Used 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Consumer Reviews
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I LOVE this truck
A couple of years ago I went shopping for a used truck. I wasn't really in the market for an Avalanche. While I was at a Chevrolet dealer in the Atlanta, GA area test driving a Silverado, the salesperson suggested that I test drive a one owner Avalanche Z66 without the cladding. Out of curiosity I took her for a spin and OMG!!, am I ever glad I did. When I got back to the dealer I bought it immediately. I never really thought I would like an Avalanche until I owned one. I love everything about this truck and the previous owner took excellent care of it. It still looks new. Almost everywhere I go I get compliments on it. Just last night when I arrived at a restaurant someone in the parking lot approached me to try to buy it. This truck has the best ride, drives better, and is more comfortable than anything I've ever owned, including my wife's 2008 Tahoe. In my opinion the interior is MUCH nicer in the 2006 and down Chevy trucks. I hate the interior in the 2007 and up trucks. I will never step up to a newer model truck until they change that UGLY cheap looking hard plastic interior and low grade leather in the newer models no matter how good the exterior is. Anyway, I love the way the Avalanche drives, the power of the 5.3, the ride, convenience, comfort, roomy, locking side tool boxes that double as a cooler, locking tailgate and I mean you name it and I like it. Too bad they stopped building them! If you can find a good used 2006 and down, I would highly recommended it. Well, here it is March 21, 2019 and I still have the Avalanche and my opinion in the original review hasn't changed. I still love the truck and I get compliments on it almost everywhere I go. It's a keeper.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Avalanche
Very reliable! Never had issues with this truck, its a blessing. Of course like any vehicle with 160, 000 u have minor issues that need tweaking but take care of your truck an she'll take care of you. I also purchased a tent that fits in the truck bed! Just take out the back window and drop the "middle" gate an have access to interior of the truck from the tent, so perfect for cold nights when u need to pump some heat to the tent. This truck isn't just our way to get around its part of the family
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- 1500 Crew CabMSRP: $9,988140 mi away
- 1500 Crew CabMSRP: $9,980462 mi away
- 1500 Crew CabMSRP: $6,500465 mi away
This truck is great!
This truck has the ride of a luxury vehicle as compared to other trucks that I have owned in the past. It handles very well as compared to other trucks I test drove before purchasing this one. Others seemed to be top heavy and leaned when making turns. The Avalanche has a very stable and quiet ride.
Exalant Ride
I love my truck. Ive had all three American made trucks and have never had a truck like this. Its well balanced and gets around better in ice, snow, and mud like no other half ton 4x4 Ive ever been in. The highway ride is unmatched. None of the other trucks seats feel like these. It hasnt given me any troubles. Its got 114 k miles on it and I get 18 mpg on the highway. Show me another 4x4 that does that! All three of my kids fit comfortably and they are all teens. My oldest is almost 5'6" tall.
Love the Avalanche but last 10,000 miles has been difficult!
It is the best of both worlds. An SUV with the ability to haul stuff that you would not want in the back of your SUV. I 've hauled trees, plants, bags of fertilizer, and rocks.I own a 2003 Z66 with the cladding on the sides. At about the 100,000 mile mark the wheels just fell off. Not literally of course but it seemed that little stuff was going wrong all the time. My water pump went out, then my CD player, then my dash board lights, then the ever popular popping noise in the front end when you turn at slow speeds. Now I have a noise by my glovebox that sounds like someone dropping BB's on a tile floor over an over again. Still waiting on a fix for the popping noise. I still like it.
Most Functional Truck Made
I gave up my 2001 Toyota Tacoma d-cab for a used Z-71 with 50,000 miles over 3 years ago. For a family of 5, the usability of the back seats is second to none. Where the Toyota 3.4L V6 screamed to tow my boat, the Avalanche handles it like nothing. The flexibility of the mid-gate is terrific. The bed tonneau panels are easy to remove and have remained water tight. The truck has a smooth ride on the road but can still perform off-road. Now I have 87,000 miles and only problem has been the rear power door locks have frozen up and need to be opened manually.
Luv It!
I like my Avalanche more now than when I bought it. The only thing that would be a nice addition would be backup sensors, since it is difficult to see out the rear window and you must almost totally depend on your side mirror. It is ok, but takes some getting use to. Otherwise I love it!
questionable head lights
The top parking light housing are like a piece of candy. the inside clamp that you snap the light in breaks super easy. Also the main driving light has a silver cap on the inside housing that falls off from the inside and eventually blows the inside bulb out. i'm writing this because something has to be done because this is my third top light housing that broke. This is my first main light housing that broke.
