2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
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2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche ▼

  • Price Range:  $7,400 - $20,200
CG Rating

58

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Storage space
  • Trailer-towing capability

Cons

  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Chevrolet's Avalanche could be considered essentially a four-door Crew Cab pickup truck. With four conventional side doors, it might also be viewed as a competitor to conventional full-size pickups, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Crew Cab, Dodge Ram Quad Cab, and Ford F-150 Super Crew. But the Avalanche is a vehicle with a big difference, ranking as a crossover SUV/pickup with a short bed at the back. Based upon the full-size Chevrolet Suburban SUV, it uses GM's innovative "midgate" to separate the passenger and cargo areas. The rear seat folds down and the midgate lowers, to eliminate the usual barrier between the cabin and the bed. Making this move converts the cargo box from its usual 5.3-foot length to a more useful 8.1 feet. The rear window removes and stores onboard. Bed sidewalls have storage compartments and the tailgate is lockable. Seating six, the Avalanche had standard bench seating but front buckets were available. Options included leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, and a power sunroof. A 5.3-liter V8 engine powers the Avalanche 1500, which has a half-ton payload. The heavy-duty 2500 series gets an 8.1-liter V8, along with a bigger gas tank (37.5 gallons rather than the 1500's 31-gallon size). Both models work with a four-speed automatic transmission. An Avalanche might have rear-wheel drive with optional traction control, or GM's AutoTrac four-wheel-drive system that included low-range gearing and could be left engaged on dry pavement. The 2WD 1500 offered rear self-leveling and a Z66 onroad suspension package, while 4x4 models could get a Z71 offroad suspension. Front side airbags and antilocking all-disc brakes were standard. GM's OnStar emergency/communications system was an option. An Avalanche 1500 could be equipped with "North Face" trim, created in cooperation with the outdoor clothing/equipment maker. Towing capacity is 8,300 pounds on the 1500 model, and 12,000 with the 2500. Cadillac offered a luxury Escalade EXT model with the same "midgate" construction but different styling and standard all-wheel drive.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2WD Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 9
Room/Comfort (rear) 8
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 58
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Year to Year Changes


2003 Chevrolet Avalanche: Though standard in the Avalanche's first season, front side airbags slipped to option status for 2003, part of a Personal Security group that also included GM's OnStar system. The dashboard was redesigned, and a rear-seat DVD-based video entertainment joined the options list. Other new options included power-adjustable pedals and an XM Satellite Radio setup.
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche: Antiskid control is newly available on 2WD models of the crossover pickup for '04.
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche: GM's OnStar assistance became standard during the '05 model year. New '05 options include an integrated audio/navigation system with touch screen and a chrome package with LS trim.
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche: No changes for the 2006 Avalanche.

Our road test for the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Uniqueness is the Avalanche's main attraction, though its driving qualities are more appealing than some might expect. Acceleration is much like the Suburban's. That's no surprise, since an Avalanche has similar weight and the same smooth, strong V8 with a silky, responsive automatic transmission and useful Tow/Haul mode. Fuel economy earns no prizes. A test 4WD 1500 averaged just 12.9 mpg, though both engines use regular fuel. Ride quality is comfortable even with the firm Z71 package. A long wheelbase helps the Avalanche ignore most small bumps, and it's less jarring than most true pickup trucks over big ruts and crests. Still, big bumps can induce some "float" or pitching. Steering and handling are like the Suburban's, meaning it's a pleasant highway cruiser and agile for its size and weight, despite too-numb steering. Braking is strong and stable, but spongy pedal action on test models did not inspire confidence. Although the engine roars at full throttle, an Avalanche is quite refined overall. Removing the rear window, or dropping the midgate, increases noise levels, but not unduly so. Instruments/controls are identical to the Suburban's and mostly very good. So is the driving position. Inherited flaws include tight access to power controls on the side of front seat bases, and GM's typical low-budget plastic in too many places. High tail trim hides any nearby object dead astern. Over-the-shoulder visibility is a bit obscured, but not bad. There's plenty of adult-size space up front, but also a fairly high step-in. The bench seat is nothing special, but optional buckets are comfortable. Even with the midgate fully down, there's a tolerably mild inside breeze at highway speeds. Rear step-in is pretty lofty, and leg room isn't quite Suburban-ample, but space is adequate for three grownups, extravagant for two. An Avalanche hauls what most big pickups can, though the back seat and midgate must be folded for bulky or long loads like 4x8 plywood sheets. Midgate/window removal is straightforward and quick. The hose-it-down cargo box has a tough composite-plastic liner, thick nonslip rubber mat, twin lamps that also light the lockable side storage boxes, eight tiedowns, water drains, and a gravel trap.
Value for the Money
For the most part, an Avalanche weds big-SUV passenger room and comfort with big-pickup utility, in an imaginative and surprisingly solid package. Beware of seriously bad weather on really messy roads, though, if the midgate is fully open.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2WD Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 9
Room/Comfort (rear) 8
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 58

