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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Bills Avlanche Review - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Bill - December 24 - 8:35 pmI have driven my Avalanche for the past seven months, putting 6000 miles on it. During this time, it has run flawlessly, been a very comfortable vehicle to ride in, and a vehicle with enough power to get it up and going. It can hold its own on the highway, running 55 mph or 80 mph. At the higher speeds, I have found it to still have reserve power to make it move if need be. Towing a trailer is tolerated well by the 5.3 liter engine. I have found it to tow very well and brakeing is great. My avalanche will stop very well on its own and equally well with towing a trailer. In short, I love my Avalanche. It drives and rides like a car but has the built of a truck.
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Nice - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By will - December 24 - 6:39 pmI have been wanting one for a while, and I finally got one, and have not been out of it since. It is everything I imagined.
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Great Vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By gotmymojojrkn - December 24 - 2:00 amJust bought this awesome SUV/Truck Z71 after admiring the looks from day one. I can fit both my teenage sons in back with room to spare. I am one happy son of a gun right now and havent even really started enjoying all the features yet.
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3/4 Ton Big Block is The Only Way to Go - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Robert Michael, Pa. - December 18 - 9:47 pmThe 3/4 ton with the big block is the only way to tow my heavy travel trailer across country. Much better towing with the 373 rear and Allision tranny than a small block 5.3 screaming with a 410 rear. Very flexible easily loading almost 30 sheets 1/2 drywall and closing the gate. Mileage is better with this 8.1 liter than my old 454. About 14-15 not towing and 11 with a 7000 pound trailer. I dont have to move over for the tractor trailers like you do with the small block. It is getting time to look at another Avalanche but I wont buy one with a small block. I love the truck but do not want a fancy toy truck with a 5.3 liter.
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Look Out Below - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
By rboegh - December 11 - 11:11 pmAll other SUVs stand way below the 07 Avalanche. I purchased 2 months ago and it now has 6,000 miles of trouble free driving. I traded an 03 Yukon for it and would never go back. This is the best truck/SUV I have ever owned. I would highly recommend, and have to family and friends. The styling is dead on and they fixed the cheap interior and exterior finishes of earlier models. Look for the LT-3 with the 20" wheels option which will save about $3K from the LTZ package with same options.
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Completely Satisfied - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
By teflonjpr - December 8 - 2:30 pmWent looking at Silverado Classic, but after test drives it was too good to pass up. Much better in every way compared to the Colorado Crew Cab we traded in. Ride was smooth, and quieter at highway speeds. Turning performance and radius is better, with less body lean. Fuel economy is good, averaging 15 city and 20 highway just like the estimates. The interior is well layed out with easy to read guages. The steering wheel audio and cruise controls are excellent features. Visibility is good front and sides, but rear visibility is poor due to the tailgate height, the rear camera would be a nice feature to have. Overall a great move up from the Colorado, wife and I both love this truck!
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Problems - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By mekastle - December 7 - 4:09 pmWe are having to replace the brakes every 20,000 miles. Dealer says that is normal. GM says they stand behind dealer. Would be unsafe to stand in front because brakes dont work. At same visit, tech says brakes shot, service manager says brakes ok. Three months later, brakes and rotor have to be replaced. GM says believe dealer? Two different stories, how can they believe both? I will never buy another GM product no matter how much I like the design. Nice to look at, practical design does not get me where I am going. If GM blindly accepts whatever the dealer says, I do not trust them and will no longer deal with them. No tears from me in they go bankrupt, maybe they deserve it.
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Load-up chezzy - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By yourconfessions - December 3 - 3:26 pmI enjoy my Avalanche. I like the versitility and the only 2 things Id change are the 3 slide panel leak and are not covered under any warranty although the sales people say they are. And the tail gate Id make one thats double doored opens right and left. The drop gate is so traditional in trucks. Lets expand Chevys horizons.
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Evaluate is reality, not emotion - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Buzz - November 29 - 4:58 pmA shaved down model from previous years. Intenseley cheapened. Interior noise is excessive. Placement of switches inconvenient, difficult to actuate because of positioning. Guage background in near black with dark sootlike numbers blend into an almost invisible display. Great effort to see speed, gas remaining and the like. This is the poorest of poor. Add sun glasses and the display is unreadable. The sun lightens the top of the dash which in turn reflects from the inside of the windshield, limiting your vision. The garage door opener buttons require a copilot to actuate them.
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This is an awesome truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Burt Ribet - November 29 - 11:53 amI drive this truck about 80 miles/day. I love driving this truck. I used to drive my motorcycle to/from work. It is more fun to drive my truck. I now have 120,000 miles and it has only been in the shop once. The transmission oil pump exploded destroying the transmission at 91,160 miles, 1,160 miles off of my extended warranty.
