manufacturer offers a similar machine at the moment, though Ford will be joining the
battle later this year with its new Expedition, a 4-door replacement for the Bronco.
The closest competitor is the Chevy/GMC Suburban, which is, in all respects save
length and seating capacity, identical, although it could be argued that the Toyota
Land Cruiser nibbles at the fringes of this size/price class.
Smaller truck/wagons abound, from the aforementioned Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy to Jeep
Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer to Range- and Land Rovers to a host of alternatives
from Japan. All are a little easier to handle in urban situations and slightly more
economical to operate, but none offer Texas-sized interiors or the ruggedness and
trailer-pulling capacity of a fullsize truck platform underneath.
First introduced in 1969 as a K-Blazer (not to be confused with the smaller
Blazer/Jimmy), Tahoe got its current name last year. It has come a long way from its
early pickup-truck-with-plastic-roof beginnings, evolving into a unique and versatile
people-carrier.
Tahoe is a rugged beast, a go-almost-anywhere, do-almost-anything sport-utility
vehicle. With last year's interior refinements and an added model, plus this year's
powerplant upgrade and new drivetrain variants, Tahoe would be a standout even if it
had direct competitors. Next Page