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Chevrolet Avalanche

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Comments

  • fpmikefpmike Member Posts: 21
    The Avalanche which I fits my other requirements has the 4.11 axle. My sense is that with a lower ratio and equivalent highway speed the mileage would be lower. Has anyone seen published figures (for the Av, Sub or Silverado) or could someone tell me how much effect this has or what their experience has been?

    None of the local dealers have the accessory catalog. Anybody have any links to it?

    Kris, the drive I took was in Lakeport, CA. Their pricing matched that which is found here at Edmunds new vehicle pricing report.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    I laughed at the DA asking $45k. Avalancher - is that you with your two week old truck trying to turn a buck? I don't think the Av is at PT Cruiser demand levels just yet. Dealers have unassigned allocations and unsold units yet.

    Rear axle ratio - 4:10 vs the 3:73 should give a little less fuel economy. The 4:10 will get off the line and is the right ratio if towing weights in the upper capacity range.

    The dealer with Av pictures had 8 pictures of the sticker - not one caught the mileage ratings...hmmm.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    I took more time to look at the Avs on Ebay last night. There were three active auctions and three expired auctions. No bids on the live auctions and a total of only three bids on one of the trucks in the completed section. Both 2WD and 4WD were present. One dealer offered the Av for MSRP and would discount the winning bid by $1,500. No takers. It was interesting to note the advertising - one said "every available option" but was 2WD with the hard cover delete. For $600, I'd keep the hard cover.
  • fpmikefpmike Member Posts: 21
    The dealer in town (different than from test drive) just got a Pewter AV with a soft top. The attachments for the hard covers are replaced with a completely different rail on each side to attach the soft cover. This makes the side seals (same ones?) more protected. When I flipped up the rubber floor mat to see how complete the steel bed was, the plastic shield which covered the front of the mat came off. This is attached to the steel bed floor via a series of molded-in friction plugs and seems to be intended to stay. It didn't. I am considering a spray-on bed liner for under the mat to use during heavier duty.

    I'm with Tim, the hard cover makes the package work.

    Still searching for the elusive Pewter 4WD Z71 3.73
  • dsw7311dsw7311 Member Posts: 15
    The dealer where I ma getting mione has one in 4WD Pewter Z71 with the leather interior. I am in Dallas/Ft Worth Texas
  • f1julesf1jules Member Posts: 288
    Does anyone think this vehicle looks good? I saw one this morning on the way in to work and couldn't help but think that this is perhaps the second ugliest vehicle GM has come up with (the Pontiac Aztek retains that award).
  • mpalombompalombo Member Posts: 186
    Having only seen pictures, I love it! I want one wicked bad. As I said though I have not seen one other than in pics, I may change my mind.

    2 things that I think I like most are the grill/headlights and the way the cab extender matches up with the bedrail caps.

    Just my .02 worth.

    Mark
  • f1julesf1jules Member Posts: 288
    I don't think it looks too bad from the front and grill area but the rest of it, man, it's horrible. All that plastic crap all down the sides, the square shaped wheel wells and that ridiculous plastic crap on the bed.

    I predict that Chevy will not sell many of them based on the look of the thing.

    BTW-What is the fuel economy like on these? With gas prices the way they are now I can see that reducing sales of these big sport-ute/pick up trucks.
  • mpalombompalombo Member Posts: 186
    I just read a pretty good "first drive" article on pickuptruck.com. Basically it said that Chevy is trying to please all the people all the time. They said it's not a bad (truck?) but that anybody who wants a "real" truck will get a Silverado and anybody who wants a "real" SUV will get a Tahoe or Trailblazer. I think they may be right.

    Personally I have an extended cab Silverado, 5 passenger AND a full size bed. Alot less things to go wrong (mid-gate) so if I were in the market it would be tough selling me an Avalanche (unless of course I were buying just for looks).... I really do like it. BTW, not many people that I have talked with like it. I think I'm definately in the minority.

    I think you might be right about not selling many of them.

    Oh, Fuel economy is probably pretty bad, 5.3 liter engine, same as in my truck. I get about 16-17 when in 2wd. and on the highway. In the winter when using 4wd it's alot less.

