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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Great Vehicle A real buy. - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
By ReelLove - December 10 - 2:31 pmLT2 & Z-71. This truck goes everywhere, anytime, in all conditions. 19+ mpg highway/13.5 mpg city. Will tow or haul most anything in style. Quiet ride, lots of luxury everywhere, auto everything, great stereo, easy to drive. This is my 2nd Avalanche. I am about to buy #3 (2009) Had only minor problems when new (1x in shop). Since new, just oil changes, rotate tires, and gas. I love the look too. Get a lot of compliments, even from high dollar car owners. If you find a clean low mileage Avalanche, buy it. Do not buy expecting great gas mileage. This is a big truck that is 4 wheel drive designed for work & hauling. Buy knowing that this is a 6700 lb truck with a big V8.
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she is still tickin - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
By curtdeznutz - November 16 - 10:30 amawesome truck she is at 175000km and no probs other than the back up sens but that quit at 30,000km and never bothered to fix it cuz not needed. drive it rather hard off road. also i work in the oil patch and in the winter i never fret the roads with this truck. only complaint is how wide the box is.
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mine - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By brian81330 - November 16 - 2:00 amDrives more like a large car than a truck. Its versatility is the best part
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Gotta Love the Av - 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Av Daddy - November 11 - 2:13 pmThis is my second Avalanche. First a WBH 2004 and now 2011. Would buy another one if they still were being built. Reliable, dependable, comfortable, and one of a kind. You gotta love this beast!
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Avafun - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By packoo - November 11 - 10:00 amStrong engine that gets thirsty with the AC on... Great for those who like Suburban type vechicle and needs the occasional pick up truck features... Body hardware useful in parking lots, plastic does well vs doors and carts slamming into it. All windows down with midgate up gives an airy feel without getting blown away on highway.
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Transmission Problems - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Richard - November 9 - 11:40 amIve had my transmission replaced once and rebuilt twice in 36k miles. First was at 16K miles-all gears except 1st and reverse gone. Next was at 26k miles. Gears 3 and 4 gone. Next was at 36K miles last month. Gears 3 and 4 gone. I have just about every other oil change they have had to fix the transmission. I have owned this since new and never use it to tow.
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over 5 years on factory pads and countin - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
By avalanche ga - October 23 - 4:32 pmNice ride, very versatile for hauling, great looks.
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Best Truck Ever made - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Mark4christ - October 23 - 10:00 amI`ve only had this truck for three months but it ROCKs. I`ve owned an F150 SuperCrew and a TOYota Tundra. Neither compare. This truck rides great and can haul 5 people(I have the bucket seats). The other day I had to carry some 2x6x8`s I just dropped the midgate and bam! I`ve got 8 ft. of bed space. This thing does great it has more power and I get the same mileage as the other trucks. I would recomend this truck to anyone that has a family but still needs to haul stuff every now and then.
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The best SUV/Truck ever built! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
By scherf.com - October 21 - 1:20 amThe Avalanche is truly a masterpiece. I drove with 75 mph on the Interstate through a snow storm with snow drifts and ice, etc. and this baby didnt slip once and it was just a dream to be the King of the Road. It is spacious inside and it drives like a big luxury cruiser. The styling is just awesome--it turns heads everywhere, literally. Its a little expensive but compared to other SUVs in its class it is one of the best values on the market.
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Blows Ridgeline Away - 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
By Nothing Better - October 16 - 8:34 pmWOW Love my Avalanche. Use it to drive clients around as well as hauling things around and you could not find a more versatile truck. Every time a client gets into the Avy they comment on the interior quality and are always impressed. We had 2 Suburbans prior to the Avalanche and loved them as well but the Avy is more functional w/the midgate especially since we no longer need the 8 seats
