Chevrolet Avalanche

1…2223252728…40

Comments

  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    An Andy Rooney type editorial...have you ever noticed that any review of a new GM product cites the "cheap plastic parts" as a con? Why do I fail to recognize the difference betweeen the cheap stuff and the real expensive plastic? How do I get my hands on some of that stuff? Even a recent C&D or R&T article on the ZO6 'vette had the cheap plastic reference. Do word processors come with an edit key for GM reviews that automatically inserts "cheap plastic interior pieces"?

    Oh, and how about the folks who mention the Ford version of the Av? I've had more than one reference the SCrew as the Ford answer. No comparison! I had another firefighter at a meeting the other day mention that he "got a Ford like" my Av. How's the ride? How do you cover cargo? How do you haul 8' sheets of drywall with the tailgate closed? Are there handy places to stow gear? How short is the turning radius? He mentioned it was a Lariat - but only 2WD - doesn't need the 4WD. (I've heard him mention being stuck in the pasture before, though.
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    Have a 00 Silverado that was going to give to
    someone. Not sure now if they want the truck.

    Has anyone sold a truck to CarMax and gotten a
    good deal. Really don't want to deal with
    individuals coming around the house.

    2nd choice was to trade along with my 01
    Vette on a 02 Vette but feel might have to
    take a huge hit on the vette.

    If they would have decided sooner could have
    just traded it on the Av ...Grrrrrrrr
  • subdoc4subdoc4 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 3/4 ton. The manual states the gas tank is 31 gal. the advertising states 37 gal. Who is correct?
  • bshefmirebshefmire Member Posts: 39
    I was at the bank using the walk-up ATM today. I heard a big "Crunch" behind me. I turned around to see a lady in a new Lexus (with 2 poodles in the front seat)has backed right into the Front Passenger side portion of my new Avalanche. She caught the corner of my front bumper starting at her rear quarter, proceeded on to her rear door and finally stopping at her front door. Completely denting each panel on her car. I kind of just shook my head and couldn't believe it. When I got to my truck to view the damage....there was a "slight" crack in the cladding of the bumper, some "Lexus-Gold Paint" scraped on my bumper and a couple of broken clips that held the cladding onto the frame. Not one bit of damage to any metal body panel. I had my digital camera so I snapped a few shots and we exchanged info and off I went.
    Sure hope this doesn't take too long to fix. I sure hate being without my Avalanche for very long!

    Happy Holidays!
    Brad in SoCal :(
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    Certainly a Screw is not an equivalent to an Av. Nor is any other brand pickup. An Av is not a basic 4-door pickup truck. It doesn't even look like any other truck, let alone function like one. I have been seeing a RC truck in the store that is named the Ford Equator, which looks like an attempt to copy the Av. Not sure if it is some kind of prototype or truck sold in another country somewhere.

    I agree wholeheartedly about the reference to "cheap plastic parts". It is automatically inserted in any magazine's review of a GM car or truck, regardless of the model. Somehow the Japanese brands avoid that reference, even though I couldn't tell the difference when sitting in both cars.

    I think cheap platice interiors are more a function of the cost of the vehicle. For the most part, small economy car interiors feel cheap no matter what the brand. The doors are thin, and they shut like thin pieces of aluminum.

    Personally I cannot buy an Accord or Camry because I do not like the interior or exterior in the least bit. Even the interior or a Maxima is repulsive to me.
  • bowhuntwibowhuntwi Member Posts: 262
    The AV and the SCrew are totally differant animals, no comparisons, sure people can assume, but you own an AV and I own a SCrew and we both agree they are differant and that we bought them for differant reasons, if we would of wanted something else we would of bought them.

    I do have a question though, since now you have had yours for awhile, where does the water come from that they put channels under the bed mat?
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    The Av isn't advertised as watertight; the "Water Management System" is designed to direct water off the hard covers and out of the bed (if it collects any). The drain trays under the covers catch any water that may come through seals. Under the bed mat, the floor of the bed is ribbed like any pickup. The mat doesn't have channels underneath; on top it is designed to take water to the four bed drains.

