer and they replaced the head gasket and replaced 7 out of the 8 fuel injectors. Wow what difference that made. They also replaced the rear main seal and did some major work on the rear brakes. Other than that nothing major has gone wrong.

General Comments:

This is by far the best truck I have ever owned. Its spacious, comfortable, strong, and powerful. Its great for off roading or in the snow. Its also great for towing. I have 22 foot travel trailer and it has no problem keeping up with everyone else. I don't know why GM took away that 5.7 liter Vortex. The newer 5.3 doesent seem to have the grunt the 5.7 had. The only downside is gas. About 15 at best. About 9 to 12 towing. If you are looking for a used SUV, I would recommend buying a Tahoe. The 97 Tahoe was also MOTOR TREND'S truck of the year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2003

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.7 V8 from North America

Summary:

Great utility vehicle if you don't pay too much

Faults:

One front brake rotor was out of round as well as warped when purchased.

Drivers side exhaust manifold to y-pipe gasket started leaking at 50,000 miles and again at 68,000 miles.

Transmission cooler lines leak slightly, but have not leaked any appreciable amount.

Leather seats (front) don't appear to be holding up well at the seams.

General Comments:

Powerful, but can get thirsty.

Not as comfortable on long trips as you might think. Still quiet and a decent ride, but the seats get old after an hour or two.

A/C is not very cold.

At times the vehicle is considerably "mushy" feeling, but has never done something I didn't ask it to do and has plenty of stopping power.

Very good towing with 4 passengers and 3500 pounds behind.

The "auto" 4 wheel drive is nice and has performed well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2002