2002 Chevy Avalanche Review
2002 Chevy Avalanche Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile and innovative cab configuration, strong V8 engine, high tow rating.
Cons
- Funky styling, cheap interior pieces, limited drivetrain choices.
What’s new
The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche is the newest addition to the Chevy truck lineup. Incorporating a unique convertible cab system, the Avalanche can transform itself from a five-passenger sport-utility with a 5-foot-3-inch bed into a standard cab pickup with a full 8-foot-1-inch utility bed. A 5300 Vortec V8 is standard along with a heavy-duty towing package.
Edmunds says
Combining the comforts of a Tahoe with the practicality of a Silverado, the Avalanche is a crossover vehicle that creatively provides the best of both worlds.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 2WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$256/mo for Avalanche 1500
Avalanche 1500
vs
$242/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Dubbed the first "Ultimate Utility Truck," the Avalanche attempts to bridge the gap between the comfort of a full-size SUV and the utility of a pickup truck. To achieve this, the Avalanche utilizes a foldable midgate between the bed and the second row of seats. In its standard configuration, the Avalanche is a comfortable five- or six-passenger (depending on the front seat) sport-ute that also provides a short cargo bed. Should you need to haul the ubiquitous 4x8-foot sheet of plywood, just remove the rear window (a simple twist and pull operation), fold the rear seats and lower the midgate for an instant transformation into a full-fledged work truck, complete with an 8-foot 1-inch bed.
It sounds a little complex, but it can all be done without tools, and the truck has a handy storage compartment for the displaced window. The Avalanche also incorporates many other innovative features like lockable storage chests in each side of the bed, a rear bumper with integrated step-ups and built-in grab handles that also serve as cargo tie downs. The standard cargo cover can support 250 pounds on any one of its three removable panels, and the optional ribbed soft cover even comes with a handy storage bag that mounts to the side of the bed with beefy snaphooks and a rachet strap to keep it snug.
The abundance of gee-whiz gadgets almost makes you forget that this is a burly full-size truck with the same underpinnings as a half-ton Suburban. It packs the punch of GM's 5.3-liter Vortec V8 that cranks out 285 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and 4x4 models feature GM's Autotrac pushbutton four-wheel-drive system that can be set to engage the front wheels automatically when it senses a loss of traction. The maximum tow rating for two-wheel-drive models is 8,300 pounds, while four-wheel-drive models can handle 8,100 pounds.
For better or worse, the interior is pure Chevy truck. Interior material quality is unimpressive, but there are simple gauges, a logical control layout and plenty of handy storage compartments. Four different seat fabrics (cloth, sport cloth, sport leather, leather) can be specified to suit your intended uses, while other options include automatic climate control, GM's OnStar system and a power sunroof. A premium on-road package adds 17-inch wheels, load-leveling rear shocks and a locking rear differential. The Z71 off-road package also adds 17-inch wheels and a locking differential along with specially tuned springs and shocks, skid plates and a high-capacity air cleaner.
There's no doubt that the Avalanche provides terrific utility in an innovative and bold package. Sport-ute and truck buyers have long wrestled with the question of what they need more -- cargo-hauling capacity or people-hauling capacity. Crew cab pickups are one alternative, but their shortened beds compromise utility. With the Avalanche, you can have both in one simple package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche.
5 star(71%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
193 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
1st vehicle it would hurt me to give up!
truly, 03/22/2008
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that it would truly hurt to give up. I bought it new 184000 miles ago and its been great, Outside of normal maintaince, I had the rear locking differential replaced at 140000 miles. The versatility of the midgate makes it so I can haul 4 x 8 drywall with 12' long 2 by 4's on top of them, sticking between the front seats, all out of the weather. … Its great for hauling the grocerys, moving a kid to college or taking 5 full sized adults on a trip. Towing is ok, ride and comfort is better than any car or minivan that I ever owned.
4 out of 5 stars
Cargo Compartment Door Latch
Nwankama Nwankama, 02/22/2002
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I was an unlikely convert to Chevy. Having been a Toyota and Honda owner in the past, I have come to appreciate reliability. However, I test drove the Avalanche and fell in love with it, and bought one. But I have a concern: is it a faulty build or design? On two occassions while driving my Avi, the cargo bed door has open by itself. On one accasion, I actually had it locked with the … key. Has any othe rperson experienced this, or is something wrong with Avalanche?
4.88 out of 5 stars
Its amazing!
thebat_02avy, 05/13/2015
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Ive owned my avalanche for a couple of years now, i bought it in 2013 with 145xxx miles on it and i haven't had a single problem with it. its a blast to drive!
4.25 out of 5 stars
I love this truck
rb, 05/21/2010
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Bought my Avalanche with 12K miles in 2003, it now has 167K and going strong. Considering the miles, other than routine things like, brakes, shocks, oil and tires, this truck has broken down very little. I had some front end work done, pitman arm and ball joints at about 100k, and a knock sensor at 150K. I replace the water pump at 150K because the gasket was leaking and I had to … remove it to do the gasket. The original brakes lasted 100k. Still on the original alternator, radiator, exhaust etc.
2002 Avalanche Highlights
1500
Base MSRP | $31,215 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $256/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,300 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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