Best All Around Vehicle
I have the Z66 Package with all the goodies. When I first tried out this vehicle, I was sold. We (wife and I) are snowbirds and travel back and forth from NY to FL very comfortably. Gas mileage could be better but we average about 19.5 on the road and 17 off. I like the convenience of having a pickup body available. I carried some 12' vinyl siding pcs. inside with the tailgate closed! Thanks Chevy
Greatest truck ever but !
Acually purchased July5,2001. I love this truck and am fixing to buy another one. Only one major problem. I use truck off road a lot where there are no roads. When I first got I had trouble with the plastic coating on the front bumper. Ever time I touched something or pushed over a small bush or tree the bumper split . Chevolet would not repair or give me a solution to the )I immediately designed a 2-inch tube for a "bush pusher" to be mounted in front of this plastic bumper. It cost me about $5.00 for material, 15 minutes labor and my company epoxy power coated it.
Happy with my Truck
I bought this truck used with 133,000 on it and I love it. I would buy another avalanche in a heartbeat. I have used it for hauling a trailer, used the midgate several times to haul wood for projects.
New Love
I am a new/used Avalanche owner, and I am so happy with my purchace. Somebody pinch me. I traded in a '99 Tahoe, which I was very happy with, but we were approaching 100,000 miles, and hubby said it was time to trade it in. I only test drove Avalanches, because I liked the size and interior of my Tahoe, but would like the versatility of the box for bikes, fishing poles, etc. Also love the look. Love the zip, steers like a car, so so happy.
Two Vehicle
This vehicle has been used to tow our show car all over the country and hasn't missed a beat. Storage is one of the best features. We will be looking at the new version when it becomes availiable.
Excellent!
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Great comfortable ride, great towing performance, good fuel economy. I use this truck for towing a 28 foot trailer. Only time I needed service (besides regular service) was for the minor recalls by company. I am looking forward on getting the tent accessory for the back for camping. Rides better than my 2005 GM midsize. OnStar very good.
Avalanche
The truck is great. Just like driving a couch. More comfortable than I thought a truck could be. All the power you need. I pull a 22 foot fishing boat with no problem. I have dropped the rear folding seat to carry 8' sheets of plywood and the tailgate closes. My 6'2" son fits very comfortably in the back seat.
Disappointed
My experience has been one of dissatisfaction. Knocking in the engine, oil consumption, irregular tire wear, flutter in the dash board below the windshield, grinding in the front end(drive Train).I have burned a qt. of oil every 1000 mi. since I purchased the vehicle, and the engine knock sounds like a diesel.Though not all vehicles are experiencing the problems I have, it appears a number of them are experiencing some of the problems I have when refering to the TSB quick look. Buyer Beware!!!
Awesome Avalanche
Plenty of room for the kids and cargo. Super power and what a ride. I love this Avalanche. Good job Chevrolet!
Squeek ,Rattle and Barely Roll
Leather seats are very comfortable but heated seat on driver's side stoped working shortly after purchase. Interior squeaks and rattles all over!!! (dash,console,doors,etc.) MPG is horrible sticker said 12-16, this one gets 12.5 going down hill on the highway and that's on a good day!!Bed cover leaks like it's not even there!! Tranny and drive line pops,dangs and jerks carnival ride! I'm going bankrupt on fuel, trading for Ford or Dodge ASAP!!
Great truck but a gas guzzler
The truck runs great and the ride is comfortable with excellent handling. Only complaint is that gas mileage is very poor and visibility when backing up is horrible
No Problems / Perfect for us
We have owned this vehilce since new and used it to tow our 35' Travel Trailer extensively; a boat; & a U Haul Trailer. It has been perfect for this and has never given us a moments concern or worry. Without a doubt the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned - carried building materials; Christmas trees; helped my daughter's family move from Florida to Georgia including putting the ride-on mover on the truck bed with no problems. We have now done over 125k miles and I am still on the original brakes. We had one recurring warranty issue with the front steering 'rattling' but this was fixed by Chevrolet on the 2nd review.
Best of both worlds
This is the perfect vehicle for someone who needs a truck, but would rather have an SUV. I've had mine for almost three years now and still haven't seen a vehicle that I would rather have. In fact I'm thinking about trading this one in for a new one soon. I sometimes fold the midgate down, take off one panel, and am able to haul 12' metal studs. It's also nice to be able to haul 8' drywall or plywood completely dry. I don't use it for this very often, but it sure is nice in a pinch. I also love having the bed panels, it allows me to haul quite a few tools in the dry.
No complaints yet
My truck is doing well thus far. It turns a lot of heads, beautiful truck.
My Z66-No Problems/No issues
This vehicle was/is a Godsend. We purchased it as a promotion present for me when I became a police lieutenant. Little did we know that we would end up living in it when I became disabled in 2004. We have towed a 28 ft travel trailer from New Mexico to Florida then to Oregon then back to Florida and finally settled down in Oregon. It currently has 128322 miles, most of those occurred by 2006,(2 years). It has not spent one day in the shop due to a breakdown or malfunction. A few things had to be addressed during maintenance (like minor recalls) but so far we have been and are thrilled with it.
