Chevrolet Avalanche

ensen · May 2002

I've decided that I'll either be buying an Avalanche or an EXT. Seems the EXT has some nice features that are not on the AV, stabilitrac and rear bumper sensor stand out in my mind. Plus, the EXT looks better in my opinion. But it's at least 10K more. Is it worth it? Are there reasons besides the money that I would want to pick the Chevy?

Also, I'd really like to get a 2003. Anybody know when they're coming out?

And..... I'll be using it alot for off-road. Seems the Z71 is best suited for this though I really like the North Face edition. Any thoughts as to how these two models compare off road?

Thanks for any thoughts, Ensen.

warrenw48 · May 2002

I saw that GM is coming out with a new pu called the colorado does anyone know what this vehicle will look like or the size?

ryanbab · May 2002

Pic and article is here

http://www.gm-trucks.com

beach15 · May 2002

First of all, the North Face Edition and the normal Z71 are identical off-road, as they're identical other than one having a special interior trim package.

Second, 2003's. You can no longer order a 2002 model, but can go to your dealer and place an order for a 2003. Production starts in July and they should start showing up at the dealers in August. Many small changes have been made, especially on the interior. New stereos, climate controls, steering wheel, gauges, seat upholstery & controls, center console, avaialable DVD entertainment system, and more. On the outside, all Av's get darker colored cladding, that's now called "Dark Charcoal", and by mid-year, the cladding all together will become an option, along with an updated version of the Stabilitrack found on the Escalade EXT. There's also a new charcoal/gray color, and the Indigo Blue has been deleted, now replaced with a brighter blue.

Here's a copy of the changes from a dealer order book:

-Significant Mid-Cycle Enhancement for 2003 Model Year
-Electronic Throttle Control added to all available engines.
-Optional 4-Channel StabiliTrak system to provide greater yaw stability (primarily benifiting understeer) and improved single-wheel traction control (Deletes G80 Locking Differential)
-Enhanced Autotrac transfer case to improve fuel economy on 4WD models without StabiliTrak.
-Optional Trailering Package (no longer standerd)
-Dual Level front Airbags and Automatic Air Bag Supperssion System are standard.
-Optional Safety & Security Package includes OnStar & Slide Air Bags (both no longer standard). Also includes new OnStar Combination Antenna
-Body cladding now in Dark Charcoal colour, replacing gray
-Optional new power-folding exterior Rearview Mrrors with trun signals
-Optional Camper mirrors with turn sigal and power extension
-New colour 62U Dark Gray
-Spare tire lock deleted
-Aluminum 16" spare wheel deleted - steel wheel now standard
-Underhood lamp and air filter sensor deleted
-Redesigned Insturment Panel, Cluster and Cnetre Floor Console
-New Interior trim fabric and design
-Standard Tri-Zone HVAC system with manual controls
-Optional Tri-Zone Electronic Climate Control (now available with Sunroof)
-New interior trim colour on NorthFace model
-Optional Adjustable Brake and Accelerator pedals
-Optional 9-button Steering Wheel Controls to retrieve veichle function reports, program memory features, and audio controls
-Optional Driver Information Centre monitors and reports on the status of up to 36 veichle functions, providing segment's highest number of driver alerts and programmable memory features. Driver Message Centre remains standard and is deleted when DIC is ordered
-Improved Rear Seat Audio Controls with vacuum fluorescent display for radio station tune/selection/seek, CD selection/track
-Optional Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) receiver (at the time of print DAB available only in Vancouver, Winsdor, Toronto, and Montreal)
-Optional In-Dash CD Changer
-Optional DVD based Rear Seat Entertainment System with 7" LCD flip-down screen capable of displaying 16 x 9 aspect ratio or standard screen format. 2 sets of wireless headphones included
-Theft Lock features deleted from radios
-Power Driver's Seat adjuster deleted on AE7 Bench Seat
-Manual lumbar adjusters deleted. Power lumbar adjuster included with AN3 heated leather seats
-Power Passenger Seat deleted on A95 cloth and leather seats
-Optional Smokers Package (Cigarette lighter and ashtray are no longer standard without bench seat)
-Secondary visor shades deleted
-Deep-tine rear glasds no longer standard, but included with Z66 and Z71 packages
-HVAC cabin air filter deleted
I got this information from My Chevy dealership May1/02. They also tell me new brochure for the 2003 Avalanche should be out end of May.

