2007 Chevrolet Avalanche Review

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a versatile truck. Or is it a crossover? An SUV? Whatever it is, we like it. It's got a bed like a pickup, but has seating like a small or midsize SUV. Chevy proclaims its design "ingenious," and it is: The Avalanche features a midgate, which means the back of the pickup cab breaks down easily to form an extra-long storage area for surfboards, lumber, or whatever else you could want to haul, while leaving plenty of room in the cab. The Avalanche hasn't changed much since its 2001 debut, though its distinct plastic cladding was made optional in 2003. The Avalanche was Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year" in 2003, and has been completely redesigned for 2007.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The big question to ask yourself when considering the Chevrolet Avalanche is just how often you are going to use its much hyped "versatility." If you are not going to change configurations with some regularity, you are likely to find better value with a pure SUV or large cab truck. The Avalanche is unique in its ability to be both, but that comes at a price. If you are not going to take advantage of that function you will be paying a premium price for a feature you don't need. Also, the Avalanche has a history of dubious reliability. If you really need a truck and SUV in one, you need the Avalanche. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

What's New For 2007:

The Avalanche is all new for 2007. New exterior features on the Avalanche include restyled fenders and wheel wells as well as a new front end with restyled grille and headlights. There's also a new central-locking tailgate and remote start with the option of nine additional colors for your Avalanche. New interior features on the Avalanche include a roomier cabin, larger glovebox, and an MP3-capable CD player. The Chevrolet Avalanche is available in 3 trim levels, with two trim sublevels to choose from. DVD and navigation systems are optional on the Chevrolet Avalanche. Standard features include power accessories, an MP3-capable CD player, and keyless entry.

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Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$35,460

Rebates & Incentives:
no

Seats:
6

Gas Mileage:
14/20

Engine:
5.3L V8

Horsepower:
310@5200RPM

Torque:
335@4400RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/RWD

Fuel Capacity:
31

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/100000

Rust Warranty:
72/100000

What is the Predicted Reliability:

Long term reliabiltiy information is not yet available for the new Avalanche, but J.D. Power and Associates gives it only two out of five stars for initial reliability. Automotive Information Systems has noted moderate problems in the 2002-03 Avalanche involving the engine and brakes. Drivers have experienced numerous issues with the Avalanche, including grinding and popping noises, among others. Confirmed issues with the previous Avalanche include engine noise, transmission slippage, and water leaks, mostly in the 2002 model. The Avalanche has been recalled numerous times: The 2000-04 model was recalled for corroding tailgate cables, 2002 for anti-lock brake issues, 2003 for difficult steering, and 2004-05 due to cracking brake parts. Expect below average reliability out of the Avalanche. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Avalanche scored five out of five stars in government frontal crash tests; no other crash test data is available. The Avalanche has the following safety features: OnStar emergency communication, stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, ABS, and front and side airbags, with additional curtain airbags on the LT3 and LTZ trims. The 2003-05 Avalanche was recalled due to poor seatbelt positioning.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Unique midgate system
+ Plastic cladding now optional
+ Powerful engine

Cons
- Pricey
- Poor reliability history
- Less space than competitors

Head-To-Head Competition:

Despite its adjustable midgate, the Chevrolet Avalanche has less carrying capacity than the competition. The Ford F-150 SuperCrew delivers almost 300 more square feet of payload capacity for $1,600 less, though it has a smaller engine and about 90 fewer horsepower than the Avalanche. Surprisingly, an even stronger contender comes from GM itself in the GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab, which costs about $600 less than the Avalanche, but has standard all-wheel drive and more payload capacity. But if you want a real winner, the Nissan Titan offers standard traction control, CD changer, leather seats, a 5-speed automatic, and 300 more square feet of room for $1,600 less.

What Others Are Saying:

"The Avalanche is interesting because it allows drivers to have a large cab without making the truck unmanageably long, as the equivalent Silverado is when it has the full size bed as well as the full size cab." - AllPar.com

"What makes a vehicle configurable? In the case of the Avalanche, you have what is essentially a pickup. But you also have full five-passenger capability with four full doors." - The Family Car

"The Chevrolet Avalanche takes something old (fold-down rear seats), something new (removable rear window glass), and puts them into an unusual place - a pickup truck." - 4x4 Review

Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.

Published on Monday, January 29, 2007 - Email to a friend

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