Solid family truck!!
This is a great truck and family vehicle all in one. I have owned suburbans and this allows the large quad seating area for the family when needed and then haul dirt with having to worry about destroying the interior. Mission accomplished for multi purpose vehicle. Performance is great as I tow boats and trailers regularly. 3/4 ton would have been nice at times but for the average person not needed, probably why they discontinued the option.
Lemon, current state of US auto mfg
My daily driver, inherited at 89k; now 120k. Constant electrical problems. Wheel/steering shimmy. Tailgate cables broke. Electrical: tach and fuel gauge occasionally misread, reduced engine power comes on on cold starts and not as over-heating protection; AC comes on in recirc mode, rear door locks only work manually and they keep blowing unlock relay fuse, difficulty starting-starter may be wearing out. Lumbar support is terrible for drives over an hour, but who can afford to drive that far anyway? Ring and pinion gears needed replacement at 115K. I've read tons of problem blogs regarding electronics. Is this truck a lemon?
2 1/2 yr review
We'll I bought it because of the bed conversion capability. It seemed like a good idea, but in actuality more of a hassle to convert to full bed. The bed panels are a chore to remove and store. If you plan on using the full bed a lot, then get a regular pickup! No issues with the engine, but that's where it ends. In 2.5 years I've been to the dealer for new rotors and pads all around at 5,000 miles, steering shaft replacement, Bose radio replacement, rear window replacement, faded cladding, center mount brake light replacment, regrease steering shaft, failed rear end, and failed transmission. All fortunately covered under warranty except the tranny. I baby the thing. I've never towed or gone off road.
Down Hill
I bought my avalanche in june of 2003 at 2 years old the transmission went out and it doesn't jet out like it used to. Then it leaks water inside because it got hailed on and now its messed up so i think it might have shorted my electrical system because my airbag light came on. Then my passenger window recently went out so.
It ain’t heavy, oh what a chevy
In my opinion, 03 was the very best year of a very good truck!
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Understand WMS limitations
Should have read ALL reviews before buying. Water Management System does not meet my needs for dry cargo space. Tried to salvage vehicle investment with Snugtop/GM XUV cap. X = eXpensive, but would be worth it if it kept water out. It doesn't. Snugtop sales said "Of course it's watertight"; now service says "weather resistant not waterproof"; no other response to dealer request for help. Have owned truck 33 days (25 with rain), 500 miles. Am trading it in tomorrow. Performance item: auto. transmission slow to downshift (book says to floor it!), but may be normal; have had manual transmissions for 35 years.
A Great Truck
First this truck has a great ride for a 3/4 ton vehicle,along with a very strong 350 horse engine. This is the best vehicle i have had opportunity to own.
Great truck but.....
Positives: Truck is extremely quite for such a big vehicle - You'll notice it right away whether driving down the highway or through pot holes. Very comfortable except for the front center with bench seats. Cons: Water leak in the rear flatbed and into the cabin (known problem). Backing out was a big issue since the rear of the flatbed stuck up (almost ran several people over). Nice to have.... automatic door locks when driving and also a door- ajar alert..
2003 Chevy Avalanche
Purchased in July 2003, and I now have 6,500 miles on it. There have been zero problems with it. The only work needed was oil changes. Fuel economy here in a New England winter, short driving distances, runs about 10.5 mpg. Summer will take it up to 12.5. It is an exceptionally quiet vehicle, in terms of both interior and engine noise. The only complaint is that there should be more use of fabric instead of just plain plastic.
Only one major problem
I had an F150 before the Avalanche. The Avalanche's ride and quietness rivals that of a quality sedan. Bose stereo is incredible. Love the midgate and what it allows you to do. No other truck can do what this truck does. I've used this feature several times and am glad I had this vehicle. A negative would be having to move the fronts seats foward to allow the rear seat to fold down to fully lower the midgate. A removable rear seat headrest would solve the problem. I now have 71000 miles and have yet to do anything but normal oil changes. Brakes are original still. Still love the truck
Ultimate Truck
I have put on about 6000 highway miles in about 2 months of ownership. I very much appreciate the ride quality. The audio system is superb!
Solid Performer
Bought my first one as soon as they came out here in FL. Liked it a lot and liked a black one with all the new 03' toys and traded for it. This is luxury and truck combined. Just wish it ran on hydrogen instead of gas.