    Mark
  • skinner2skinner2 Member Posts: 1
    I saw my first Avalanche this morning. The first thing it reminded me of was a Pontiac Aztec. (can you say UGLY) Looks like someone crossed an Aztec with a Ford Explorer. I'm all Chevy, but this one's not for me.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    "If someone needs a truck, they'll get a truck; if they need an SUV, they'll get an SUV." What if you want ride and cargo capabilities and aren't into buying a separate vehicle for each application? BJ Killeen of PickupTruck.com missed the point of a multi-use vehicle with his article. Long trips in a pickup can be wearing; likewise, putting two 100# Labs in the rear of an SUV after a day afield is a little rough on vehicle and passengers alike. A paradigm shift is what the Av is about - and BJ didn't get it.
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    I think they will sell just fine, even though they are priced a little high. The question I have is what are the dealers stocking up on as rentals when they all start to come back in for air leaks, etc. LOL
  • mpalombompalombo Member Posts: 186
    Tim,

    Don't get me wrong I really like the Avalanche. I almost wished I had waited, but I'll give GM a few years to work out the bugs. As for the long ride being wearing, wouldn't the Avalanche be the same? I may be wrong but I think the seats in there are the same as the Silverado? This is where I have mixed feelings about it. With my ext. cab Silverado I get 5 passenger seating AND a full size bed. Now I assume the back seat isn't as big as the one in the Avalanche but I have not had any negative complaints about the room back there. I have thought about it from a justification point of view...why buy an Avalanche? The only reason I can come up with is that I like the way it looks. I actually think I would hate the small bed after a while because I need the back seat almost all the time. I do agree with you about putting anything other that people and groceries in an SUV. The reason I bought my truck was that I was sick of trying to get things in my wifes Blazer and not mess it up too bad.

    Just my .02.
    Mark
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    The Av has five link rear suspension as found in the 1500 Sub. Your pickup would be equipped with leaf springs. The link rear gives a smoother ride - you won't feel the bounce as in a pickup. The rear leaves give more load capacity. If you haven't driven the new generation Sub - they have an excellent ride.
  • mpalombompalombo Member Posts: 186
    Oh, I'm sorry, my mistake I didn't know you were talking about suspension.

    I never have driven a Suburban or any large SUV. I've owned trucks since 1987 and I actually prefer the stiffer ride in a truck. I traded my last truck in for a '99 Blazer when my son was born (needed a back seat). That thing was like driving a sponge, I hated it! So I talked my wife into taking it and I got my Rado. I really missed the "truck" suspension, but actually the trucks front is a little spongy too. I think it may be the crappy Firestones on it, I am going to be getting BFG's and I think that will help.

    Now that you mention the Av suspension I really want to drive one. That could be mistake, lol.

    Mark
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    You should consider upgrading the stock shocks to Bilsteins or Edelbrocks.
  • mpalombompalombo Member Posts: 186
    I have a Z71. Doesn't that have Bilsteins?
  • pwitzpwitz Member Posts: 51
    Just saw one of the local Chevy dealers in Rochester, NY has two AVs on his lot..gonna stop by tomorrow to see if its worth considering for my '99 Silverado LT. Looks like that 3 state distribution system has gone by the wayside...
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    It either has Tenneco or Bilsteins. However, the Bilsteins that use to come with the Silverados are not the same as the aftermarket ones. They are a cheaper version. I'm sure that doesn't come as a surprise to you.
  • sonjaabsonjaab Member Posts: 1,057
    What dealer in Rochester ny has AVS ???
    post them here, I live in syracuse and want
    to see one in the flesh........Thanks Geo
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    "Just saw one of the local Chevy dealers in Rochester, NY has two AVs on his lot..gonna stop by tomorrow to see if its worth considering for my '99 Silverado LT."

    Prepare to be disgusted with their trade in offer.
  • dsw7311dsw7311 Member Posts: 15
    I have had my White Z66 for a week now and I love it. I traded in my 2000 Impala LS. It does have the Bilstein front shocks. (Z66 and Z71 only). As far as looks all I have had is compliments on its looks from passers by and folks in parking lots.
    Dealers here in callas/Ft Worth cannot get them fast enough. Although they are making no deals on them right now, wait until the end of the year as dealer inventories increase and sales drop due to gas prices. Also end of year incentives.

