1999 Chevrolet Tahoe

1999 TAHOE APPEALS TO THE HEART OF THE SPORT UTILITY MARKET

At a time when even luxury car makers are getting into the sport utility market, the 1999 Tahoe stands out as a tried-and-true symbol of on- and off-road sport utility function and performance, with a ladder-type truck frame, a choice of four-wheel-drive systems and more standard engine power than any other SÚV in its class. Adding to the appeal of this sport utility is the new-for-1999 Tahoe Z71.

'While some folks look at sport utilities as status symbols, we've found that Tahoe buyers are just a little different,' said Steve Ramsey, Chevy Tahoe brand manager. 'For them, their first Tahoe isn't as much a status symbol as it is a merit badge.'

Part of the reason for Tahoe's strong reputation among sport utility buyers is the 255 horsepower Vortec 5700 V8 engine (standard on all Tahoes). Tahoe also features an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel antilock brakes, a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system (4x4s) and front recovery hooks (4x4s).

Four-wheel-drive models feature the optional Autotrac system, which senses slippage at the rear wheels and automatically transfers power to the front axle.

In addition, Tahoe is one of the only full-size sport utilities to offer a Two-Door model (under 10,000 lbs. GVWR) -- especially attractive to outdoor enthusiasts who need a rugged vehicle and tend to carry more cargo than passengers.

For 1999, Tahoe features minor engine and transmission changes designed to improve the truck's durability. But the big news should turn heads among the outdoors enthusiasts Tahoe is designed to attract -- for 1999, Tahoe is available in a Z71 model designed specifically for off-road use.

New Tahoe Z71 Model

Tahoe Z71 is a specially equipped version of the current Tahoe. It will be available for the '99 model year as a Four-Door, four-wheel-drive model.

'This bold new Z71 is a great example of chasing the customer, not the competition,' added
Ramsey. 'It's an enhancement our buyers told us they were looking for in a Tahoe-size vehicle.'

According to Ramsey, Tahoe Z71 has the rugged touches that full-size sport utility buyers are looking for, such as:

• Color-keyed grilles and bumpers that provide a distinctive look.

• A black brush guard and front foglamps for harsh conditions.




• Únique 16-inch chromed aluminum wheels and color-keyed wheel flares.

• Black taillamp protectors.



• Two-Tone leather bucket seats for durability and comfort.

• Carpeted floor mats.

• Z71 badging.

In addition to offering specialty models like the Z71, Chevy is reaching out to Tahoe buyers through such affinity partners as Quail Únlimited and Ducks Únlimited.

'These groups are populated by men, women and children who love the outdoors, and who use sport utilities to carry themselves and their gear to outdoor activities,' Ramsey noted.

Chevy is also involved in outdoor events, such as the Chevy Tahoe Wildlife Challenge Sporting Clays Tournament series, of which Chevy Tahoe is the official sponsor.

'Tahoe buyers are doers,' said Ramsey. 'They're outdoors people. And wherever families are gathered in outdoor recreation, we want to be there with the trucks they need.'

Heritage Plays a Key Role

Chevrolet's research indicates that more than 40 percent of all Tahoe buyers replace their vehicles with another Tahoe.

According to Ramsey, Chevrolet's truck heritage is a major reason for Tahoe's popularity.

'Tahoe is an authentic SÚV, with a history that goes back more than three decades,' said Ramsey. 'Full-size sport utility buyers tell us that if they are going to go off-road, they'd rather be driving a Tahoe more than anything else. Off-roaders and outdoor enthusiasts look to Chevy.'

Source - GM Corporation