Best & Worst Years for the Chevrolet Avalanche

Jul 13, 2021

The Chevrolet Avalanche is the perfect cross between truck and SUV that was discontinued after 12 years. We review its two generations to choose the best years of all.

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche - Photo by Chevrolet

In the early-2000s, during the height of the SUV boom, with vehicles like the Ford Explorer selling nearly half a million units, it was time for Chevrolet to come out with something to get a piece of the action.

Although Chevy already had the full-size Suburban SUV, along with the legendary Silverado truck, they were missing something in between. That something was the Chevrolet Avalanche.

The Avalanche combined the rugged utility of the Silverado with the luxurious comfort of the Suburban. A significant key to the Avalanche’s purpose is GM’s Convert-a-cab concept, featuring a revolutionary Midgate.

Chevy went on to sell one of the most ambitious crossovers for twelve years, from 2001 to 2013. Abruptly discontinued, many were left wondering why their beloved Avalanche would not make a return, but there are still plenty to choose from in the used market. In this article, we will break down each generation, along with what years we think are the best.

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71

Chevrolet Avalanche 1st Gen. (2002-2006)

Chevrolet released the Avalanche in 2001 for the 2002 model year as a middle ground between the Silverado and Suburban. Still classified as a full-size pickup truck, it wasn’t quite an SUV that attracted the soccer moms. What it did attract, however, were the people who needed a work truck, but wanted the ability to haul their family around in comfort.

First-year Avalanches were given light-gray plastic body cladding to differentiate themselves from the Suburban and GMC Yukon XL.

Later on, in 2003, Chevy released the Without Body Hardware (WBH) package, giving the Avalanche similar styling to the Silverado. The WBH package also remedied a common issue of the body cladding fading and turning white.

At the back of the truck, it seemingly had a short-length bed at 63 inches. With the use of GM’s Midgate design, the rear seats folded down along with the bulkhead of the bed to extend the capacity to 98 inches. The extra length allowed for owners to carry a standard 4×8 foot sheet of plywood, a common requirement for most truck owners.

The Avalanche was built on the shared Chevrolet GMT800 chassis, this made for easy part replacement when it came to things like drivetrain and suspension. Drivetrain options for Avalanche consisted of a Vortec 5.3L V8 producing 285 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque available for the 1500 model.

Later in 2001, Chevy released the 2500 model which housed an 8.1L V8 producing 340 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the 1500 and 2500 models were available in a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configuration.

Moving on to the interior of the truck, the base model Avalanche followed a more utilitarian approach with cloth seating, a front bench seat with power driver adjustment, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, and air conditioning.

Those who opted for the Z71 off-road or Z66 on-road package received 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with waterproof accents, front dual power bucket seats, cloth door panel inserts, GM’s OnStar system, all-weather rubber floor mats, Chevrolet bowtie emblems embedded into the backrests of the seats (for 2002 models), dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear HVAC vents and remote controls, and more. The main differences in the Z71 and Z66 packages were the off-road suspension and tires or the sport suspension and tires.

Along with the refresh of drivetrain parts and exterior styling in 2003, the interior was also standardized. Now sharing interior parts with the Silverado and Suburban, the Avalanche received even more luxury features.

The changes proved well for the truck, as the 2003 model year had the highest sales of any at just over 90,000 units sold. Even though the previous year (2002) won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year award, the 2003 model year is the best candidate for a first-generation Avalanche.

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 in Black

Safety and Pricing

Being based on the GMT800 platform gave the Avalanche unfortunate results when it came to crash test ratings. Scoring three out of five stars in driver-side impact, four out of five stars in passenger-side impact, and a three-star rollover rating from NCAP made the Avalanche a “Poor” graded truck.

While it isn’t the worst vehicle on the road, it isn’t the safest thing. Improvements were made with side airbag design and drivers were given peace of mind with every OnStar update, but they didn’t make up for the lower ratings.

Pricing for the Chevrolet Avalanche started out at $30,965 at launch, but most first generations can be found now for roughly $8,000 depending on mileage. If you’re after a rarer 2500 model, they are closer to $11,000.