    I haven't had any water on top of the mat and there is no evidence of a lot of water draining from under the mat. There is some condensation under the mat; I left a gear bag against the tailgate overnight and it was damp the next morning after a heavy rain. On top of the mat and around the drains I've dealt more with dust than anything else.

    The factory tonneau on my F150 did not fit or seal well with the tailgate - 1/4 -1/2" gap - and I couldn't keep anything dry in the bed.

    Bowhunt - how did the gun season go?
  • ygmnygmn Member Posts: 179
    I talked to my nephew the Chevy salesman this weekend (sold me my AVY) and the report is the AV is expected to hold its retail value very good if not better than most pickups iin spite of the expected 100k units the first year. He reported the trade-in and selling of used ones should hold their value well. He also stated people are starting to buy them more now then when I bought mine a few months ago. Also most woman do not like the looks to much but when he gets people to test drive them he has had great success selling them.

    Regarding plastic:
    All freaking cars have plastic in them! What I notice is the fit. I think the fit in the AVY is great and looks very good as compared to other SUVs and Pick up trucks of different manufacturers.
  • sweetjeldoradosweetjeldorado Member Posts: 94
    EXT vs. Blackwood:

    It was a wonderful comparison test between the two. But did anyone notice how ridiculous the the review was?

    How is it that the Blackwood outhandles the EXT whereas in other publications, it stated that the EXT handling is shocking whereas other reviewers were not crazy about the Blackwoods handling?

    Did you guys notice how badly they criticize the over use of body panels and cladding on the EXT saying that it was busy but praise the styling of the Blackwood and talks about how clean the design is of the truck whereas evident misaligned door panels was easily evident without squenching your eyes to see on the passenger door. What farce of a blind-sided review I have ever read? The body cladding and so-called over use body panels line-up perfectly. These so-called experts did not took notice to this.

    Did the EXT won the comparison test? I believe the EXT was a clear cut winner but those guys did not say who was a clear cut winner. The EXT and Blackwood nearly equally match whereas each upped one another in some things but the EXT has an edge on most things. The EXT is more practical and a working man's truck and innovative functionally whereas the Blackwood is a truck with a huge trunk/pick-up bedding that does not line up as well with the body (closer look at the autoshow I attended). The EXT is bold, distinctive and stylish and the Blackwood is elegant, luxurious and laid back in style. I will take the EXT for my hard earned dollars.

    Goto www.pickuptruck.com to read the comparison test of the two. It is more accurate.

    J "CaddyLac"
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    At $50k, what kind of work do you think these overdone Avs will see? The EXT and Blackwood are more about being a status symbol than a truck.

    About the test, they sometimes forgot in comaring the two that the Lincoln is 2WD and the EXT is AWD. That will definitely make handling characteristics hard to compare.
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    Went and really looked at the EXT maybe the
    10K isn't that much more for what get. Rear
    sensing parking, power folding mirrors,
    steering wheel audio, rear audio, larger
    engine, AWD, ??Wood trim, handling system, etc.

    When looking at 40+ for a truck don't think
    another 10K would be that much of a deal.
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    Car and Driver magazine also did a story on the Lincoln Blackwood and the Chevy Avalanche (the Cadillac EXT was not yet available), and as I recall they pretty much realized that the two trucks are quite different, so it was an apples-to-oranges comparison. So they split the story into two articles and treated the trucks separately, each on their own merits.

    I was recently at the local auto show and while I was checking out the EXT a Caddy representative approached me and starting talking. She asked me what my impression of the truck was, and I had to pause for a few seconds before coming up with a diplomatic response: "excessive." She told me that Cadillac's research found some significant percentage (I don't know the number) of Cadillac owners had a Chevy truck as a second vehicle. I responded by asking why Cadillac thought that these people would want a EXT over an Avalanche, and her response was, "...because once you've been in a Cadillac, you won't settle for less." Whatever, I didn't want to argue. I just said that if I had that much money, maybe I would buy one [an EXT] as a second vehicle. Until then...

