Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a distinctive utility vehicle that blends the comfort and passenger capacity of an SUV with the cargo capacity of a long-bed pickup truck. Its unique "midgate" feature allows it to be converted from a five- or six-passenger crew cab pickup with a short cargo box into a two- or three-passenger pickup with a long cargo box. A lockable hard plastic cover keeps the bed contents safe.

Produced for two generations, the Avalanche was based on Chevy's related full-size trucks and SUVs and therefore shared basic underpinnings and powertrains. Though it may command a price premium on the used-car market, the Avalanche also has more to offer than most pure trucks or SUVs. For the shopper in need of a jack-of-all-trades vehicle, either generation of this unusual truck should make for a smart choice.

Used Chevrolet Avalanche Models
The most recent Avalanche is the second-generation model produced from 2007-'13. Sleeker exterior styling, a sharper and more precise driving feel and increased interior refinement were its chief advantages compared to the first-generation model. It was offered in three trim levels: base Avalanche LS, midgrade Avalanche LT and plush Avalanche LTZ. Numerous luxury and technology features were available, including Bose audio, leather upholstery and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Rear-wheel drive by default, this Avalanche was also offered with two four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems -- one with a single-speed transfer case (introduced on the 2010 model) and one with low-range gearing (previously the only option). All models started with a 5.3-liter V8 that initially produced 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque (310 hp and 335 lb-ft with 4WD). A 6.0-liter V8 with 366 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque was optional from 2007-'09. (Note that rated power on these engines varied slightly through the years, but you shouldn't notice any real-world difference in performance.) Earlier Avalanche models had a four-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed automatic (which helped improve fuel economy) became standard for 2009.

In reviews of the second-generation Chevrolet Avalanche, we consistently praised its exceptional versatility on account of the adjustable-length bed. From behind the wheel, we found the Avalanche to be comfortable and smooth-riding for such a workhorse, with robust acceleration from either of the proven V8 engines. The towing capacity impressed us at over 8,000 pounds, easily outdoing the car-based Honda Ridgeline, though trailing pure trucks with V8 power. Maneuvering in tight spots was a challenge, however, due to the Avalanche's massive size and considerable blind spots astern. Still, with its updated platform, it was markedly more pleasant to drive than the previous-generation model.

Aside from the powertrain changes noted above, this Avalanche received standard side airbags for 2008, and the LTZ was upgraded for 2009 with standard Bose audio, heated and ventilated front seats and leather upholstery. The final-year 2013 model was technically known as the Black Diamond Avalanche; it was treated to special badging and some additional features as standard.

The first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche was produced on an older platform from 2002-'06, making a name for itself with its innovative midgate, which was largely carried over to the second-generation model. This Avalanche is also very similar to the newer version in terms of passenger space. At its debut, the first-generation model was offered with two- or four-wheel drive and in 1500 (half-ton) or 2500 (3/4-ton) designations. The 1500 came with a 5.3-liter V8 good for 285 hp. The 2500 model had a 340-hp 8.1-liter V8 as well as higher towing and payload capacities. Both engines came standard with a four-speed automatic transmission.

In reviews of the original Chevrolet Avalanche, we gave it high marks for its trick adjustable bed and comfortable seating. Downsides included compromised outward visibility, low-grade interior materials and awkward exterior styling. The latter was partly attributable to the truck's standard-issue gray-color lower body cladding. Chevrolet wisely made it an option starting in 2003.

There were a few other notable changes during this Avalanche's run. The 2003 model year also saw the arrival of standard multistage airbags, optional stability control and a number of new features, while 2004 saw a slight drop in rated power for the 8.1-liter V8 (to 320 hp). Stability control was made standard across the board for 2006.

User Reviews:

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  Enjoying the ride - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Mark - September 3 - 3:37 pm

  I bought a gently used and fully loaded LTZ and love the truck. Just came back from 2,400 trip and was glad I took it. Plenty of room for luggage in box/trunk. Felt safe on the road being higher up. Could see great when driving in bad weather with too. Handled well even at higher speeds. Kids loved the DVD player. Bought it because wanted a box to haul things, and a size like a surburban. Sharp looking truck. Now wife wants one too. No surprise on fuel economy, 12 mpg city, 18 hwy @ 65mph. I live where theres alot of snow so the extra weight helps with traction, much less rear slippage than a pickup.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By PC - August 31 - 3:40 pm

  This is my 2nd avalanche. I have owned a 2001 Dodge Ram and a 2004 Ford F150 and a 2006 Avlanche. This one is waaayyy better than all of them. I had a few issues (electrical) with the 2006 but so far nothing wrong with this one. Interior and exterior are much better and the suspension and engine are much smoother. Overall this is a great truck.

