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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  BEST TRUCK/SUV I HAVE OWEND - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By JIMBO.SS454 - November 27 - 11:26 pm

  I HAVE ALLWAYS BEEN A GM FAN/NUT WHATEVER YOU WOULD LIKE TO CALL ME. I HAVE A 1970 2500 CAMPER SPECIAL FOR THE HARD WORK AND THE AVALANCHE IS MY DAILY WORK HORSE. I LOVE BOTH OF MY TRUCKS.

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  boat and dive truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By olds442 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  truck is used for trips to florida and for towing of our 24 ft boat. very comfortable and a joy to drive, even while towing. although it seems to use more fuel then i would like, its worth it. very quite ride. the storage comportments are very handy and being able to lock up our dive gear in the bed is handy also.

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  Nice ride - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bw193 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is best ride of any four wheel drive truck that I have owned.

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  AVALANCHE IS THE WAY TO GO! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By FRITO754@AOL.COM - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE TRADED TRUCKS EVERY EWO YEARS FO THE PAST 16 YEARS. ONLY CHEVYS DURING THIS TIME. THIS IS THE 2ND Z66 I HAVE OWNED. THE BOSE SYSTEM ALONG WITH ALL THE COMFORT IS OUTSTANDING!

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  Fun for everyone! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Aftershock - November 17 - 10:00 am

  When parking in public, leave time to answer onlookers questions and enthusiastic comments. It truely does turn heads. Not since I drove my 67 Shelby have I noticed this much attention. Im in my 50s but the teens all want a turn at the wheel. And my mother also commented on the ride comfort in the back seat. (as good or better than the full sized Oldsmobile that I traded in). The appeal seems to span generations and genders. As a downer, my tailgate also fell open in the locked position.

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  My Chevrolet Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By drsmithmm - November 16 - 4:19 pm

  This vehicle is a joy to drive. Backing up, especially at night, is a little bit difficult due to restricted visibility. The rear window is vertically oriented, so lights from the instrument panel tend to glare off of it further reducing visibility. I have found that I must depend heavily on the side mirrors. I still would not give up this vehicle for the world, it is an absolute pleasure to own and drive.

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  The ultimate utility vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Mikey1234 - November 12 - 10:59 am

  This is a great truck. It will do anything you want it to. Take the kids to church or the movies, haul supplies from the Home Depot or Menards, take your toys to the lake or out in the wilderness, you name it. The ride is super smooth and handling is excellent. Go out and buy one and ENJOY!

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  Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Hawke - November 11 - 3:10 pm

  Gets great mileage for a truck (about 20 mpg highway, but 18 in Atlanta traffic). Lots of room. Put the midgate down, and with a sleeping bag, the three teenagers can sleep while dad drives on long trips.

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  Love it - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Captain Jim - November 11 - 12:39 pm

  I have loved these since they came out and finally got one.

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  Excellent Vehicle With Lots of Utility - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By PilotGuy - November 9 - 4:28 pm

  Extremely solid vehicle with engine performance that exceeds expectations. It handles well, especially on tight corners. The interior design is very user friendly and the BOSE sound system is far superior to any factory installed system I have ever heard.