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

Chevrolet Avalanche 2nd Gen. (2007-2013)

Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show in 2006, the second-generation Chevrolet Avalanche got a much-needed redesign. Using the current GMT900 platform, the Avalanche shared design cues from its sister vehicles like the Tahoe and Suburban.

Much like the previous generation, it kept the midgate bed design but improved upon its awkward looks by dropping the body cladding entirely.

The new Chevrolet Avalanche would be offered strictly as a half-ton model in order to simplify options. Carried over were the Z71 and Z66 packages, but receiving updated features like aluminum under-body panels.

After Chevrolet dropped the 8.1L Vortec V8 from the previous generation, they decided to offer a new 6.0L engine for the new Chevrolet Avalanche. The 6.0L produced 366 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque.

Available as standard is the 5.3L from the previous generation, although Chevy allowed for it to run on Ethanol which boosted power from 310 horsepower to 326 horsepower. Eventually, in 2010, the 6.0L engine was dropped from the Avalanche leaving only the 5.3L engine for its final three years of production.

Interestingly, the second-generation Chevrolet Avalanche’s received three standard trim levels. Serving as the base model, the LS trim included 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, cloth seating surfaces, power front driver’s bucket seat, OnStar system, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player, audio input jack with six speakers, keyless entry, black door handles, aluminum interior trim, traction control, Chevrolet StabiliTrak, and side airbags.

Mid-level LT trim added power dual front bucket seats, remote start, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, and exterior color-keyed door handles, tailgate handle, and side mirrors.

Top trim LTZ models were given leather seating surfaces, security alarm, an eight-speaker premium Bose CenterPoint amplified surround sound system, memory for the front driver’s seat, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, rear-seat audio, and the LTZ exclusive self-leveling Auto Ride suspension.

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

Safety and Pricing

Compared to the previous generation, the new GMT900 based Chevrolet Avalanche thankfully scored better all-around in crash tests. NHTSA scored the 2010 Avalanche at five stars overall thanks to its front, side, and curtain airbags along with improved ABS, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

Given the discontinuation in 2013 and lower sales, the prices for second-generation Chevrolet Avalanches hold better than the first generation.

Lower mileage LTZ models ring in around the $25,000 mark. Although it’s still a large sum for a roughly 10-year-old truck, it is a bulletproof combination of drivetrain, luxury interior, and Silverado style utility.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

What are the Best & Worst Years for the Avalanche?

Starting with the worst, it is no surprise that the first few years of the truck are the most undesirable versions. Due to the issues with body cladding, weak transmissions, and the fact they are roughly 20 years old make the 2001-2002 Chevrolet Avalanches the worst years of the truck.

If you’re deadset on a first-generation Avalanche and are into the body cladding, we’d recommend going for a 2003-2005 model. These years will guarantee you a reliable drivetrain and much need interior updates while still being in the $8,000 price range.

The best years for the Chevrolet Avalanche come as no surprise either, with the 2013 model year proving to be the best iteration of the truck. For the 2013 model year, Chevrolet decided to make every model a “Black Diamond Edition,” which gave the truck special badges and brochures for the customers to have.

A handful of the 2013 LTZ “Black Diamond Edition” trucks can be found under 100,000 miles but will fetch a steep $30,000 price tag as the production numbers are limited.

Photos: Chevrolet

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 3, 2022

What was the best year for Chevrolet Avalanche?

It is generally considered that the 2013 model year is the best option for a Chevy Avalanche. This was the final year of the second generation and Chevrolet had fixed all the issues that existed in previous years. They even released a black diamond edition which was the most luxurious Avalanche that was ever made.

The Avalanche had an interesting start when it was first released for the 2002 model year because it was a truck that was built on the same platform as the Suburban and Escalade EXT compared to a standard truck. The Avalanche was not as focused on work as Chevy's other full-size truck, the Silverado, which was built to be more of a truck for a family to use with a larger passenger cabin.

