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 IT - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By DARLENE FERGUSON - November 4 - 10:00 amMY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED THE AVALANCHE AS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY REASONS BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS, QUADS AND OFF- ROADING EQUIPMENT TO TOW. WE LOVE THE FACT THAT THE REAR WINDOW IS REMOVEABLE AND THE VERSATILITY OF THE BED. HAVING THE HARD COVER COME STANDARD IS A DEFINANT PLUS FOR BIKES AND ATVS. THE KIDS HAVE ALL THE ROOM THEY COULD EVER WANT IN THE BACK AND HAVE TONS OF ROOM TO GROW. THIS IS THE BEST TRUCK WE HAVE EVER HAD AND I WONT GIVE IT UP, I DONT EVEN LET MY HUSBAND DRIVE IT!!!!
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GM ON THE LEADING EDGE WITH AVALANCHE - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By PAUL M. WILSON - November 4 - 10:00 amIf I were to design a vehicle, this would probably be it. Lots of room, good performance, quiet, and very versatile. There is enough traction control for almost any circumstance (lock-up rear end, auto 4-wheel, 4- wheel hi and lo, as well of course, 2- wheel drive). We had a customized van for family use and I had a Concorde but at times could have used a pick-up. The Avalanche now takes the place of the van and the Concorde and gives me the truck I occasionally need.
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This is a truck ?? - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By PA Jay - October 22 - 2:00 amYou will not believe this is a truck when you ride in it. It rides like a full sized car (comfortable). I was pleasantly surprized at the pep this truck had for its big size.
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owner - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
By overhill - September 28 - 10:10 amgood truck but box cover leaks and fades in the sun
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A good choice - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Rudeboy - September 22 - 10:00 amI had a GMC 1500 extended cab for almost ten years and my kids were just getting too big for the back seat. I needed more room and was considering a crew cab pick up and Im really glad I chose the Avalanche. The versatility cannot be compared to anything on the market. I had some concerns about the bed being water tight. I checked it at the dealer after they washed it, hosed it down at home and have been through a few rain storms and the bed stays dry as a bone. It rides like a Caddy and while I cant say its fun to drive, it is fun to see how many heads turn on the road.
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Good looking truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Mike - September 17 - 11:18 amI have had this truck for over a year now I LOVE IT. I think the Chevy AV is by far the best looking truck on the road. The two things I would change would be some type of back up camera and make changes to front end. I have notice more than a little play in the stearing wheel.
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Avalanche Switcheroo - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By jpm - September 17 - 10:00 amI picked up a load of 4X8 plywood sheets and totally enclosed the tail gate and all--just in case it rained on the way home. The guy at the hardware store couldnt figure out what I was doing. He may still be there scratching his head! Always have what I need in the comparments. I cant believe more contractors are buying these and why Chevy hasnt built a contractor model!
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HARD TO BEAT - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By JOE MILLER - September 10 - 2:00 amTHIS TRUCK HAS STYLE.I CAN CHANGE IT INTO A PICK-UP IN "3MIN". I CAN PUT WOOD IN THE BACK 12 16 OR LOCK AND COVER SOME 10 AND ALL 8.THIS IS A WORK TRUCK AS WELL AS A FUN TRUCK. IT IS COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE LIKE A CAR. I BUY NEW CARS ONLY AND THE LAST NEW CAR WAS A BUICK. I THOUGHT THAT CAR HAD A NICE RIDE UNTILL I GOT THIS 2002 AVALANCHE. "YES IT RIDES BETTER THAN A BUICK."
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Best of both worlds - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By stoming Norman - August 18 - 2:00 amGreat truck rides like a car. Easy to drive can see all around no blind spots. pleaty of power easy to swicth over. Lots of fun real head turner.
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No Avalanche to fear here - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By steven suess - August 17 - 8:23 pmMy wife and I like this vehicle so much that we are planning on trading our venture van in on a second avalanche. This has got to be the ultimate pic-up passenger combo ever built. I dont impress easily, but this truck is it.
