2005 Chevrolet Tahoe

Now deep in its second generation, the Chevrolet Tahoe has been around since 1999, enjoying great success until 2005, when its age, high gas prices, and growing competition conspired to cause a dramatic drop-off in sales. Still, the Tahoe has been a perennial best-seller for a reason: It hits the sweet spot in the full-size SUV segment. The Tahoe is a right-sized, garage-friendly alternative to the Suburban behemoth and even pickup trucks. It tows up to 7,800 pounds, offers a choice of powerful V-8 engines, provides plenty of room and comfortable passenger quarters, and is capable off road.

While the styling won't melt you with its flourishes, there's really nothing offensive about it, either. In fact, it makes a strong statement about form following function, and this basic, honest shape can be dressed up and accessorized in any number of ways. Despite current high gas prices, many shoppers still consider a full-size SUV to be a reasonable proposition--and "reasonable" is the Tahoe's byword.

Developed alongside the Silverado pickups, the Tahoe shares clear visual lineage with broad, square shoulders tempered by rounding, almost friendly curves. The wheel arches are squared off, reflecting the brand's current truck design aesthetic, seen all the way down to the Colorado pickup. The Chevrolet crossbar grille, smoothed headlights, and slightly tapering hood add grace notes to the front. Sandstone and Bermuda Blue are new colors for 2005. The rear liftgate with hinged rear glass is standard on all models. Side mirrors offer a folding feature (powered on Z71 and LT models) to avoid damage in narrow spaces. Z71 and LT models' driver-side mirrors also feature built-in turn signals and electrochromatic glass that automatically dims headlight glare from following vehicles. Black or color-keyed fender flares, standard on the Z71 and optional on other Tahoes, add a touch of butch to the otherwise flat flanks.

Interior trim was revised for 2005, freshening the Tahoe with new fabrics and plastics. Unfortunately, the overall look is still that of old-think GM, with hard, unpleasing plastics, dated designs, and significant panel gaps. Still, if plain, rugged function is what you're after, the outgoing Tahoe is hard to fault, with more storage than most competitors competitor and easy-to-use controls, designed for gloved-hand operation.

With the optional, third-row bench, up to nine people can be seated. This third-row seat also splits 50/50 and folds forward. Without this bench, and with the second-row folded forward, there is a flat load floor and minivan-like cargo space. The rear glass is deeply tinted to help keep everybody in the third row comfortable. Power locks, power windows with driver-side one-touch down, and cruise control are standard. A tri-zone, manual climate control system is standard, while automation of this system is optional. Second-row passengers can enjoy a separate audio source from that of the front-row people, and a rear-passenger DVD entertainment is available. The optional Bose sound system plays through eight speakers. XM satellite radio, also available, provides 120 channels for diverse listening tastes. The sixth-generation OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system boasts improved accuracy in voice recognition.