Overall if you want the best Avalanche then going with a 2013 model will give you the greatest reliability. This year also has the best exterior styling out of any of the years.

Do Chevy Avalanches have problems?

The Chevrolet Avalanche had some problems throughout its life, the most commonly reported problem is that the 4WD transfer case position sensor may fail. This affected the 2002 through 2006 Avalanches and it would prevent the truck from being able to go into four-wheel-drive.

Another commonly reported problem across all Chevy Avalanche years is that the instrument cluster was known to fail. This was common across many General Motors vehicles from the early to mid-2000s and you will need to replace the instrument cluster assembly to get it working properly again.

The final common problem that was reported with the Avalanche is that the plastic on the interior and exterior has been known to crack. There were plastic design elements that were controversial when they were first released in 2002, and ultimately a lot of them wound up getting damaged. These plastic pieces expand and contract as they heat and cool and that has led to fading and cracking on both the inside and outside of the truck.

Will there be a 2022 Chevy Avalanche?

As of 2021, several rumors are circulating about the Chevy Avalanche making a return for the 2022 model year using the GM T1 platform. The final year for the Avalanche was 2013 and since then Chevrolet has been working to make their 1500 series trucks more comfortable to fill the gap that was left when it was discontinued.

There are not any spy photos of the truck in testing available yet so at this point, it is still just a rumor. The Avalanche was not Chevy's best-selling truck, but it was a unique offering compared to all of the other full-size trucks on the market. Many enthusiasts hope that they will bring it back for another generation.

Some of the initial rumors also suggest that the Avalanche could have a hybrid powertrain to make it a more fuel-efficient option compared to the other trucks offered by General Motors. The return of the Avalanche name could be a good move for Chevrolet since they have gained more popularity since they were discontinued.

Owner Reviews

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Quiquichu on March 11, 2022

I think 2005 was the best truck, not the 2013.

For 18 years, bought it new in 2004, I do own a 2005 Z71 LT model. Yes, the 4x4 switch transfer broke one time and was a easy fix, but in average, nothing big happened in all those years. Just replacing common parts like shock, fuel pump, brakes or a sensor. Never left me hanging out of the road and is very reliable. I can drive easy right now from Florida to Oregon without been afraid. My brother had a 2006, no problems at all, he was very happy, but sold it for marital issues. He love it so much that he later bought a 2010 model. He already had to replace a air shock system, even the engine, left him hanging on the road multiple times with electrical issues. In my opinion, after 2007, the Avalanche controls too much electronically, too many parts, increasing the chance for failures. As a example, my hood opens with the springs system like the Silverado style, and my brother 2010 have a fancy smooth gas shocks, which one do you think will last longer? I'm sure he have to replace those gas shocks one day and my Chevy will be in a junk yard before those springs breaks. He's 2010 truck have that weird 6 to 8 cylinder switching, giving him hard times. My 2005 is a straight 8 cylinder like the Silverado. When I bought it, the seller told me that all the trucks before mine, it comes with those plastics parts, increasing the chance of rust on the doors. My 2005 was the first ones without all those plastics, steel bumper and simple electric design. In the phone company we still have 2005 Silverado and we really abuse those trucks daily. My Avalanche is like having a Silverado with a different body. In my opinion, the 2005-2006 was the simplest and improved design to last without increasing the chances for failures. I don't see why 2013 will be the best.

Albert B on December 19, 2022

Avalanche is a great truck!

I bought my first Avalanche 2WD in 2005. I drove it to 130K miles and traded it for a 2006 2WD with only 20K miles and drove it to 130K miles. I switched my over-sized factory wheels and sideboards from my '05 to my '06 because it made the vehicle look great. In 2013 I bought a 2010 Z71 4X4 Avalanche while I still had my '06. I then sold my '06 and bought an '05 4x4 Z71 with only 27K miles and shipped it to Texas from Nebraska. I then sold my 2010 4X4 and purchased a 2013 LTZ 4x4 (white diamond) with only 17K miles in 2020. The article is true in that super-low mileage 2013's cost quite a bit if you can even find one. So I have owned 5 different Avalanches and still have 2, my 2005 4x4 with 80K miles now and also has those wheels and running boards from my original '05 2WD and my 2013 LTZ 4x4 that now has about 35K miles. So as you can see, I just love these things. I haul tons of stuff very effectively, travel with my family, pull a 27' boat easily down the highway and a 35' travel trailer that weight about 8,000 lbs. I have never had any major problem with any of these trucks. If there ever was a perfect vehicle, this is it. I can't wait for a new generation in the future!

