2005 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, comfortable daily driver.
Cons
Some cheap interior pieces, lifeless steering, fewer drivetrain choices than comparable trucks.
What's New for 2005
Changes for 2005 include a new optional touchscreen navigation system and a chrome exterior accent package. Interior trim has been split up into LS and LT levels. Steering wheel radio controls and OnStar are now standard on all models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
This is one great truck.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This is Avalanche #2 (and I am about to buy #3). There is no comparing this car to a Ford, Dodge etc. They are not as flexible, nor have the fuel economy that the Avalanche has. 19.9 MPG Hwy, 13.5 city; avg 16.5 MPG. The midgate is terrific. The vehicle is as comfortable as the Escalade yet costs $1,000's less and uses less gas. It is a truck, SUV, SUT, and luxury car all at once (I know, I also drive a BMW 528it). Never had anyone say anything negative about my Avalanche. No major problems, some minor ones, all covered by warranty. Dealer has been great. Mine is Z71 LT w/o cladding; pretty loaded. Z71 is not necessary. Side rails are a must. Don't hesitate to buy, you will love yours too
Favorite Features
Midgate: if you do not own one, you cannot comprehend the versatility of this vehicle. Bose stereo is awesome. Comfort behind the wheel, seating position, the seats are comfortable & steering wheel controls are terrific. Go for a drive, I dare you. This car swallows my kids stuff for college.
Suggested Improvements
Standard back up sensors, better brakes, 100% vehicle locking at push of FOB, higher quality on fiberglass covers & optional colors (black only now). Diesel option would be terrific (increased towing capacity w/o sacrificing fuel mileage).
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Beware of Transmission Problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab Z71 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Love the concept and versatility, but disappointed with reliability. I have had to replace the transmission at 32 months/49,000 miles (at considerable out-of-pocket expense) and continue to have problems with steering and front suspension noise.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive, even in city traffic.
Suggested Improvements
Improve durability and dependability of drivetrain and suspension components. Interior is too plain.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
A Man's Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab Z71 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I had a 2000 Frontier Crew Cab and thought it was a good truck, that was until I bought the Avalanche. We've driven it to NYC and it was as comfy as my wife's Acura. I've hauled loads and loaded my touring motorcycle in the bed. It pulls trailers with ease and has plenty of giddyup when you want to pass. I average about 20mpg highway and 16mpg in the city. The stereo is awesome and the a/c gets cold in a flash. I am angry I waited so long to upgrade from the Frontier. That little truck is nice if you're a suburban pretender, but if you're a do-it- yourselfer or a working man, the Avalanche is the truck for you.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the bed cover system. We drove to NYC and DC for our vacation. It rained like Vietnam in DC and our luggage, which included my wife's designer gown, stayed dry. I also like being able to lay down the backseat and haul long objects.
Suggested Improvements
The dash is rather plain-Jane. They need to spice it up a little.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Love Avalanche
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD (8.1L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This is my 3rd Avalanche. I have bought lots of vehicles and this is my favorite. The 2500 is not your average Avalanche. It weighs about 2000lb's more and has an 8.1 litre engine. However, the outside diminsions are all the same. I now know why they put a fuel limiter switch on it. Definitely a man's truck. I pull a 3 ton boat and have to be careful because you can forget it is back there. Get better gas mileage with it pulling the boat than the 5.3 litre. But, the 5.3 did get over 20 mpg not pulling. Unfortantly they don't make it anymore.
Favorite Features
Pulling capacity, luxuary, comfort, gps, heated seats, XM, 4x4, looks
Suggested Improvements
Come back with a 2500 with the diesel and Allison tranny.
Nice Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab LT 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I really enjoy driving this vehicle, however, I only get about 13-14 miles to the gallon. The other issue I have experienced is, behind the rear driver side passenger seat, it leaks water every time it rains. This will be my third time taking it to the dealer. I'm considering getting different truck.
Favorite Features
Able to lay down rear seats to to put long items. Nice Bose stereo system!
Suggested Improvements
Need to fix water leaks, improve on dashboard with some woodgrain and obtain better gas mileage.
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