2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Review

Specifications

The Quick Change Artist Gets Naked

Introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Chevy Avalanche is a vehicle that blends the attributes of a full size SUV with those of a full size pickup truck. With the incorporation of some creative engineering and a dose of wizardry, the Avalanche was born. Initially named the Warrior (political correctness aside), the Avalanche has been extremely well received by the public and sales figures for 2002 and early 2003 confirm its success.

Chevy’s Ultimate Utility Truck is targeted toward buyers between 34-45 years of age, most of who are male. These customers are seeking SUV-type vehicles, but also require full-size truck capabilities. Significant upgrades for 2003 include: new interior trim fabric and design, redesigned instrument panel, cluster and center floor console; electronic throttle control; dual stage front air bags and automatic air bag suppression system and a 4-channel Stabili-Trak system available on 2WD models.

When I first espied the full body clad Avalanche, my mind shot back to the Mad Max movie (not an irrelevant image given the escalating road rage confronting the urban driver). My unscientific and less than random survey of friend and foe confirmed that the styling of the Avalanche is definitely a “guy thing”. That being said, for 2003 Chevy is seeking wider acceptance by offering an un-clad version. Removing the simulated armor plating has familyized the Avalanche, allowing it to blend-in with surrounding SUVs in the parking lot at a PTA meeting.
The most unique aspect of the Avalanche is its “mid-gate” feature. The wall behind the rear seats can be completely removed by folding the rear seats forward and tilting the rear wall of the cab (mid-gate) down, into the area vacated by the rear seats. The rear wall of the cab now lays horizontal, connecting the bed of the cargo box to the interior of the cab. This function creates a flat bed extending from the tailgate to the rear of the front seats. By taking out the back window the rear portion of the cab can be fully removed. The window can be safely stowed beneath the folded mid-gate. This procedure creates a cab that is entirely open at the rear, perfect for summer cruising. Large objects placed in the bed of the truck can extend into the rear area of the cab. The bed of the truck is nicely lined with heavy rubber matting and the inner sides of the box are flat and encompass lighting for the box.

The open cab arrangement provides a floor space of 97.0 inches by 50.0 inches. With the cab closed, the floor space is reduced to 60.0 inches by the same width. In the open configuration, a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood will lay flat in the box, with the tailgate closed. The box is watertight and protected by a hard plastic cover comprised of three separate panels. This arrangement provides cargo box security and is strong enough to be walked on. The panels are easily removed and stowed in a zippered bag that can be strapped to the inner side of the box, providing an open box for carrying tall loads. The process of removing and replacing the panels is fairly straightforward, although a wee bit of a calorie burner. Nevertheless it was well thought out and creatively engineered.

Once inside, this manly truck becomes very civilized. I was highly impressed with the comfort and spaciousness of the four-door cab. My test vehicle included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather seats, with those in front providing infinite power adjustments including lumbar and side bolstering. Amazingly the sheer comfort of the drivers seat proved a welcome relief to my ailing lower back. Along with the Chevys incredibly smooth ride they were nothing less than therapeutic.
On the negative side is a lack of leg and arm room. At just shy of 5 11″ I dont consider myself NBA material, however I maxed-out the seat and pedal travel in search of the perfect driving position. Had I eaten all of my veggies as a child and not experimented with a few cigarettes, I may be complaining of insufficient arm and legroom as well.

I have driven a number of late model pickup trucks and SUVs, few of which have equaled the solid, well-controlled and comfortable ride of the Avalanche. During some minor off-road excursions, I anticipated the head into the ceiling scenario when passing through large potholes and washouts. Fortunately this was not to be. The Avalanche suspension system, along with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels P265/70R16 all-season tires, absorbed the aberrations with grace and aplomb, meaning that my balding head and the roof liner remained strangers. This was largely due to the coil-spring suspension found at all four-corners of the 1500 mode that I tested. The 2500 model is equipped with heavier duty, two stage leaf springs at the rear and coils in the front and rides on LT245/75R16 tires. Although my excursions didnt cause me to scale Utahs Canyonlands, it was quite evident that the Avalanche is a strong contender off-road.

