Overview:
This week we’re looking at the new for 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4-WD dual purpose crew cab pick up truck with that SUV feel all in one. I say SUV because it has a substantial and secure locking cargo area, and not just an open pickup bed.
In spite of the poor fuel economy people appear to have a bent toward comfort and utility and are willing to pay the extra cost of having that. Go figure.
The real story is that GM has led the way in innovation and this Avalanche really has no competition. It is simply a very unique combination of truck / SUV capability. If you haven’t ever looked at one, and you need a truck and car, here’s you chance to have both. For the out of doors adventuresome driver this is a perfect vehicle. I love the large storage compartments above the rear tires with lining and drains that can be used as coolers, when packed with ice, to keep fish, beer, soft drinks, etc. for the trip up and back.
Many will appreciate the newly added E85 (85% Ethenol) flexible fuel capability.
General Info:
Parts – US
Assembly – Silao , Mexico
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – Astro, Avalanche, Aveo, Aveo5, Cavalier, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, Express, Express Cargo Van, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Malibu Maxx, Monte Carlo, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 and hybrid, SSR, Suburban, Tahoe, Trail Blazer and Uplander.
Handling & Performance:
Versatile is the watchword here and power is the name of the game along with great comfort and towing capacity beyond what most will ever need. Really impressive.
Styling:
Unique conversion feature makes this SUV-like vehicle into a full size long bed pickup truck in a few minutes. Several years ago I joined GM in Portland , Oregon for the initial roll out and learned how easy it is to do the conversion. And Bonnie and Clyde will appreciate the running boards.
Fit and Finish:
For a big substantial vehicle this puppy is well put together and GM is to be applauded for the improvements in construction that is no longer second to German and Japanese attention to detail.
Cost:
You’ll pay a bit more for the uniqueness of the Avalanche, but it is still competitive with standard equipment. It gets a bit pricey for the optionally equipped versions that include such things as Navigation system, sunroof, rear camera system, rain sensing wipers, leather, 12 power driver seat settings, 6-indash CD / Bose sound system upgrade, side curtain air bags, XM satellite radio, power folding mirrors and auto air system. That will cost nearly $11,000 for a total of over $46,000. That puts you way at the top end of the competition but the fluff may not excite you anyway.
Conveniences and comfort:
It doesn’t get much better and American ingenuity is not outdone.
Consumer Recommendation:
There is no way to explain, in the face of fuel price rises ($2.95 avg. 87 octane), why people will agree to continue to buy gas guzzlers. But they do and it appears there is a want as well as a need. We’re a society (globally) who want to travel, tow boats and trailers and do so in comfort for the entire family. That is a noble thing and since family and people are the most important of experiences it is appropriate that we give up other things to pay for the cost to have big cars and trucks. Surely it fits the adventuresome out of doors, anti-couch potato guy or gal so the cost is cheap if it will get that slug off the couch to spend more time with the family and less watching football. The creative guys will tape the game and watch it from the back seat while mom does the driving.
Recognized Competition:
Chevrolet Avalanche $32-42,000, GMC Sierra $16-39,000, Ford F 150 $19-37,000, Toyota Tundra $16-34,000, Dodge Ram 1500 $21-52,000, Nissan Titan $23-36,000, Cadillac Escalade EXT $53,705, Honda Ridgeline $28-35,000, Lincoln Mark LT $38-41,000.
Good News:
One of a kind unique design that gives you two vehicles for the price of one, solid comfortable ride, improved fuel performance, power to spare and flex fuel capable for E85/gasoline combo.
Bad News:
Fuel hog, a little pricey.
Standard Equipment:
5.3 liter 320 horsepower V8 engine with flex fuel capability, 4 speed auto transmission with tow haul mode, dual frontal airbags, passenger sensing system, OnStar service included for 1 year, 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, theft deterrent system, stability control, rear child door locks, power windows and locks, driver lockout prevention system, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, smooth ride suspension, autotrac transfer case, driver computer, front cloth bucket seats, second row 60/40 clothe bench seat, 6-way driver power seat, dual zone manual air conditioning, audio with CD and MP3, with rear audio controls, cruise control, inside mirror with auto dimming, compass and temp, lighted visors, convert-a-cab feature, running boards, trailering equipment, 17” aluminum wheels, power locking tailgate, three piece rigid cargo cover, lockable top box storage, underbody mounted spare tire, fog lights, auto headlights and power heated mirrors.
Gas Stats:
15 City and 20 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $35,295.