    BTW, I noted that the EXT does not have foot holds in the rear bumper as does the Avalanche (although it does have the hand holds), and I snidely commented that they weren't necessary, since no one who owned one of these would ever use them.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    It is a big deal. Of the 8 items mentioned, 5 or 6 may be of value - but then that's two grand per option. The AWD is not a viable alternative for a "working man's truck" - no low range. The Av's Auto 4WD provides the same function, as well. No step in the bumper is interesting as well...
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    "No step in the bumper is interesting as well..."

    Regular pickups and SUV's do not have a step in the bumper we get by without it
  • bowhuntwibowhuntwi Member Posts: 262
    If you took contractors and lined up all the 3/4 and 1 ton pickups, saying they could have any they wanted for their work truck, that they actually would pick the AV over say a 2500/3500HD Crew Cab with an 8' box. One they could deck out with ladder racks and tool boxes. When you all say " work trucks ", there are only a few hard core trucks out there that are worthy of it, the others are just wannabes.

    The Blackwood & the Caddie version are Gentleman trucks, I doubt if they would see the abuse that soccer moms put their SUVs thru. The Caddie is the only one I have seen with rear heated seats
    The price tag isn't much more then the North Face Edition and I doubt if you would see Tim throwing drywall in that one.
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    If were to buy a truck for work as some are
    calling "Working Mans Truck" it would not be
    one with a leather lined custom interior like
    my North Face. Ones buying a Cadillac are
    probably going just for extra features/Name
    that's why would guess 10K not a big items on
    there list.

    Even though can afford a Caddy, still would not if
    knew it would see harsh treatments. Just wouldn't
    make sense to me.
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    I ask people all the time if they use their 4WD in their plush luxury SUV's. The men say that they've tried 4WD once or twice, usually in a snowstorm. The women say they don't even know how to engage it.

    People pay an extra $2-$4K for 4WD and don't even utilize it. That is amazing to me. Same thing with these luxury trucks. People aren't using it for "work". If I get an AV, I won't be using it for work either. The main reason I'd get one is to have a good riding vehicle with lots of room that can pull my camper. On occassion I'll need it to go to the Home DEpot for lumber or to help someone move furniture.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    Have you looked at the box height of the Av compared to an SUV or pickup? The step is handy on the Av. The only contractor you'll see using an Av on the job will be the jobsite supervisor or owner.

    Bowhunt - had a deer in the back of the Av Thanksgiving morn (bow). How did your gun hunting go?

    BTW - Drywall, siding, shingles, OSB will go in the back of my Av.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    about putting a 4x8 in the back of an Av and having it covered. Can you indeed fit a 4x8 sheet under the cover with the tailgate closed?
  • simtechraysimtechray Member Posts: 8
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    With the midgate down, the Av can be loaded up to the water channels with 4X8 material.

    The water channels/attachment rails for the covers reduce the width you can haul upright in the bed. I had to turn a 46" box sideways to fit.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    there was that much room.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    This recall looks to be similar than the Trailblazer/Envoy A-arm recall. I didn't realize so many units had been sold. Will the first model year Av survive a total recall?

    http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=businessnews&StoryID=438191
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    What has been changed from the
    the Suburban chassis that could warrant a
    total recall like the Liberty.

    ?? Midgate/tonneau cover. Has the Suburban been
    subject to a major recall.
  • idocpilkidocpilk Member Posts: 18
    Just saw what appeared to be an all white AV headed down the hiway. Are the Cad EXT's out yet?
    If so that's probably what it was. I can't see painting the cladding and having to worry about chips, etc. Picking up Red/Tan Z66 this month...is there a dealer rebate of $500? I got a $4550 discount off MSRP w/o any hidden charges plus the $1000 GmCard allowance. Trying to figure out why they would go that deep into the holdback if there wasn't a dealer rebate. I really didn't like the AV at first sight but a friend got one and then I drove one and that was it. Considered a Screw but the AV is a much better vehicle to drive, more comfortable...also looked at HD1500 2WD but it seemed huge. The AV has excellent interior room and enough of a bed for stuff. Any early problems showing on the AVs?
    I've noticed lots are stacked with these...no interest or are they shipping them by the train load? Either way, I'm in.
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    Same deal here on price discount and GM Card.

