NEW CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.91 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.33 |
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| Braking |
8.07 |
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| Handling |
8.12 |
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| Fuel Economy |
6.24 |
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| Interior Comfort |
9.16 |
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| Acceleration |
9.31 |
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| Dependability |
9.08 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.22 |
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| Transmission |
8.51 |
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| Ride |
9.43 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Combining the comforts of a Suburban with the practicality of a Silverado, the Avalanche is a crossover vehicle that creatively provides the best of both worlds.
Pros
Versatile and innovative cab configuration, strong V8 engines, substantial towing ability.
Cons
Some cheap interior pieces, lifeless steering, limited drivetrain choices.
What''s New for 2004
The North Face package is no longer offered, but an electronic stability control system is now available as part of the Z66 Premium On-Road Suspension package. Hydroboost brakes are now standard on all 1500 series Avalanches and the optional 8.1-liter V8 is now rated at 320 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 2002, the Avalanche is a relatively new member to the Chevrolet lineup and has proven to be a popular vehicle thanks to its versatile setup. Essentially the same as a Suburban from the rear doors forward, the Avalanche replaces the rear cargo area with an open pickup bed. The key to its multipurpose nature is the innovative Midgate system that allows the partition between the cab and the truck bed to be completely removed. This extends the length of the load floor from about 5 feet to a tad over 8 feet in just a couple of minutes without hand tools. A removable protective cover keeps items in the cargo bed from the elements, while storage boxes built into the sides of the bed offer additional cargo room without sacrificing bed space. When you''re not using the full-size bed, the Avalanche offers the same amenities available in its Suburban sibling. There''s room for up to six passengers with a bench seat up front, and options like XM Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD video system will keep passengers in back entertained for hours. Ride comfort is excellent on half-ton models, and although three-quarter ton models can be a little stiff-riding, they can tow up to 12,000 pounds. For those who never liked the original model''s excessive exterior body cladding, the Avalanche is also offered in a decladded version that looks more like a standard Silverado.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Avalanche comes in both half-ton and three-quarter-ton configurations with either two- or four-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, a driver information center, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, a 40/20/40-split bench front seat and an AM/FM/CD stereo. Notable options include a driver convenience package that adds automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, Homelink, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and power-folding exterior mirrors. Additional options include power-adjustable, leather bucket seats coupled with a Bose audio system, a sunroof, XM Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD video system. Hard-core off-road enthusiasts can upgrade the Avalanche with the Z71 package that adds retuned springs and shocks, underbody skid plates, heavy-duty shocks, a rear locking differential and larger wheels and tires. Those who never plan to venture off-road can order the half-ton version with the Z66 suspension package that adds specially tuned springs and shocks, traction control, a rear locking differential and 17-inch wheels and tires.
Powertrains and Performance:
All half-ton models feature a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 rated at 295 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Three-quarter-ton versions get a heavy-duty four-speed automatic and an 8.1-liter V8 that cranks out 320 hp and 445 lb-ft. The maximum trailer weight rating for the three-quarter-ton model is 12,000 pounds, while the half-ton can pull up to 8,300 pounds (8,000 with 4WD).
Safety:
All models come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, while half-ton models get new Hydroboost brakes for less pedal effort. Side airbags and electronic stability control are available as options. In government crash tests, the Avalanche earned three stars (out of five) for driver protection in a frontal impact and four stars for front passenger protection.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Built on the same chassis as the Suburban, the Avalanche features an identical interior design. The gauges are simple, easy-to-read analog dials while the climate and stereo controls are both placed high in the dash for easy adjustment. Switching the Avalanche from five- or six-passenger SUV to a two- or three-passenger pickup, via the unique Midgate design feature, is a simple operation that can be performed in just a few minutes without hand tools. The rear cargo area has drainage holes so it can be hosed out, and there are two auxiliary storage compartments in the sides of the bed.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
As rough and tough as the Avalanche looks on the outside, the driving experience is as pleasant as any SUV''s. Half-ton models have a soft, forgiving ride quality and quiet cabins that make them comfortable as daily drivers. Three-quarter models are a bit stiffer, as you would expect, but not so much as to make them uncomfortable around town. The Avalanche suffers from the same numb steering exhibited by most GM trucks, but its light weighting does make for easy maneuvering in tight spots.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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