Chevrolet Avalanche

wfbarto · April 2001

Tim,

I will probably wait to see the new Dodge truck and to also see how the Av fairs. I certainly like the looks of the Dodge much better. I also really like the Chevy and GMC crew cab HDs but they are a little long for me and my wife would not be happy. I owned an 83 Dodge 1/2 ton, 2wd, with the 318 and manual tranny w/ overdrive for about 15 years. Very dependable and I enjoyed it a lot. Of course I am not a hard user and tend to baby my vehicles a little also.

I have a 99 Trans Am, red, with 6 spd. It's my toy car and it only has 15,000 miles on it. Great to see that they still make true muscle cars. However, 2002 is the last year. Rumors are that they are brewing up a surprise at GM. Who knows maybe the GTO will return! I also have a 66 Bonneville convertible that I am having restored. It is about 80% done. It has the 421 engine with a four speed stick in it. Very unusual combo. I also enjoy Chevys and particularly old Impalas. The 62 with a 409 would probably be at the tops of my list.

Is your 79 Trans Am a tenth anniversary edition?

later,
Wayne

mount1 · May 2001

Hey Guys (And Gals to be P.C.)

Check out Page 126 of the June, 2001 edition of Playboy!!

There is a great picture of the Cadillac Escalade EXT. (Caddy's version of the Avalanche).......

NO BOTTOM PLASTIC!!!! Just Great Lines!

Put the Chevy Grill on it I'd buy it with or without the add-on bouncing beauties!

I won't pay $55,000.00 for the EXT, but I would pay $32-40,000 for the Chevy - w/o the plastic.

mount1 · May 2001

Hi all. Anyone check out the picture of the EXT yet?

Anyway...some more interesting happenings.....

Just signed up for a GM Truck Driving Expo coming out to my neck o' the woods in a couple of weekends. Attendees will be able to drive GM and competitor models in 1) Off Road Course 2) On Road Course and 3) Heavy Duty Course (trailer towing, etc.)

The GM models available to drive are:
Buick Rendezvous
Caddy Escalade
Chevy [Avalanche, s-10 Extreme, Silverado (1500,1500HD,2500HD,3500), Suburban, Tahoe Tracker, TrailBlazer]
GMC [Envoy, Sierra (C3,1500,1500HD,2500HD,3500), Sonoma, Yukon (Denali, XL)]
Olds Bravada
Pontiac Aztek

The Competition on hand will be:
Acura MDX
Dodge [Durango,Ram2500,Ram3500]
Ford [Excursion,Expedition,F-150SuperCrew, F-250SuperDuty,F-350SuperDuty]
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Lexus RX 300
Lincoln Navigator
Toyota [Highlander,Sequoia,Tundra]

Should be a good time to check out the mid-gate, etc. Let me know if you have any questions on the vehicles above. I'll do my best to answer them for you. Keep Truckin'!!

-Mount1

hunter98 · May 2001

After your post, out of curiosity, I looked it up in the guy next doors copy. He has a suscription, so I though I would take a look. There is nothing indecent about that picture

The caddy looks pretty good. I think I will just stick to good old Crew Cab 3/4 ton pickups for me though.

Hunter

timfarn · May 2001

Let us know of any rattles, squeaks or leaks (air/water) on that midgate. Will you have a chance to get the Av to highway speeds? Also, rumor is the '02 'rado 5.3l will go on steroids to the tune of 320 HP. Will GM insiders confirm?

mount1 · May 2001

Jared - Can't go wrong with the Crew Cabs.

Tim - The mailer says I should be able to drive on both an off road course to check clearance, suspension, etc. - as well as on road for handling, braking, etc.

It's being held at the closed El Toro MCAS. Not sure if they'll have the on-road on the runways or not. I'll get as close to 65 mph as they let me to check the wind noise.

I'd love to throw a few buckets of water at the mid-gate, but I doubt they'll agree. A rare Southern California rain storm may shed some light on the subject. =^)

I will check for rattles and sqeaks as well as how it sounds with the window out, midgate up configuration. Also, how well the window stores away.

