2001 Chevy Tahoe - The Old Workhorse Gives Way to a Thoroughbred
Way back in the 1970's, when the words sport utility had not yet been conceived, Chevrolet was bringing the K5 Blazer (and GMC Jimmy) to market. It was a massive beast, built on a pick-up truck chassis like its bigger brother Suburban, with a proud V8 engine up front. Although anything but refined by today's standards, the original Blazer would take you through the deepest mud puddles and over the rockiest crags without batting an eyelash. It was one serious off-roader, with a devoted following still to this day.
Although the name was changed in 1995, much of the previous Chevy Tahoe was similar to the original K5. Its backbone, the body on ladder-frame construction, had been refined but not completely redesigned. While still maintaining excellent off-road characteristics, the Tahoe's on-road manners were miles beyond what the original Blazer could ever have hoped to achieve. Over the years, the sheet metal was smoothed over and the interior took on a myriad of creature comforts, becoming as luxurious as a Cadillac's (which recently produced a version of its own - the Escalade).
The launch of the all-new Tahoe marks the first complete redesign of this venerable truck. The frame is now made of three modular sections manufactured independently of each other, allowing each section to meet its individual performance criteria. Front and rear frame rails are produced from hydroformed steel, which reduces the stretching of the steel during the manufacturing process, producing a more rigid frame.
This attention to detail becomes apparent as soon as you take one for a spin around the block. No more body creeks, now the Tahoe is one stiff truck. Its handling prowess is enhanced further by a 5-link rear suspension that absorbs bumps with greater alacrity than the old leaf spring setup. Other features like speed sensitive steering and electronic traction assist (2WD only) improve handling on and off the beaten path. Add to this the choice of three suspension options, depending on the model you want, and the ride goes from Smooth (standard), to Premium (with a suspension leveling system) to Autoride (with air leveling suspension to automatically control the amount of shock damping). The big truck is much easier to park and maneuver through traffic, while more controllable at highway speeds.