Z71 Chevy Avalanche
Question:
Hey Dark Knight: You can find a ton of information including owners reviews, good and bad at the CAFCNA website. http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com Some good responses to your question and well some garbage that didn’t answer your question. If you’re interested in the Avalanche you should grab a copy of the latest Consumer Reports. It was their top pick over the F-150, Ram, and Tundra and they had rave comments over the midgate. Another good read is from early this year in Motor Trend – the story is called 48 Hours In Hell and they review about 10 different trucks and SUV’s in Death Valley off-road. The Avalanche was their top pick also in that review. Finally if you do a Google search you might find an archived story on the 2002 Northwest Mudfest – where the Avalanche Z-71 was the top choice for on-road and off-road performance. Hope this helps! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thank you very much Wade!!! > With the few things you’ve mentioned in terms of coming loose, you stated > that there wasn’t any functional problem – just cosmetic ones. That said, > did your dealership fix those minor concerns? Could they be fixed? > What you’re thoughts on the improved handling/braking/mileage for 2003? Did > these thing *need* to be upgraded, or is Chev just talking about routine > improvements to differentiate vehicles from one year to the next? > Something I’ve not been able to determine from the websites regards the > front seating arrangements. What I’, looking for is a 40/20/40 split, but > one where the driver’s seat is actually a bucket, as opposed to a bench. > I’ve seen similar designs in extended GMC trucks before, and I’m hopeful to > find an option like this for the Avalanche. > As for the body cladding…my wife doesn’t like it, but she can at least see > the point of it as a cheap form of body armor. The cladding is fairly > inexpensive to replace, and it does seem to serve the function of protecting > the metal from the elements. (Still not sure if ours will be a 2002 or > 2003 – remains to be seen if the improved performance is worth it…) > Once again, I sincerely appreciate your comments Wade. > Wow what a thread. No offence but if someone ask about the mechanics of a > truck he has obviously no problem with the aesthetics of it so why would a > reply come back saying "oh that trucks ugly can’t you see" or something > like > that. - I’m not offended or mad but I had to read through most of the > thread with little useful info. > Now as for the Avalanche. I have owned my 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z71 sense > May > of 01, which is about as early as anyone got it, mine was the first sold > at > my dealer and I received it basically straight off the transporter. > I’ll give you an honest run down from someone who has put over 30,000 > miles > on one. > The Midgate after over a year does not cause any problems or make any > noise. > The versatility of the cab/bed is extremely convenient, especially for the > amount of travel I do, I can securely lock all my gear, tools, and luggage > in the bed and not worry about theft or water. > The creature comforts in the cab are great as we have grown to expect from > a > GM truck. > Here are the drawbacks or things you should know from someone who has one. > The Z71 and Z66 at least on my model year comes with 17" wheels however > the > spare is a 16" wheel (don’t ask me why) > The spare was also a Firestone Wilderness AT, while the rubber on the > truck > was Goodyear (this Firestone not effected by the recall [Ford]) > The design of the bed overall is the definition of versatility, however > there are some drawbacks: > If you haul wet cargo, or spill something in the bed (like TCW3 Jet Ski > oil > which I can tell you about) the cleanup is more involved than that of a > regular truck bed. The bed mat is great and grips the cargo so it doesn’t > slide but the side of the bed rails and the transition area at the bottom > of > the midgate, take more time to clean and the mat will obviously have to be > taken out to clean it properly. > The bed is water resistant with the top on…. I tested this as soon as I > got it home on a steep incline with the blast of a water hose focused on > the > 90 degree where the rear glass and the bed cover meet. Pulsing as much > water as possible. What happened was it overloaded the water diversion > system and I got some water in the bed. This is nothing, I have never > seen > a legitimate rain that created any significant leakage inside the bed, and > I > have driven through some very heavy rain. So their design seems to do > the > job under regular conditions. > Service – This is the Service I have had it taken in for to have things > fixed sense it was bought. > plastic insert (door lock slider) popped out of door panel passenger side. > (This is a common deal with the doors not exclusive to Avalanche) > piece of body cladding came loose at bottom of truck. > Front bumper