The test drive is on the 20th.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

-Mount1

mount1 · May 2001

If your looking for pics, check out Wieck's. They've added a few more Avalanche pictures since I last checked their site a few weeks back. Has pics of 1500-Z71, 2500, North Face Edition, Vortec 8100 engine, etc. Search on "Avalanche".

http://www.wieck.com/public/

-Mount1

timfarn · May 2001

Terry, thanks for the heads up on the new pics. Good luck on the test drive. We'll be waiting for your report.

lspangler · May 2001

I am now seeing Avalanches everyday, they still are ungainly and akward looking, definetely not "tough". THe truck is the neatest idea I've seen in new vehicles but the exterior looks like you need to finish unwrapping it to see the whole package. I am amazed at how little interest there is here on this site in this vehicle.

obyone · May 2001

of the opinion of the general public?

hunter98 · May 2001

My problem with the vehicle that it is ugly. If they lost the cladding and gave it the lines of a HD, with color Matched Flares, it would be great. The exterior just looks too gussed up and not good at all in alot of peoples opinion. I am going to buy a 2500HD before too long, maybee next week or next fall, and they are a sharp looking vehicle, oh yeah, a CC, SB 4x4.

Hunter

obyone · May 2001

next week and next fall...waiting to be invited to who wants to be a millionaire? hehe

hunter98 · May 2001

Look on RYANs site on the HD part, there is a 6.0L Gas CC 4x4 on the local Chevy dealers lot, I have a GMC. If he will deal in a couple of weeks and give a good trade. If not, I may be looking to order a 2002 Duramax/Allison sometime. It is not so much an afford issue, as it is wanting to get the best deal possible (Read I am a tighta**).

LOL

Hunter

markiii · May 2001

OK... I'm ready for the heat, I've been following the discussions and have hesitated to comment because of the strong opinions about the cladding.

As a former Jeep Grand Cherokee owner I have no problem with either the appearance or functionality of the plastic. I like it.

This is my first move into the real truck market, the Jeep never was a problem (7.5 yr), only that I always needed a trailer to carry anything big, the cargo area couldn't handle my 32" TV box because of the hatch back. The Avalanche's versatility for people/cargo fits me perfectly... maybe Chewy's target?

Anyway, I have a deposit down on my local dealer's first one (through a family member that's a salesman). I just found out that the scheduled production of 5/14 for my truck, that the dealer has been working off for over a month, has been moved a week. Not too bad, except that news also came with the expected delivery to the lot of the end of June/early July (4+ was to get to the lot???come on!!!).

I can wait, not the issue... Has anyone else heard of deli. problems? I know people are seeing these things on the road, so what's up?

Thanks for any input (especially from others who don't hate the plastic) about production. I'll be sure to give unbiased feedback to the group if I ever get to drive the I*** thing.

Mark III

obyone · May 2001

development of high tech plastic.....if there is such a thing.

nautilust1 · May 2001

I read Mark111's comment and the fact that he ordered one, and is disappointed with a delayed delivery date. Well Mark.., I too was anxious to test drive one. I am ready to buy and currently am about 90% sure I will go with the Ford SuperCrew Lariat 4x4.

I too was excited with what I saw and read. I called the dealers on many occasions and found them to be as clueless as I was with regard to delivery, pricing, performance, etc.... I later went to the Ava web site and called Chevy. The only additional info I got from them was that it should be on the delivery trucks and heading to dealers on May 15th. Well we have heard this before! If GM were Pinocchio, then they would certainly have enough wood to start a Bon Fire :-)

While the Ava certainly did catch my attention, the fact that Chevy has not been able to pin a date down on delivery to the show room floor had me worried. I think about the following points when I weigh my decision between the Ford SuperCrew and the Ava:
Against the Ava
1. First year production model
2. Problems with delivery, makes me think there might be production problems
3. No real improvement in gas mileage
4. By the time they hit the floor; Ford and others will be almost ready to bring in the 2002 models. (Remember that this is a 2001 model that will make it just in time for the 2002 Yr! LOL) Even so, it appears that Chevy will NOT offer incentives.
5.While the Chevy Avalanche seems to offer many things I'd like to have in my truck, they are offering much less in options than the Ford SC Lariet offers for LESS MONEY!
What might make me wait is a factory warranty that is similar to many of the foreign auto manufacturers are offering on their autos; i/e> Hundi 10 YR 100,000 with 6 Bumper to Bumper and 5 YR roadside, Hell I would be happy with 7+ considering I am an American looking to buy American and willing to spend MUCH more than those foreign auto are going for. I just don't understand why they can not offer a better factory warranty...This would be a real benefit for the Avalanche considering that this is 1st year of production and I certainly don't feel like being a Guinea Pig so that GM can get the bugs out at my expense. Like many of you I am buying this truck to last MORE than 10 years and want a unit that I can depend on.

