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2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review
Date Published: 6/14/08
Also in the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review
7.
8.
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Review
Antiskid control is newly available for 2WD versions of this crossover pickup truck. Avalanche is basically a Chevrolet Suburban SUV with an open cargo bed. 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; front side airbags and OnStar assistance are optional. Other options include heated front bucket seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. Also optional are power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Available on 2WD 1500s is the Z66 Premium On-Road package that includes a sport suspension with rear self-leveling, and for '04, GM's Stabilitrak antiskid control, which is designed to counteract sideways skids in turns. Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a luxury Avalanche with different styling, more power, and standard all-wheel drive.
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; front side airbags and OnStar assistance are optional. Other options include heated front bucket seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. Also optional are power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Available on 2WD 1500s is the Z66 Premium On-Road package that includes a sport suspension with rear self-leveling, and for '04, GM's Stabilitrak antiskid control, which is designed to counteract sideways skids in turns. Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a luxury Avalanche with different styling, more power, and standard all-wheel drive.
News
Sources say GM is redesigning all its full-size pickups and related SUVs for model-year 2007, and that naturally includes Avalanche. No big changes are expected 'til then with the possible exception of GM's new Displacement on Demand technology for both V8s. DOD is designed to shut down half the cylinders on light throttle loads to save fuel, as in highway cruising. The system debuts on 2005 V8 models in the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy lines.
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Towing ability | |
| Storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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, 7900 with 4WD. On 2500s, it's 12,000 lb with 2WD, 11,900 with 4WD.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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, 7900 with 4WD. On 2500s, it's 12,000 lb with 2WD, 11,900 with 4WD.
Fuel Economy
Test 4WD 1500 averaged 12.9 mpg. The 2500s won't do better. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test 4WD 1500 averaged 12.9 mpg. The 2500s won't do better. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Comfortable even with firm Z71 off-road suspension. 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.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 3.9 |
Comfortable even with firm Z71 off-road suspension. 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
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.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
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
Engines roar at full throttle, are civilized otherwise. Removing rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly.
| 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
Identical to Suburban's dashboard and mostly very good, with legible, well-placed gauges and clear, handy controls. Curtain side airbags unavailable. Available leather upholstery helps offset GM's usual unappealing interior plastics.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Identical to Suburban's dashboard and mostly very good, with legible, well-placed gauges and clear, handy controls. Curtain side airbags unavailable. Available leather upholstery helps offset GM's usual unappealing interior plastics.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
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)
Step-in pretty lofty and leg room not quite Suburban-ample, but space adequate for three adults.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 4.5 |
Step-in pretty lofty and leg room not quite Suburban-ample, but space adequate for three adults.
Cargo Room
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, 8 tie-downs, water drains, and gravel trap. A soft bed cover is a credit option, but is flimsier and harder to use than the standard 3-piece rigid cover.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
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, 8 tie-downs, water drains, and gravel trap. A soft bed cover is a credit option, but is flimsier and harder to use than the standard 3-piece rigid cover.
Value within Class
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 solid package.
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
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 solid package.
Total Score
| 1500 2WD | 1500 4WD | Class Average |
| 58 | 58 | 49.9 |
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/22/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 1500 4-door crew cab, 2WD | $33,185 | $29,037 | $850 |
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| 1500 4-door crew cab, 4WD | $36,185 | $31,662 | $850 |
|
|
|||
| 2500 4-door crew cab, 4WD | $38,020 | $33,268 | $850 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, 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, 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
7-wire trailer harness, front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, P265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
2500 adds to 1500:
Powertrain
8.1-liter V8 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, heavy-duty suspension, LT245/75R16 on-off road tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Equipment Group 1SK
|
||
|
1500, 2500
|
$1,575
|
$1,354
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|
Front bucket seats, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, headphone jacks, overhead console.
|
||
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Preferred Equipment Group 1SM
|
||
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1500, 2500
|
$3,865
|
$3,324
|
|
Preferred Equipment Group 1SK plus OnStar telematics system (includes one-year service), leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate controls, steering-wheel radio controls, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors, Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment.
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Z66 Preferred Equipment Group 1SN
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2WD 1500
|
$1,335
|
$1,148
|
|
Traction control, limited-slip differential, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors, rubber floormats, unique springs, load-leveling suspension, P265/70R17 tires.
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Z71 Preferred Equipment Group 1SL
|
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4WD 1500
|
$1,955
|
$1,681
|
|
Limited-slip differential, OnStar telematics system (includes one-year service), steering-wheel radio controls, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors, rubber floormats, high-capacity air cleaner, Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment, skid plates, off-road suspension, P265/70R17 on/off road tires.