Patricia W on May 22, 2022

I love my 2002 Chevy Avalanche Z71!

I bought my 2002 Z71 Avalanche from a family member who bought it new, and it sat in her garage for 4 years and was only used for recreational trips to Miami. It had 32000 miles and its original warranty active. She was big on keeping with the maintenance done regularly. It was like buying the d**n thing brand new. I did buy a 5-year 200,000 warranty (which was a waist) I have had it now for 18 years and the only major mechanical problem I have had in 18 years was the alternator having to be replaced. The back seats look brand new, the two front seats need the outer seat leather replaced from wear and the headliner is giving way. I bought a new Chevy Traverse and gave the Avalanche to my daughter for her 16th Bday but after a year we swapped vehicles because I missed my Avalanche :) I do recently have a problem with a leak when it rains. Took off all the rubbers around the doors and cleaned them well, cleaned the unroof, hoping for good results. But for purchasing this truck for $18,000 in 2006 I certainly got my money's worth. I think I will keep it forever, unless offered a gold mine :)

Steven on December 24, 2021

2005 Avalanche Z71 4x4

Bought mine in July ‘21 in Central CA -1 owner - clean car fax - 65k miles, dark blue with black cladding that’s still black. It was like buying a 3 yr old truck. I love it. The ride is comfortable and the utility is excellent. Being 16 yrs old it needed some modernization so I updated the wheels to 2021 new 20 inch Chevy RSTs off Craigslist for cheap. Replaced faded fheadlights off Amazon with LEDs and replaced the bow tie with a black one. Now the truck looks like it recently rolled of the production line. The bench seat lets my wife slide a little closer. Installing a new sound system with backup camera next week to address the biggest safety issue. When buying used - be picky - be patient for the right truck. The 5.3 motor is perfect in this truck imho.

Bruce J Lockhart on February 2, 2022

Owner

I bought my Black 2005 1500 2wd new, when they had the employee pricing. $27,000. I it changed to black leather upolstery, all windows + rear shield tinted. Running boards installed & a huge sunroof. Chevy mudflaps front and rear. Cost an extra $3500 but worth it. I have 289,000 miles on it never any major repairs. Just tires, oil changes, a couple of batteries and belts an a couple of tune ups. Run great 17-20 mpg. Love the exterior storage compartments, and Mid gate for a full-size bed. Very comfortable ride even with the original shocks. I'll keep driving it until they bring them back. I understand the 2023 Silverado is going to have a split Mid Gate

Mark F Flyge on February 28, 2022

2004 Z66

Comfortable ride. Bullet proof engine. Great towing. Leather buckets. I love this truck in spite of how many things go wrong. ABS module goes bad due to poorly soldered electronics. Rusts heavily in quarter panel and under the doors. Interior electrical has a mind of it's own sometimes seats and windows move on there own. CD player died. Chevy had a real winning design unfortunately they built it with cheap parts made to breakdown. Oh and the spare tire under the chassis. LOL. Carry a can of fix a flat or have AAA because no one can remove the spare tire after a few years of rust. Still. I love my AVY

Lady Di on August 28, 2022

2004 Z66 214,000 miles

Bought mine new in 2004 for $30,000. I absolutely live my Avalanche. I am a wallpaper hanger & this was ideal for my profession. My husband has been on me about a new vehicle. Well he bought me a Toyota Tundra that has no space for anything but passengers. And it only sits 5 safely while there are 6 seatbelts in my beloved Avalanche. Well I am still going to hold on to my baby but I am willing to give the tundra a try with some simple expensive modifications. I have had to do some minor fixes. I now need a transmission for it’s slipping in third gear. But overall, I still love way it looks.