As it stands, I expect 3 different calls from eager Ford dealers by 10 a.m. all with news of my perfect SuperCrew and with a deal that’s just as perfect too. The Chevy people can't offer that. So if you have already come to the same conclusion that I have and bought a Ford SuperCrew Lariet 4x4...please e-mail me and let me know what YOUR price was you paid (less tax and tag. In the mean time, if you think you can persuade me back to wait for the Avalanche please give it your best shot! I’m still open to a good deal and good reasoning. The Chevy web people DID tell me that the Ava will be only available in TX CA and FL at first (May 2001) and the rest to go nationwide sometime in July 2001 with a Eddie Bauer edition. I just have to wonder what those words> “Early year production models will vary” really means to me as a consumer and possible buyer.

Sincerely, R Reid Decker (BeachBoy1@aol.com) I love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

timfarn · May 2001

I recalll that you worked on the Av seals way back when, right? If you are in the Detroit area, do the Avs have Mfr plates? We were to Grand Rapids and Lansing last weekend and did not see any Avs on the road - I was hoping we would see one.

timfarn · May 2001

Markiii, the first Av at the local dealer is to arrive here in June. It is sold, but I still hope for a test drive. The Av fits our needs very well, also - does it drive out OK is my concern. Again, if it performs and rides like the 1500 Sub, I'm in.

BeachBoy, the SCrew is a nice truck - I drove a couple of Lariats. The versatility of the Av picks up a few points with me. The ride on the SCrew is trucklike - skittish rearend over washboard, rougher, bouncier feel, etc.

A couple of corrections - the Av is a 2002 model and the yuppie version will feature The North Face and not Eddie Bauer (Ford's package).

The Av also offers a few items not available on the SCrew - pass through cargo, full 8 foot covered cargo, higher HP engine, available electronic climate control, standard hard bed cover. As to fuel mileage, they will be rated close to the same (14/17 or 14/18), however, my experience has been that the Fords I've owned have never given the advertised mileage. GM vehicles have always given at or above economy.

First year production concerns, I've got them, too - the new parts to be concerned with are the midgate and the cover - if these test out without rattles or leaks, the balance of the truck is 2001 Suburban.

markiii · May 2001

Having driven the Sub and the Silv 1500 I felt like the ride/handling wasn't a big issue with me. Reports? are that it's more like the Silv..fine with me.

I checked out a promo at a recent car show and the midgate doesn't scare me. The seals are beefy and are the same as a door. I thought the method they came up with to hold the window in place was the iffy part. They actually had a midgate demo right next to the truck that showed a different design than the promo. Worst part was the sick burnt orange color, mine should be the light pewter that will give contrast to the plastic.

To obyone..My only hope is that GM is as good at plastic as on my Jeep!

To clarify....I still have an out, it's only a deposit with the right of first refusal. I too have had my eye on the SCrew (no offense Ford guys, my cas is a Ford!) and may be swayed back to it if they really drop the ball on delivery or quality. Maybe first runs get a closer look before they go out?

timfarn · May 2001

Any comments on this topic generating 1/10 of the repsonses as compared to the Aztek topic? Some lurkers are starting to put in their $.02, but where's the discussion? Is it that there is nothing much to talk about?

lspangler · May 2001

All the Aves I've seen have had M plateson them. They usually give them to managers etc. and ask for feedback. I saw 3 or 4 more this weekend. The dark blue actually looked pretty good. The white looks bad with the cladding. I parked next to a red one on friday when we went out to eat. The one I parked next to had the bed covers off but I couldn't see how much of the seals they had changed. I am assuming they got it worked out.

countsmackula1 · May 2001

I don't really see that the Avalance isn't a Silverado with a tweaked body and a "midgate" as they call it. That's a lot of money to pay for something that's mostly plastic. It looks okay, but I think it looks a little extreme just for the sake of extreme!! And plastic is the material of the future , provided it's good quality. for $33,000 , you could buy a Silverado with every conceivable option. Yes, it's conservative but tough. I've never really cared for Chevrolets , but they are good, durable vehicles, and most are a decent value.
At least the thing's got real four wheel drive instead of that queer-bait Verastrak type system on the Aztec. And it's got real truck underpinnings!! From what I've read, I can't find a whole lot to dislike, honestly. Based on only this limited knowledge, I give it a B, so far.