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  Most Functional Truck Made - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Biff - August 28 - 10:58 am

  I gave up my 2001 Toyota Tacoma d-cab for a used Z-71 with 50,000 miles over 3 years ago. For a family of 5, the usability of the back seats is second to none. Where the Toyota 3.4L V6 screamed to tow my boat, the Avalanche handles it like nothing. The flexibility of the mid-gate is terrific. The bed tonneau panels are easy to remove and have remained water tight. The truck has a smooth ride on the road but can still perform off-road. Now I have 87,000 miles and only problem has been the rear power door locks have frozen up and need to be opened manually.

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  Ya gotta love it - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By rodebykr - August 26 - 2:00 am

  In response to a March 2002 review, yes, my tailgate has opened on its own several times. The trick is to close it firmly & try to open before you move. If its tight, it will stay closed. If not, it will sound like you ran over something when it drops opens! I had a problem with water leaks in the 3-piece bed cover. The seals did not appear to be attached well & water sometimes poured in. Per the dealer, the seals are not factory installed, but are installed at some later time. To correct, the dealer first tried to reseat the seals. This wasnt a complete fix, so they borrowed a cover off another truck & Ive had no problems since.

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  My car - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Lanita - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My car is very exciting in all kind of ways. It is exciting to drvie, the interior and exterior. The color is red. I have been every where in this car it never lets me down. Ive been to Branson,MO, Disney World, Gatlinburg,TN Memphis,TN and lots of other places. My Avalanche is an excellent car.It also pulls my 28ft. camper. I have been toalot of places with it too.

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  THIS IS IT -- NO REGRETS - BUY ONE - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Ved A Vanlin - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Quiet, responsive, safe. Good riding in comfort. We avoided a headon collision involving a careless construction worker who was leaving work early. He thought all lanes were one way travel. He was wrong, heading straight into our Avalanche. Our snap extremely quick and harsh turn resulted in the Avalance and workers car stopped, side by side, almost touching. (No sign of the Avalanche tipping over.) RESPONSIVE AVALANCHE. SAFE AVALANCHE.

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  best truck ever built - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Hilario - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is by far one of the versital trucks ever built. Im somewhat of a do-it-yourselfer and have had no problems transporting 4x8 sheets of drywall, all without it being exposed to the rain. Fun to drive truck gives you both a pickup truck and sportutility all in one.

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  My second Avalanche - 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Avalanche Lover - August 13 - 9:22 am

  My 2009 Avalanche is my second one. I had a 2003 Avalanche that was the most reliable and cheapest to maintain truck that I have ever owned. I traded it at 148,000 miles and never even put brakes on it. I love my new 2009 Avalanche also. It is more comfortable and roomier than my 2003. Fuel economy appears to be better and improving. it is a pleasure to drive and passengers enjoy the room and comfort. I will always drive a Avalanche as long as they are in production. they are great trucks very reliable the quality and durability is outstanding making ownership affordable by not having additional unexpected breakdowns or maintenance issues keeping current on Preventative Maintenance is key.

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  Happy Sportsmen - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Happy Sportsman - August 6 - 9:26 am

  This has been a great truck to drive and work with. It tows an 6000 lbs boat with no issue. I can take the whole family with me on a Ski trip or outing without having to pack the luggage,skis, hockey,baseball,and soccer equipment on top of the kids or leave them in the bed for the elements to have their way with. I use the truck to get back and forth to my construction job and find the side boxes very useful for my smaller tools and the bed is great for all the heavy equipment, add to that the fact that you can lock everything up and secure it for the night all together with the alarm on is great. I do have a vibration in my back end that no mechanics seam to be able to find or explain.

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  Transmission - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Henry - July 16 - 1:04 am

  Purchased the vehicle at 10 miles. Enjoyed the vehicle for almost three years when I started to have problems with the transmission. It would not shift properly. Fixed under extended 75,000 warranty. Few months later tranny went bad again. Bad part about I exceeded the coverage under the warranty and the tranny warranty( The rest is history