E very now and then you need to move some stuff (large stuff), and the best way to go about it is to employ a nice, full-size pickup truck. But the other 361 days of the year, that often means you’re stuck driving around a giant, empty truck to get groceries. That was the case until 2001 when Chevy debuted its first Avalanche. Touted as the industry’s most flexible utility vehicle, the Avalanche maintains a strong hold in the market segment it practically created.
SPECS:
Base Price: $35,910
Engine type: 16-valve V-8
Horsepower: 320 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 340 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.3 sec
Photos and video at right.
Full specs and review under the ARTICLE tab above.
E very now and then you need to move some stuff (large stuff), and the best way to go about it is to employ a nice, full-size pickup truck. But the other 361 days of the year, that often means you’re stuck driving around a giant, empty truck. That was the case until 2001 when Chevy debuted its first Avalanche. Touted as the industry’s most flexible utility vehicle, the Avalanche maintains a strong hold in the market segment it practically created. It combines the hauling capability of a full size truck with the passenger comfort of a four-door SUV thanks to its unique folding mid-gate. The midgate opens to extend the cargo-carrying capability from the cargo bed’s 5.3-foot-long length to 8.2 feet. The rear seat must be folded to achieve maximum storage capability; however when you don’t need the hauling room, simply close the gate and the Avalanche has room for up to six passengers.
Made is Silao, Mexico, the Avalanche comes standard with an adequate 5.3L V-8 producing 320 horsepower -- not exactly earth-shattering power, but it will certainly move the truck out of its own way, even with a decent cargo load. For those who aspire to make the earth tremble when their right foot gets heavy, Chevy is offering an all-aluminum 6.0L V-8, rated at an estimated 366 horsepower. It will, however, only be available on the top-of-the-line LTZ package. A serious downfall of the truck is its nearly antique 4-speed automatic transmission.
Without an option for an upgrade to a five or six speed, this seriously hurts the fuel economy and torque to the pavement when towing. However, it still pulls a hearty 8,000 pounds, reminding you it can still earn its keep.
The truck received a well planned facelift in '07, doing away with much of the plastic paneling that drew jeers from many in years past. Also new is the front end, with a more s teeply raked windshield and a masculine, bulging hood with a wraparound fascia. The subtle changes give the truck a more streamlined appearance.
B uilt on GM’s new full-size SUV platform, a stiffer frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, dramatically reducing road noise in the cabin. However, as you command this nearly three-ton brute down the road, you will notice a dramatic improvement over previous models, with a more lively steering feel and a smoother ride, often compared to its sister Caddy.
Interior refinements have finally brought the Avalanche up to date with a streamlined, luxurious feel. No cheap plastics or excessive control knobs, the f lush-mounted accessories and controls, create a seamless, simple to navigate system. Available navigation and rear seat DVD ensure peace on longer journeys. With one of the more advanced safety systems, including On-Star, you will feel good about filling all six seats with your loved ones.
-Sean Foege
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