timfarn · May 2001

I worked with the controller at a client dealership this AM. As I was leaving, I saw the sales manager who is to call when they receive an Av in two weeks. He ordered one in red and a guy bought it, then rethought his decision and took the next allocation in black. If anyone is looking for a 4WD with leather in red/graphite, it is available, but only after my test drive!

ryanbab · May 2001

Talked to my salesman last night

Their AV got pushed back another month. its already sold guy traded in his silverado 6 months ago and ordered it

timfarn · May 2001

He looked up the order status as I was standing there. I would not have had the opportunity to drive this unit if the guy had not changed his mind. I've already seen the truck, the drive is what's important now.

fpmike · May 2001

Just got a call from one of the dealerships I have been hounding for 6 weeks. They have an Indigo Avalanche on the lot, I'm going to look at/test drive it tonight after work. I have had auto-by-tel, stoneage.com and CarsDirect all allegedly keeping an eye out but my local dealer has done the best for me. After I check it out I'll post something on Monday. This is a Northern California location.

markiii · May 2001

A different dealer in my area just got back to me..I wanted to check up on my guy. The dealer has two units that SHIPPED on 5/14, due on the lot 6/4. One Red withthe works, one Blue with a little less. Both have been tagged with first looks, I can't find out about mine until Monday. I'll let you know when I actually have something solid.

mount1 · May 2001

Hello All,

From the previous messages you've heard the As have started to arrive in California. The wife got the call from the dealer on Friday. The local dealer has two in stock: A Black 2WD and a Silver prey 4WD.

I took a chance and drove out to the CM Truck Show at El Too MAS today (My appointment to test drive is for tomorrow.) To my surprise, the only reason they made appointments is to keep everyone from showing up at once, so I was able to get in. Too bad I got there late in the day - the test drive lines were long - so I'm forced to wait until tomorrow as originally planned. But I was able to check out the Av first hand. So here is today's report.

The first Av I checked out was a 2WD (all truck show Av's were 2WD) Silver Grey. It was not top of the line (leather, etc.) but was very roomy and comfortable - both front and back seat. The Vortec engine purrrrs something awsome. Head room and leg room were more than I needed (I'm 6'5" 275lbs). Console looks very good - access to components is good.

The first thing I checked was the plastic composite molding attached around the body. To my surprise, it looks as though it was added towards the end of the manufacturing process. It looks like the Av has complete body metal - completly finished - underneath - with the composite material attached just like plastic wheel well fenders. So for all of those that liked the picture of the Av without the plastic molding (see prior post) you may be able to order it without or remove it - I'll find out for sure when I speak with the GM people tomorrow.

I will mention the Av was generating a great deal of interest from people attending the show. Many were unaware of the model and those that were aware, liked the pricing that started at $30,000+ and maxing out at about $40,000 fully loaded.

Ok people - The Midgate.

I have to say it was very solid. I put the gate in every configuration I could time and again for about 10 minutes. The weight of the gate can be found in the top gate head (holds up glass) and the glass itself. The mid section of the gate is much lighter.

From top down....

At the top of the gate is the glass. The glass comes with defogger/defroster lines imbedded. These lines end at two points on the top of the glass window. It is at these two points that the glass fits into two locks at the top of the Av roof.

There are two handles in the roof of the Av - about the size and shape of two shoe-horns put together side by side. These handles move up/down and move a 1" by 1.5" U shaped gizmo up/down in-sync. These two gizmos (sorry) connect to the glass at the point of the defogger lines performing two tasks - 1) completing the defogger circuit to wiring inside and 2) holding the window in place at the top and pushing it tight against the top rubber seal. There is also one other piece that pertrudes from the roof - positioned about center in line with the window. This piece is positioned about 0.5" in front of the window's final resting position. It acts as a door stop when putting the glass in place. It will allow the glass to move past it (it recedes into the roof then retracts) but does not allow the glass to fall out forward. The glass fits into the midgate seal at the bottom of the glass. This seems pretty tight, but the seals are rubber as the top seals are, so longevity may be a problem.

