2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500

The Swiss Army Knife of trucks

By gualalamarcus (CA) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200,000

Pros: "Versatile, roomy, functional design, smart feature"

Cons: "Styling not for everyone, medium quality materials"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Still in great shape after 200K miles, but still a face only a mother can love...

"I bought my Avalanche new and it is one of the most well designed trucks ever. The whole concept of a full crew cab that can also convert into a full size (4'x8') pickup bed was brilliant, and I can't believe Chevy (and Cadillac) have decided to quit making them. For a full size 4x4 with Z71 package the truck handles surprisingly well and has a great ride. I live on the rugged north coast of California so my "driveway" is 60 miles of Highway 1 to get to the SF Bay Area and it amazes me how many cars use turnouts to let me go past them. It is super comfortable for up to 5 people, loads of legroom and very comfortable seats front and rear. The "trunks" in the rear fenders should be standard on every pickup truck - what a great use of what is normally wasted space. With the midgate down but the bed covers and rear window still installed, a double blow up mattress fits perfectly and makes it a great weekend camper. I remodeled our condo's 10'x10' kitchen and after breaking down the removed cabinets, counters, removing the trash compactor, cook top and stove I was able to fit ALL of it in the Avalanche and take it to the dump in 1 trip. The looks of the truck are an acquired taste, I thought it was butt ugly when I first saw it but the beauty is in the functionality. Downsides? I get 15 mpg no matter how I drive it, and I had to put a new transmission in at @130K miles (a known weakness of the 2002 - 2007 Chevy 4x4s), and the parking brake design means it stops working after 30K miles and unless you replace the rear rotors you can't make them hold. Otherwise no mechanical issues at all, the motor runs great. Have put 3 sets of shocks, had the brakes done 4 times (still original rotors), and changed the oil with Mobil 1 every 7500k. I just clay barred, waxed and Armor Alled it and it looks almost new. Some of the interior and dash lights have burned out but all of the features and options still work. This is a great truck and I will keep it until it dies, which I actually don't expect to happen for at least another 100k. I do wish they had offered power pedals and dual zone climate control when I bought it, and would definitely specific both if I bought a new one. Overall quality is decent (it is a Chevy not a Cadillac so you get what you pay for) but the interior still looks good, the leather hasn't cracked or torn and all the plastic and vinyl is still in good shape. Too bad it is going away, I think the current style is actually very attractive compared to my heavily body cladded version."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Has been a very reliable truck.

By Cpt. ST (PA) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

Pros: "very comfortable, quiet ride, smooth ride."

Cons: "not much cargo space"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"As I said before truck has been very reliable. very few major repairs. The only thing I regret is the lack of bed space. The bed is wide and long but with the panels on there is very little space. Only one box high. Every thing else is great. I would love a new one but is out of the question right now. this is the last year they are making them. SO, I guess I will hang on to it for a little while longer."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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i have owned it for since it came out in 2002

By Dodge Guy (TX) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 119,000

Pros: "comfterable on inside"

Cons: "horrible for real work"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"i have hated every year i have had this car cause i needed a truck that could do hard work and i thought this truck would be good because of how it looked inside and out but i was wrong it cannot do some of the simplest task and whenever i go off roading it is horrible, i changed from a 1998 f 150 4x4 and it was the worst mistake ever"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Just right all the time.

By Discgolfess (TX) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 155,000

Pros: "Fun to drive, outside lifestyle, camping, hunting"

Cons: "production errors, dash board wiring, security"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

My boy on my Avalanche. Ready to Go!

"My Chevy Avalanche is awesome. It is so roomy and yet so economically logical that I can't think of a better vehicle. Built like a large SUV(my last car was a small SUV) and a truck! The space is super comfy(seats 6 adults with leg room)and the self draining ICE Chest! I mean WOW. Tools in one chest and drink/snacks in another. With a truck bed for all my camping/outside gear. Perfect for this gals life and the involvement of my kids. Love at first review and finally I have my own! The only down side is the way a few things were built. Common problems due to quick production. Look 'em up under Google and there are quite a few. But I'm a Chevy Gurl thru and thru."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best truck I ever had!

By harley.50 (CA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

Pros: "can do anything you want- comfortably!"

Cons: "Minor visual rear restriction if not used to truck"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The versatility of this is great. Can put queen air mattress in back- have stereo and light for ten minutes- auto shut off, stay dry and cozy-sit up in the morn. take rear window out and have breakfast on the toneau covers!. The seats are extremely comfortable. The Z71 package handles GREAT the over sized sway-bars make it handle very well. I have had this truck and it has over sized tires- still get 40k per set. Made minor engine mods- air intake and chip mod. but gets 20+ mpg. In comfort. Goes anywhere! Highly recommend- great storage/ coolers on rear-saddled in qtr panels and lockable. Great truck- great comfort and versatile!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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One of the best all around vehicles I have ever ow

By Billy Blue Skies (PA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 238,798

Pros: "Everything it can do."

Cons: "Gas mileage of 15.5mpg."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Awsome all around vehicle. Great travelling comfort and reliability. Its ability to be all things I needed from a vehicle has been the biggest surprise of all for this guy who wasnt ever going to be a pickup person. Tows like a champ and handles any load I have demanded. Cant speak highly enough about it. If it got better mileage, I would have another as of yesterday. Sorry to see the Avalance discontinued."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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