2000 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon

By Bob Storck

Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon are built in the Janesville, WI and now in the Fort Worth plant that was converted from less profitable Caprice and Roadmaster sedans. With this redesign the only full size 2 door sport ute disappeared.

The four-door Tahoe/Yukon is not an abbreviated Suburban. The four-door is about two feet shorter than the Suburban, and the difference is almost entirely in the rear storage area. Customers can choose between a liftgate or split rear cargo doors. Ironically, GM pioneered the Dutch door on their Astro and Safari vans that allow easy rear access without the rear view impeding center divider, but doesn't offer it on these new products. Optional electronic dual zone climate controls allow passengers to maintain two different temperature levels.

The new Vortec V8s feature more power, an average four-percent improvement in fuel efficiency, increased durability and reduced tailpipe emissions, compared with the engines they replace. The new engines get mated to a family of more durable and "smarter" four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmissions, and they live up to GM's fine reputation. New features include a larger sump, which increases the amount of fluid, reducing heat and improving durability.

For a complete review, read: All New Design Benefits Confused By New Yukon XL Name by Bob Storck.