    As far as air noises and leaks, I have experienced nothing of the sort yet.
    gas mileage so far is 16.
  • pwitzpwitz Member Posts: 51
    Here is the dealer that had two on his lot up in Rochester, NY:


    HOSELTON CHEVROLET

    909 FAIRPORT RD

    EAST ROCHESTER, NY 144451991

    http://www.hoselton.com/menu/cvin.htm


    I'll stop by tonite and sneak a peek at the stickers and see what they are all about. The website doesn't mention that they have 'em, so I'll see if they were dealer traded or direct ship and what they are talking for price.

  • dsw7311dsw7311 Member Posts: 15
    That should be Dallas/Ft Worth
  • sonjaabsonjaab Member Posts: 1,057
    Just headin out the door...Might get there today
    Be looking for me drooling....Too bad they are
    assembled in Mexico for peanuts and no cheaper either
    I'll be driving my black01 chevy x-cab still
    have the stickers on it..
    Maybe stop at Dinosaur BBQ and have a beer & bbq !!!
    Geo.
  • mpalombompalombo Member Posts: 186
    I just called my dealer here in New Hampshire and he said that they are expecting 2 Av's around the end of this month. One is sold and the other isn't.
  • pwitzpwitz Member Posts: 51
    Just saw my first live AVs. Dealer in Rochester was cool...talk to Steve D....pretty new there, we didn't talk specific numbers yet, but was willing to work with me and was not pushy. Said his dealership had gotten 1 AV before...took it to auction...sold past sticker...They have 2 on the lot now, both Z71s....one black, one blue. Both stickered around $35k....one with soft tonneau, one with hard top. Said they ordered ~15 more, and can't wait to get the word out. Test drove the blue one...and got a lot of stares driving it! Here's my skinny:
    Midgate- immediately noticed passenger side window latch was not right...didn't anchor correctly and latch...but we played with taking it apart....latch was definitely a dealer item to fix...but he said let's drive it anyways...should stay in place with one latch (it did, and all was quiet).
    Drive- very nice and quiet...better insulated than my '99 LT Z71 'rado.
    Ride- nice feel...rear end nicely composed.
    Look- okay, I admit it, was a big skeptic here...was prepared for son-of-Aztek....but was nicely surprised. This thing is butch! Makes my black Silverado look pretty mundane...and the tailgate view is nice...looking like Arnold S. 's
    truck!
    Extras- Puddle lights on the mirrors are nice...so are the locking bed pockets and bed lights...looks like it had 2 sets of fog lights, but wasn't able to figure that out...think the blinker/headlight locations should have been flipped on the front end, so it looks meaner at night....

    I want one!! I'm going to hold out for one with a moonroof...I'm going to go over what else was pre-ordered and see what the numbers look like....a definitive Dinousaur BBQ truck!
  • pwitzpwitz Member Posts: 51
    Forgot to include this, but the EPA rating I saw on the two 4WDs were 13 city, 17 highway.
  • fpmikefpmike Member Posts: 21
    When I looked at the Pewter Av in town I was showing the salesman how the midgate could open in window-in or window-out configuration. We could not make it work with the window in, only with the window out. Upon closer obeservation I saw a button in the lower window channel which is depressed by the window when in place. With the window out and the button depressed by hand the midgate would open without the "header" which retains the glass. We then put the glass in making sure it was seated well into the lower channel before locking in the top and the midgate worked fine.

    I have a Pewter Z71 being transferred from another CA dealer and should take delivery early next week.

    Tim, I lived downstream at Hamilton before the covered bridge burned.
  • dsw7311dsw7311 Member Posts: 15
    The light configuration in the front end are of course hi beam and low beam in the grille.
    The bumper has fog lights and daytime running lights.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    I thought you ordered the pewter/graphite Av?

    Mike: What covered bridge? I remember one burning near Galesburg. (Grew up in Macomb.)

