2001 Chevrolet Avalanche review from North America
"A great idea, but poor execution"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
First thing, the removable rear window frame had pulled apart. I noticed this on day 2. I returned to the dealer and they grabbed a replacement from another on the lot. Thing is we had to go through 4 or 5 vehicles before we found one that wasn't broken.
From the beginning the CD player has sporadically spit out the CD with an error. Now after a year its getting worse.
The 4th time I started a big cloud of smoke blew out of the tailpipe. This has happened another 4 or 5 times over the life of the vehicle.
Burns oil. Any significant road trip (> 100 miles) I make sure to bring a quart of oil. I'm guaranteed to use it.
The transmission is squirrelly. It hesitates when starting off. Given the large turning radius, if I have to make a 3-point turn I can't shift between F and R very fast. I have to wait a second before the transmission registers.
General comments?
I love the design of this vehicle! The problem is that Chevy came up with it. Switching from truck to SUV is great, the cabin is large and comfortable. If only the mechanics were up to par. Maybe after a few model years.
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| 2002 - Avalanche Z66 5.3 liter As a truck its great; as a SUV its better |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 6 miles |
| Most recent distance | 9950 miles |
| Previous car | Jeep Wrangler |
| Date of Entry | 1st March, 2003 |