TCC Reviews the 2007 Avalanche

[Variance]

TCC Reviews the 2007 Avalanche

If I were in the market for a full-sized truck today, the Chevy Avalanche would be a top contender. It is the newest and best-looking truck in the North American market and like the first-generation, is a great fusion of pickup and SUV. So how much better has the original SUT become with the new generation?

Read the 2007 Chevy Avalanche review @ The Car Connection

[sciguy_0504]

Love it.

[76ChevyTrucker]

Sounds like a really good review. My uncle has an Av and he loves his a whole lot.

[FAPTurbo]

Cool. My Dad's wanted an Av since it came out, but he wanted a Diesel bad...

But after seeing the new one, he has more reasons to overlook the lack of a diesel than ever before.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Yeah, I really dig the new Avalanche a lot. It's too bad that the TRUCK DIVISION of General Motors (GMC) doesn't have a version of their own (IMO, Cadillac should not have the EXT). However, if I had the $$$ to buy one, I would overlook the fact it's a Chevy and buy the new Avalanche.

[mr.nice]

Test drove a 2LT a few days ago.

The lease of my 04 Av Z71 is up in 2 months, so exploring options.

I like the new Av. I have a cladded one, but this one does look unique and grown up a bit...a different look than the cladding of course, but head and shoulders above the current uncladded Av.

The drive was great..of course, not a Z71, so the bumps weren't as sharp, but the larger wheels and improved suspension was fantastic and noticeable.

Engine wise, I didn't notice a whole lot of difference, not that there really is, but I was maybe expecting something a little more "lively" then my 04 Av.

The interior, too, is grown up. The list of standard equipment is far and above what standard was in 2004. Some of the basics (like steering wheel controls) were options back then, which made me step up at the time to get some of those things. I don't need DVD or a sunroof, or, as much as I 'd like the navigation as a toy, it's not a need. The remote start is a great idea, and seems to be a standard dealer order option...for $200, well worth it.

On the exterior:

The 20" wheels are a must...thankfully they do come (and the dealers orders them with) on the LT trim, not just the LTZ's

The lighter tailgate is useful..and with the box remaining unchanged, the tent accesory I have will fit.

I do not like the deletion of the step on the back corner bumpers. It came in very handy if you're stepping up into the box to reach the stuff at the back.

The big issue I have with the exterior, is a peice of plastic underneath the front air dam.

Its about 3 inches high, and severely reduces ground clearance. I scraped it on backing out of the driveway...a standard, residential driveway that even my wife's Optra doesn't scrape.

It just doesn't seem right...I am not going to go hardcore and whine that an Avalanche 4x4 should be on par with a Hummer for ground clearance, but honestly, it should not have bits like that that give it limited ground clearance that don't allow it to clear standard, residentail curbs.

The salesman told me it was for drag coefficient...I looked under, and it does not cover/protect anything. I'd likely get it removedd...of course it is built for getting scraped, but its never a nice sound to hear, and, there's always the chance that it will crack the facia that its rivited into.

So on the whole:

Other then the leather (which, I can, reluctantly delete on my next Av), the features are adequate enough. I love the Avalanche and its versatility. The new look is what I am warming up to...the 20" wheels are a key.

Certanly for the $8K (CDN) MSRP difference in price from my 04 Av was, to the $46K 07, I am ready to make the jump.

The only issue is waiting for the lease rates/residuals to come down a bit for the 07's...which they likely will in the next couple months.

Even then its an issue to get clearance from the "boss". to get another Av.

In short to current Av owners: Try it out. A bit more refined look, a vastly improved interior. They didn't mess with the heart of the vehicle (other then the rear bumper step). Engine is the same, purportedly with beter fuel ecnomy. More bells and whistles if you want them.

To potential Av owners: Drive one. The monochrome look and wheels will attract more mainstream then the current generation. Once you realize the potential of the midgate and box, you'll likely wonder how you didn't own one before.

[CARBIZ]

Rates coming down? They're sitting at 2.9% for 36 mo. or 1.9% for 30 months. How much lower should they go? The new Tahoe is sitting at 5.4% You don't see the '07 Avalanche as a bargain already?

A loaded LTZ is under a $1,000 taxes in with nothing down. The only reason the '06s are lower is because GM is trying to clear them out.

[mr.nice]

Rates coming down?  They're sitting at 2.9% for 36 mo. or 1.9% for 30 months.  How much lower should they go?  The new Tahoe is sitting at 5.4%  You don't see the '07 Avalanche as a bargain already?

  A loaded LTZ is under a $1,000 taxes in with nothing down.  The only reason the '06s are lower is because GM is trying to clear them out.

174273[/snapback]

Yeah, I meant more the residuals changing than the lease rates.

2.5 years back I got a fully loaded (minus sunroof and DVD) Z71 (MSRP $53,200), with some negative equity from a 2003 I had for a year, on a 30 mo lease @ 1%. Now, the 2007 $46K LT, I was quoted this past weekend, as paying $30 MORE per month then what I am paying now for my almost fully loaded Z71.

The difference is the LT's buyout is $8500 less in 36 months then my loaded Z71 is that's coming up in 2 months (so 30 month total)...so I am paying that much more off.

Edited August 1, 2006 by mr.nice

[Drew Dowdell]

Once you realize the potential of the midgate and box, you'll likely wonder how you didn't own one before.

174205[/snapback]

that's it right there. I can't imagine having a truck without that feature anymore.

[XM DUDE]

It is my opinnion that the new 900 series of trucks comming out from GM now will really help in the turn around of GM, as they just look good and are much improved in quality.