Repair-It

During our handling exercises, we were surprised to find the solid-axle 2500 to be quicker (than the 1500) in the 600-ft slalom by nearly 1.5 mph.

Riddle me this, Batman: Name a truck that drives as smooth as a Cadillac, has all-weather cargo-carrying capability like an SUV, yet transforms into a pickup in under a minute? If you answered Chevrolet’s Avalanche, give yourself a pat on the back, Boy Wonder. We’ve put over 7K on the clock, and our Z66 has gained admirers staff wide.

Keeb flew out, and, although the deal didn’t materialize, he drove the Chevy eastward anyway. Putting 1700 miles on the clock in three days, he noted: “This truck is dead quiet on the highway and it rides like a luxury sedan.” Mountain passes posed no issue with the 5.3-liter V-8, “At the 5000-foot level, the Avalanche pulls like a train. It easily holds a 75-mph gallop up a grade without downshifting.” The “change oil” tattletale illuminated at the 17,494-mile marker, and a trip to the dealer for fresh lube, filter, and a tire rotation cost only $28.85.

Our year with Chevy‘s convert-a-truck is drawing to a close, and it’s been a flawless multipurpose tool: A solid camera platform, cushy family driver, and rock-quarry hauler–only a few of the reasons we named it our ’02 Truck of the Year.

Chevrolet’s 5.3-liter OHV V-8 is a good choice for the Avalanche’s size and weight, providing a spirited 0-to-60 sprint of 8.2 seconds. The engine works well with the 4L60-E four-speed automatic, delivering smooth upshifts and logical downshifts. Not a single person who drove the truck came away wanting more power. Chevy also offers its big-block 8.1-liter V-8 for those with super-sized towing needs or cubic-inch desires.

The Avalanche’s around-town ride is much more supple than what Chevy would’ve achieved had it used its standard half-ton truck platform. Detroit Bureau Chief Jack Keebler notes, “The rear-suspension’s coil springs make for a surprisingly comfortable, sure-footed ride in this big truck.” Indeed, the majority of our staff was surprised by the confidence and quietness the truck exhibited over most roads.

The Avalanche is the best of both worlds: It rides like a cushy Suburban and hauls like a Silverado 1500. I had the opportunity to drive the Silverado, Tahoe, and the Avalanche all in the same week, and I would by far choose the Avalanche over the other two for my own needs.
–Chris Walton

Price Range of Results: Highest: $20,000  |  Lowest: $1,800  |  Average: $8,062