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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My 03 Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By J.T.S. - July 8 - 2:00 amI bought my truck 3 weeks after it was built. I love this truck! Saw it at the SF auto show 3yrs ago as a concept truck and loved it then. I was looking at Suburban,Yukon XL, Trailblazers, Envoy XL. But found my Avalanche (with no - cladding!) my wife loved the truck too! With my two wins I bought it that day.
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THE MACHINE - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By +ELMER TATUM - July 7 - 2:00 amTHIS VEHICLE IS THE BEST OF 2 WORLDS, TRUCK AAND 5 PLACE CAR. GREAT RIDE, HANDLING AND CAN CARRY GREAT LOADS, BETTER THAN A SUBURBAN OR OTHER SUV. AWAITING THE 2005 MODELS TO COME OUT TO TRADE. NEEDS TO HAVE THE CLADDING ON THE BODY TO BE A GREAT VEHICLE.
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Truck with the comfort of a car - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By BucFan410 - July 2 - 2:00 amThis truck has all the comfort of a car with the durability of a truck. Bought with the intent to pull a boat. Plenty of cab room for a large family with plenty of room for storage and luggage. Great vehicle. Very impressed. Although gas prices have made it costly to fill, worth the comfort.
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GREAT TRUCK - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By ianns27 - June 30 - 2:00 amI could not be any happier. We had a 1997 blazer that we sold about a year before we got the Av. The blazer was nice but my Av is great. The comfort is nicer than many large cars and I am getting almost 17 mpg on the highway. And the guys at Homedepot and Lowes love to see me coming!!!!
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Happy, Happy, Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By hernandezfam - June 29 - 2:00 amA little apprehensive at first to buy such a big truck but after driving around, I found it was easier to drive than it looks.The ride is smooth and the back seats are roomier in comparison to the Silverados. Great for the family!
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I wish I had my 1998 Tahoe back!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By ihatechevy! - June 28 - 2:00 amJudging from everyone elses reviews, I got a lemon. The engine and exterior build are fine, but the interior is shoddy at best. Within 24 hours of leaving the dealership, trim pieces had begun to fall off! Now, 3 months later, I am still headed back from time to time to have the dealer replace trim clips. I have also resorted to using pieces of windshield wiper blades to wedge in the dash to stop squeasks and rattles. My 6 year-old Tahoe didnt have this much interior noise! I cant believe Im paying $500/month for this. For this price, I couldve had a nice, well built German car...
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best truck i ever had - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By showmethemoney - June 26 - 2:00 amthis is the best truck I ever owened, it is also very good looking. only complant is I need a little more power to pull my 35ft boat. TD
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feeling special - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By mike s. - June 20 - 8:03 pmfeel like a king in it, cant believe its as big as it is when you drive it, anybody not satisfied with the comfort, should not to get out of bed. may buy another (have two, his & hers) in a few years.
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i love it - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Walter Knadler - June 15 - 9:55 pmI got it new in 2005, changed all fluids after 5 years, had new brakes because of lack of use......its my 3rd vehicle but I love it.....45,000 miles on it....... wont hold a big load....but the ride is great........... towing is ok..........but its really just a great riding all around vehicle...............only real complaint is the the brakes a very soft pedal action......I asked the dealer and they said that was they way it is.........they work good but I think soft.......this is my 3 avalanche and hope to keep it forever.....i am 70 years old.....its just a great all around vehicle.....
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Solid, Versitle - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By turboboost17 - June 9 - 2:00 amThe conversion capability is priceless. Just a quick 1-10 minute change depending on what I need. Im a snowboard instructor in VT and the 4WD, and the ability to comfortably carry 5 (bucket seats) and gear without a roof rack (theyre dirty anyway) or even converting is clutch. With all this comes cost though. It takes quite a bit more time to clean and condition all the seals plus all the maintence of 4WD. Then again, theres not a lot of paint to wax :) Also it is a bit of an ordeal to add any sub woofers and miantain the conversion capability. If you want to know more see chevyavalanchefanclub. com