Carolyn Terpstra on June 2, 2023

2013 black diamond avalanche

This is my third avalanche and wish they still made them!! Owned 2006 (was in accident but liked it!),2009 bought off someone but think it was in accident but they denied it as it did have loose mirror and rattled in door so I traded for 2013 and bestone so far Except the chrome rims are very bad and paint peels inside causing the tires to go low constantly(2 rims),So had to get new rims… tire shop say they have a lot of the rim problems with these avalanche rims. All my avalanches were/are black ext/tan interior but possibly looking for lower km pearl color

Beckie S on August 4, 2021

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500: good looking and versatile

I think the seats are very comfortable. There are lots of adjustments so it can fit any size person from short to tall. I love the versatility in the bed size where you can have the 6 foot bed or you can make it longer by removing that lids and putting the back seat down. I do not like that it rusts on the back quarter panel over the tires every avalanche I've seen rusts in the exact same place and it rusts a lot. It's been very reliable for me as a four wheel drive. I've never gotten stuck. For a 1500, it's got pretty good towing capabilities.

Eddie carlson on November 21, 2022

I love the avalanche, I own 2 of them right now.

The Chevy Avalanche is a great truck, but I feel the one thing chevy could have done better is to make the frame stronger. I have had one Avalanche a 2003 where the frame was rusted so bad that the truck was not safe to drive. One more issue is the brake lines. Why are they not stainless steel. I would think chevy would want the customer to be safe while driving the truck, even if its 15 years old. Overall the truck is a work horse and a nice truck inside and out. You can't go wrong owning a Chevy Avalanche.,

Dominick Lembo on February 10, 2022

2011 Chevy Avalanche

I have a 2011 Chevy avalanche black on black. I got itI have a 2011 Chevy avalanche black on black. I got it with 140,000 miles on it two years ago and it still looks like brand new. All I’ve done is change the brakes and rotors a couple of coils And just recently the fuel pump. This thing is a great vehicle. If I wanted to sell it right now I know I can get 15 to 20,000 more than I originally paid for it three years ago. But with nothing to buy I’m not selling.

Jaymar M on July 19, 2021

Why the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ is the best truck to get.

The 2013 avalanche is an outstanding truck to have. It is a combination of a Chevy Silverado and a Chevy suburban. Meaning, it is a pick-up truck with all the space of a suburban. The thing that I like the most is that you can take the baby window out for air and you can let down the back seats to make the truck bed longer. In my opinion it is like turning a crew cab into a single cab long bed it is amazing to me because no other truck does that.

Gerald on November 3, 2022

09 Avalanche LT.

Had to get another truck because some deer decided to chase a doe across my path at 70mph. Anyways bought the black on black 09. Expensive. 144kmiles. Ok deal considering the time we're in.so far the TPMS and emissions vapor purge code came it. An issue with remote door locks and the locks on the bed covers are corroded and won't move. Overall it's used and has issues. Still a nice looking truck. Rides great.

Kurt Thompson on July 18, 2021

I have a love-hate relationship with my truck

Don’t get me wrong it’s a great vehicle when it runs. I got my 2005 Chevy avalanche used 80,000 miles on it. And I have replace the rear end transmission tire rods sunroof back motors and windows headlights a whole bunch of stuff but I still love my car I want another one I am currently looking for a 2013 with low miles but I will not pay $30,000 for a used vehicle won’t happen happy hunting

Katheryn B on October 5, 2021

Long-lasting & dependable 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Even though my Chevy avalanche has over 200, 000 miles, it is still very reliable and dependable. It is comfortable and easy to drive. I feel safe driving a truck, especially when it comes to winter driving. I like knowing it has four wheel drive when it is needed. I also like knowing I can do more with a truck than I can with a car, such as pulling a trailer, and hauling more things in the back.

