2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Combining the comforts of a Suburban with the practicality of a Silverado, the Avalanche is a crossover vehicle that creatively provides the best of both worlds.
Pros
Versatile and innovative cab configuration, strong V8 engines, substantial towing ability.
Cons
Some cheap interior pieces, lifeless steering, limited drivetrain choices.
What's New for 2004
The North Face package is no longer offered, but an electronic stability control system is now available as part of the Z66 Premium On-Road Suspension package. Hydroboost brakes are now standard on all 1500 series Avalanches and the optional 8.1-liter V8 is now rated at 320 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab Rwd (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my Z66 new, it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have over 124,00 miles on it, have done no repairs at all, just maintenance. I still have the original brakes and they were checked when I put new tires on a couple of months ago and they still have 65% of the pads left. I have room for 5 people and can carry all their luggage and then some. I didn't buy it for the gas mileage, but I just drove on vacation and got around 19 mpg, and that was both highway and riding around mileage. I cant complain.
Favorite Features
Comfort and ride. My mother has a Cadillac that she bought the day before I bought my Avalanche, and my truck rides as good as her car.
Suggested Improvements
I cant think of anything I would change.
I love my truck!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Haven't had any problems out of it except for the HVAC control door. I still get heat and a/c, but it comes out of the windshield defrostor vent.
Favorite Features
Off-road ability. I've gone twice the places in this thing than I did in my Jeep. The 4Lo 4Hi, and AWD auto settings works great together. When ever I start to get stuck i can just run though the settings, and get myself out!
Suggested Improvements
For the Z71 Id make it a little higher, and more powerful, and I'd intergrate a GM factory adjustable brake controller for the vehicle, it would probably work a lot better than the aftermarket ones.
Best I've Owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Leased this truck for work - I wasn't sure if I'd want to keep it long term. I drove it and bought it! I've stayed on the road during horrendous winter weather using only the stock tires. Hauled drywall, flooring, sod, dirt, rock, garbage - you name it - and it comes clean and looks great for the daily commute. With gas prices rising I've been thinking I should look at something cheaper to run but I don't want to - this is the best vehicle I've owned/driven in 30 years.
Favorite Features
Flexibility of the midgate, towing and hauling capabilities.
Suggested Improvements
Poor Transmission. They have problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab Rwd (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
As much as I love a lot of stuff about this car. Check out all the problems they have had with the transmission. Mine went after 65,000 miles. I have the tow package but I never towed anything. The warranty is crap. GM refused to give financial assistance because I didn't change the transmission fluid every 30-35,000 miles. How many of you do? I have always owned GM cars but this is my last. Quality has dropped like a rock. Funny they now have 100,000 mile warranty but I still will not by GM and I find more and more people saying the same thing.
Favorite Features
This car is a lot of fun to drive, If it wasn't for my problems with the transmission and GM I would buy this again.
Suggested Improvements
Better transmissions. Check out the problems with the transmissions on these trucks and GM never did a recall. This is my last GM car
I would buy another one
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased new almost 4 years ago. After 58,000 miles, I have not had one major repair. Changed oil and it goes. In nearly perfect condition, with original tires and brakes. Never a problem. The black plastic began to fade and the dealer refurbished it, under warranty without charge with an improved treatment. Every year me and 3 friends take it on our golf trip- 4 men, 4 sets of clubs and our luggage- and we usually take the clubs of the rest that fly down. Have hauled 10 foot sheets of drywall, skids of pavers and also trailered a huge camper approx 10,000 pounds. Reliable!
Favorite Features
Secure compartment; water tight.
Suggested Improvements
I would like to see the back seats have just a little more recline for loing trips. No one has complained- but it could be better.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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