The 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe is an excellent full-size SUV in more ways than not. The interior is spacious with loads of high-end conveniences packed into the entry-level model. The Z71 off-road edition is a beast. The vehicle handles surprisingly well for the size. But it’s hard to get past the seven thousand dollar price tag.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2004 Chevy Tahoe is, overall, an excellent SUV. But there are better ones at this price, and almost-as-good ones for half the cost.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – One of the most comfortable and spacious vehicles on the road today. The only way to improve on the Tahoe is to buy a decommissioned school bus and pack it with luxury furniture.
- Reliability 7/10 – You probably won’t have any major engine or powertrain troubles below 200,000 miles, but regular maintenance expenses for a full-size SUV add up quick.
- Safety 7/10 – The Tahoe’s safety tech is outdated and its crash test scores are mediocre, but even so, this thing is a tank.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Not bad for a twenty year old full-size SUV, but it’s still a twenty year old full-size SUV. This is not a vehicle you want to be driving when gas prices are on the upswing.
- Value 5/10 – It’s almost a shame that the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe is such a good SUV, because at these prices it’s one of the worst deals on the used market today.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Consumer Reports were impressed with the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe’s responsive powertrain and quiet cabin, but felt the overall build quality was a bit cheap, the third row seat was tight, and the handling could have been better.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Tahoe a near-perfect 98% recommendation, with the SUV’s reliable engine, fun driving feel, and roomy interior getting special mention. One driver describes it as their dream car, calling it a second home on wheels, but admits that the fuel economy isn’t great.
Edmunds liked the powerful engines and roomy interior, but agreed with Consumer Reports that the overall build quality, inside and out, feels a bit shaky with cheap interior materials and some rickety mechanical components.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Have?
The 2004 Tahoe has 463 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and 213 of these are for electrical problems. One of the leading complaints here: Corroded wire harnesses leading to sudden loss of electrical power. This isn’t the most expensive fix, but you don’t want it to happen while you’re out.
A recall was issued in early 2004 for a fractured o-ring seal in the brake valve. Nearly 70,000 VINs were included in this effort, but a handful of drivers have reported that their Tahoes were passed over when they should have been included.
Engine and powertrain issues are relatively scarce, but be on the lookout for slow acceleration, as this could be caused by a busted exhaust manifold bolt.
The 2004 Tahoe has just 5 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which is a pretty clean record for a twenty year old SUV. But there are a few issues that haven’t been addressed, likely because they’ve been occurring at such a low rate of incidence.
How Long Will the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Last?
According to drivers, you should expect your 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe to last about 200,000 miles on the low end, or 250,000 on the high end. Yes, the Tahoe can reach 300,000 miles. But there’s no telling whether the previous owner skipped a few oil changes or drove for 50,000 miles on dirty transmission fluid.
RepairPal report an annual maintenance cost of around $744, which is about what you expect for a full-size SUV. The most expensive common fix wil be a new airbag clockspring, starting at around $349.
It has been very reliable. The only issue we have had is a dead battery but that’s just normal wear and tear. We go on a lot of trips and have even towed a boat with it
Mostly, since we bought it used we have had some problems. But nothing major yet. Seemingly easy fixes so far.
Yes. It is very reliable. We haven't had any problem with it other than back windows don't roll down. But I'd say it's pretty reliable
My Chevy Tahoe is very reliable. I haven't had too many problems with this vehicle. Mostly regular maintenance has been needed.
Yes, it is reliable, just difficulty with control when on snowy roads, or likes to slide and not stop quick enough.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is generous for a 2004 SUV. The entry level LS features a CD player with a 6-disc changer, and some models offer back row DVD players as an option.
Safety technology is decent. You’ve got everything you expect for 2004, but not much you don’t. Full air-bags, anti-lock brakes, and a LATCH system to keep the kids safe, not don’t hold your breath for rearview cameras or lane keep assist.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Value?
Going by the sticker price, the 2004 Chevy Tahoe is priced fairly. When you add in the cost of ownership, from refueling to maintenance expenses, and the fact that you might only get around 75,000 miles out of the SUV before it’s ready for retirement, it might not be the best deal on the market today.