facade came loose where it wraps around side. > Rear glass (the removable glass part of convert-a-cab) the plastic trim > that > goes all the way around the glass separated at one of the corners. Mine > was > the first of its kind my service guy had seen until a week later when > another Avalanche had the same deal. The separation was a minor cosmetic > deal it did not cause a leak. > Overall the truck is versatile to fit my needs perfectly and I have > enjoyed > it more than all my extended cabs and other Chevy’s I have had in the > past. > This is obviously something that will vary based on the need of the owner. > By the Way – There is a topper available for it, it is on the SnugTop web > site. > The only bummer is they are bringing out the 03 which I looked at from the > other post, and It lost the cladding. Which was my only complaint. I > thought they over did it a bit with the cladding. I kind of wish I would > of > held out another year. > By the way when both me and my Wife are home there is an 02 sunset > metallic > orange Avalanche parked next to a 02 Yellow Pontiac Aztec. Function over > form, to each his own and all that jazz. > > Morning folks, > > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > people’s > > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect > to > > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > > three months.) > > Thanks in advance,
Response:
My dealer has been very quick in fixing any of the minor issues I have had with the truck. As for the seating arrangement I do not think they offer an option with a 40/20/40 and a driver bucket. I have the 2 buckets and a center console on my truck. The only 40/20/40 I saw when I ordered it was the bench so you might be out of luck, but if other models have asked it you might ask the dealer if they have the option on this truck. As for the Handling/braking/mileage the Avalanche is married to a Suburban chasis which has coil-link suspension in the rear (I believe thats what its called) anyway the ride is very smooth. I have not had any problems with the truck on these aspects but any improvements if they are actually an improvement can’t hurt. Again I don’t think there is anything to complain about with the current model. These big trucks do drink a bit of gas but no more than what you would expect for a truck this size. The cladding does protect the truck, it actually makes me less nervous when I have to cram the beast next to a car in a tight parking lot. There is not much to worry about as far a a ding or anything. Your looking at the perfect time though, if you hold out till the 03 model comes out then you can check it out and if its not worth the extra dough you would likely be able to get an 02 model cheaper than what you can now, sense it will be a year old model at that point. Wade
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thank you very much Wade!!! > With the few things you’ve mentioned in terms of coming loose, you stated > that there wasn’t any functional problem – just cosmetic ones. That said, > did your dealership fix those minor concerns? Could they be fixed? > What you’re thoughts on the improved handling/braking/mileage for 2003? Did > these thing *need* to be upgraded, or is Chev just talking about routine > improvements to differentiate vehicles from one year to the next? > Something I’ve not been able to determine from the websites regards the > front seating arrangements. What I’, looking for is a 40/20/40 split, but > one where the driver’s seat is actually a bucket, as opposed to a bench. > I’ve seen similar designs in extended GMC trucks before, and I’m hopeful to > find an option like this for the Avalanche. > As for the body cladding…my wife doesn’t like it, but she can at least see > the point of it as a cheap form of body armor. The cladding is fairly > inexpensive to replace, and it does seem to serve the function of protecting > the metal from the elements. (Still not sure if ours will be a 2002 or > 2003 – remains to be seen if the improved performance is worth it…) > Once again, I sincerely appreciate your comments Wade.
Response:
I knew it!!!!! He just proved that the Avalanche was designed for the same demographic group that would buy an Aztec!!!!!!! Everyone had been thinking it but now there is proof! quote: By the way when both me and my Wife are home there is an 02 sunset metallic orange Avalanche parked next to a 02 Yellow Pontiac Aztec. Function over form, to each his own and all that jazz.
Response:
Assuming you are correct here – and I’m not sure that you are…what is your point?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I knew it!!!!! He just proved that the Avalanche was designed for the same > demographic group that would buy an Aztec!!!!!!! Everyone had been thinking it > but now there is proof! > quote: > By the way when both me and my Wife are home there is an 02 sunset metallic > orange Avalanche parked next to a 02 Yellow Pontiac Aztec. Function over > form, to each his own and all that jazz.