    I succumbed to the need for towing a heavier boat and picked up a 1999 F150 Lariat 4-dr. Supercab this AM. It should make a good trade for the vehicle that better fits our needs.
  • bigftsbigfts Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone seen a North Face Edition Avalanche with leather seating surfaces? Does it only come in green or can you order graphite or neutral?
  • ardanielsardaniels Member Posts: 16
    Dealer here in North San Diego County has 8 AVs with a couple more back in the prep area. Most are 66's a couple are 71's. The wife and I drove a variety of pickup's including Tundra, Silverado, and a F-150 Screw yesterday to read her willingness to push around a pickup during the week so we could have desert fun on the weekend. She is sold on the AV. She actually prefers the steroid look. Wonder how all that plastic will hold it's looks?

    Got the dealer to willing to come by tomorrow to see if we can load two dirt bikes in the back and keep the mid gate "up" AND hitch up to a trailer. I am 6'3" and rode in the back seat on every test ride ( I have a son about the same size) and only the crew cab would work for anything except a short run. As a passenger vehicle the AV wins hands down, but it will remain a pain to park at the Mall, ( bless my wife for taking on the challenge) and should be great for 400 mile rides. A 31 gallon fuel tank will be an Ouch to filler up, but keeps US gas burning while in Baja. With the midgate down, fitting two bikes in the back should be a breeze. Literally because rear window is stored in this configuration.

    No hard covers on any of the vehicles I saw. Dealer likes to mention the locking compartment used as ice chests, but I think it lacks the insulation to keep it cold for long. Definitely useful storage however.

    I have not had the best of luck with domestic brands over the 30 years of car/SUV/truck ownership with regard to quality; but this one might be worth a try if the dealer isn't too greedy.
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    Just a quick report from the upper midwest area here in WI: My local dealer just got in his first one, a white Z71 full load package.

    First thing, is that it definitely looks better in person than in the pictures. The 17" wheels help a lot too. I really like the style of the leather seats with the cloth inserts. It looks really sharp.

    I plan to take it for a ride sometime this week, just to see if it should be in my list for this fall.

    It looks like it will be there for a while. I don't think the dealer is in any hurry to get rid of it, since he probably won't be getting another one for a while. They added a $1000 markup on the MSRP, making the total $38,800. This is the first time I've seen this particular dealer mark up any vehicle. Hmmm...
  • goblue7goblue7 Member Posts: 2
    The Avalanche is shorter than any of the vehicles that you mentioned on your short list for consideration. This is one of the benefits of the Avalanche a shorter wheel base and shorter overall length but it still allows you to get to an eight foot load floor with the midgate down. The shorter wheel base also allows for a smaller turning radius thus easier manuevering. Sounds like if your dirt bikes fit your set!
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    what people need to remember is that the avalanche isn't a new model, except for some body stuff, all the engines drivtrain interior is Silverado, so it has been out over 2 years, so most big bugs are worked out.

    ardaniels-tell us how it goes
  • allononallonon Member Posts: 14
    Remember, the reason they have the signals on top and the lights on bottom is so you don't get all the "lights blinding me" complaints from smaller vehicle drivers
  • pstanekpstanek Member Posts: 1
    I've been reading the Av posts here for the last few months anticipating actually seeing one. I felt pretty good, seeing as I lived in one of the first three states... As of two weeks ago I still had not seen one. Finally they have made it to the Tampa Bay area. I've stopped at a couple of dealerships this week and got the mid-gate demos, etc. Tonight I stopped by another dealer, they had twelve!!!! I have not test drove one yet, as my purchase date looks like September. Looks wise, I think it looks good. Most of the other new SUVs have cladding too, the Av just has more. The one thing that I thought might be a problem was the cladding on the front bumper. It is not smooth, so when we get our "love-bug" season, I think that those little dead bugs will be a permanent fixture on the bumper. Most of the Avs were 2wd with leather, about 50/50 with the Z66 package, most colors, OK no orange!
  • darkeyedarkeye Member Posts: 36
    Got mine last Wednesday and I love it. Been looking at this truck for the last 14 months. Rides smooth. I got everything on it. All packages and sunroof. 2WD model. Indigo Blue. Have been getting looks from other drivers all over town, Jacksonville Florida. Dealer said they are only avialible in Tx and FL as of now. I am going to post some pictures of it on yahoo photo once the rain stops down here. I will post another message with link. This will be my truck for the next few years now.

