Chevy Avalanche Opinions

Hucker · Oct 5, 2001

I'm going to go to the dealership and make the sales guy transform the Avalanche into every one of its 25,000 configurations. Then I'll buy it from him....

longtime · Oct 6, 2001

F150 SuperCrew.

I was on the Avalanche mailing/marketing list for the last couple of years. Was really antsy waiting for them to come out. Now that I've seen them, I thank the stars that Ford came out with the SuperCrew before I made my decision.

BTW -- I think my Screw is a real pickup/SUV combo. I'm not sure the Avalanche is, on the other hand. Looks like when you switch to "pickup" mode, your interior is open to the rear? Or is there a partition? (If there's a partition, it looks like only two seats would be in the cab space in front of it?

ktmboy · Oct 6, 2001

Re: Tupperware cars

Do you have to 'burp' the trunk after you close it?:eek:

DoubleTrouble · Oct 29, 2001

Tis a beautiful thing...

After checking out the Avalanche I came away suitably impressed. It can carry 5/6 people and then convert to a pickup that will meet most household requirements. It can can tow too.

There are a couple of things that I did not like, like the fact that the cab is open to the elements, (and thieves), when the midgate is lowered, it only comes with an automatic transmission, no diesel engine is available and fuel consumption is horrendous.

As to looks: Good or bad for a pickup - It's like comparing pit bull terriers to bull mastiffs and pug dogs and debating which is the prettiest. Who ever said the Hummer was a looker anyway. Yeah, it's no Jeep but it's certainly no Aztec, either.

I like it, my wife likes it and my brother likes it. Maybe we have no taste but who cares anyway. I'm married. 35, and do not need to impress anyone. ;)

IDkTm · Oct 29, 2001

i'm a chevy guy and i can't really get into the Avalanche. Its a novel idea and all, but the plastic has got to go. The grille in it I heard will be in the Silverado pickups soon (2003?) The other thing is the fancy mid-gate seems to work ok now, but what happens in 3-5 years when the weather stripping detiorates and things don't seal up like they should anymore? The 1500 HD looks like your calling Pred. If you end up with one, would ya mind picking one up for me too?

jeb · Oct 30, 2001

I'd think the midgate will seal with no problems for the life of the truck. My suburban's tailgates or barn doors all sealed perfectly, why wouldn't this?

It's an interesting truck. If the Duramax had been available in it, I may have considered it a lot harder instead of buying the 2500HD that I did. The sunroof (not available in the HD's, even my CC model), nicer interior options and just being different all were things I liked. The plastic is overdone though, IMO.

XRpredator · Oct 31, 2001

Originally posted by jeb
It's an interesting truck.

It's not a truck. I don't even drive a truck, except for once in a while at work. It's a pickup. A goofy lookin' pickup, but a pickup nonetheless.

You can haul a pickup with a truck. :debil:

MARK IT · Oct 31, 2001

pontiac had the ugly truck (SUV) award, till that thing came out.

Offroadr · Oct 31, 2001

Just bought one!!

Originally posted by XRpredator

Yes, the new 1500HD. Went to Chevrolet.com and checked it out. Crew cab shortbox.

That might be the ticket, but I think she's hot for the 'Lanche.:eek:

Nice truck! I love it! Virtually identical to the 2500HD except for the front suspension and sits 2 inches lower since the Allison isn't an option in the 1500

I really like it! The cab room is incredible compared to the Ext cab I had

WR 250 · Oct 31, 2001

There is one Avalanche in town and I laugh every time I drive by it. UGLY! I wonder how comfortable the drive back from Anchorage would be when a guy is hauling a snowmachine or lumber with the partition removed and it's 20 below. Maybe the wind noise would have a soothing effect? Another thing I wonder about is if the missing partition induces a vacuum effect when traveling down the highway at speed? Whoops! There go my fries! :)

IDkTm · Oct 31, 2001

Originally posted by rockrider
Another thing I wonder about is if the missing partition induces a vacuum effect when traveling down the highway at speed? Whoops! There go my fries! :)

I hate it when that happens:(

Whoops · Nov 2, 2001

I looked real close at the Avalanche and couldn't get past all the plastic and little cubby holes. The whole package is real busy. The drive train and frame are probably stout since, rumor has it, there's a Suburban hiding under all the doors, lids, panels, and other nic nacs. This thing is the anti-christ of KISS.

