Chevrolet Avalanche

The Chevrolet Avalanche is Chevrolet's top-of-the-line pickup. It is a four-door, six-seat pickup truck with a somewhat SUV-like flavor, known as a "sport utility truck". Avalanche is based on the full-size long-wheelbase General Motors SUVs (such as the Chevrolet Suburban), and itself forms the basis of the upscale Cadillac Escalade EXT.

Avalanche features four full-size hinged doors with seating for 5 or 6 (with bench seats). The open pickup bed in back can be extended into the back seat area by folding down the rear wall of the cabin and removing the rear window. GM marketers call this the "mid-gate system". A series of three removeable panels provides a watertight top for the cargo bed. Additional storage is provided behind each wheelwell, accessed by locking flip-top panels and can be useful as self-draining ice chests.

The truck's midgate construciton allows two fullsize sleeping bags to be laid out in the bed when the midgate is folded down, protecting the occupants from the weather. GM markets this truck as a choice for active outdoor adventurers in part due to its optional four wheel drive.

The truck's contstruction lends itself to hip-hop customizations. It is frequently seen with larger wheels upwards of 26" in diameter and powerful sound systems, urbanizing it away from its roots as a truck.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes
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Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability

 * RECALL ALERT: On August 29, 2008, GM issued a GM-wide recall (no.08V441000) affecting 857,735 vehicles built between 2006-2008 and equipped with heated windshield washer fluid option including the 2007-2008 . The system was liable to short out causing cessation of function, smoke, possible fire and malfunctioning of other electronic systems in the car. GM urges owners of affected vehicles to go to their nearest local dealer so the problem can be remedied.


 * RECALL ALERT: On December 23, 2010, GM issued a recall affecting approximately 1,260 Cadillac Escalades, Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500s, and GMC Sierra 1500s from MY 2011 due to a faulty rear-axle cross pin, which could fracture and become displaced within the axle. GM said that if the pin shifts out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock, in which case, the driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.

Safety

 * ABS is standard on all Avalanche models.
 * OnStar is standard on all Avalanche models.
 * Dual Zone Frontal Air Bags are standard on all Avalanche models.
 * Head Curtain Air Bags are available on LT and LTZ models.

Photos
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Colors

 * Taupe Gray Metallic
 * Sheer Silver Metallic
 * Laser Blue Metallic
 * Summit White
 * White Diamond
 * Black
 * Victory Red
 * Blue Granite Metallic
 * Sunset Orange Metallic

Main Competitors

 * Dodge Ram 1500
 * Ford F-150
 * GMC Sierra
 * Ford Explorer Sport-Trac

Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Current Generation: (2007–present)
The GMT900 Avalanche was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 2006. Production of the redesigned Avalanche begins at Silao Assembly in March. The Avalanche looks the same as the Suburban and Tahoe, just with a bed. It has all the same standard and available fatures as the Suburban and the Tahoe.

Engines:
 * 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8, 320 hp (239 kW)1500 models
 * 6.0 L VortecMAX V8 with VVT, 355 hp (265 kW) (late 2006)2500 models

First Generation/Origins (2001–2006)
Avalanche was launched in 2001 as a 2002 model on the GMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding. This provided needed visual distinction from the Suburban. Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line of trucks. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the soft box of the other GMT800 models.

2003 models featured darker cladding, but GM's new president, Rick Wagoner, demanded deletion of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without the cladding. Current Avalanches, called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resemble the current crop of Silverados in the front.

Avalanche was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2003.

There are two engine choices: A Vortec 5.3 L V8 producing 290 hp (216 kW) and an 8.1 L V8 with 325 hp (242 kW). The drivetrain is rear wheel drive or available with selectable high/low four wheel drive.

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
The Chevy Avalanche was awarded Motor Trend magazine's  SUV of the Year  for 2002.