    If you have any questions about it, ask away.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    Which interior did you get - material/color? Was this a sold order or from dealer stock?

    Your dealer should know that every dealer nationwide has access to at least one; other posts here show NY, WI, MO with units on the lot.
  • allononallonon Member Posts: 14
    So, I think Chevy did a good job with the Avalanche. So far I love most everything about it. Drives great for a pickup, handles real well, quiet. All of the "little things" are nice

    Obviously, being first year, you don't get everything. What did they miss, what would you add?

    Top priority - Passenger Airbag Deactivation. C'mon, you fold down the rear seat, open up the bed, you gotta move your 5 year old up front to be able to get all the plywood home, but you can't because of the airbag. Big Oversight.

    Little Things - No Trip computer, manual gate lock (use infrared or something so that it locks with the rest of the vehicle) and the memory settings are so limited. No mirror, Lumbar.
  • gm_litogationgm_litogation Member Posts: 168
    Hey guys thanks for the feedback, I'm currently working contract with GM to get some real consumer data on what people think of the newest vehicles that General Motors offers. A frequent user of this site has pointed it out to me and GM has asked me to look through internet sites for marketing purposes. I currently drive a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora and I love it.

    I'm one of those people that makes up the different Vehicle surveys you get in the mail and over the phone. I hope you find that I'm not too annoying, and I also hope that it's not against the rules to use this site in that way. Thanks for whatever other help you may provide me.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    airbag switch

    silverados have em
  • darkeyedarkeye Member Posts: 36
    I got the Reclining Front Bucket Seats w/ Leather and cloth accents. Interior is a dark gray.

    It was from dealer stock.

    Mine has a Trip computer and Lumbar support adjustment (allonon).
  • allononallonon Member Posts: 14
    I meant that the memory doesn't save the lumbar setting, not that it doesn't have lumbar.

    I looked at all of them on the dealers lot and I didn't see 1 that had a trip computer. Just the Tripometer
  • showme1showme1 Member Posts: 38
    I too, have followed the AV since concept was introduced. I have been looking for a Blue AV with Z-66 and bench seats. We have a larger family and need the extra seat. Have you had time to hook up to a trailer to see how it pulls and handles? Would like to know your impressions of the AV after owning and driving for a few days.

    Dealer is to get mine in mid-July and I can't wait!
  • cro7cro7 Member Posts: 1
    My Test Drive-------I Was expecting more, the ride seemed very awkward and ungainly. VERY LETHARGIC! I was expecting a strong and sturdy ultimate utility vehicle, but all I felt was tall and uncoordinated. No air bag deactivator for front passengers really turned me off. Don't get me wrong , I like the concept of the AV. It could have made my life a little easier with family and work. A ride in comfort and still have the available hauling needs is what I wanted, but the AV fell a little short even with GMS pricing. Maybe with wider tires for more base instead of height would make the ride a little stiffer. But I think I'll wait til next year!
  • wesyangwesyang Member Posts: 32
    Is the rear seat headrest adjustable. From the official pictures, it seems very small and not adjustable.

    Does anyone test drive both F150 screw and Ava yet? Any comparison? What about ride comfort, Is Ava really better than F150.

    I am in Seattle area, dealer here told me we won't get any Ava utill mid of July.
  • darkeyedarkeye Member Posts: 36
    Have not hooked up a trailer and probably won't until later this year.

    I'll checked the rear seat headrest adjustment and let you know wesyang.
  • fpmikefpmike Member Posts: 21
    There have been a few new posts noting the lack of passenger air bag deactivation. I also have kids which would be forced into the front when the rear is folded. Ryan said the Silverados have it. Chevy's Silverado site mentions in the safety section that it is not available on Crew Cab. It then occurred to me that, at least here in California, passenger air bag deactivation is not legally available on any vehicle which has the capacity to carry children in seats other than the front. I believe you can submit a justification waiver to have it installed.

    Wesley, see post #291 for an F150 test.

    Tim, the bridge burned in the 70's. I have the Hancock Co.Hist.Soc. and Hamilton Library researching details.
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