2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Front side airbags are optional instead of standard for 2003, and Avalanche is now available without bodyside cladding. This SUV/pickup crossover is based on Chevrolet's full-size Suburban wagon. It has four full-size side doors and a "midgate" separating cab from cargo bed. Lowering the midgate and rear seat extends the 5.3-ft cargo box to 8.1 ft. The rear window also removes and stores onboard. Avalanche comes as a half-ton 1500 model with a 5.3-liter V8 and as a heavy-duty 2500 with an 8.1-liter V8. Each offers rear-wheel drive with optional traction control or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. All models have automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and standard seating for six. Options include heated front bucket seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. For 2003, Avalanche gets a redesigned dashboard and an optional rear-seat DVD-video entertainment system. Front side airbags are now part of an $875 Personal Security option that also includes OnStar assistance. A $600 credit option for 1500 models, the new "Without Body Hardware" package deletes the plastic cladding on the lower body and wheel flares. Among other new options are power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and XM satellite radio. On 1500s, a Z71 Off-Road suspension is available with 4WD; with 2WD, a Z66 on-road package brings traction control and a sport suspension with rear self-leveling. Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a luxury Avalanche with different styling, more power, and standard all-wheel drive.

Competition

With the advent of crossover vehicles, this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD and convenient 4-wheel steering.

Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.

News

Industry snoops see no major near-term changes for Chevy's "transformer" truck, though a few new features will likely be doled out through mid-decade. GM reportedly redesigns all its full-size pickups for model-year 2008, Avalanche included. On the sales front, Avalanche fell short of its yearly target in 2002, drawing a bit more than 89,000 orders instead of the projected 100,000-plus.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Towing ability

Storage space

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Performs much like Suburban due to similar weight and the same smooth, strong V8s, plus responsive automatic transmission with useful Tow/Haul mode. Towing capacity for 1500s is 8200 lb with 2WD and 7900 with 4WD. It's 12,000 lb on 2500s.

Fuel Economy

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
2	2	2.2

Test 4WD 1500 averaged 12.9 mpg. The 2500s won't do better. Both engines use regular fuel.

Ride Quality

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	3.7

Comfortable even with the firm Z71 package. Long wheelbase helps Avalanche ignore most small bumps, and it's less jarring than most true pickups over bigger ruts and crests, though badly flawed surfaces induce some pitching.

Steering/Handling/Braking

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
3	3	3.3

A pleasant highway cruiser that's agile for its size and weight despite lifeless steering. Strong, stable braking, but test models' spongy pedal action reduced confidence.

Quietness

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	4.5

Engines roar at full throttle, are civilized otherwise. Removing rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly.

Controls

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Identical to Suburban's dashboard and mostly very good, with legible, well-placed gauges and clear, handy controls. Curtain side airbags are unavailable and now Avalanche buyers must pay extra for front side airbags. Available leather helps offset GM's usual unappealing interior plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
9	9	8.5

Plenty of adult-size space, but also a fairly high step-in. Bench seat nothing special, but optional buckets hug comfortably. High, commanding driving position, but tall body build prevents seeing some nearby objects, a common big-truck drawback. Over-the-shoulder vision a bit cluttered, but not as bad as appearances imply. Dropping midgate creates only a mild inside breeze at highway speeds, and a light rain during a test didn't soak the cabin.

Room/Comfort (rear)

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
8	8	4.4

Step-in pretty lofty and leg room not quite Suburban-ample, but space adequate for three adults.

Cargo Room

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Hauls what most big pickups can, though back seat and midgate must be folded for bulky or long loads. Dropping midgate and removing window easy and fairly quick. Hose-out cargo box has tough plastic liner, lamps that also light its lockable side-rail storage boxes, eight tiedowns, water drains, and gravel trap. A soft bed cover is a $600 credit option, but is flimsier and harder to use than the standard 3-piece rigid cover.

Value within Class

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	6.9

Beware seriously bad weather or really messy loads with the midgate fully open. That aside, Avalanche marries big-SUV passenger room and comfort with big-pickup utility in a surprisingly solid package.