Finally for the window, there are two round dials on either side of the window. These flat dials - about 4-5 inches across. These dials have a straight side (think 3/4 moon w/ straight line cut into moon - not curve of earth's shadow) that when turned towards the window allows it to be removed. When turned the other way, the circular part of the dial overlaps the window about a half inch holding it in place and forcing it against the side seals.

One person can remove and install the window easily. But two people - one at each back seat door - can lift and tuck it in much easier.

Now, I do have to mention that the first Av I looked at - the top left window handle was supposedly broken. What I found looking at it was the metal connector that attached to the defogger lines had been pulled (bent) out of position - a little elbow grease put it back together and it worked fine. However, I could see how removal/install of the window over time could cause this.

So to summarize the window removal, turn both dials to open window side area. Pull two handles on top of window to release top window area, lift stright up out of base seal, pull out. Reverse to put in. Overall opinion is it works fine. Caviats - rubber seals will eventually dry out and careless handling can cause window defogger connections to bend.

I wanted to toss a few buckets of water at the window - nope. Although, tomorrow I plan to extract and re-install the window / midgate out of the Av I drive - just to make sure its a normally sealed window.

On the middle of the midgate, just below the window is an 0.5" by 4" long handle use to open the midgate. If the window is in, it opens the midgate just below the midgate head which holds the window. In essance the center of the midgate to the bottom will fold forward leaving the midgate head and window in place. If the window is out, turning this handle will allow the entire midgate (head and body) to fold forward. Again, when the entire midgate moves forward - it is heavy and solid. Without the midgate head and window, the midgate body is much lighter to move.

At the bottom, when the gate is folded down, there is a 4" strip of rubber that fits into grooves in the bed of the truck that acts as a seal link from the rubber bed liner mat and the midgate. If you lift the rubber bed liner mat out of the bed, this seal comes along with it and has to be put back in. By the way, if you choose not to have the Av bed covered with the three piece interlinking hard cover, it will save you $600.00 I was told. But then the rubber mat can be lifted out of the bed quite easily and carried off. Under the bed liner rubber mat is the truck bed - no other lining is provided.

Overall first impressions:

1) I like the truck alot!
2) Rubber seals will eventually crack - it just a case of how many years and the abuse given. Thats all I can say for sure with the limited info I have now.

Finally, I notice the Avs were being driven on the road course, but not the off-road course. I was told the Avs were supplied from GM on their way to dealers and will be shipped to the dealers after the show ends tomorrow. They had two 4WD Avs at the Phoenix show, but they were not brought to California. Ok, so I asked for honest opinions on the midgate handling off roading. The GM driver assistants said there were not any rattles and shakes during the Phoenix shows (Then why not bring them to California?) all was well. Another GM tech using the Av to jumpstart other trucks at the end of the show said he wondered about the same iss

mount1 · May 2001

{Gee, I rambled on didn't I? - Maxed out Edmund's post limit - here is remainder of post}

blah, blah, blah...............

Overall first impressions:

1) I like the truck alot!
2) Rubber seals will eventually crack - it just a case of how many years and the abuse given. Thats all I can say for sure with the limited info I have now.

Finally, I notice the Avs were being driven on the road course, but not the off-road course. I was told the Avs were supplied from GM on their way to dealers and will be shipped to the dealers after the show ends tomorrow. They had two 4WD Avs at the Phoenix show, but they were not brought to California. Ok, so I asked for honest opinions on the midgate handling off roading. The GM driver assistants said there were not any rattles and shakes during the Phoenix shows (Then why not bring them to California?) all was well. Another GM tech using the Av to jumpstart other trucks at the end of the show said he wondered about the same issue. His feeling was that if you're gonna be getting air in the Av - something may eventually come loose in the midgate area - this truck is not ment for the Baja 1000. But daily street driving and easy backwoods camping roads should not cause any problems. The midgate does seem at least that solid to me as well.

Anyway - long day - long post. Hope it all made sense. If anyone reads this tonight or in the AM and you have more questions for me - please post them. I will check this thread in the morning - about 7:30am PST before heading to the test drive.

Cheers.

-Tmount

avalancher · May 2001

On 5/16/01 I had the pleasure of picking up my new 2002 Avalanche Z71. It is everything that they promised it would be. I'm in California and I love turning heads when I drive by those ugly four door fords!!! Although unfortunately I have to sell it as quickly as I bought it. But at least I had one. Anyone interested??

ryanbab · May 2001

??? what ???

so you bought one and less than a wk later your selling it?

fpmike · May 2001

Well I took the Indigo 4WD with sun roof for a drive, and inspection. Foremost, I like the truck, a lot. I highway drove it only in the mid gate-closed, pick-up configuration.

