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2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Full-Size Crossover SUV Pickup Truck

Base MSRP Range: 1500 - $32,000 to $35,000. 2500 - $34,000 - $37,000.

Base Invoice Range: 1500 - $28,000 to $31,000. 2500 - $29,500 - $32,500.
Price Quote

MSRP As Tested: $39,530.

Versions: 1500 (1/4 ton), 2500 (1/2 ton)

Vehicle Category: Full-Size Crossover (SUV/Pickup Truck mix)

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive Rear-Wheel Drive or optional Four-Wheel Drive

Engine As Tested: 1500 - 5.3-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V-8 cylinder, 285-horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. 2500 - 8.1-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V-8 with 340-horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 455 lb.-ft. torque at 3,200 rpm.

Transmission As Tested: 4-Speed Automatic

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 1500 -14/18. 2500 - unrated.

Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags, Front-Passenger Sensing Airbag system (when a child is sensed the airbag is turned off), 4-wheel disc brakes, Antilock Braking System, Daytime Running Lights, Remote Keyless Entry.

Competition: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Ford F-150, Ford F-250, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Sierra 2500, Toyota Tundra,

Derived from Chevrolet's super-size Suburban wagon and built on the chassis of a Silverado LD truck, Avalanche discards Suburban's rear bay in favor of the shortened bed of a pickup. There's a husky V8 engine under the hood, a four-wheeling traction mechanism that automatically channels torque to all wheels, and a heavy-duty automatic transmission to manage so much power. The back wall of the cabin also works as a door. It folds down flat after the back seat tumbles forward and forms a generous extension of the truck box. The rear box has high walls and indentations to rig tiers or segment cargo, and a detachable tailgate folds down to extend the floor of the box. Three lock-down panels form a rigid cargo cover over the bed to secure contents. The deluxe cabin resembles Suburban in a layout with seating for five or six. Avalanche comes in 1500 (half-ton) or 2500 (three-quarter-ton) series with four-wheel or rear-wheel driveline. The 1500 extracts power from a 5.3-liter V8 that generates 285 hp but the 2500 packs GM's 8.1-liter big-block V8 good for 340 hp. Safety gear for Avalanche expands with new passenger-sensing air bags aboard and the StabiliTrak vehicle control system optional. Also, new exterior colors are available on 2003 models: Charcoal Gray Metallic, Arrival Blue Metallic and Yellow.

Editors' Ratings

Pros: Versatility and comfortable seating for 6. 2 great engines Convert-A-Cab system is really quite unique.

Cons: Exterior is overdesigned. Poor build quality. Cheap plastic interior components. Overpriced.

Ratings (1-10)

  • Style: 4
  • Performance: 6
  • Price: 3
  • Handling: 5
  • Ride: 6
  • Comfort: 3
  • Quality: 3
  • Overall: 4.3

More Data

Where Built: Silao, Mexico.

Major Options: audio controls on steering wheel, bucket seats, cargo cover, center console, dual climate control, front-side airbags, leather upholstery, Northface Edition, off-road package, power adjustable pedals, rear audio controls with headphone jacks, rear-seat entertainment system, roof rack, running boards, satellite radio, side steps, trailering package for heavy duty towing,

Seating: 6

Number of Rows: 2

Crash Test Ratings:

  • NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
  • NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
  • NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
  • NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
  • NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Yet Tested

  • IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Yet Tested

Length in Inches: 220.8

Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 years/100,000 miles corrosion, 3 years/36,000 miles free Roadside Assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 5,437

Maximum Payload in Pounds: 1500 - up to 2,246. 2500 - up to 1,958.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: 1500 - up to 8,200. 2500 - up to 12,000.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 31.0

Destination Charge: $815