The 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is roomy, powerful, reliable, and fun to drive. It would be an easy recommendation if not for the inflated price tag, typically listing for a couple grand more than the identical 2003 GMC Yukon.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2003 Tahoe is a very good used SUV, it’s just not worth the asking price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – There’s not much to complain about in the comfort and space department. It comfortable seats more people than most of us care to hang out with at one time, and you could use the Tahoe to move your entire apartment in a few trips.
- Reliability 7/10 – The 2003 Tahoe is very likely to pass 200,000, even if the previous owner was a bit lax in their maintenance, and the SUV is cheap to keep running.
- Safety 7/10 – Features like airbag occupancy sensors and anti-lock brakes were adequate for 2003, but a 2003 SUV’s safety tech can’t compare to a new one’s.
- Gas Mileage 5/10 – Even die-hard fans will admit that 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, was never that impressive. If you live rural this might not be such a bad deal, but city drivers will have to figure gas prices into their weekly budgets.
- Value 5/10 – A GMC Yukon and a Chevy Tahoe are literally the exact same vehicle. But a Yukon sells for a couple thousand dollars less on average, and the comparable Ford Expedition sells for another thousand dollars lower than that.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Consumer Reports found the powertrain snappy and responsive, the cabin nice and quiet, and the ride smooth and easy. CR were less enthused about the tight third row seating and cumbersome handling.
Kelley Blue Book users recommend the Tahoe 2003 at a rate of 98%. Fun driving feel and roomy interior earned special notice, although even the most glowing reviews admit that it’s not the most fuel-efficient at city driving.
Edmunds praised the strong engine and roomy interior, but they found the overall build quality a bit spotty, noting cheap interior materials in particular.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Have?
Electrical problems take a substantial lead on the 2003 Tahoe’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration page, totaling 202 out of 533 driver complaints. We’re seeing a lot of accessory failure with instrument clusters, seat adjusters and radios losing power.
There are some concerning service brakes issues being reported, as well, with 84 complaints on file. The most worrying issue here is total brake failure, with drivers reporting that they put the pedal to the floor going downhill or in traffic and the car wouldn’t stop.
Powertrain issues are thankfully scarce, with just 19 complaints on file and no recalls. Although there is a recall for a potential fuel leak thanks to a faulty aftermarket filter. In affected SUVs the O-ring doesn’t fit, leading to leaks and possible fires.
The 2003 Tahoe has 7 recalls on file with the NHTSA in total, which isn’t bad for a 20 year old vehicle. Most of the SUV’s issues come down to wear and tear.
How Long Will the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Last?
Data from RepairPal tells us that older Tahoes will cost around $527 a year to keep running, with the most expensive common repair being a replacement for the suspension control module starting at around $662.
Optimistically, you could hit 300,000 miles on a 2003 Tahoe’s original transmission. Realistically, we’ve seen drivers report total breakdown as low as 130,000. With fastidious maintenance on a Tahoe in good condition, expect to see the odometer hit the 250,000 range before the repairs outweigh the cost of a new car.
I have had no problems. Continue to do regular oil changes, filter changes and checkups. Have had it since 2011 and have been very happy with it
It is very reliable. It only has normal wear and tear but easy and cheap to maintain. I never worry about weather it will break down on me or not.
Yes it is very reliable we have not had any issues with the Tahoe besides regular maintenance like every other car it runs like a champ
No problems runs really well. Everything is great engine, interior, and lights. It had low mileage and was very good condition.
Yes it’s reliable. Runs good to be 16 years old doesn't use oil. Drives good and very cold air. The heat will run you out of it.
This Tahoe is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. I bought it with approximately 230,000 miles on it and it has not messed up yet. I have only had to do routine maintenance on it. But as far as anything under the hood, it has been perfect.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is generous, if dated. The entry level LS model includes a CD and tape player, while the higher trims add a six-disc CD changer and a separate rear sound system for passengers.
The safety technology is good for 2003. Four-wheel antilock brakes and an airbag passenger sensing system are more than adequate for cars from this era, but that’s about as high-tech as it gets.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Value?
The 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe isn’t a great value. With fair market prices starting at around $4,753 and typical listing prices for the entry level LS averaging $6,467, it’s not exactly a steal compared to the more affordable alternatives, weighing in as one of the most expensive used SUVs on the market for its price.
Additionally, the Tahoe typically lists well above the fair market range. KBB puts a fair market price for an LT at $5,835, with the typical listing price being a full thousand above that at $6,835.
