2003 Chevy Avalanche Review
2003 Chevy Avalanche Review





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Used Avalanche for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
The Avalanche gets numerous interior upgrades for '03 in addition to the midyear introduction of a "decladded" version that does without the oft-derided extensive lower body trim. Dual-zone climate control is now standard equipment on all models along with multistage airbags and a passenger airbag sensor. A redesigned instrument panel houses a more comprehensive driver information display; and an optional multifunction steering wheel puts climate, radio and trip computer controls right in the palm of your hands. New entertainment options include a Bose stereo system, XM Satellite Radio and a rear passenger DVD video system. Other new options include the StabiliTrak stability control system on 2WD half-ton models, adjustable pedals, and a fully automatic multizone climate control system.
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 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab Rwd (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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$273/mo for Avalanche 1500
Avalanche 1500
vs
$244/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche.
5 star(78%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
190 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I LOVE this truck
Johnny Bradabadowski, 03/15/2016
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab Rwd (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Avalanche
Spady, 07/27/2016
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
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
4.88 out of 5 stars
This truck is great!
Jerryishere, 08/25/2002
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Exalant Ride
bobjohn1, 05/15/2011
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
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.
2003 Avalanche Highlights
1500
Base MSRP | $32,150 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $273/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,200 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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