The cladding, which was emphasized in the promotional info, was a less dominant styling feature in person than I expected; it is reasonably balanced but still less than a clean design. The cladding on the doors is indeed added over finished sheet metal, however the cladding over the fender area is attached to sub-structure.

The on-road ride was smooth and stable, just as a Suburban. Interior comfort with the cloth buckets was good, and I was glad to see that the white gauge package seen in promotional literature was gone in favor of more fitting black.

The mid gate was solid, quiet and secure. The previous post pretty well describes its operation. I thought the seals were well protected as the lower ones are never exposed and the side ones are recessed. I'm not sure how water from stowed gear is managed in the cab portion of the "bed". The rigid tonneau panels are tough and light. My two kids and I got on them (300 lbs distributed) with out any sign of flexing. They are pretty easy to unlatch and are numbered underneath so you know which to put back in first. Four latches secure the front and two latches secure each of the others.

I will now be picky about some things which seem to fall short of the rugged, truck aspect of its character.

The "toothy" cladding at the bottom of the doors sticks below the sheet metal which does not seem very robust at a point where it could encounter brush or other off road obstacles.

The mid gate glass appears to be secure once stowed, but misalignments when fitting it in looks like it could prove to cause wear or damage over time (see previous post).

The tonneau panels can be latched without being in exact alignment which can leave them unlevel and skewed (leak?).

My biggest surprise was the pickup bed. The most fragile part of the bed area is the longitudinal side seals for the rigid tonneau panels. They are exposed to any thing which may be placed against the sides of the bed. The latch plates are in harms way. The rubber mat which covers the steel floor is made of a softer rubber than is appropriate for hauling any heavy or rough material.You could not scoot boxes or twist a heavy machine or piece of furniture on it. The mat also is a hollow honeycomb underneath which seems to limit its life or durability.

The bedside storage cavities have a loose exposed wire from the light which could be subject to damage or snagging.

Overall I am favorably impressed with the rig. The styling is just a steroid dose or two up from the rest of the Chevy pick-up and SUV line. It does suffer a little in the rugged truck aspect, but it is not targeted at those who would haul gravel in it regularly.

ryanbab · May 2001

lake county indiana?

timfarn · May 2001

From my observation at the Chicago Auto Show: To take away the lower cladding would leave painted, but unfinished (not sculpted for appearance) metal underneath. What you would find could best be described as mounting pads for the cladding.

Avalancher, I'm with Ryan - What? Sell as soon as you buy? Why don't you post some pictures in the meantime of your headturner. (If I knew I had to sell immediately, it wouldn't have been worth the $$$$ hit to be seen in a new vehicle.)

timfarn · May 2001

Per launch information, the first Avs are hitting the biggest truck markets first - CA, TX, FL.

Did any of the test drives have a truck with the medium neutral interior? I'm interested in what this color really is and what carpet is matched to it.

ryanbab · May 2001

that medium neutral should be the same as whats in the silverado

Ryan

timfarn · May 2001

Interior colors offered on the 'rado are: Graphite, Medium Graphite, and Tan. The Graphite and Tan colors are available on the Suburban. No "Medium Neutral" - a color with such a nondescript name is hard to imagine.

ryanbab · May 2001

For 2001 they dumped the tan interior. Went with the neutral so 2001 rados/tahoes/ and burbs have this color. Only 2000 and 99 got the tan interior.

Ryan

mordantk · May 2001

evening...

Would you mind mentioning the dealership from which you test drove? I am trying to find 'actual' pricing information for a dealer to help gauge approx. price here in the mid west. I realize that the avalanche will not be available out here until late summer, but that is when I need a new vehicle. Any help would be appreciated.

kris

mount1 · May 2001

Hello All,

Well I went for a spin or two and I must confess the Chevy Avalanche is a great Truck to drive.

First, I must say my hat is off to GM for putting on their Truck Show. This marketing effort is not cheap and the fact they pay for their competitor’s vehicles to be available to drive for comparison shopping gives them a plus in my book. So Kudos to GM for the Truck Show.

Now, I’m not an expert, far from it – just a regular Joe who can change the oil, brakes, and alternators. So take my opinions or leave em for what they’re worth to you. What you are about to read is not science, but purely my opinion – as you’ll be able to tell.