My advice? If the 2003 changes are to your liking, go find one you like now, as great deals can be had, like $7-8,000 off sticker. The Escalade EXT is also extremely nice, but I'm not sure if I'd spend the extra $10k, unless I was sure I really wanted all that it offers. As for 2003, the Escalade EXT will also get an updated interior, with a new dash more recent Cadillac-like.

beach15 · May 2002

Note: In the last lines, I meant to say, if the changes AREN'T to your liking, go find one you like now.

jdm30 · May 2002

I really like the Indigo Blue color, but I was hoping to wait till '03 when it didn't have the cladding. Does anyone have any pictures yet of the '03 Av w/o the the cladding?

beach15 · May 2002

No, there aren't any pics of the "naked" Av anywhere yet, I'm not sure if it even exists in full form yet either, but their probably working on it as I type here. The new blue is called "Arrival Blue", and from what I've heard is a brighter shade than the Indigo. I do agree with you on color though, we have Oyx Black but the Indigo is a very nice color, especially on the Av.

How about this? Since you want the Indigo, but aren't thrilled with the cladding (probably because it's gray & textured), why not have it painted? Many Av owners have either had this done or just bought one that was already painted, and it looks very nice. This way, you can get a great deal right now with the color you want, then spend a little to have it painted to give it the look you desire. Or, if you just don't want the cladding all together, I guess you'd have to wait. I myself have tried to vision an Av w/o, either gray or painted, and still think it'd be lacking somthing as far as style. But, I guess it's all your personal opinion.

Good luck!

P.S., Have you been over to http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com

txyank1 · May 2002

on the Indigo Blue. They dropped it once before only to bring it back.

jdm30 · May 2002

in the last week or two since I seriously started looking at the Avalanche's, I've gotten used to the cladding and like it more every time I see one. My biggest problem is finding one equipped the way I want it. A bench seat is a must, since we are a family of six, and none of the dealers around here have any, except for one or two base two wheel drives. Nobody has one in a Z71 model, which is what I want.

sombra1 · May 2002

The Avalanche is the most attractive utility vehicle out there except for the Pontiac Aztec. Looks like whoever got fired from Pontiac found a new home in GMs truck division.

brucecr_ms · May 2002

GM has a web site that allows you to enter what options you want and then it finds the vehicle closest to you. Or, tell a dealer what you want and let them hunt for it. They need to earn their money somehow.

Good Luck!

jdm30 · May 2002

After searching the websites for the dozen or so dealers within a 30 mile radius of me, it turns out the closest one had what I was looking for (well pretty close). It's a Onyx Black Z71, with the cloth bench seat. It's the only one they had equipped that way, and when I told the salesman what I was looking for, he didn't even think that combination was available. I said, well you have one right over there! I just love proving a salesman wrong. I really like the blue, but black was my second choice, so I don't object too much. The only thing it has that I didn't really want was the roof rack, but I can live with that (at least it doesn't have running boards). I drove it (this was my first drive in one) and I was really suprised how well it rode and handled. Much better than some of the other trucks I've looked at. Anyhow, finally to my question. This truck was the dealer owners demo. How much more $ discount should I expect for a demo vehicle? It has 5K miles on it, which will still give me 3 years or 31K left on the warranty. I've averaged a little less than 10k miles a year on my current vehicle, so I should be in good shape there and since it was a demo hopefully any little new vehicle bugs should be worked out. Anyone have any thoughts on buying a demo and how much discount to expect? Thanks.

midlifecrisis · May 2002

From GM Supplier Discount website, this is how they discount their vehicle prices when they have miles on them:

To estimate the price of a Company-Owned used vehicle, including PEP, (Excluding taxes, title, registration, and other fees): Vehicle Mileage Model Discount:

< 1,000 3.0%
1,000 - 2,499 6.0%
2,500 - 7,499 9.0%
> 7,500 14.0%

reptileruler13 · May 2002

I am in the process of shopping for a avalanche up here in minnesota, where it gets as cold as 40 below 0, if the av is in the truck mode is there a seperation, and if so can or would you be warm in the cab.

johnnycat8 · May 2002

no it is open in the back think of a regular pick up and remove the rear of the cab that is a avalanche with the midgate down i have had mine in 30 deg weather and opend up and the heater still kept me hot since the sides are high and the cab is large the wind stays out but -30 thats cold i dont think you could get warm.........buuuurrrrrrr...

bob259 · May 2002

Why can't Chevy offer the same color clading as they do with the EXT. I think the Gray/Charcoal clading makes the Av look cheap, not to mention a pain to wax around.

obyone · May 2002

it will be discontinued.

scmhockey · June 2002

Any plans to put a diesel engine in the Avalanche? That would pretty much cinch it for me. I'd buy one tomorrow.