Ronald Spencer on November 13, 2021

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche North Face 1500

I have owned my Avalanche for 10 plus years. It has always been garaged. I have not had any breakdowns or failures. It runs and drives very well. It is 4WD although on the North Face they don’t apply 4X4 decals on exterior. It has the 5.3 and I get 15-18 mpg. I have had routine maintenance completed. I will hate to part with it. It is red. The North Face has special leather trim on the seats.

Lewynn on August 13, 2022

Love my 2003 Avalanche!

This is my 5th Avalanche and I just can't drive anything else. I've tried unsuccessfully and am never happy until I'm back in one. I've had a 2002 base model all the way to a Northface 4x4 lifted on 38 super swampers and my 2003 Z66 that I'm keeping forever only has 96,000 original miles..I pray they do come out with another Avalanche as I will buy one of those too..long live the Avalanche!!

Donna M on August 21, 2021

2005 Chevrolet Avalanche has an outlet for the USB and sd card.

I love it, have lots of space for legs, great stereo system, can get all radio station, has air/ heat. Lots of storage room, runs well, love the interior, love heater in seat and can adjust it with your own panels on your side of the door, and sunroof is wonderful, great gas mileage for mileage on it. Engine run well on speed and hauling. Love the storage on sides, over all good investment.

Betty T on July 28, 2021

Things I like about my 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Comfortable for being a truck. The tailgate is covered with ability to remove. This model has the ability to have a six seat. The console in front goes up to make that seat along with a seatbelt. Just not enough places to set things to hold in my opinion. With the covered tailgate we are able to keep things in their and not have to worry about people stealing because they can't see it.

Go Avalanche on January 31, 2022

346,000 miles on my '03

Loved loved loved my 2003 Avalanche, bought it with 40,000 miles and added over 300,000 myself. Just bought a 2011 LTZ with only 130,000 so that should last forever. Great ride for a truck, lots of space to haul stuff especially with the seat knocked over, I'm reading that they're thinking of a hybrid with a midgate. That's something I would consider buying note. Long Live Avalanche!

Monica C on July 5, 2021

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, what's not to love!

I love the Avalanche, it makes me feel safe with its size and reliability. It is big enough to handle just about anything a busy life consists of without being too much. It's great on fuel (flex/fuel), and it looks great too! It has detachable loading slats for when you need a 'truck' the back seats adjust for any delicate moving that needs to be done, it pretty much has it all.

Daniel Pfeiffer on January 5, 2022

2005 avalanche

Just picked up a 2005 and it has cancer but I can deal with that but today I lost my speedometer then gas gauge so tomorrow I’m going to try rebooting the instrument cluster and see if that works otherwise I’m glad I bought this truck I can fix the minor things that need repairing , it seems very easy to repair unlike the mustang I traded for it that and $5000.00

Janell H on November 4, 2021

2013 black diamond Chevrolet avalanche.

We've had 2 Chevy avalanche's and loved them both. I really wish Chevy still made them. No complaints, except the back seat is a little tight. Other than that it is a great vehicle. Also, great in the snow. The version we have also had a TV for my child to watch on road trips. The backup camera is a TV in the front between the driver and passenger.

Hope J on July 7, 2021

The 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche is like having the room of a SUV and the bed of a truck.

I love the room inside of the cab. It is like having a SUV with a full truck bed attached. Even though it is a 2wd we've not had any traction control issues in rain or snow. And the way the back glass sides out of the way and the seats lay down it gives you even more room. It is an amazing vehicle. It is like it is the best of a SUV and a truck.

Gabby D on September 29, 2021

2003 avalanche is a reliable car to own.

It is a very reliable vehicle. We have had it for sixteen years and it is still running. It is also a very safe car to drive. It has survived accidents and inclement weather. It is great in the snow and the rain. The seats are very comfortable and it is a very smooth ride. It is also super roomy and has space for five adults.

