2008 Chevy Avalanche Review
2008 Chevy Avalanche Review
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Used Avalanche for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile midgate-based body style, smooth ride, comfortable seating, capable engines.
Cons
- Large size and rear-quarter blind spots hinder maneuverability in tight spots.
What’s new
A few detail improvements mark the changes for the Avalanche in 2008. Most notably, side curtain airbags and satellite radio are now standard on all models, and OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation is standard on LT models.
Edmunds says
Thanks to its practical convertible midgate configuration, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche remains one of the most desirable crew-cab pickups for carrying a combination of passengers and cargo.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 4dr Crew Cab SB (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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$262/mo for Avalanche LS
Avalanche LS
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
For full-size pickup buyers, the crew cab body style is very popular because it features a pickup's usual cargo bed, plus a rear seat that's as roomy as one found in a sport-utility. The only drawback is that the bed is typically short in length and doesn't offer the enclosed security of an SUV's cargo area. To address this concern, Chevrolet introduced the popular Avalanche six years ago.
Now in its second generation, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche functions primarily as a crew-cab pickup but also offers a uniquely flexible "midgate" design that considerably enhances its functionality. The midgate is a movable partition separating the cabin area from the bed. On the Avalanche, both the rear window and the wall can be opened up as desired to increase utility and improve cargo management. When combined with the three-panel lockable bed cover, the midgate allows for a variety of configurations.
The Avalanche is built on General Motors' latest full-size truck platform, and incorporates a fully boxed frame and a redesigned suspension with rack-and-pinion steering that delivers more refined ride and handling characteristics and better on-road feel than before. Compared with older Avalanche models, we also like its updated exterior styling and new interior design, featuring higher-quality materials and premium features.
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is still one of the few full-size pickups to offer a convertible midgate design configuration. Others include its closest sibling, the Cadillac Escalade EXT, and the Hummer H2 SUT. The Avalanche is by far the cheapest of this trio, and it's easily the most practical as well. Like all full-size crew cabs, of course, the Avalanche feels big and bulky around town and can be a pain to park precisely. It's also more costly than traditional crew cab pickups. But for those who can take full advantage of its do-it-all design character, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is an impressive and unmatched choice.
Performance & mpg
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). All 2WD models come standard with a 5.3-liter V8 putting out 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque and driving through a four-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive Avalanches are E85-capable and rated slightly less at 310 horses and 335 lb-ft of torque; this version of the 5.3-liter is optional on 2WD models. A larger 6.0-liter V8 delivering 366 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque is optional on LT3 and LTZ models. A properly equipped 2WD Avalanche can tow up to 8,200 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2008 is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway on 2WD versions with the 5.3-liter engine. The 6.0-liter engine drops the estimates to 12/17.
Safety
Standard Avalanche safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system and a full-length side-curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. In government crash tests, the Avalanche earned a top five-star rating for protection of front occupants in head-on collisions.
Driving
Despite its considerable size and heft, the 2008 Chevy Avalanche is relatively quick, even when equipped with the standard 5.3-liter V8. However, its acceleration and fuel economy begin to suffer when the truck is loaded down with passengers or cargo. And though the Avalanche is certainly no sports car around corners, it deals with them in a competent, predictable manner while delivering a quiet and comfortably controlled ride on the highway.
Interior
Inside, the second-generation Chevrolet Avalanche is significantly improved over its predecessor. Constructed of high-quality materials, the cabin features straightforward ergonomics and top-notch fit and finish. The more common front bucket-seat arrangement seats five, but the Avalanche can accommodate up to six occupants when equipped with the split-bench front seat. To convert the Avalanche's 5-foot-3-inch cargo bed into a longer and more useful space measuring just over 8 feet, one simply lowers the midgate and rear seats. The rear window can also be removed if desired to maximize cargo room and provide the sensation of open-air driving. Removing the cargo covers and using the compartments on the outside of the cargo box offers additional storage opportunities.
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche models
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is a full-size crew cab pickup with a removable rear window and exclusive "midgate" that can be lowered into the cabin to provide additional cargo-carrying capabilities. There are two main trim levels, LS and LT, plus a premium line-topping LTZ package. The basic LS features a composite cargo bed, a removable three-piece cargo cover, fully powered accessories, a front 40/20/40-split bench seat with center storage, cloth trim, a power driver seat with manual lumbar control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a single-CD player with auxiliary jack, satellite radio and basic OnStar capability. The LT is similar to the LS but has standard front bucket seats, rear audio controls and enhanced OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation.
The Avalanche LT is generally more desirable because it's upgradeable with additional extras for those who want more than an entry-level vehicle. Moving up to the LT2 package provides dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, a six-CD changer, rear park assist and remote vehicle starting. The even more upscale LT3 package provides these features, plus heated outside mirrors, upgraded power front seats, driver-seat memory and a Bose audio system with subwoofer. The top-drawer LTZ package supplies 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, the Autoride adaptive suspension, heated windshield wiper fluid and rain-sensing wipers. Depending on the trim level, other stand-alone or packaged options include a navigation system, the Z71 off-road suspension group, power running boards, an integrated rearview camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a sunroof.
2024 Chevy Traverse First Drive: Big Improvements Everywhere Except the Interior
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#6 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche from 2008-2022.$563/yr
vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.32x/yr
vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).18.6%
vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche.
5 star(68%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
51 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
2 years later & LTZ is still the best!
Michael, 07/27/2010
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I bought this big black beauty 25 months ago, and it is still the best vehicle I have ever had. The only issue was I needed to have the chrome handle replaced last month after it came loose. But other than that this truck is still as great as the day I bought it. It rides like a Cadillac, 90% of the time I can haul without removing the sails, the bed has ample room for transporting … furniture without having to lower the back seats.
5 out of 5 stars
Why did they stop making the truck I love!
houseman, 10/28/2016
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
UPDATE! (11/17/22) just rolled 260000 miles on my 08 Avalanche. This was the best purchase I made. It was listed for almost 43K and I paid about 28K with all rebates and my fathers GM discount. Not bad. Now being 15 years old, just had to replace 3 sensors, spark plugs and bearings in my passenger front wheel (2022) I am a firm believer in how you drive and take care of your car … is how you get paid in return. I always bought new vehicles and I have always owned them for at least 10 yrs or more. I do want to see If I can least put 300k on it before major issues turn up (almost there). It still looks good with a couple nicks here and there where I touch up and I do spiff it up with 20 in chrome wheels in the summer and I have a chrome hood shield in front. If someone is interested in a used one. I would recommend but research the history before buying. It is just like anything else.
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Avalanche!
Western NJ Native, 01/13/2009
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Nothing beats this vehicle for flexibility, functionality, performance and comfort. An awesome combination for an active family of four. Averaging almost 19 overall with typical NJ suburban traffic. Overall extremely satisfied with the entire package, best truck I have ever owned. Thanks Chevy
4.75 out of 5 stars
08 LTZ in Kansas City
Kansas CIty 08 LTZ, 03/31/2008
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I traded in my 07 Trailblazer SS for this vehicle. It rides far better and while it does not have the blazing fast speed of the SS, it does very well for a big truck and gets a lot better fuel economy than the SS did with it's LS2 Corvette motor. Still Adjusting the the size of it vs. the TrailBlazer, but overall am very happy with it. Got a great deal--almost 10,000 of the sticker and … 0% financing to boot. I believe that I will be very happy with this vehicle.
2008 Avalanche Highlights
LS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,435 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $262/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,200 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Avalanche include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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