Response:
Thank you very much Wade!!! With the few things you’ve mentioned in terms of coming loose, you stated that there wasn’t any functional problem – just cosmetic ones. That said, did your dealership fix those minor concerns? Could they be fixed? What you’re thoughts on the improved handling/braking/mileage for 2003? Did these thing *need* to be upgraded, or is Chev just talking about routine improvements to differentiate vehicles from one year to the next? Something I’ve not been able to determine from the websites regards the front seating arrangements. What I’, looking for is a 40/20/40 split, but one where the driver’s seat is actually a bucket, as opposed to a bench. I’ve seen similar designs in extended GMC trucks before, and I’m hopeful to find an option like this for the Avalanche. As for the body cladding…my wife doesn’t like it, but she can at least see the point of it as a cheap form of body armor. The cladding is fairly inexpensive to replace, and it does seem to serve the function of protecting the metal from the elements. (Still not sure if ours will be a 2002 or 2003 – remains to be seen if the improved performance is worth it…) Once again, I sincerely appreciate your comments Wade.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Wow what a thread. No offence but if someone ask about the mechanics of a > truck he has obviously no problem with the aesthetics of it so why would a > reply come back saying "oh that trucks ugly can’t you see" or something like > that. - I’m not offended or mad but I had to read through most of the > thread with little useful info. > Now as for the Avalanche. I have owned my 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z71 sense May > of 01, which is about as early as anyone got it, mine was the first sold at > my dealer and I received it basically straight off the transporter. > I’ll give you an honest run down from someone who has put over 30,000 miles > on one. > The Midgate after over a year does not cause any problems or make any noise. > The versatility of the cab/bed is extremely convenient, especially for the > amount of travel I do, I can securely lock all my gear, tools, and luggage > in the bed and not worry about theft or water. > The creature comforts in the cab are great as we have grown to expect from a > GM truck. > Here are the drawbacks or things you should know from someone who has one. > The Z71 and Z66 at least on my model year comes with 17" wheels however the > spare is a 16" wheel (don’t ask me why) > The spare was also a Firestone Wilderness AT, while the rubber on the truck > was Goodyear (this Firestone not effected by the recall [Ford]) > The design of the bed overall is the definition of versatility, however > there are some drawbacks: > If you haul wet cargo, or spill something in the bed (like TCW3 Jet Ski oil > which I can tell you about) the cleanup is more involved than that of a > regular truck bed. The bed mat is great and grips the cargo so it doesn’t > slide but the side of the bed rails and the transition area at the bottom of > the midgate, take more time to clean and the mat will obviously have to be > taken out to clean it properly. > The bed is water resistant with the top on…. I tested this as soon as I > got it home on a steep incline with the blast of a water hose focused on the > 90 degree where the rear glass and the bed cover meet. Pulsing as much > water as possible. What happened was it overloaded the water diversion > system and I got some water in the bed. This is nothing, I have never seen > a legitimate rain that created any significant leakage inside the bed, and I > have driven through some very heavy rain. So their design seems to do the > job under regular conditions. > Service – This is the Service I have had it taken in for to have things > fixed sense it was bought. > plastic insert (door lock slider) popped out of door panel passenger side. > (This is a common deal with the doors not exclusive to Avalanche) > piece of body cladding came loose at bottom of truck. > Front bumper facade came loose where it wraps around side. > Rear glass (the removable glass part of convert-a-cab) the plastic trim that > goes all the way around the glass separated at one of the corners. Mine was > the first of its kind my service guy had seen until a week later when > another Avalanche had the same deal. The separation was a minor cosmetic > deal it did not cause a leak. > Overall the truck is versatile to fit my needs perfectly and I have enjoyed > it more than all my extended cabs and other Chevy’s I have had in the past. > This is obviously something that will vary based on the need of the owner. > By the Way – There is a topper available for it, it is on the SnugTop web > site. > The only bummer is they are bringing out the 03 which I looked at from the > other post, and It lost the cladding. Which was my only complaint. I > thought they over did it a bit with the cladding. I kind of wish I would of > held out another year. > By the way when both me and my Wife are home there is an 02 sunset metallic > orange Avalanche parked next to a 02 Yellow Pontiac Aztec. Function over > form, to each his own and all that jazz. > Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
Response:
Wow what a thread. No offence but if someone ask about the mechanics of a truck he has obviously no problem with the aesthetics of it so why would a reply come back saying "oh that trucks ugly can’t you see" or something like that. - I’m not offended or mad but I had to read through most of the thread with little useful info. Now as for the Avalanche. I have owned my 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z71 sense May of 01, which is about as early as anyone got it, mine was the first sold at my dealer and I received it basically straight off the transporter. I’ll give you an honest run down from someone who has put over 30,000 miles on one. The Midgate after over a year does not cause any problems or make any noise. The versatility of the cab/bed is extremely convenient, especially for the amount of travel I do, I can securely lock all my gear, tools, and luggage in the bed and not worry about theft or water. The creature comforts in the cab are great as we have grown to expect from a GM truck. Here are the drawbacks or things you should know from someone who has one. The Z71 and Z66 at least on my model year comes with 17" wheels however the spare is a 16" wheel (don’t ask me why) The spare was also a Firestone Wilderness AT, while the rubber on the truck was Goodyear (this Firestone not effected by the recall [Ford]) The design of the bed overall is the definition of versatility, however there are some drawbacks: If you haul wet cargo, or spill something in the bed (like TCW3 Jet Ski oil which I can tell you about) the cleanup is more involved than that of a regular truck bed. The bed mat is great and grips the cargo so it doesn’t slide but the side of the bed rails and the transition area at the bottom of the midgate, take more time to clean and the mat will obviously have to be taken out to clean it properly. The bed is water resistant with the top on…. I tested this as soon as I got it home on a steep incline with the blast of a water hose focused on the 90 degree where the rear glass and the bed cover meet. Pulsing as much water as possible. What happened was it overloaded the water diversion system and I got some water in the bed. This is nothing, I have never seen a legitimate rain that created any significant leakage inside the bed, and I have driven through some very heavy rain. So their design seems to do the job under regular conditions. Service – This is the Service I have had it taken in for to have things fixed sense it was bought. plastic insert (door lock slider) popped out of door panel passenger side. (This is a common deal with the doors not exclusive to Avalanche) piece of body cladding came loose at bottom of truck. Front bumper facade came loose where it wraps around side. Rear glass (the removable glass part of convert-a-cab) the plastic trim that goes all the way around the glass separated at one of the corners. Mine was the first of its kind my service guy had seen until a week later when another Avalanche had the same deal. The separation was a minor cosmetic deal it did not cause a leak. Overall the truck is versatile to fit my needs perfectly and I have enjoyed it more than all my extended cabs and other Chevy’s I have had in the past. This is obviously something that will vary based on the need of the owner. By the Way – There is a topper available for it, it is on the SnugTop web site. The only bummer is they are bringing out the 03 which I looked at from the other post, and It lost the cladding. Which was my only complaint. I thought they over did it a bit with the cladding. I kind of wish I would of held out another year. By the way when both me and my Wife are home there is an 02 sunset metallic orange Avalanche parked next to a 02 Yellow Pontiac Aztec. Function over form, to each his own and all that jazz.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
Response:
Interesting stuff – thanks Brian!!! Now the question is if the "improved fuel economy" lives up the idea it creates. Other things of interest were the dual-zone climate controls (Lady DK likes it a touch warmer than I do…), the improved braking, and the better handling. Lady DK – like a number of you – hated the plastic body cladding, so the 2003 has an appeal for her just because of that.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just found a picture of the 2003 Avalanche…looks like it is going to be > available without all the plastic. Here is the link if you are interested. > http://www.gminsidenews.com/gmiupdate080102.htm > Brian > No offence taken Bud. I have to admit that I kinda like the way they > look. > (Sorry) > Aside from the visuals of the Avalanche, what do you think of the design, > the mechanics, etc? > > Not to offend you, but have you taken a good, long look at the Avalanche > and > > actually thought it looked good? > > Get the ext. cab Silverado instead. I’d hate to see anyone driving > around > in > > an ugly truck. > > > Morning folks, > > > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > > people’s > > > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect > to > > > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the > next > > > three months.) > > > Thanks in advance,
Response:
I just found a picture of the 2003 Avalanche…looks like it is going to be available without all the plastic. Here is the link if you are interested. http://www.gminsidenews.com/gmiupdate080102.htm Brian
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No offence taken Bud. I have to admit that I kinda like the way they look. > (Sorry) > Aside from the visuals of the Avalanche, what do you think of the design, > the mechanics, etc? > Not to offend you, but have you taken a good, long look at the Avalanche > and > actually thought it looked good? > Get the ext. cab Silverado instead. I’d hate to see anyone driving around > in > an ugly truck. > > Morning folks, > > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > people’s > > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect > to > > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > > three months.) > > Thanks in advance,
Response:
says… > Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
It depenes on your purpose. From prior posts I’ve read on the avlance owners like them. They haven’t had problems with the midgate etc. My take is this. If you need a truck get a truck. If you really need an SUV and once in a blue moon might want to haul something get the Avalanche. Hell put the shell option on it and you have a 5 seat semi convertable Suburban that is more versitale than a Suburban.