Scott Sarver on December 10, 2021

2002 Z71

Love my 2002 ZV71Avalanche. Very reliable, use it a lot for towing. Only issue, like all trucks is rust. I try my best to keep up with it. I have had panels fixed and the hood replaced. When compared to new truck costs, its a new brainer to keep it in tip top shape. It's still a good looking truck I'm proud to drive.

Joshua B on November 25, 2021

Nice dependable 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with a little extra to it.

It is very reliable and has plenty of power. Does not have major issues and it gets ok gas mileage for a v8. I love the fact that it has power seats and a functioning sunroof. The heated seats come to good use. It has plenty of room in the cab for passengers with plenty of cup holders. I simply love the truck.

Jeff C on October 7, 2021

2002 Avalanche has transmission issues

I like the truck overall but here lately I've had issues out of the transmission which I'm going to have to get either rebuilt or buy a new one either way it's not going to be cheap. In these early models the transmission isn't worth two cents and I've heard this is very common in their early 2000 models

Heidi H on October 5, 2021

The 2013 Avalance is very versatile, it rides as comfortable as a car.

My Chevy avalanche is the most comfortable truck I have ever driven. This truck has never had a problem or been in the shop since we purchased it new in 2013. This is the 2nd avalanche we have owned and we are very sad that Chevrolet discontinued this model. I would buy this truck again if I could.

Danny E on July 31, 2021

Long lasting 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Oil consumption is very prominent. The car is very heavy. Turning is not as agile as other cars. It needs to put air conditioning all the time because it gets hot way to often. It carries a large load. It is very specious it can fit all types of things in there no problem. The windows are thick

Tiffany J on September 18, 2021

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LS is the best vehicle I've ever had.

No problems thus far. Drives amazing, the reliability is beyond anything I've ever had with a car. This vehicle is very comfortable and there's lots of room for families. Power windows and locks, great speakers, removable panels on bed of truck, great suspension. Gas is just a little expensive.

Tom M on October 10, 2021

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ for work, family, and fun!

No major issues. Love the SUV/truck versatility. Very comfortable. Runs well. No engine issues. Handles well. Have used it for long trips and vacations with the grandkids. By upending up the mid gate have hauled a 12’ ladder with the rear window in, the bed covers on and the tailgate closed.

Ron A on November 25, 2021

03 Chevy Avalanche Z71

Purchased in September 2002, intake manifold gasket, fuel pump,and rear main seal is about it 19 years later and 130,000 miles updated with head unit, bluetooth, backup camera, wireless phone charging, remote start, led lights to keep it updated as already had a lot of goodies from factory.

T sewall on March 11, 2023

Missit

My wife bought an 02 new (city girl pickup) I hauled a lot of my new home materials in it to build . Lost one motor due to oil filter malfunction. Just sold it at 385000 miles due to transmission slipping. Still best driving vehicle I’ve had . Which includes 7 pickups and 11 cars !!!

Rich on August 20, 2023

2012 LTZ

I coveted the Avalanche line for years before finding mt triple coat white truck in November 2016. 50k on the odometer with 20- inch Chrome wheels and new Goodyear rubber. + an extra set of 17-inch wheels and off- road tires (never used). Mptor Trend named the 2012 Truck of the Year.

Katie T on August 9, 2021

Great, Affordable, Family Sized Truck: 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche.

The Chevy Avalanche is a reliable truck, good for a family or single person use. The cab is roomy and the bed is decent; but could be longer. We have leather interior which has worn slowly over the years. With regular maintenance, the engine has proven to be powerful & durable.

Sharon L on October 16, 2021

Beautiful 2010 Chevy avalanche LTZ in excellent condition

I don't have a lot of problems with my vehicle. I have taken very good care of it from the day I bought it. I have some minor issues but that's it. I do have to replace one of the airbags but I'm waiting for the recall so I can get for free. I love my truck it is beautiful.

Zuri S on September 2, 2021

Review of the 2013 Chevrolet avalanche.

Really good comfort, lots of space in the front and back. Lots of room in the trunk. Nice features and amazing performance. We had ours for over 3 years and even though it has a lot of miles it is performance it is amazing. Really good for traveling and even for moving.