A mid-range LT typically lists at around $6,907. If you can talk the seller down to the medium fair market price of $5,907, that’s not a terrible deal. If you have seven grand to spend on a used full-size SUV, you might be better off putting that money down on a new compact.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Not counting the Commercial model, which is generally sold as a fleet vehicle for business purposes, the 2004 Tahoe is sold in three trim levels from the base LS to the off-road-capable Z71.
The entry level LS starts you off with:
- Heated mirrors
- Premium cloth seating
- Manual dual zone air conditioning
- CD player with six-disc changer
- Power windows and door locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Cruise control
The high-end LT adds:
- Leather seat trim
- Cargo package including cargo shade, net, mat, and center rails for the roof
- Additional sound system in the back
- Power adjustable pedals
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
With the off-road Z71 you’re starting with the LT model and adding:
- Four wheel drive
- Wheel flares
- Off-road suspension package with jounce bumpers, gas shocks, and skid plates
- Trailering equipment
What Engines Come In the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
- Standard in the LS model is a 4.8L Vortec V8 delivering 285 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is configured in rear wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Expect to average around 16/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, with this one.
- Optional in the LS and standard in the LT and Z71 is a 5.3L flex-fuel capable Vortec V8 delivering 330 lb.-ft. of torque and 295 horsepower. This is configured in four wheel drive, paired to a 4-speed automatic, and averages 14/18 miles to the gallon. With the trailing package you can tow up to 7,700 pounds, taking us into light-duty pickup territory.
What Colors Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The 2004 Tahoe is one of the most comfortable vehicles on the used market today. The suspension is solid, the seating is comfortable, and the rear hiproom stretches 61.3 inches across, making it basically a sofa on wheels.
Your biggest concern is going to be premature corrosion in the undercarriage. If you’re buying in a state with cold winters, it’s not uncommon for road salt to chew away at the suspension and leave you sitting on bricks. So test-drive, and see how it hits those speed bumps, because that’s a whole lot of SUV to leave sitting on the axle.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Have?
The 2004 Tahoe starts out with an incredible 63.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, and if you fold the seat down you can nearly double that at 104.6. If the Tahoe won’t haul it, you probably need a moving van.
Inside the cabin you’ve got more space than you need. There are plenty of pockets, nets, slots, and cupholders, but you could just about throw everything on the floor and it wouldn’t even feel cluttered. This is a full-size SUV that feels like a small bus.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Tahoe was the fifth year of the 2nd Generation for the SUV, which ran from 2000 to 2006.
2002: No big mechanical changes for 2002, but Chevy added heated mirrors, six-way power-adjust seats, and HomeLink transmitters for 2002.
2003: StabiliTrak was new for 2003, as were dual-stage airbags, occupancy sensors, and tri-zone air conditioning for the LS and Z71 models.
2004: New colors included Dark Blue, Silver Birch, and Sport Red Metallic, but there were no other major changes for 2004.
2005: The Tahoe got a boost to fuel economy with the new all-electric cooling system, bumping the 4.8L Vortec V8 engine up to 285 horsepower.
2006: Chevrolet made StabiliTrak a standard feature for 2006, and they removed the Chevrolet badging from the tailgate.
2007: With the launch of the new generation, the Tahoe was totally redesigned for 2007 with a more powerful engine lineup, tighter steering, and sleeker exterior edges.
How Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Compare to the Competition?
The 2004 Tahoe’s closest competition would arguably be the Ford Expedition and the GMC Yukon. If you’re looking for best value, this is an easy one to call: The Tahoe’s biggest issue is its pricing, costing you around seven grand twenty years after its release. The Expedition costs three thousand less than that, making it the most affordable of the three.
All three offer a range of powerful engines, with the Yukon being the strongest of the bunch thanks to an 8.1L Vortec V8 delivering 440 lb.-ft. of torque and 325 horsepower.
The Tahoe may be the most well rounded of the three, but what it does better than the Expedition, it doesn’t do it three thousand dollars better, making it one of the least cost-effective SUVs on the market today.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
It’s a very good vehicle. I feel very safe in it with my kids! It’s extremely easy to drive and has been reliable this far.
Yes! Plenty of room for a large family. Mine seats 7 with seat belts. Rides smoothly even when pulling something.
Yes it runs very well. Everything works but the back windows. The back windows don't roll down. But it's still good
My Tahoe is a very Good car. It has been very dependable. I have enjoyed this car very much. I would definitely buy another one.
I would say yes, most of the time. It does have difficulty when road conditions are snowy. It slides easily.