I can't come to grips with the looks, they are extraordinarily ugly. You'll have to sneak up on a hose to wash the thing.:scream:

Instead, I bought a F150 Supercrew 4X4 and the wife is a very happy camper. Once in a while she even let's me put dirt bikes in it! :cool:

Whoops

Patman · Nov 2, 2001

I'm NOT going to buy one. Company Prez did and I think it's a very good solution for him. Got the 3/4 ton model with 8.1L and 4x4 to make pulling his monster boat possible. He golfs and takes clients places, goes to construction and raw land sites we develop. All of these things it does well. For me I need a vehicle that can tow a large flatbed, haul dirt bikes AND people at the SAME time, carry 4,000 pounds of rock in the rain or dust, and rack up lots of miles. For me a Superduty extended cab with Powerstroke filled the bill. Besides I don't do Chebies.

Offroadr · Nov 2, 2001

Originally posted by Patman
I don't do Chebies.

That explains alot ;)

BunduBasher · Nov 2, 2001

Well, from the start I have liked the Avalanche, and the plastic panels make a hell of a lot o sense, since when is a truck supposed to look 'nice', I got the same kind of wimpy talk about my 4.5 gal IMS tank on the DRZ.

I have driven a few different Avalanches on test rides, and boy do they have a smooth ride, with plenty of guts. The midgate concept makes a lot of sense, and do not think it is just a dorky fad or fashion statement. Besides, Pred, you are a 'MAN", the uglier the truck, the better you look :p . The Aztec, a truly horrible creation they can keep, had one for a week, and thought it the worst concept vehicle I had ever driven, the Avalanche on the other hand, is built to take a hammering, the big plastic panels should save you from dings and scratches.

One of the guys at work just got a big black Z71 Avalanche, and the wimp has already had the thing detailed, and is complaining about having to protect his shiny new black paint - go figure !

If I had the dough to throw, I'd get one tomorrow.

spt23dc · Nov 2, 2001

Avalanche opinion

The Avalanche is built on the Suburban frame, engine and trans etc. So as far as durbility and reliability go I believe you cant beat it. Suburbans are the longest running made vehilce in history going back to the 1930's with the first model. I have had 5 Suburbans myslef and sold each one will well over 200K miles on them with no problems. The V8 Chevrolet design has not changed much since 1955 when the motor first came out and it is still the most reliable motor on the road today. Just change the oil every 3K miles, plugs once a year and air filter as needed and you are set. The only weakness to any truck is the transmission due to towing and the fact that most people dont change the trans fluid and filter at least once a year or every 12K miles like they should. As far as the ride, it is excellent. Fuel mileage is excellent for a big truck as my 2001 Suburban gets about 17-19 around town....21 -22 on highway and pulls my parents 8K lb boat and trailer no problem. So the only question I would pose is do you like the look of the truck and will it fit your needs as far as the bed goes. I personally like the truck. Most importantly...if you are going to keep the truck and put some serious miles on it over the year definately buy a GM.

Patman · Nov 2, 2001

you are a 'MAN", the uglier the truck, the better you look

We'll maybe I SHOULD go look at one.:confused:

Nah, you guys need 'em more. :p

BunduBasher · Nov 2, 2001

Nah, you guys need 'em more. :p

Sorry Patman, the Avalanche is only for those 'MEN' who wear pants ! ;) , unless of course you are a 'REAL' ScotsMAN, who has no need for pants ! :confused:

Timr · Nov 2, 2001

Tangent Alert!! Sorry, but I gotta do it.