What are the Different Models of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
There are two basic trim levels, the entry level LS and the more luxurious LT, plus a bare bones Commercial trim level for fleet vehicles, and a Z71 package for off-roading.
The entry level LS features:
- Power windows with express down for the driver
- Keyless remote entry
- PASSLock II theft-deterrent
- Cloth seat trim
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Three 12v power outlets
The high-end LT adds:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Rear audio system for passengers
- Six-disc CD changer
- 8-way power seats for driver and front passenger
The Z71 off-road package is a variant of the LT, adding:
- Off-road tuned suspension
- 17 inch wheels
- Skid plates
- Tubular side steps
- Wheel flares
What Engines Come In the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
- The standard engine in the LS is a 4.8L V8 SFI delivering 275 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. A standard Tahoe is equipped to tow up to 2,000 pounds, but with a tow kit either model can tow from 7,400 to 7,700 pounds, depending on your options.
- In the LT trim you get a 5.3L V8 delivering 325 lb.-ft. of torque and 285 horsepower. This engine is flex-fuel capable. Both engines are paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and configured in rear/four wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the more comfortable vehicles in its size class. But, while Chevy advertise seating for eight, realistically that’s maybe four adults and four kids. The back row can get a bit tight if you’re trying to pack eight adults into the SUV.
There are few suspension complaints on file, so the 2003 Tahoe should still give the same smooth ride it gave twenty years ago. You’ll want to test drive it on some bumpy roads to make sure you’re not wobbling like a Slinky, but more Tahoes than not are still holding steady all these years later.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Have?
The 2003 Tahoe has a lot of cargo space. It’s basically a truck with an SUV body slapped on top, so you’ve got 63.6 cubic feet to start out with and 104.6 with the seats folded down. That should be more than enough space for any road trip, and enough room to move that love seat you’ve had your eye on.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe was the fourth iteration of the 2nd Generation for the SUV, which launched with the 2000 edition and was retired after the 2006 model year.
2000: New features for the second gen included OnStar, an upgraded airbag system, a power sunroof option, and an improved nine-speaker sound system.
2001: Chevy introduced the Z71 package for the first time in the 2001 edition. They also dropped two-tone paint schemes and added metallic Forest Green and Redfire options.
2002: Heated exterior mirrors, six-way power adjustable seats and HomeLink universal transmitters were added for 2002.
2003: StabiliTrak, dual-level airbags and occupancy sensors were all new for 2003, and tri-zone air conditioning came standard on LS and Z71 models.
2004: No major updates for 2004, but Dark Blue, Silver Birch and Sport Red metallic paints were added to the lineup.
2005: Fuel economy was improved for 2005 thanks to a new all-electric engine cooling system. This bumps the 4.8L Vortec V8 up to 285 horsepower.
2006: StabiliTrak was standard on all models for 2006, the Chevy badging was removed from the tailgate, and the engines were updated for newer emissions standards.
How Does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Compare to the Competition?
The 2003 Ford Expedition is comparable to the Tahoe in more ways than not. Both offer a pair of V8 engines, both are capable four wheel drivers, but are roomy and comfortable, both are reliable. But the Expedition might cost you about half as much as the Tahoe, with an entry level XLT starting at around $2,748 in the Blue Book.
A GMC Yukon is pretty much the exact same SUV as the Chevrolet Tahoe. Literally. It’s built on the same GM platform and the specs and features are fundamentally the same across the board, but one is branded as a Chevy and the other a GMC, and the GMC is about a thousand dollars cheaper.
There’s a lot to love about the Chevrolet Tahoe, but it’s one of the priciest used SUVs on the market for what you’re getting, even costing more than its identical twin from GMC.
Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
It is a great car. It has 216,000 miles on it. We have driven on long trips and not had any problems. It drives great.
Yes my Tahoe is a very good vehicle. It runs great and has lots of space. Maintenance is easy and cheap.
Yes it is a very good vehicle especially for a family of 5 like myself safe and reliable.never have any issues with it.
Yes it is a great vehicle. We bought it used but still had lots of miles to go on it. Very clean on the inside too. Chevrolet has been a good company for.us. We love it.
Great..Drives good and cold air. The only two things I've Had to fix on it the whole time I've had it was the ignition and the fuel pump.
Yes. My Tahoe is really spacious on the inside, making it a comfortable ride anywhere with three children and my husband. It is also very reliable. I've had this same vehicle for over a year now and it hasn't needed anything done to it other than routine maintenance.
