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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Love the truck but always in the Shop - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By M Mark - June 9 - 2:00 amIt is always in the shop. Always!!!! 22 Items had to be fixed in two years. Lemon!!! but I still love the style. Its a pure love hate thing.
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Carry a Piano, People, or Dirtbikes - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Avalanche Owner - May 24 - 10:00 amIve carried skis in the back in Winter, Dirtbikes, and even a standup piano. Ive also carried 4 x 8 foot plywood in the dry.
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Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Elansford - May 12 - 2:00 amMy wife took my Avalanche away from me and gave me her Expedition.
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Happy owner and trading for a new one - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By bashappy - May 12 - 2:00 ambest fun all purpose truck, car, rv, on the road, drives great. Have a new one on the way. This truck dose it all for me. I pull a large 21 ft. boat never had a problem with towing.
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I Love It!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By djs - May 9 - 2:00 amThe Best Vehicle i hav ever owned....smoothest ride and easiest to drive
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Couldnt Live Without It!! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By sms - May 9 - 2:00 amMy Husband Bought One And I Loved Driving His...10 Days Later I Traded My 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS For A New 2003 Avalanche..Just Like His Only In White....THANKS CHEVROLET....I FEEL SAFE DRIVING AGAIN!!!
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SS Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By doubletap 407 - May 7 - 2:00 amI HAVE 32000 MILES ON MINE AND I STILL LOVE IT! HAVE HAULED IT WITH THE BED LEVEL FULL OF DIRT, AND WITH 30 SHEETS OF 1/2" PLYWOOD, AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF COURSE BUT IT DID GREAT! I HAVE PUT ON A MORE OPEN EXHAUST, AND NOW GET 19 MPG ON THE HWY.I ALSO HAVE A 2002 SUPER CREW 1/2 TON FORD AND THE AVALANCHE IS 4 TIMES THE TRUCK. BETTER RIDE BETTER HORSEPOWER AND GAS MILEAGE.
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chevy has a winner - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By dunnehy - May 7 - 2:00 ami love this truck had three suvs prior to this truck lots of changes from 2002 model drives almost like a car for now better than my suvs you dont need 4x4 get 2x4 with traction and you will not have any problems in winter this is my first cheny and if this truck continue performing like it is now i will continue to drive a chevy gas mileage is not good but what do you expect for a truck this big i have the 1500 2 x 4 with all the trimmings except for sun roof just let the mid gate down
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very good vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By FF - May 5 - 2:00 amOverall this is a very good vehicle. I have 71K miles on this vehicle and have had no major problems. The tailgate still has a tendency to pop open, even after the dealer "fixed" it. The gas mileage is not that great, but what I would expect for a 4X4. I do like the midgate. In the winter I had the midgate down to utilize the full length bed, (I carry a lot of gear) and had no problems with the interior getting cold (I live in PA) and I do not have the heated seats.
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AV in Shelby Twp., MI - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Mark Loehr - May 2 - 10:00 amMy 2WD Av have leather seats, sunroof,rack, & every option with MSRP of $ 39047, love it ! I used my GM card rebate and local rebate to purchased it. My wife end up stealing it for a drive for every errands. Darn it !!!
