2006 Fullsize SUV : CHEVROLET Tahoe

Chevrolet’s strong-selling Tahoe full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) is based on the company’s Silverado pickup truck. The Tahoe SUV is the kid brother of the king-size Suburban. Little has changed for the 2006 model year: a standard tire-pressure-monitoring system, relocated catalytic converters and a manually adjusted parking brake are now available.

Additionally, all 2006 models now offer an optional 295-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 that runs on gasoline or up to 85 percent ethanol. V-8 models also feature General Motors’ Stabili-Trak electronic stability system. LS and LT trim levels are available. Nine people can fit inside Tahoe’s equipped with an optional three-place 50/50-split rear bench seat in the third row. A multilingual driver information center is installed. Entertainment options include XM Satellite Radio, a Panasonic rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a family of Radio Data System radios.

A single antenna now serves the On Star communication system and XM Satellite Radio. This roomy and comfortable SUV maneuvers better than its external dimensions suggest. All-disc antilock brakes are standard, and side-impact airbags for front occupants are optional. Stabili-Trak is standard with V-8 engines. From behind the wheel, both the Tahoe SUV and its Yukon cousin come across as tolerable in size for most journeys. Not only is the Tahoe easy to drive, but it can actually be enjoyable.