Due to the incredible popularity of SUVs and pickups, manufacturers have recognized the need to build a product that provides families with the comfort of a premium vehicle, combined with the versatility and security of an all-wheel drive truck. This is a huge market segment, which demands quality fit and finishes. The Avalanche has accomplished this task, dumping its working class roots. The interior is devoid of the austerity historically found in trucks. The exterior panels are evenly aligned and assembled with precision. Doors “whump” closed without the metallic hollowness associated with trucks; even the tailgate slams shut with a thunk rather than a clang!
Sparing nothing Chevy features a full load of standard equipment, including On-Star, dual zone climate control, full instrumentation, 6-disc in dash CD player, lighting package and most importantly a towing package. A small switch on the gearshift lever activates a “Tow/Haul” feature, which revises the shift points, enabling the transmission to up-shift at higher rev points. This feature makes more effective use of the engines torque.

And that torque is substantial, equaling 325 lb-ft at 4000 rpm in 1500 trim. The same engine, a 5.3-liter Vortec V8, churns out 285-horsepower. There is nothing sweeter than a well balanced, torquey V8, especially when it comes to motivating 7,000 pounds worth of gross vehicle weight. In the super-hauler, heavier-duty 2500 model, an 8.1-L, 340-horsepower V8 produces 455 lb-ft of torque.

The 1500 performs well. While not a tire-burner its a competent machine, accelerating with ease. Once under way, the Avalanche handles well too. While inspiring confidence its lean factor was substantial despite front and rear stabilizer bars. On the highway, at speeds both legal and questionable, the Avalanche remains stable and focused on the job at hand. Wind and road noise levels are extremely low, given its bulk and mass. My only criticism relates to a vague on-center feeling transmitted through the steering wheel. A little extra attention is needed to ensure the big, wandering Avalanche remains centered in its own lane. This is likely related to the trucks large 17-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, and the slightly over-boosted power steering.
The engine connects to a four speed automatic transmission. This unit shifts smoothly, but I was even more impressed with the automatic four-wheel drive system; locking four-wheel drive low; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive high settings. This is a user-friendly and highly functional design. At the touch of one of five dash-mounted buttons, the transfer case can shift from two-wheel drive to either an automatic four-wheel drive mode that sends power to the front wheels when rear-wheel slippage is detected, a locked-up, four-wheel drive high setting or a locked-up, four wheel drive low.

Chevys traction selection settings provide versatility for anything from wet slippery highway conditions through to the most challenging off-road trails that daring (or fool hardy) folks might want to tackle. The Avalanche also benefits from under-chassis skid-plates, ultra-stiff hydro-formed frame rails and, unless ordered otherwise, heavy-duty plastic cladding adorning the bumpers and lower body panels - the latter ensuring excellent protection from off-road abrasions.

How do you stop an Avalanche? In nature you dont. In auto-topia four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes featuring Dynamic Rear Proportioning, standard on the Chevys Avalanche, get the job done quickly. Although the pedal in my tester had a mushy feel when it was firmly squished beneath my size 10s, the braking power was so strong I had to peel my face from the windshield. These are powerful brakes and the short stopping distances resulted in a sense of confidence. Speaking of pedals, the gas pedal in the electronic-throttle set-up was too lightly sprung for my liking, especially when wearing hiking or work boots. It was difficult to maintain even pressure as the Avalanche jiggled and bounced over rough terrain.
Although large vehicles such as the Avalanche arent my cup-of-tea - or more accurately my cup-of-cappuccino - I do appreciate the solidity and comfort they provide. Contrary to my expectations, I found the Avalanche very relaxing to drive in city traffic. Why? Well, I think its because the impulse to scoot around slower vehicles and zip through turns vaporizes when driving a big vehicle. My mindset just accepted the beast for what it was and allowed all of my usual impatience to shed itself like water off a duck. Sounds esoteric, but its reality. A little Hank Snow on the stereo and Im at peace in the Avalanche (no pun intended).

Chevys convertible pickup may be the perfect combination between recreation and utility. Although a bit cliched, its a vehicle for all seasons. Buyers can customize their Avalanche from a spectacular list of options, including a Snow Plow Prep package. Most cargo, such as skis, camping equipment etc. can be carried in the covered and secure box. With the mid-gate open and the box cover removed the Avalanche can even carry a couple of mud caked trail bikes and a collection of jerry cans with extra fuel. Try doing that in a conventional SUV!