Bundu,

Did you get the new bike yet? I didn't see a ride report from LL from you. I'm assuming that you didn't go. What's the story?

Patman · Nov 2, 2001

Maybe he was looking for an ugly truck and got sidetracked?:p (Oooooo, that had to sting)

BunduBasher · Nov 5, 2001

Bike delivery got delayed, will only arrive this week - they say the shipment got blocked because of the Avalanches going out through customs - the feds did not like the idea of sending out such an ugly truck to Europe - locked the whole thing down for a couple o weeks :)

DoubleTrouble · Nov 5, 2001

Mean Green Fighting Machine

...checked out the North Face Avalanche with the wife this weekend.

Exterior metallic green color is quite cool, (the gray siding blends in nicely), but the interior was interesting to say the least. Gray gortex sides on the REALLY green leather seats with triangular orange inserts in between that make the gortex and leather look like it's been laced together like a boot ! Some nice North Face camping stuff comes with the vehicle too.

The wife went crazy for it, but even me, (with no idea of taste), found the green leather and orange triangles quite wacky, to say the least. If we had $40G's to throw I know one would be on it's way into my conservative Central Texas suburb right now.

Our bright red MPV was hard for them to swallow and this would surely have them choking. Yup, in the acres of black or gray pickups, this monster would no doubt stand out !
:scream:

dual-sporter · Nov 6, 2001

want to know what this thing will smell like a few years down the road???
it has an open cab when converted... just like the old blazers w/ removable tops.

go find one of these old convertable blazers that is old & crusty, had the top off in the rain, cokes & french fries dumped under the seats..etc... sit in it, and tell me what you think of that MUSTY MOLDY smell.. isn't it great!
they all leak, this one will be no different. :eek:

if i want something i know is going to leak, i'll get a jeep wrangler.... at least then i can pull the plugs out of the floor & let it drain. :scream:

jeb · Nov 6, 2001

Good points, Dual Sporter. However, the old Blazer's were a lot harder to convert so, once the lid was off, it had a much higher chance of getting weather inside. Can't just pull up under an overpass and put the top back on. Plus, I very much doubt that many of these trucks will spend much, if any, of their lives in the converted mode. I'm not running the feature or the buyers down here, that's just what I think.

TexKDX · Nov 6, 2001

Stupidest idea since the flying car.

Gee, an ultra-expensive truck that does nothing well, and is slathered with plastic all over the place to boot. Looks like something out of a Mel Gibson Road Warrior film except on a B movie budget.

Now, the Pontiac Aztek, that is a different story altogether... :D

The best SUV for bikes I believe is no SUV at all - the Ford SuperCrew. 2001 XLTs are out there on the used market right now for around $19-$20K. You get the cabin of the Expedition up front with a usable truck bed out back for two bikes, plus the towing capability of the F150.

Why pay the $8-$10K an SUV gets over its truck equivilent? In the past, it was the too small back seat (just ask the guy here who spent 14 hours in the back of a Chevy 1500 extended cab last week) that made it still a truck. The SuperCrew fixed this problem.

JMO,

Chevy Avalanche Opinions

Hucker

longtime

ktmboy

DoubleTrouble

IDkTm

jeb

XRpredator

AssClown SuperPowers

MARK IT

Offroadr

Ready to bang some trees!

WR 250

IDkTm

Whoops

Patman

Pantless Wonder

Offroadr

Ready to bang some trees!

BunduBasher

Boodoo-Bash-eRRR

spt23dc

Patman

Pantless Wonder

BunduBasher

Boodoo-Bash-eRRR

Timr

Patman

Pantless Wonder

BunduBasher

Boodoo-Bash-eRRR

DoubleTrouble

dual-sporter

jeb

TexKDX

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Chevy Avalanche Opinions

AssClown SuperPowers

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Pantless Wonder

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