Total Score

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
58	58	49.8

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		38
Average Score		49
High Score		61

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/08/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

1500 4-door crew cab, 2WD	$32,150	$28,131	$815

1500 4-door crew cab, 4WD	$35,150	$30,756	$815

2500 4-door crew cab, 2WD	$34,050	$29,794	$815

2500 4-door crew cab, 4WD	$37,050	$32,419	$815

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

1500

Powertrain

5.3-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, overhead console, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent wipers, cargo-box light, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, removable rear window, folding midgate, stowable cargo cover.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, P265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

2500

Powertrain

8.1-liter V8 engine.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Skid plates, heavy-duty suspension, LT245/75R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, LT245/75R16 on-off road tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
1500, 2500	$782	$673
ordered w/Personal Security Pkg. or North Face Edition	$657	$565
Automatic dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel radio controls, power-adjustable pedals, universal garage-door opener, outside-mirror-mounted turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirror.

Personal Security Pkg.
1500, 2500	$875	$753
Front side airbags, OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), steering-wheel radio controls.

North Face Edition
4WD 1500	$5,265	$4,528
Z71 Off-Road Pkg., Personal Security Pkg., plus special interior trim, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet, two North Face day packs and Water Duffelo bags, engine-block heater, badging.

Without Body Hardware Pkg.
1500 (credit)	$-600	$-516
Deletes wheel flares and bodyside cladding. Adds chrome bumpers. NA w/North Face Pkg., running boards.

Z71 Off-Road Pkg.
4WD 1500	$1,045	$899
Limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension, skid plates, high-capacity air cleaner, rubber floormats, deep-tinted midgate glass, P265/70R17 on-off road tires.

Z66 Premium On-Road Pkg.
2WD 1500	$1,045	$899
Traction control, limited-slip differential, rubber floormats, deep-tinted midgate glass, upgraded suspension, load-leveling rear suspension, P265/70R17 tires.

Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD 2500	$190	$163
Heavy-duty alternator, roof emergency light, front wiring-harness.

Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
1500, 2500	$190	$163
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-pin wiring harness.

Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
1500, 2500	$295	$254


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat entertainment system
1500, 2500	$1,295	$1,114
DVD player, overhead screen, wireless headphones, remote control. Requires Convenience Pkg., front bucket seats.

Power sunroof
1500, 2500	$1,095	$942
Requires Convenience Pkg., front bucket seats. NA w/rear-seat entertainment system, Snow Plow Prep Pkg.

Front bucket seats
1500, 2500	$1,575	$1,355
Includes center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet.

Front bucket seats w/leather upholstery
1500, 2500	$2,075	$1,785
Front bucket seats plus leather upholstery.

Heated front bucket seats
1500, 2500	$2,375	$2,043
Front bucket seats plus leather upholstery, dual 8-way power, driver-seat memory, heat.

Heated power camper mirrors
2500	$355	$305
2500 ordered w/Convenience Pkg.	$175	$151


Satellite radio
1500, 2500	$325	$280
Requires monthly fee.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
1500, 2500	$195	$168


Soft cargo cover
(credit)	$-600	$-516
Requires Without Body Hardware Pkg.

Black or stainless steel side steps
	$585	$503
Black side steps require Without Body Hardware Pkg.

Running boards
1500, 2500	$395	$340


Ground Effects Pkg.
1500, 2500	$195	$168
NA w/Without Body Hardware Pkg.

Wheel Flare and Molding Pkg.
1500, 2500	$250	$215
Requires Without Body Hardware Pkg.

Engine-block heater
1500, 2500	$35	$30


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P265/70R16 white-letter tires
1500	$125	$108


P265/70R17 on-off road white-letter tires
4WD 1500	$125	$108
Requires Z71 Off-Road Pkg. or North Face Edition.

P265/70R17 white-letter tires
2WD 1500	$125	$108
Requires Z66 Premium On-Road Pkg.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab

Wheelbase, in.	130.0

Overall Length, in.	220.8

Overall Width, in.	79.8

Overall Height, in.	74.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	5437

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1363

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.

Engines

	ohv V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.3 /327	8.1 /496

Horsepower @ rpm.	285 @ 5200	340 @ 4200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	325 @ 4000	455 @ 3200

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	14/18	NA/NA

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	2

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Photos

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