Overview:
This week I drove the Chevrolet Avalanche for 2002. As you probably know this is a new product for GM and a gutsy move to give the automotive enthusiast something different and unique.
I just love the ads they’ve come up with and the general feel I get from GM for “Adventure” and something “New”. The recent move to hire the designer of the PT Cruiser by Chrysler indicates Chevrolet is on the move. This switchable truck to SUV is really cool, albeit a little pricey.
My love affair with the automobile is surely shared by many and probably results from the fact it is an icon of the last vestiges of freedom. Cars have become necessities around suburbia and the escape to the country and off-roading craze points to the need we have to be free. Well, you don’t need this Avalanche for comuting to work, but if you’re an outdoors person this is the hot ticket. Your dream and vision of getting out of Dodge (any big city USA) just got more exciting. It may not lead you to a utopia but it will take you off the beaten paths of big city life into the wilderness with ease and comfort and convenience. These are made to order with the hunter, fisherman or any out of doors folks clearly in the mind of the designers.
Handling & Performance:
Outstanding. Mileage sucks, but it is a big V8 and you just have to pay for that strong powerful equipment made to do so much. I tested it off road in the logging country of northern Oregon, and you get that feeling of security and confidence it is a truck up to the task.
Styling:
New, different, daring. I like your all American style GM.
Fit and Finish:
Rugged feel and almost too pretty to be such a work horse.
Conveniences:
Hunters and fishermen will love the large storage containers in the sides of the cargo area for icing down their catch with dry or wet ice or simply use as built in coolers for drinks. The cargo box is secured and although the plastic panels must be dealt with to fully utilize the 8 foot box it is a one of a kind and really does the best job of providing consumers with a sport utility and a full size pickup. For example, this box will hold 4X8 sheets of plywood, which is a true test of whether or not it is a full size box.
Cost:
Real pricey when heavily loaded at $36,000 with options like adding leather and power seats, off-road package including special wheels and tires, specially tuned shocks and springs, locking rear differential, skid shields, or conveniences like climate control air and OnStar communications system, all of which will add about $2600.
Recommendation:
If you’re in the market for a sport utility that is also a full sized pickup truck, there is no competition outside GM. The Cadillac Escalade seems more of an afterthought. I suspect others will enter the market if buyers like it as much as I do. This is a specialty vehicle that is rugged like the Hummer but with much more utility for average off road use.
The Competition:
Cadillac Escalade EXT $ 49,245, Ford F-150 Super Crew $26-34,405 (and all other Super Crew designs, but not really in the same league).
Good News:
New exciting styling, switches easily from an SUV to Pickup, powerful V8, and smooth ride.
Bad News:
Pricey, specialty vehicle, poor gas mileage.
Standard Equipment:
5.3 liter V8 engine, 4-speed auto trans, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, dual front and side air bags, theft deterrent ignition lock, driver lockout prevention, trailering package, lock underbody spare tire, stainless steel exhaust, speed sensitive steering, locking tailgate with rigid cargo cover, lockable storage areas, bumper steps and cargo area grab handles, removable cargo rubber mat.
Gas Stats:
13 City and 17 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $ 33,245.
