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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2004 Avalanche Z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
By wpixfrank - February 5 - 10:23 amThe Z71 Avalance is an "I cant believe its a truck truck". Ive been on black diamond off road trails testing the 4WD and power, this thing is a goat. Ive been on long freeway runs, it rides easily as smooth as the best domestic car. Ive taken it hunting, and to important business meetings. It is comfortable in both roles. Now if we could do something about the gas mileage...
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Cargo Compartment Door Latch - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Nwankama Nwankama - January 31 - 2:03 amI was an unlikely convert to Chevy. Having been a Toyota and Honda owner in the past, I have come to appreciate reliability. However, I test drove the Avalanche and fell in love with it, and bought one. But I have a concern: is it a faulty build or design? On two occassions while driving my Avi, the cargo bed door has open by itself. On one accasion, I actually had it locked with the key. Has any othe rperson experienced this, or is something wrong with Avalanche?
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Avalanche is Smarts Mans EXT! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Cache - January 27 - 2:00 amI was looking into buying a 2500 HD w/ 4Drs. Fell in love with Avalanche upon seeing. Midgate makes sense! Would have bought the Caddy, but too much cache! Engineers/Designers did well, but lets not relax just yet! Finish the job! Can you say luxury? Stop with trying to cheaping the Ava. For the price, the Ava should be more accessorized nicely!
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Chevrolet Has Really Improved - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By HMC - January 13 - 10:00 amI had many options to buy a truck but loved the overall style of the Avalanche. The ride is very smooth even with the z71 package. I really havent had to use the rear window bit yet but it looks simple enough. This is a big truck that takes some use to backing up etc. There are tons of options available on this truck and mine has all of them which really make this a $40,000 vehicle. I already have 7,000 miles and no major issues EXCEPT the a/c expansion value which is located on or very near the fire wall makes a lourd sound that is annoying. This shouldnt be in a $40,000 vehicle. Overall, very pleased with the vehicle.
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Utilitiful truck ever... - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By k_k - December 25 - 2:00 amWhat more can I say that the Av is everything Im looking for in a truck. Hauling stuff, kids, camping friendly, etc. At first, I thought it was ugly until it grew on me. It could use some improvement in performance that the acceleration felt flat from stop unless you stomp on it, a little play in the steering feedback, and brakes just doesnt grab well.
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ugly but no problems - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By miles(((((c - December 24 - 2:00 ammy wife drives this truck to work and i use it whenever i have to pull a trailer or tote family around the outside plastic makes it ugly but the pulling power and comfort to drive make up for looks the only thing that iv found it has to put any effort into pulling is my 71 f100 and the 1500 lb car trailer other than that 17 inch tires are expensive im almost thru my 1st set pricing the next after45000 miles
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LEAK LEAK LEAK - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By brokeagain - December 23 - 2:00 amI bought my Avalanche new in 2001. Its been in the shop at least 7 times because the carpets are constantly soaked. The dealer keeps trying to tell me the drains are clogged. WHAT DRAINS and WHY ARE THEY CLOGGED??? The last time it was in they showed me 2 holes in the floor at the front of the bed under a flap . I was told by the SERVICE MANAGER " your not supposed to use it like a truck because its an SUV." I was using it to bring leaf bags to the dump. Nothing major....right?
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Good for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By hgusmao - December 13 - 10:00 amI love the way it drives needs a little more performance into it
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avalanch - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By streetcop - December 6 - 2:00 amI love everything about it execpt that it has no place to store the wireless headphones.
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It is big - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By bigj4617 - December 2 - 2:00 amI like every thing about my Avalanche except the gas mileage. I am considering putting a camper top on it because the bed with the covers on it is to low to haul large objects with out exposing them to the elements. all in all i am very pleased with the truck and would buy another one.