I broke down my road test into five categories important to me.
1) Overall Comfort / Look and Feel
2) Acceleration / Power
3) Braking
4) Handling / Cornering
5) Interior Noise

The trucks I drove were:
1) Avalanche
2) Escalade
3) Ford 150 – SuperCrew
4) GMC Sierra C3
5) Envoy (Ok – the wife drove that one, but I thought I’d throw it in and say – too small, but not bad.)

There were two road courses to choose from. Both laid out on the runways at the closed MCAS, El Toro in Southern California. I got there early and was rewarded with the ability to drive all the vehicles nearly one right after the other without too much waiting. I drove the Avalanche around each course first and decided the better course to use for my testing was the “outside” course as it offered some loose gravel and potholes on a sharp corner section of the course. It was the best attempt at off roading the Av I had. (GM did not offer an Av on the off road course and by the time we got to that course there were way too many people waiting in the lines – especially for the Hummers.)

The order I drove was the Avalanche (twice), the Escalade (once), the C3 (Once), the Ford F150 (once), then finally, the Avalanche for a third and fourth time. At this point, the lines of people waiting to drive each vehicle were prohibitively long for more driving. Here is what I think.

1) Overall Comfort order: Ford F-150, Avalanche, C3, Escalade
(Getting in/out, leg room, head room, vision area – meaning can I see out the windshield w/o looking through the blue tint on top?, etc.) For a big guy like myself, the Ford F150 offered the most room in the cab – and you could really notice it – it’s the first time in quite a while I needed to move my seat forward for the best comfort (cloth buckets). The Avalanche came in close second -very roomy – great headroom (cloth bench). The Escalade would have been next, but it had a sunroof, which dropped right onto my head – the power seat was not working so I may have been able to drop down a little if it were. (Leather Buckets) So my next choice was the C3 (Leather Buckets), then the Escalade. Both GM and Ford have great look and feel dashes and amenities. All the vehicle instrumentation’s and controls were easy to read, access, use, etc.

2) Acceleration order: C3, Avalanche, Escalade, F-150
(0 to 50+ best I could do on the short straight away) Hands down – acceleration goes to the C3. Lighter than the others and with its engine – this thing is a bullet waiting to be fired. Next came the Avalanche – great response from the new engine and as I said, the new engine just purrs something awesome. Next up was the Escalade then the F-150. I was surprised and a bit disappointed that the 150 did not posses more punch – I hope GM didn’t have anything to do with it.

continued.....

mount1 · May 2001

3) Braking order: F-150, C3, Av, Escalade (Straight Away), Avalanche, F-150, C3, Escalade (Corners)
Where the F-150 took its second honors for me was in braking. Even though it’s acceleration was bad, it’s brakes were the best responding (not necessarily the quickest). I like brakes that grab – the F-150’s do just that. All the GM vehicles stopped well in the straightaway, but left me thinking the brakes we a little bit loose. Seeing how I’ve been driving 13 year old braking technology recently – I may not be judging this with the best perspective. None of the brakes locked up – I did not push them to the floor, but I pushed them real good. In the corners, however, the Avalanche proved to be the better vehicle when it came to braking. No sliding was detected in the Av – where the F-150 wanted to follow momentum – along with the C3 – granted the weight distribution is a factor here in both the straight away and corners.

4) Handling / Cornering order: C3, Avalanche, F-150, Escalade
The C3, with its all wheel drive was absolutely great in the corners and left – right quick response moves. It just squeaks by the Av in my test. The Avalanche was a VERY close second. People this truck can maneuver well, turn well, and hug the road well. When you’re in the Av you feel you’re in a big truck – up high and very roomy. But when you drive it - look out – this thing handles great – not even the hint of rear end slide into or out of the turns. Next - the F-150, then the Escalade (I’d be too busy worrying about scratching the damn thing to have fun.).

5) Interior Noise order: Avalanche/ Escalade, C3, F-150
(All windows were up and radios were off during the drives.) Flash: The Av’s midgate did not make any noise that I could tell! One part of the course has six to eight pieces of 3-5 inch thick shipping lines to drive across at an angle – nothing. The Av performed just as well as the Escalade in this test. In the loose gravel corner, the Avalanche not only handled well, but also was nice and quiet in doing so. The “new” seals work very well at keeping the wind and noise out.

