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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Fits All Needs - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Smod - October 10 - 2:00 amGreat truck/SUV fills both perfectly. Holds 5 comfortably, and converts to fit 4"X 8" sheets in under a minute, and only take the #3 panel off to carry home your lawnmower Side storage great for stuff and as a cooler. Great ride. Almost bought a F-150 crew cab but this out shines it all the way.
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WORLDS BEST VEHICLE - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By CHRISTOPHER - October 3 - 2:00 amIVE PURCHASED 7 NEW CARS IN THE PAST 12 YEARS AND THIS BY FAR IS THE MOST DEPENDABLE VEHICLE IVE OWNE INCLUDING A MAZDA, HONDA, NISSAN, SUBARU AND 3 FORDS. IVE TOWED MY TRAVEL TRAILER ON 2 LONG TRIPS INCLUDING YELLOW STONE PARK WITH MY AVALANCE, THE RIDE WAS VERY COMFORTABLE. MY AVALANCHE HAS ONLY BEEN TO THE DEALER ONE TIME FOR A SHOCK REPLACEMENT. BY FAR THE BEST VEHICLE IVE OWNED AND WILL TRADE FOR ANOTHER AVALANCHE EVENTUALLY. THE GAS MILEAGE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS MY SUBARU OUTBACK I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD. UNFORTUNATELY I HAD MANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THEM. THIS IS THE FIRST CHEVY I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND IM VERY IM- PRESSED.
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Bad Brakes - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Domdeg - October 2 - 2:00 amTruck overall: I like it. Braking system: Poor. Just dont grab... Watch out for quickly changing traffic lights....cause you will have to go through em. Also the rear window makes it very difficult to park.
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What an awesome truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By fosty47 - September 30 - 2:00 amYou must drive an Avalanche to experience the excellent ride and handling.
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Mikes Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By camaromike - September 28 - 2:00 amI bought the "without body hardware" model and what a nice change it is! This has so far been one of the nicest riding,running,and looking vehicles I have ever owned.So far absolutely no problems with my Avalanche. Great dealer service and honest advice.
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Wonderful Truck, Happy Owner - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Cool Rod - September 24 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is a homeowners dream come tru. Functions as a very nice comfortable car most of the time, but you can move a refrigerator or haul trash to the dump if you need to. Go to "chevyavalanchefunclub" on the web to find more than 8000 happy owners. Thats the best site for all sorts of Avalanche info. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Best turning radius of any crew cab, shortest wheelbase, longest bed of any crewcab except duelies. Parks like a car!
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luv it - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By redtruck - September 24 - 2:00 amDrives & rides better than previous 89 GMC truck. Tows 3,000 trailer so well that I forget its there, until I have to stop....
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Perfect vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By RK2 - September 22 - 2:00 amChevy did EVERTHING right on this baby. Positioning of the controls, comfort, lotsa interior room & it rides and handles so smooth its like driving a car, has full sized truck bed space and the design lets it stand out from any truck on the road.
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Colorado Avs Fan - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By cleored - September 21 - 2:00 amFrom a 2001 Explorer XLS to a 2002 Trailblazer LS to the 2003 Z71 Avalanche, I feel like I have arrived at the top of the mountain. It rides like my wifes 2003 Tahoe LT and can haul a lot more. I need to haul samples, literature, & displays as well as clients. I pull a loaded trailer occasionaly and I can hardly tell its there.
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AVTK - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By BCW - September 19 - 10:00 amThis is a great vehicle. I can use it to go out to go out in the evening to nice places OR to haul pine straw from my local Home Depot.