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Avalanche includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Avalanche .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Blower motor: Blower may not operate or may run on with key off requiring revised blower motor control module. (2003-05)

Engine knock: The engine (4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L) may knock for up to 30 seconds after a cold start. GM says this may be due to carbon buildup and is reportedly not harmful to the engine. (2002)

Engine noise: Some of the rocker-arm bearings may fail. The first indication may be needle bearings found in the oil when it is drained. All 16 rocker arms should be replaced. (2002)

Engine noise: Due to corrosion of the knock sensor on the rear bank, the 5.7-litre engine may suffer from spark knock (ping) that gets worse on hard acceleration, illuminating the "check engineÓ light. (2002)

Transmission slippage: The transmission may slip or there may be no 3rd or 4th gear (possibly accompanied by illumination of the "check engineÓ light) due to plugging of one of the shift solenoid valves. (2002)

Water leak: A water leak at the rear corner of the cargo box requires resealing of the catch cup. (2002)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $390
Alternator $325
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,315
Brakes $475
Constant Velocity Joints $890
Exhaust System $455
Radiator $555
Shocks and/or Struts $665
Timing Chain or Belt $610
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Avalanche details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2006
Avalanche 2WD $17,000-19,000 $15,600-17,500 $10,900-12,200
Avalanche 4WD $19,500-22,000 $17,900-20,200 $12,700-14,300
2005
Avalanche 2WD $14,500-16,000 $13,200-14,600 $9,000-9,900
Avalanche 4WD $16,500-18,500 $15,000-16,800 $10,600-11,800
2004
Avalanche 2WD $12,000-13,500 $10,800-12,200 $6,700-7,600
Avalanche 4WD $14,200-15,500 $12,900-14,100 $8,700-9,500
2003
Avalanche 2WD $10,000-11,500 $9,000-10,400 $5,200-6,000
Avalanche 4WD $11,700-12,700 $10,500-11,400 $6,400-7,000
2002
Avalanche 2WD $8,200-9,500 $7,400-8,600 $4,200-4,800
Avalanche 4WD $9,700-10,700 $8,700-9,600 $5,000-5,600
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Avalanche include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 130.0
Overall Length, in. 221.7
Overall Width, in. 79.8
Overall Height, in. 73.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 5437
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. --
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 31.0
Seating Capacity 6
Front Head Room, in. 40.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 38.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A 5.3-liter V8 went into the Avalanche 1500, making 285 horsepower. The Avalanche 2500 got an 8.1-liter V8 that produced 340 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission served both engines.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V8 5.3 / 327 285 325 4-speed automatic: 14/18 4-speed automatic: 12.9
ohv V8 8.1 / 496 340 455 4-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Mexico
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Avalanche include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2000-04: The tailgate support cables may corrode, resulting in the sudden loss of the tailgate. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002: In environmentally corrosive areas of specified "salt belt" states, unwanted antilock braking activation may occur, causing increased stopping distance during low-speed brake application.
2003: Certain vehicles may have been produced with an out-of-specification brake relief valve, making steering difficult when braking. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003: In certain extreme impacts frame cross member could tear fuel tank resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a fuel-tank shield on affected vehicles.
2003-05: Seatbelt routing for second-row center occupant may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the belt low around the occupant's hips.
2004-05: w/Bosch Hydro-Boost brake assembly: Hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate during normal operating conditions, possibly issuing fragments and allowing fluid leakage.
2005: Under certain vehicle-starting conditions, shift-lever position indicator in instrument panel may not illuminate.

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