Finally, What to do next. Well, the Escalade is out – never really was in - too much moolah for what you get and the Escalade EXT (Av w/o molding) will start at $55,000.00. The C3 is out – top of the line Avalanche is the same price – but more features. Plus, I’d probably crash the damn thing racing the local high school kids. This leaves the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and the Avalanche. Ford had two first place finishes in my totally unscientific test drive, but it also had two last place finishes. The Avalanche had one first place and three-second place finishes. It actually was the most fun to drive, most original to look at, and the midgate held up very well. I think I will test drive the Super Crew again at a dealer or two before making my final decision. But I have to be honest and say I’m just about over the weird look of the Avalanche side molding after yesterday’s test.

mount1 · May 2001

According to the GM people at the show, the Avalanche is not available w/o the molding. I also agree w/ prior post that under the fender molds the metal is either pulled back away from the door line or it is just some sub-structure under there.

The colors at the show were blue, silver, green - all molding was grey - seems to fit the silver the best. Dealer has black - heading there tonight.

GM Truck Show offered $1000 discount coupons for attending - fine print on back negates it's use on just about every 2002 model - including Avalanche. They said the dealer may take it anyway if asked - sure.

Av comes with one year of basic 0n-Star. On-Star offers phone minutes you can purchase now. Expensive for small blocks of time (30 minutes @ $1.00 per minute) - cheaper on bigger blocks.

Chevrolet 1500 Series Pricing 2WD 4WD

Standard (High Content) $30,965 $33,965

Standard + Convienc Pkg (ZM9) $31,618 $34,618

Standard + Premium On Road
+ Premium Off Road (Z66/Z71) $31,800 $34,800

Standard + ZM9 + Z66/Z71 $32,453 $35,453

North Face Edition (1500 / 4WD only) $37,465

Options

Soft Cargo Cover $600 Credit

Roof Rack $195

Running Boards $395

Power Bucket Sport Cloth $615

Power Bucket Sport Leather $1115

Full Feature Seat $1415

Power Sunroof $1095

Locking Differential $252

4.10:1 Rear Axle Ratio $N/C

Engine Block Heater $33

timfarn · May 2001

Were any of the Avs fitted with the BVE Assist Steps as an option? Are these running boards or tubular side steps?

mount1 · May 2001

Tim,

None of the Avs at the test drive had side steps on them. Marketing pictures show the running boards as the flat board type steps. I assume those are the steps with the BVE item code. I think a nice pair of tubes would look better myself as the Avalanche offers more of a "Muscle Shirt" personality than a "Suit" personality.

Here are the options from the list given me at the show. This time I added the GM option code. An entry of (???) means no code was provided.

Options

Soft Cargo Cover (???) $600 Credit

Roof Rack (V54) $195

Running Boards (BVE) $395

Power Bucket Sport Cloth (A95) $615

Power Bucket Sport Leather(???) $1115

Full Feature Seat (AH3) $1415

Power Sunroof (CF5) $1095

Locking Differential (G80) $252

4.10:1 Rear Axle Ratio (GT5) $N/C

Engine Block Heater (K55) $33

timfarn · May 2001

In the GM accessory catalog, they listed the tubes @ $705. They were chrome and didn't look good on the vehicle pictured. It appears as though the BVE option has to be the boards.

holt5 · May 2001

Chevrolet has updated the official Avalanche site.

Check it out:

http://www.chevrolet.com/avalanche/index.htm

timfarn · May 2001

Must read material for the Avalanche - a full section on the updated website. Good scoop, Todd.

eric2001 · May 2001

Have a Truck show disount coupon they would like to donate to me? No truck show in NY, therefore I can't get one on my own.

dsw7311 · May 2001

I take ( or supposed to) delivery of my 2002 Avalanche tomorrow (memorial day) I opted for the Z66 option in Lt Pewter with the graphite leather interior and sunroof. I have only been waiting for them since November. They are trickling in to dealers here in Dallas/Ft Worth area. So far only four dealers actually have them in stock, others are 10 or so days behind.

I am giving up my loved 2000 Impala LS in trade ( I was pictured and quoted in the 2001 Impala brochure for my consumer comments and compliments)

I will keep you posted in here of my Jeers and Cheers on my Avalanche

holt5 · May 2001

There are three Avs on eBay. Two of them have pictures.

Chevrolet Avalanche

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