2002 Avalanche

ryr8828 · October 7, 2001

Thinking real hard about buying one. Anybody got any info?

MountaineerTom · October 7, 2001

There are a few Avalanche owners here. From what I can tell, they are really happy with them. Look for messages by ScottS, BgBlkAvalanche (he has a link to some good pics of his Avalanche in the picture post forum), and others that I can't think of off the top of my head.

Greg · October 7, 2001

I've had my Av for about a week now. I've been interested in the truck since it hit the auto shows. The flexibility of the Av really meets our needs: full size front and rear seats; covered, dry, lockable rear bed for wife's wheelchair; easy to remove rear lid for hauling tall items; and long covered bed when needed. (It swallowed a load from Lowe's - including an 8 foot stepladder - keeping everything dry and secure.)

Pros:

Nimble handling compared to my ext. cab Sierra it replaced. My wife likes the ride better also.

No rattles from the midgate or rear window. It was delivered with the midgate not closed entirely, but I discovered that the bed area is so airtight it works best to open the tailgate first before closing it.

Great truck for the dog (Lab). Fold down the rear seats, throw some rubber-backed kitchen rugs across the metal seatbacks, add a dog bed, and she's in heaven. This also keeps the hair off the seats without having to resort to one of those ugly seatcovers.

The storage cubbies around the wheelwells swallowed everything I need that used to be in a big plastic bin in the pickup bed.

Great ribbed bed mat keeps things from sliding around.

Cons:

Too much plastic cladding for my taste.

Too tall for a 2wd. (Westin nerf bars on order.)

Numb steering at dead center. I read about this in the reviews and noticed it on the freeway. After about 600 miles, I've gotten used to it.

Not sure about the plastic midgate. Reminds me of a cooler lid.

Too quiet when running. Reminds me of a minivan. (Gibson catback being ordered this week.)

Overall, I still get this silly grin on my face every time I turn the key - or walk in the garage for that matter.

EDZ Z71 · October 8, 2001

I went and looked at them again today. If I can swing it I may try to trade sometime pretty soon. I think I like the blue. I am not real crazy about the Pewter. Only because it is such a popular color, it is on everything.

I think I want a Z71 with leather, factory steps and 3.73s. My wife wants the roof rack.

I agree with Greg, they are awefully quiet. If I get one I will do the same thing I did to my 2000 5.3 Z71, Flowmaster series 70 with 2 1/2 duals out the back. Not to loud and just right when cruising down the highway.

Shaners · October 8, 2001

My wifes boss's is Indigo Blue and is very sharp looking. There is a Sunset Orange one in town here that is also really cool...

Greg · October 8, 2001

I went with white (same as a '93 Sub I had). I think it looks good in contrast with the gray cladding. I had blue over pewter on my Sierra which looked great washed, but too often just looked brown with all the unpaved roads nearby.

I got the standard 40-20-40 bench seat and the driver's side is powered and the passenger side is not. This wasn't mentioned anywhere in the brochure or in the dealer's computer. You have to upgrade to the buckets to get power on the passenger side.

Bear · October 8, 2001

I have the forest green with just about everything except the roof rack and raised white letter tires. Didn't see any reason for the rack, to dang high for me to place anything up there(and I am 6'!). Other than that, Z71, sunroof, steps, leather, convenance package(onstar,etc). Just this side of 3000 miles with only one small problem (one of the side panels was not correctly installed, 10 minute fix). Works and plays well.

Bear

BgBlkAvalanche · October 9, 2001

So far I love mine,... except for the oil consumption! I use about 1 qt. in 2000 miles. It is at the dealer today getting checked out. I have 8000 miles on mine, and with it being black, tinted front windows, raised the front 2 inches, and 285 tires & chrome wheels,... well I get a LOT of stares! Had an old lady give me the thumbs up the other day in traffic ???

I was not sure I wanted the roof rack, then I saw one, and got it. I like the way it adds to the look, and kinda hides the dumb onstar antenna. (like a roof rack would make this thing look tacky ) Took the factory running boards off though. I was under the assumption they were the chrome bar type (per the dealer order book) but it came in with the flat design. They are done nice, but I did not care for the Suburban soccer mom look,... not manly enough for my truck.

This truck is replacing my Cadillac Escalade, and so far I like it better overall except one area,... the stereo... it flat out sucks. I have been shopping around, and plan to add a 75 watt x 4 channel amp, component speakers in front doors, and a custom 10 inch sub under the rear seat. Just trying to scrape together the 1500 bucks :0

Bottom line,... go for it,... you won't get any younger!

Take a look:

Chev4Ever · October 9, 2001

I drove one for 2 days and I loved it! Its certainly a look that you have to get used.. Plus you gotta love those stares from every person on the road...

I didnt get one just the fact that its too big for my needs.. Its a great family vehicle because it has a lot of room inside..

But down the road its definately a serious look at for me..

LarryE · October 9, 2001

get a Z66 IMO is the best package that gm has ever offered.

some dealerships are starting to sell some AV's with body color matched cladding to... the local dealer has an autumnwood colored one with autumnwood cladding.

chevy4x4trucks · October 9, 2001

If you've got the cash go for it. I'd get one. I would have to spring for a 3/4 ton though. They are sweet trucks and are completely different than anything else on the market.

chevyusa1 · October 9, 2001

BgBlkAvalanche,

Nice looking truck. I have been shopping for an Av or a 2500HD but have decided to go with a fully loaded Z71 Av in Black or Red. The Av has so much more versatility.

I have a question for you about installing a new sound system in the Av. I too would like to upgrade and would like to replace the speakers (all 6) and add a subwoofer and amp. My question is I'm wondering if there is enough room under the rear seats for a subwoofer, especially when they are folded. Also, where were you thinking of putting the amp? I was at the dealer over the weekend and was trying to find somewhere to put it but there doesn't seem like there's any room in the cab? I definetly agree the factory stereo sucks! I currently have a 2000 Grand Prix GTP with an 8 speaker Bose CD system that sounds soooo nice and would go crazy settling for the factory system on the Av.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

:angry:

:stupid:

BgBlkAvalanche · October 9, 2001

Chevyusa1,

Here are my conclusions so far on the upgrade... based on a lot of shopping around and talking to the shops.

A 10" sub will probably fit under the rear seat,.. and only 2 of the 4 custom shops felt confident doing it. I will have them make the box so it is easily removable when & if I fold down the mid-gate. The sub will go under the driver side rear seat , with a very thin amp mounted on the floor under the passenger side rear seat. If you pick a slim amp, it will just clear the seat when folded down. Based on the shops recommendations, I think I will just use filters on the rear door speakers to eliminate the bass frequencies. This is primarily because I will be using high end front door component speakers... that is thier suggestion.

I'll update you when I spend the wad.

chevyusa1 · October 9, 2001

BgBlkAvalanche,

Thanks for the reply and I'll be interested when you have the new system installed. I have one more question that you might be able to help with. I am interested in adding a CD changer and was wondering if the factory head unit in the Av could be replaced with the 6 CD changer head unit that is offered in the 2002 Trailblazer. This would put the enitre changer system right at your fingertips and save from having to find somewhere else in truck to put the changer. Just wondering if you think the connections might be the same and if it could work.

Thanks again.

ryr8828 · October 9, 2001

Thought real hard, then I bought one. Pick it up in the morning. Indigo Blue with z71 package and sunroof and all the options. A lot of options I don't need like OnStar. I know I'm going to like it a lot better than the Ford Expedition I traded for it. And I think I'll get better MPG to boot.