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Driver Convenience Pkg.
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||
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1500, 2500
|
$540
|
$464
|
|
Automatic dual-zone climate controls, steering-wheel radio controls, power-adjustable pedals, universal garage-door opener, driver information center. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SK, 1SL, or 1SN.
|
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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w/1SK or 1SM
|
$1,420
|
$1,221
|
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w/1SL or 1SN
|
$2,995
|
$2,576
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), rear radio controls, headphone jacks, automatic dual-zone climate controls, front bucket seats, center console. Requires Preferred Equipment Group. With Preferred Equipment Group 1SN or 1SL requires front bucket seats.
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Without Body Hardware Pkg.
|
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|
1500 (credit)
|
$-600
|
$-516
|
|
Deletes wheel flares and bodyside cladding. Adds chrome bumpers.
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Ground Effects Pkg.
|
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1500, 2500
|
$195
|
$168
|
|
Air dam, front and rear mudguards. NA w/Without Body Hardware Pkg.
|
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Wheel Flare and Molding Pkg.
|
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|
1500
|
$250
|
$215
|
|
Requires Without Body Hardware Pkg.
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Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
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2500
|
$190
|
$163
|
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Heavy-duty alternator, roof emergency light, front wiring-harness. NA w/power sunroof.
|
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Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
|
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|
1500, 2500
|
$210
|
$181
|
|
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-pin connector.
|
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Powertrain |
||
|
Limited-slip differential
|
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|
1500, 2500
|
$295
|
$254
|
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Safety |
||
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Front side airbags
|
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1500, 2500
|
$350
|
$301
|
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Antiskid system
|
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2WD 1500
|
$750
|
$645
|
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Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SN. Deletes traction control, limited-slip differential.
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear-seat entertainment system
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1500, 2500
|
$1,485
|
$1,277
|
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w/1SM, Driver Convenience, or power sunroof
|
$1,295
|
$1,114
|
|
DVD player, overhead screen, wireless headphones, remote control, dual-zone automatic climate controls. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.
|
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|
OnStar telematics system
|
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|
1500, 2500
|
$820
|
$705
|
|
w/Driver Convenience Pkg.
|
$695
|
$598
|
|
Includes steering-wheel radio controls, driver information center.
|
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|
Power sunroof
|
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|
1500, 2500
|
$1,290
|
$1,109
|
|
w/Driver Convenience Pkg.
|
$995
|
$856
|
|
Includes dual-zone automatic climate controls, universal garage-door opener. Requires Preferred Equipment Group. Requires front bucket seats w/1SL or 1SN.
|
||
|
Cloth front bucket seats A95
|
||
|
w/1SL or 1SN
|
$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.
|
||
|
Leather front bucket seats A95
|
||
|
w/1SN or 1SL
|
$2,075
|
$1,785
|
|
w/1SK
|
$500
|
$430
|
|
Includes leather upholstery, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet.
|
||
|
Full-function front bucket seats AN3
|
||
|
1500
|
$2,495
|
$2,146
|
|
w/Sun and Sound Pkg.
|
$920
|
$791
|
|
w/Sun and Sound Pkg. and Driver Convenience Pkg.
|
$800
|
$688
|
|
w/Driver Convenience Pkg.
|
$2,375
|
$2,043
|
|
Includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SL or 1SN.
|
||
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Heated power camper mirrors
|
||
|
2500
|
$355
|
$305
|
|
2500 ordered w/1SM
|
$115
|
$99
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
1500, 2500
|
$325
|
$280
|
|
Requires monthly fee.
|
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|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Roof rack
|
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1500, 2500
|
$195
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$168
|
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Side steps
|
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1500, 2500
|
$395
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$340
|
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Chrome tubular side steps
|
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1500, 2500
|
$585
|
$503
|
|
Soft cargo cover
|
||
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(credit)
|
$-600
|
$-516
|
|
NA w/Preferred Equipment Groups.
|
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Grille protector
|
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1500, 2500
|
$465
|
$400
|
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NA w/Without Hardware Pkg.
|
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Engine-block heater
|
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|
1500, 2500
|
$35
|
$30
|
|
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
P265/70R16 white-letter tires
|
||
|
1500
|
$125
|
$108
|
|
P265/70R17 on-off road white-letter tires
|
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|
2WD 1500
|
$125
|
$108
|
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Requires Preferred equipment Group 1SN.
|
||
|
|
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2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Avalanche 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. | 1313 |
| 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. | 295 @ 5200 | 320 @ 4200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 330 @ 4000 | 445 @ 3200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 15/20 | 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 |
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 | 5/60,000 | Aveo only. |
| 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
Also in the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review
7.
8.
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