Chevrolet Tahoe full-size wagon offers Z71 off-road package

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.