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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AVALANCHE - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By HD69 - August 12 - 2:00 amIVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH MY AVALANCHE.IT RIDES LIKE A DREAM, I AVERAGE 14.5 MPG CITY AND 18 MPG HIWAY WINTER DOES SEEM TO CUT ME BACK TO 13.5/16.7 RESPECTIVELY BUT ALL ELSE IS GREAT
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New Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By AgentOF - August 12 - 2:00 amVery happpy with my new Avalanche. I dont offroad, so the 2WD Z66 was plenty for me and it is very smooth. I shopped all day for a Truck, Morning for a F-150, Night for the Chevy. I REALLY tried to give the F-150 a good look. It just didnt grab me. I think the Avalanches back end is what the F-150 was TRYING to go for. I had an 2000 Escalade 2 cars ago and this rides better than the Escalade.
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Best of both worlds - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Angel Manuel - August 12 - 2:00 amMy Z71 is awesome. Great power overall, very good for off-road and easy to drive on long trips. The sunroof provides another experience seldom found on trucks. The only concern I have is gas mileage, so far 15.8 mpg -not bad as some people has told me, but heavy on my pocket everytime I filled the tank. The cover cargo and non-slip mat is a plus-plus. It feels safe to go to the store, and keep shopping without worries. Great truck overall.
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My Transformer and Wonder Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Cat Maloy - August 11 - 10:00 amAt first site I thought this was the ugliest truck I had ever seen. My son talked me into test driving one. I have been in Love ever since. It rides like a dream and there is enough interior space to make every one comfortable. The Dog even loves it. I have taken it apart for everyone I know and even perfect strangers at a Ford dealership. For the folks that have had trouble with leakage from the back window or gasket, get that truck back to your dealer now! A badly manufactured window that cracked is the culpurate. They replaced the padding and carpet, the window and gasket after torrential rains in our area leaked into the cab of the truck.
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Accept no substitute!! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Skywolf - August 7 - 10:00 amThere is no truck better than the Avalanche. Nothing even comes close to the Ride, Quality, and Value of the Chevrolet Avalanche Z71. This truck rides like a luxury car, has a better turning ratio than smaller trucks I have owned, and has the power to pull whatever you want. It doesnt even know my 20 foot boat is back there. Then you have the well thought out interior and all the wonderful options. I have looked around and there is no other truck/suv that can compare. Some have size. Some have power. Some have the options. None of them have the whole package like the Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 does!
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The best vehicle ever built, bar none - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By carlos carranza - July 6 - 2:00 amI have driven from Tucson to Las Vegas once and from Tucson to Laughlin, Nevada twice. The Avalanche drove beautifully, the ride was comfortable and the mileage was great. I have used it to haul 8 x 4 drywall, which i layed flat in the bed. It fit in there perfect and I was still able to close the tailgate. My opinion of this vehicle is that it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
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Just love my truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Wild - July 4 - 2:00 amI have own many a new cars and trucks in my life time. I thought my 2000 toyota Tundra Limited was the best I ever own until I bought the Avalanche. Its very Quiet riding and full of useful ideas. This is the first time a stranger told me , I like your truck.
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A great ride - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By dan snyder - June 30 - 2:00 amA great vehicle, very good ride. Great room inside, lot of cargo space.Vehicle has plenty of power,Goodyear tires a little noisy.
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Limited rear vision lines - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By billybobjoezig - June 28 - 10:00 amVisibility needs to be learned in this vehicle, directly behind is limited due to height of tailgate and bedcover. Some kind of rear mirror would be great. Vehicle is comfortable to travel in and drive. Even works as a pickup. The change is easy for transporting unexpected purchases .
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Awesome - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By mpsrent - June 28 - 10:00 amWhat a great way to get multi use out of one vehicle.