    Looked at 5 dealers in Cen Tx and the lots were
    full of AV if wanted a Z66 or Z71. I was after
    a North Face in Sage Green so was limited.
    GM is really pumping these trucks out. What will
    make for slim picking is a passenger car. More
    than half of stock is trucks. Stated many
    posts ago when went in didn't really know what
    a AV was, test drove and demo of mid gate sold
    me. Now wondering if should have gotten the
    Caddy since some of the extra features were
    really what after (rear sensors, steering audio).
  • idocpilkidocpilk Member Posts: 18
    I see several posts about the Caddy ext only being $10K more than the Av...not true. There is atleat $15000 difference. Cad starts at $49900...you can't get the Avy over 39000. Being able to get a Z66 in the $26500-27000 range puts it in perspective. As with any vehicle...the more stuff you put on the more stuff goes wrong. My 2 cents worth but I like to keep it simple. Now...Red? Pewter? Blue? Sunset? White? Crud...better get red so I can put that BigRed Husker magnet on the door.
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    Car or Truck yet. So for me it was about
    10K more. My AV was 39,900 so I call it 40K
    The caddy was 51,300. Have no idea about the
    prices on a Z66. If you plan to keep a car
    for life than extras can be a problem. Mind
    are usually traded in 2 years so let the
    warranty take care of it.
  • f1julesf1jules Member Posts: 288
    Clearly the car guys have run out of things to talk about when they start making ridiculous comparisons like this. The Blackwood is a luxo-pickup truck (a ludicrous creation if ever there was one) and the avalanche is just another plastic clad chevy truck.

    No need to do a comparison. Nobody cares. They both suck.
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    Hmmm.....very interesting, thorough and objective review of the Av. If someone hired him to write reviews for the auto magazines, the magazine would be only 1 or 2 pages long!
  • ygmnygmn Member Posts: 179
    I guess people like f1jules had bad parents is all.

    I bet what ever he drives is gods gift to vehicles any way so why should we compete with him!

    I think the Caddy version will have a market place just like the Escalade did. I bet some will even modify their AVY to take parts from a Caddy.

    Not me I am shockingly pleased with my AVY. It amazes me everyday. Handiest vehicle I ever owned!
  • cuss1cuss1 Member Posts: 17
    What can you folks tell me about Flowmaster 70 series (3 chamber) compared to the 40 series (2 chamber)?
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    midlife - By pointing out to f1 his lack of objectivity and pointless banter, the troll will now crawl back into his dark hole and not grace us with his powerful insight and thought-provoking viewpoints. I'll miss that Tundra owner.
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    $15k difference? - $3k would be from comparing a 2WD to an AWD. Stickers on loaded 4WD Av vs. EXT is just over $10k difference. A $12k out-the-door difference may stand if dealers hold above MSRP on the Caddy.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    the quitest (referred to as the bick block muffler). The 40 series is one of the loudest. And all the 2 chambers are louder than the 3 chambers. FYI.....the cat-back system that Flowmaster sells for the X-cab uses a 70 series and a resonator. The resonator is because on the x-cab there is a lot resonance inside the cab. The eliminates it. Enough so that I went with the 50 series instead the 70 on mine. Don't know how the resonance is in an Av. Flowmaster may be able to tell you.
  • whitevette01whitevette01 Member Posts: 79
    Someone got a topic started how ridiculous the AV/EXT are as
    far as design. I think GM came up with a great idea. Some
    started complaining how people are paying $35-52K for these things.
    Duh and us paying $45-54K for our vettes isn't. A comment was I
    could have a new Z06. Like to see him go to Home Depot and bring
    something home. Gotta loved reading comments on the forums. \

    When need a truck bed - transform it, other times you got a nice,
    comfortable, roomy interior.
  • basicbluesbasicblues Member Posts: 9
    Has any installed a front end lift kit or plan to in the future. Post any details or benefits.