Steve

brucecr_ms · June 2002

...for another year or two, at the least. Chevy is still trying tio figure out where to place the AV: medium or large PU category. If they place it in the large, it'll get the diesel.

If you need towing power, get the 2500. That's what I've got. Adding a diesel will probably only get you up another 1000 or two pounds of towing capacity.

scmhockey · June 2002

I'm not really worried about the towing power as much as the fact that diesel fuel is cheaper, and the motors tend to get better gas mileage.

What kind of MPG are you getting on the 8.1? That is one monster engine!

Stve

jasonrup · June 2002

I totally agree with scmhockey on this one, when will the automakers clue in and start offering MORE diesels on their vehicles?? I'm not interested in being able to tow a barge so I don't need a 300+HP diesel, but a lower power version available on the 1500 series would be a Godsend due to the better fuel economy and reliability of diesel engines. Sure gas is cheap and all that nonsense, but who cares, a high fuel bill is just that!! Diesel gets much better fuel mileage with equal or greater power than comparable gassers... nuff said. Give us a diesel that is comparable to the 5.3L in power characteristics with better economy. Sure, the 5.3L has 285HP, but diesels could produce lower HP figures with much higher torque figures and be as powerful (ie: a 250HP diesel feels like a 300+HP gasser due to the higher amounts of net torque produced at lower engine speeds). Whomever offers a light duty diesel first will have a MAJOR advantage over the other automakers and will be able to seriously increase sales. The automakers are too ignorant to realize this because they still THINK consumers preceive diesels to be slow, smelly, and loud engines, but they are WRONG!! I am 23 and most of the people I know would LOVE to have an efficient diesel over a gasser, especially in a 1500 series pickup - 2500&3500's are too much truck and too much money for our needs. I'm in Canada so I don't know if this applies to the US. You just have to look at the VW Jetta TDi (90HP, 150lb/ft) sales for our demographic... everyone wants one, even with the availability of the hot 180HP 1.8T available. More Diesels Please.

brucecr_ms · June 2002

I wish I knew. Well, maybe not.

My truck suffers from the "can't fill the gas tank up" TSB problem. The aux tank can't drain into the main tank fast enough. The first factory fix didn't work. I was getting 10 during breakin. About a month ago I estimated 12. One AV fan website lists about 14 is the tops without major mods.

beach15 · July 2002

To whoever it was who said the cladding is a pain to wax around has it completely backwards. Unless you're a real moron or have really shaky limbs, waxing is very easy, mainly because there's LESS to wax. That, and even more important, not only is there less painted surface to worry about, but you don't have to get down low to do it.

Don't get me wrong, I love the monotone look of the EXT, but having a black Avalanche, we're more than satisified with the added ease of maintenance. It just looks good next to the black too!

ygmn · July 2002

How true Beach15!!!!!

midlifecrisis · July 2002

Having just waxed my black Av a few days ago, I can only concur as to how easy it is! And I really didn't have any trouble getting wax on the cladding.

Now, did everyone wax the roof of the Av? THAT is a challenge!

minikin · July 2002

hard, why?
-- Don

obyone · July 2002

being 5'2" and 300#s

frey44 · July 2002

I love this board; a lot of laughs here. You buy a 6000 lb vehicle, with a huge knocking, rattling V8, lousy drag coefficient, auto tranny that liberates much of that fluid-churning energy as heat, and 4x4 (that most never use !) and complain about gas mileage !! (Remember high school physics ?) You are the type of guys that would complain that your Hummer is too expensive to fuel up when going to the kid's soccer match. DEPRECIATION on your Avalanche is what you should be complaining about ! Trade it in and get yourself a 1989 Honda Civic. It will get you about 35 MPG on the highway (although you won't look as "bad" driving it...). Cheers.
;-)

imaniguana · July 2002

Yes, roof maintenance is definitely a challenge if you aren't tall!

minikin · July 2002

Now, picking on my girlfriend is getting personal.
-- Don

beach15 · July 2002

The Av's my mother's, but I am the one who cares for it. Basically, she never touches it other than when driving and I do all the detailing, constantly too I might add. That, and I now have my own detailing business (http://www.geocities.com/dkautospa) so I'm always doing some washing and polishing.

