This Months Vehicle Review:
1999 Chevrolet Z71 Tahoe LT
T
ahoe... The name conjures up a warm and friendly feeling that brings
forth the thought of the Lone Ranger and Tonto blazing new trails.
Z71 however, brings to mind a more progressive thought of strength and
commanding, at least it does for me.
It's also a bit tough being the flagship for any particular fleet of
vehicles, especially in the Sport Utility dominion. When a vehicle
manufacturer makes a rig that is both capable and comfortable, it
comes under what I like to call the "fishbowl" syndrome. Our Chevrolet
Tahoe LT with the Z71 Off Road package definitely falls under my
measurements of a flagship. Our Tahoe came loaded with every possible
accessory and is simply a work of art.
The LT version of the Tahoe is similar in nature and design to the LS version
but comes with custom leather seating surfaces and ETR AM/FM stereo with CD and
cassette player. But, don't let the nice paint, leather, comfortable ride and
all but perfect fit and finish fool you. This full-size sport utility can hang
with the best of them in it's on and off-road capabilities. With a ladder-type
truck frame, more standard engine power than any other SUV in its class and
low gearing makes this rig very capable and comfortable in all but the worst
terrains.
On the road, you get a feeling of commanding traffic with its full size
and ample power. Passing power at both 30 and 50 m.p.h. will push you
back in the seat and get around other vehicles very quickly. Additionally, with
a respectable 0 to 60 in 10.85 seconds and braking from 60 to 0 3.15 seconds,
there is a great feeling of security. Additionally, the new 255 horsepower
Vortec 5700 V8 has a new more durable and powerful starter and a new, more
efficient zinc treated, aluminum radiator. The mill also puts out some 330
lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm's.
The Slush Box
The 4L60-E 4-Speed automatic transmission sports new seals and internal
components that are designed to reduce friction and provide a longer
life expectancy. It also has a deep transmission oil pan and an
electronically controlled converter clutch that allows for gradual
engagement of the torque converter for smoother driveability and increased
fuel economy. Even with the enhanced, computer controlled slush box we
found no problems with it "hunting" for gears in a myriad of on and off road
situations. The tranny also has some other unique features such as Electronic
Line Pressure Scheduling Software that adjusts pressure to the
clutches base upon torque output of the engine for smoother, more consistent
shifts. A second-gear start feature allows the vehicle to start off in second gear
for slippery situations and they've even added long-life transmission fluid
that is intended to last some 100,000 miles.
O
ff the beaten path, the Z71 off road suspension package really shines. Even
though the more "hard-core" off-roaders would like a solid front axle,
the SLA (Short-Long Arm) Independant Front Suspension does well and provides a
bit more travel and stability than it's previous version.
The Autotrac system is equally impressive. This computer-controlled system,
if selected from the dash, is capable of engaging four-wheel drive automatically.
This is NOT an all-wheel drive system, but more accurately named as a
"standby" four-wheel drive system. If extra traction is needed, an electronic
control module activates an electronic motor to transfer the torque between
the front and rear wheels, all done within a fraction of a second. Further, if
the computer senses multiple instances of slippage, it will automatically
lock the system into four-wheel drive until better traction is reached and then
transfer the system back into two-wheel drive.
The standard 2 front recovery hooks are placed well and allow for the
largest of straps, although the large P265/75R-15 tires grip well in most
conditions and the hooks shouldn't be needed.
We found that the Tahoe performed admirably off-road and did well in a
variety of difficult situations including hi-speed washboard road driving,
steep and loose inclines and climbing obstacles such as large rocks.
I
nterior fit and finish rated nearly a perfect ten. Its spacious interior allows
for the largest of people and provides more than ample leg, hip, shoulder and head
room. Rear-seat heat ducts (See photo) keep the rear passengers just as comfortable
as the front. Standard illuminated entry feature keeps the dome light on for 20 seconds (40 seconds
for vehicles equipped with Remote Keyless Entry system) and turns on when the
vehicle is unlocked with the remote keyless entry system. Two standard 12-volt
auxiliary "cigarette" plugs are handy, along with the self-dimming inside rearview mirror.
The mirror self-dims when headlight from behind, at nighttime shine on it. Another
nice feature of the mirror is the 8-point electronic compass and outside temperature
display.
Nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo room allows for gobs of storage. Additionally,
the cargo area of the Tahoe provides 4 tie down points for securing your
goodies.
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All in all, we were extremely impressed with the '99 Tahoe and were really
sorry to see it go.
| NOTE: All ratings on a scale of 1 to 4 with flat tires equal to a half. |
| Description |
Notes |
Rating |
| Performance |
Performance both on and off road was good. |
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| Durability |
The vehicle seemed well designed to precise specifications and was tight. I had the sense that everything was durable and large. |
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| Appearance |
Chevrolet has never been the most progressive auto manufacturer, but the Tahoe has a nice look to it without going "overboard" with strange looks. |
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| Drivability |
Very comfortable rig to drive. Nice and quiet at highway speeds, but not too quiet. |
 |
| Comfort |
Massive amounts of room and super comfy seats. Fit and finish both inside and out was awesome to say the least. |
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| Price in comparison to related products |
Our Tahoe had every imaginable bell and whistle and you can still get change back from your $35,000 bill. |
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| Was it worth it??? |
Most definately! |
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| Editors Notes |
The '99 Tahoe LT with the Z71 off-road package is a great rig.
utility bound by comfort is the best way to describe this capable 4x4...RW |
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