Response:
"Shell option"??? Speaking of options, the GM Canada website is not bogged down by the number of choices they give. For example, I’ve a couple of Avalanches around that have bush bars, but the website gives no indication. Are there better places to look at the options list???
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > says… > Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance, > It depenes on your purpose. From prior posts I’ve read on the avlance > owners like them. They haven’t had problems with the midgate etc. > My take is this. If you need a truck get a truck. If you really need an > SUV and once in a blue moon might want to haul something get the > Avalanche. Hell put the shell option on it and you have a 5 seat semi > convertable Suburban that is more versitale than a Suburban.
Response:
>>Hell put the shell option on it and you have a 5 seat semi >convertable Suburban that is more versitale than a Suburban. >And 5 times as ugly… >– >Tony Kimmell >Normal, IL
i think that ugly is something you care less about as life goes on, as you worry less what other folks might think of you and your vechicle…. the best car i ever had was a big ol’ ’75 mercedes 450 sel… it was (imho) BUTT ugly! it also was the fastest, (def not the quickest *g*), safest, most comfortable and best handling car i’ve ever owned…. but that big ol’ dual overhead cam v-8 sure went thru some gas… *g* mac http://www.aadtonline.com/Bios%20Files/mac%20davis.htm
Response:
>Hell put the shell option on it and you have a 5 seat semi >convertable Suburban that is more versitale than a Suburban.
And 5 times as ugly… — Tony Kimmell Normal, IL "I think that’s how Chicago got started. A bunch of people in New York said, Gee, I’m enjoying the crime and the poverty, but it just isn’t cold enough. Let’s go west.’" -Richard Jeni
Response:
Hey, if you like the looks of the Avalanche there’s nothing wrong with that. My son said he would love to own one himself. They just don’t appeal to me, but it’s all just a matter of personal taste. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Heck, you might think my wife is butt ugly but she still rocks my world so that’s all that matters to me. If the Avalanche is your thing then I hope you can be driving one soon. I can’t comment on the mechanics since I don’t personally know anyone that owns one.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No offence taken Bud. I have to admit that I kinda like the way they look. > (Sorry) > Aside from the visuals of the Avalanche, what do you think of the design, > the mechanics, etc? > Not to offend you, but have you taken a good, long look at the Avalanche > and > actually thought it looked good? > Get the ext. cab Silverado instead. I’d hate to see anyone driving around > in > an ugly truck. > > Morning folks, > > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > people’s > > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect > to > > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > > three months.) > > Thanks in advance,
Response:
When I bought my 2002 S-10 I asked two Chevy salesmen what might be more ugly than the Avalanche. One replied that the only thing uglier was the Aztec. The other salesman agreed.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
Response:
Do you ever wonder why these salesmen would criticize vehicles from their dealership that they might be trying to sell to the next person? Salespeople will tell you what you want to hear. I wonder what they would have said if you weren’t buying the S-10. They’ll probably try to sell you either the Avalanche or an Aztec. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> When I bought my 2002 S-10 I asked two Chevy salesmen what might be more > ugly than the Avalanche. One replied that the only thing uglier was the > Aztec. The other salesman agreed. > Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
Response:
Morning folks, Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are people’s experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next three months.) Thanks in advance,
Response:
Not to offend you, but have you taken a good, long look at the Avalanche and actually thought it looked good? Get the ext. cab Silverado instead. I’d hate to see anyone driving around in an ugly truck.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
Response:
> Not to offend you, but have you taken a good, long look at the Avalanche and > actually thought it looked good? > Get the ext. cab Silverado instead. I’d hate to see anyone driving around in > an ugly truck.
Why in the hell would someone want an icechest on wheels that big? Anything holding more than five cases is a waste of money. Rita
Response:
No offence taken Bud. I have to admit that I kinda like the way they look. (Sorry) Aside from the visuals of the Avalanche, what do you think of the design, the mechanics, etc?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Not to offend you, but have you taken a good, long look at the Avalanche and > actually thought it looked good? > Get the ext. cab Silverado instead. I’d hate to see anyone driving around in > an ugly truck. > Morning folks, > Now that these UUV’s have been out for a couple of years, what are > people’s > experience with them? (Looking for good AND bad comments, as I expect to > purchase either an Avalanche or an ext. cab 1500 Silverado over the next > three months.) > Thanks in advance,