Wet Cargo Area
This vehicle has been a joy to drive. The ride is very good and handling is superior . The interior roominess is like being in your own livingroom at home . However I have one beef and it is large , In a rain storm or a car wash if you have clothes in suitcases or valuable purchased paper products in the cargo area you may have WET ones . I was told the cargo area wea air tight when closed . I found out different.
1 year and I still love this truck
Almost weekly I am reminded of why I bought this truck--versatility with comfort and plenty of passengar and storage room. We comfortably travel with a family of four and there is a ton of room to store bags, strollers, and the like. Fuel economy blows, especially when gas is like $1.75 and you have a 35 gallon tank, but I would recommend this truck to anyone who wants an SUV and the flexibility to haul things in a truck bed. Love it, Love it, Love it.
One Awesome Truck
I have had my Avalanche(Z-66) for 1 year now. I bought it used & I can tell you this is one awesome Chevy truck. It's bright red & a head turner. I get compliments all the time. It has everything but the kitchen sink in it. .It has a very comfortable ride for a truck . No other competitor can touch this baby! ! Even with the two wheel drive, she glides through the snow like Santa on his sleigh. It's a heavy truck, and tracks through the snow & mud with ease. . Although she likes her fuel, I did not but this vehicle for economy,but since installing a K&N filter and switching to premeium fuel, she runs like a dream. Went from 14.5 to 17.5 mpg. Thanks Chevy for one awesome truck! !
excellent
Never throught I would be in love with a truck! When I drive my sister around in it she doesn't want to get out of it!Most people don't think it's mine. (cause I'm a female) I love being "Up High" It handles like a luxury car. I haven't had it long but find it very reliable. Being a woman I wouldn't hesitate driving it anywhere. The only thing I have to complain about is that all other doors have a bar to grab when someone gets in the car,EXCEPT THE DRIVER SIDE! WHY????? Can it be installed now? All I can say is that I will be enjoying my 2004 Avalanche for many years to come. Thank you Snooki
Most Awesome Truck!
I love this truck so much. It has been 100% reliable and for a V-8 gets excellent gas mileage. It still looks and drives like brand new! This has been the best drive of my life and I've owned 4 other Chevy trucks(they were great, too), a Ford and 2 Dodges (didn't keep them long!)This is by far the coolest looking Avalanche out there-my opinion. scores a solid 10!
Awesome Avalanche
This is by far the best motor vehicle we have purchased. Driving for over 30 years in four season weather the Chevy Avalance is everything we dreamed of. The price was great considering all of the options and versitility this vehicle offers. If you can afford it and need an awesome vehicle this is it!
Great comfortable powerful truck
Well let's start with the bulletproof drivetrain. 295 hp, rock solid and quick... great transmission. Interior is great, not too flashy and very comfortable seats. The truck is very useable, the bed is decently large, and the cover works as a tonneau. I have driven this truck on over 4500 mile road trips and will not stop going. I have just passed 80,000 miles and not a single problem. Gas mileage is around 15.5 in town and over 19 on the highway.
Avalanche
My wife took my Avalanche away from me and gave me her Expedition.
This vehicles is AWESOME!
I purchased my Avalanche about a week ago, and I have loved it ever since. It is everything that the brochures say it is; a very versatile, accomodating, comfortable SUV that I can drive to work during the week and load up with all kinds of stuff on the weekends (like mulch, lumber, my Great Dane, etc.)! I only wish I had a longer commute to work; when I finally get there, I find myself wanting to keep driving!!
Great Avavalanche
Love this great truck, would buy it again next time. It has all the features anyone could want,smooth quiet luxury ride-TOPS.
everything I thought it would be
I test drove the Escalade and the Avalanche.....the money difference was a factor but not primary. The Escalade was great loved it.....but the Avalanche seems just as good, saved allot of money and after 30 days is great.
Pratical Chevy Avalanche
Great vehicle,I purchased 1 model year to early,Chevrolet did away with the "plastic" sides and added an optional Bose Radio system!Great additions!!!2003 models LOOK GREAT!!!!!
style and practical
I love the truck. It looks great in black. You will stand out in a crowd. It rides like a dream. And this is coming from a Navigator owner. All the bells and whistles of the Navi but with better road handling. I If you like trucks there is no better full size truck on the road for the money.
This is a truck ??
You will not believe this is a truck when you ride in it. It rides like a full sized car (comfortable). I was pleasantly surprized at the pep this truck had for its big size.
Avalanche: Functional,Practical, and Fun
The avalanche is a highly usefull and practical truck. The only downside to the avalanche is that you are limited to front seat capacity, 2 or 3 depending on seat option selected, if you utilize the fold down mid gate function. Aside from that minor inconvenience it is one awesome machine. It rides like a full side touring car and corners much better than any truck I ever drove, with Z71 of course. Test drive one and get hooked. The bells and whistles that come standard are better than what you will find on Ford or Dodge.