2002 Chevy Avalanche

[Tom/MN]

I'm going out test driving one of these ugly buggers tonight. Have any of you bought one of these? I'd be interested in your feedback. I must admit I like the flexibility, the 5.3 Vortec is a proven engine, and 85% of the truck is off the Suburban. I guess it's the body cladding that makes me question $30,000+. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[BlackSilver]

I can't find anything to like about those trucks. Poor payload numbers, ugly, and wheelbase too short for serious towing.

I have a full dress 2001 Silverado ext-cab LT, 5.3L, 3.73 locker, with every toy including heated leather, and it still cost less than the most stripped out Avalanche available. And, OBTW, it tows my 28' 5th wheel RV as easily as it tows my boats.

Hans

[Tim Griffin]

I'm shopping now for a truck too, and I have to agree with Blacksilver; an extended cab Silverado is the way I'm going to go. If you wheel and deal a little, you may be able to save about 10K. With the end of the year coming up, and if the economy remains sluggish, you may be able to deal on an extended cab. Since the Avalanche is a new model, dealers may not be as willing to deal on those.

[Pitts]

I took a test drive Avalanche out for about 6 hours and ran it thru the paces including tearing it down and switching back and forth and stowing the panels.
My opinion is that for a strong young man the versability is nice but I have a trailer for hauling so I think I'll stick with a burb or mabe a 4 door pickup and leave the 3 - 112 lb panels that have to be wrestled into a bag to the stout of body.
The 2 or 3 things I was impressed with was the turning radius is really tight, the power was good, and everything was tight and nice and quiet plus comphy to drive. But I'm comparing it to my 91 burb LOL.
Drive one it may be for you. Take it for a day and check out thoroughly.

Pitts

[Kdog]

If you want a truly versatile truck look at the Ford f150 Supercrews.4 full size doors with a cab area that can fit 5 adults comfortably and a overall length that will fit in a standard size garage.I think the 4 door Chevy HD has a little longer bed and getting it in a garage is gonna be tough.I know you give up about a foot in the bed overall the HD but in my case with kids id rather have the room in the cab.Theres alot of neat trucks out there but the Supercrew is really versatile,kinda like a SUV/Truck hybrid!Have fun shopping,Kdog

[Tom/MN]

Thanks to all who've posted thus far. I have checked on Edmonds.com as well. One of the things I enjoy about this site is honest opinions and relative lack of the Brand X stinks and mine is better than yours mentality.

I eliminated the extended cab Chevy immediately due to space considerations. I'm 6'3" and have two young children. I have to move the seat back to the stops on anything I drive and with the front seat back there is 3-4 inches between the bottom of the back seat and the back of the front. For anyone who doesn't need the back seat much for people carrying it would work fine. The 1500 HD is also appealing, but the overall length is a drawback and I neither need nor want a 3/4 ton suspension. Finally, as we're building a house over the winter, I like the ability to carry full sheets of drywall enclosed. The Supercrew has a box that's less than six feet; a nice vehicle otherwise though.

I think I'll have to get over the cladding as I really like the functionality of the vehicle. On the up side maybe I won't be so plagued with the door dings in parking lots and at the airport.

Again, thanks to all for the input.

[Neal/CO]

I have to agree with Hans. I chose the 1/2 ton 2001 Silverado about five months ago and haven't regretted my choice at all. I have two young sons and I have found that the extended cab offers more than enough room. Now if my kids were long legged teenagers I might need more room, but I'll worry about that next time? The first time I saw the Avalanche I thought it was a joke, but I never test drove it.

[gunnerboy]

if it means anything to you they are made in mexico!

[ebijack]

yes i work for GM, but the avalanche is a new vehicle that can carry 6 adults (4 full doors) for the times you need it, BUT, it can also carry 4x8 sheets etc when you need it(in a sealed area). when the weather is reasonable, you can even load a motorcycle (if you can get it up in there)or snowmobile/tractor etc those FEW times most of might need to. i agree about the looks, (most of the newer designers grew up watching transformers.. i think). there are not many options on the avalanche as it comes pretty well loaded. the tono cover is being addressed for next years upgrade options. it's more of a luxury truck for the most part than a true rough/work truck. the overall length is much easier to handle than a 4 door truck with a 5.3ft bed or a full 8ft bed. also the bed depth is greater than any truckbed on the market (for what it's worth)
hope that helps

[WAeyes]

I am a GM guy but that Avalanche is ICKY!

[tj]

i just bought one, love the ride way better then the 99 silverado that was my trade its different thats for sure i havent towed the boat yet but think there is no need to worry more room in the back for the kids the food will stay dry when we shop together i like it