But what about the Av's roof? Well, I have to admit, being 6'4" and having a small ladder for the roof, I still only usually wash up there. I did put 2 coats of Klasse on the roof before, and the water still beads and rolls right off, so it's not a problem. That's in comparison to the rest of the Av that has 12 coats of polish.

But I'll have to do the roof fully again soon, because I'm switching to Zaino in the next month or so.

If you're having some trouble, about all I can suggest is just to get yourself a small/medium stepladder, if you don't already have one.

midlifecrisis · July 2002

Call me lazy, but I don't think it is worthwhile waxing the roof. Who the heck will see it?!

Kirstie_H · July 2002

A major daily newspaper is looking for owners of SUTs like the Chevy Avalanche and Ford SportTrac. Why did you buy it? How do you use it? Would you consider buying another in the future? Chicago area residents are especially encouraged to respond. Please send your thoughts on the subject and daytime contact information to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than July 30.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

chrisgtp · July 2002

Does anyone know where I can get info on the changes for '03????? I trying to decide if its worth it to wait or if I should just grab one now.

pkashub · July 2002

Edmunds.com has updates on 2003 Silverado, and many of upgrades, such as interior changes, etc, will be also available on Avalanche, Tahoe, etc. Also, check out gm-trucks.com, look for 2003 changes in headlines. This link may also work: http://www.gm-trucks.com/ART_2003_pre_avalanche.shtml

ygmn · July 2002

Search Googls for Chevy avalanche Fan clubs....I bet they have info on them.....

WINK WINK.

chrisgtp · July 2002

What is googls?????

dmathews3 · July 2002

It is google, not googls. Type www.google.com which is supposed to be the best search engine availible at this time.

beach15 · July 2002

Enjoy!:

http://media.gm.com/division/2003_prodinfo/03_chevrolet/03_avalanche/index.html

Also, for pics, go here and type in "Avalanche":

http://www.wieck.com/public

beach15 · July 2002

The point of polishing/waxing the roof? Actually, even if you don't see it, it's still good for it to have some protection to prevent paint fading and/or excess scratching. Is it worth you getting up on a ladder and breaking your neck? You decide.

brucecr_ms · July 2002

Heck, just remove panel #1 and wax the roof from the back bed.

Personally, I feel that the roof (and hood) take the most abuse from the sun so they should be waxed.

lspangler1 · July 2002

Are any photos of the uncladded 03 available?

txyank1 · July 2002

In the links that have been posted they mention the new dark gray cladding but no mention of NO cladding. Maybe that's coming later??

lspangler1 · July 2002

The big story a few months ago was that the cladding would be optional. I would buy an Avalanche if they could make it look more like the pickups. I saw an 03 truck today with the new front end, it looks pretty good.

genvibe · July 2002

Here is a photo and a GM press release at PickupTruck.com

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/avalanche_no_cladding.html

txyank1 · August 2002

swithin · August 2002

Not to take away from this Edmunds forum, but if you go to www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com they've got a number of new 2003 pictures (colors, no cladding, interior, etc.) as well as specs on the 2003 in the subforum called "Chevrolet Avalanche Future and Vision". Most of it's from the Sales and Marketing material.

dmathews3 · August 2002

Your post won't last as I got blasted for advising someone to visit that site too.

phkck · August 2002

As a long time Edmunds.com user, I think it's great that there are links to other informative sites.
I must say the Avalanche has caught my attention in a big way. Still in the research phase, and hope the 0% financing will be around for awhile.
Have been a "Ford guy" although have no hard feelings for other makes. Test drove the Avalanche last week and almost handed the keys to my Excursion to the sales guy.
Just need to clear it with the wife!

mlm4 · August 2002

Chevy calls it "Avalanche Without Body Hardware" and it will be available in Q1 of 2003. It has the same front end as the Silverado (headlamps on top). It will not be available on North Face Edition or three-quarter-ton models (2500).

From the photos it appears, in comparison to the regular "cladded" Av, to be something of a "stripper" model, although it will have all the features of the regular Av. The cleaner lines do have a certain appeal...

Chevrolet Avalanche

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