Rochelle J on June 17, 2021

2005 Chevrolet avalanche is a very dependable vehicle.

My truck is a 2005 Chevrolet avalanche. I bought it new and has about 270, 000 miles. Only problems that I have experienced with this truck is all routine problems. The rubber on the hard panels that cover the bed of the truck have began to leak but that is an easy fix.

Sabrina M on December 5, 2021

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche looks like an SUV that has the back cut off.

Oil gadget is broken, tailgate handle broke, air conditioning doesn't work, has front end problems, has a lifter tick, the bed is to small, back seat is too small, electrical is messed up the electric adjustable seats don't work and neither do the heated seats.

Davina N on November 2, 2021

2002 black with gray trim avalanche.

There are major mechanical issues. Leaking fluid. Rear passenger will not open. Front passenger window only rolls down from driver side. Needs three new tires. Leaking coolant tank. Needs front brakes replaced. Makes grinding noise. Has trouble with steering.

Lori L on October 27, 2021

Very comfortable 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche with leather seats, seat heater, power windows and locks.

Definitely one of the more comfortable vehicles I have owned, esp for longer road trips, decent mpg, very few issues or repairs needed in the 5 years I've owned it. Lots of room/leg room, decent storage in center console, love the seat heaters in the winter!

Julie J on September 27, 2021

2005 Chevrolet Avalanche LT family vehicle.

Vehicle is great. Speedometer went out, as common on this year and make of Chevy, easily fixed. I would own again. 4wd works well. Reliable. Great for the family. Has more than enough leg room in the back. Easy to use bed cover. I am able to use it myself.

Dana M on June 19, 2021

The 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche back window is removable.

My truck is a 2006 with 170,000 miles on it and it still run pretty good. Just normal wear and tear, I have not had to replace or put to much money in it. Hold 6 people and the seats are really comfortable. Just wish it for better gas mileage.

Rick on November 16, 2023

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Northface e6

My father was the original owner, and bought it brand new. I got the truck from him and have no major issues. I replaced, or fix most of the common issues and she has been running like a champ. Just hit 150k today, and I love it.

Shawn on February 28, 2022

2002 Z71

Drove it off the lot with 12 miles on it. 167K now. Still my daily driver. Had it's issues. Fuel pump, CV joints. But it always gets me there and back. Always. Rust is trying to take her from me, but we're fighting it!

John V. on June 27, 2021

2004 Aspen White Avalanche Z71

Love this truck. Bought it from an old navy dude. He took really good care of it. It's almost mint with 160k miles. Runs and rides like a dream.perfect for daily use. It averages 18 mph. Surprisingly gets 22 mpg hwy.

Heather F on September 29, 2021

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche is a spacious vehicle, but it is always having mechanical problems.

It is not the best vehicle I have ever owned. It seems like every time I turn around, something else has to be fixed on it. I am constantly sinking money into this truck for repairs.

Bryan P on October 31, 2021

2004 Chevy avalanche garage kept.

My Chevy avalanche truck, was purchased in 2008. I only use it for the cold winter months. It has 92,000 miles while being garage kept. There is nothing wrong with my vehicle.

Glen Riddle on January 11, 2022

Why 2009 was the best year for the Avalanche.

2009 was the first year of the 6-speed automatic and the last year you could get the 6.0 V8 engine. Make mine an LTZ with the power retractable running board please!

Theresa on June 24, 2021

Avalanche Please bring it back

There was no problem with my 2003 avalanche I sold it to try to save my house I miss it I love my truck

Joe N on November 20, 2021

Have had problems with my 2002 Avalanche

Transmission issues and brake issues have been the main downside.

Gilbert Marzett on May 20, 2023

Last model year

2015 was the last year for the Avalanche

Josh Brown

A longtime auto enthusiast as well as an automotive journalist for nearly five years, Josh was initially influenced by Japanese automotive culture, which is reflected in his vehicle choices today. Josh can usually be found tinkering with his home-garage projects and collecting rare automotive memorabilia.