    Check this link for details and photo's


    http://www.gorancho.com/products/new_6547.stm

  • skidmarksskidmarks Member Posts: 47
    Already put 3000 miles on my AV and loved every mile. Anyone out there who knows a GM employee,you can get $500 off any vehicle under the "Talk It Up" program. You must own another brand vehicle to be eligible. The employee gets a $100 as well.
  • avortahoeavortahoe Member Posts: 5
    Can you who have recently purchased a Avalanche tell me what was your deciding factor was. I'm looking to purchase in the next 6 months and unsure if it should be the Av or Tahoe. I have a 2000 Tahoe now but want to upgrade to the either one with the Z71 package. I am aware of the obvious differences but wanted feedback from others who may have considered both.
    Thanks
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    well do you want or need something with pickup truck space (bed)
  • timfarntimfarn Member Posts: 289
    We picked the Av over Yukon primarily because of the bed. What we've come to appreciate is the versatility and a ride, even with the Z71 package, that blows away the Tahoe or Yukon and maybe even the 1500 Sub/XL. Rear seat entry is better on the Av because of the full door (not cutout over wheelwell).

    The question you have to answer is "What do I need and how will I use it?".

    Babs - not fighting with plutonious today? He's a deal.
  • ygmnygmn Member Posts: 179
    I was looking at buying the Suburban when I saw the AV up close. I had seen the AV in some design magazines a few years prior but did not know they were for sale yet. So when I saw it on the lot I checked it out.

    It was what I was always wanting. A nice riding 4 door pickup with a lockable bed that was "water proof" and did not look too much like a pickup.

    I know I could have gotten a Pick up with them cover thingys but I always hated the way they looked and operated.

    Well after I test drove the AV I was sold completely plus the price was cheaper! I have not looked back and completely satisfied.

    The Av is what I always wanted. I think it rides better than the Subs. I test drove because, correct me if I am wrong, it is a bit lighter in the rear end due to less glass and steel there.

    avortahoe Go test drive and play with it. Then go test drive a Sub or Tahoe and you will decide whats best for yourself.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    those guys are something else.

    I dont fight more like laugh and shake my head in disbelief
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    Curious, anyone own a 2wd Avalanche? I saw in a Sport Truck magazine that DJM now has a lowering kit for them. I personally can't see dropping the Avalanche, look great with a lift and painted cladding though!
  • ygmnygmn Member Posts: 179
    Mine is a 2wd z66. I would never lower it nor paint the cladding. I like mine stock pretty much.
  • skidmarksskidmarks Member Posts: 47
    Are you kidding? The Av is way cooler looking! The Tahoe is just another 4wd station wagon. It's all about image,right?
  • skidmarksskidmarks Member Posts: 47
    My first brand new vehicle was a 75 El Camino SS.
    It's now 2002 and what am I driving the AV, an El Camino of sorts!
  • seamusthedogseamusthedog Member Posts: 21
    The AV is about 400lbs heavier than the sub because when you remove the roof they have to reinforce the back end. BTW I have yet to meet a BMW owner(f1jules)who wasn't a complete and total a@@hole*
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    Can anyone do me a favor and measure the diameter of a tire on your truck? Reason being is I'm getting a set of take-off Av rims for my Silverado and trying to decide what size tire to go with. If you have the 265/70-17's and could measure from the ground up to the top of the tire and post it I'd appreciate it. Thanks
  • idocpilkidocpilk Member Posts: 18
    Jack...could you give more details on this program. My brother in law is a GM employee and I own a Toyota Sequioa...does that mean I qualify. Does the GM site have details? I am buying in the next few weeks. Can this be used in conjunction with the $1000 GMCard allowance? Thank...Pilk
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.