josh_mommy's Full Review: 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
QUICK REVIEW: I LOVE MY AVALANCHE! I got rid of my minivan because my husband is getting a company car (Grand Prix) and we needed something that will pull a boat, but yet be functional enough for everyday use for going around town with 2 kids.
MODEL REVIEWING:2004 Chevy Avalanche z66
This model is 2wd but has enough torc and pull to get a 22 foot boat in and out of the lake. The sturdy bed cover is strong enough for me to stand and aids when launching and retrieving the boat. This model is a compromise of body hardware (which I like) and no body hardware (which my husband prefers). It combines the body hardware over the wheel wells and then none on the body of the truck. The bed cover is in three pieces and simple to remove. It also comes with a bag to place the pieces in to keep them safe when they are not in use. The bag attaches to the inside of the bed as well. When the bed cover is on and the tailgate is closed, it is absolutely secure. There is no way out.
The Avalanche has the GM-Exclusive MidgateŽ. It takes the 6 passenger vehicle to a full size truck. The back window comes out and stores behind the seat. Removing the back window is very simple. Folding the back seats down is very simple, and then folding back the tailgate to make the bed full sized is also very simple. I can do it by myself with no trouble. When full sized (8 Foot), the bed can hold a sheet of drywall with no problem. The bed also comes standard with a removable rubber bed liner.
FEATURES: My favorite besides the back coming down, is the side mirrors. They fold in automatically and make parking close to the garage wall a piece of cake. (I'm known for knocking the side mirrors along the frame of the garage door). Also, when backing up, the mirrors can be set to automatically tilt down so you can see along the bottom of the truck (and with the size of this beast, it really helps when backing up). You can have just the passenger side, or driver side, or both mirrors tilt. Then when you put it back in drive, they go back to set position.
Lockable storage boxes on the side of the cargo box (bed of the truck) provide extra storage, but they are also made to become instant coolers (1.7 cu ft). Holes in the bottom provide drainage for ice when used as a cooler.
Mine has a moon/sun roof! And 3 months free of XM Radio. Handy radio controls on the steering wheel, the best being a MUTE button. 6 Disk CD changer in Dash is a breeze to operate.
Passenger side air bag is also really cool. It only turns on if the passenger sitting in it is more than 40 pounds. Also, the speed of the deploying air bag comes out depends on the weight of the person in the seat. Under 40lbs, it does not deploy. It would be nice to have a manual turn off as well but there is not.
There are so many great things about this truck. I can't say enough.
THE STATS:Brakes: four-wheel antilock, four-wheel disc with Hydro-Boost and Dynamic Rear Proportioning
Differential: automatic locking rear
Engine: Vortec 5300 V8 (1500 models)
Exhaust system - stainless steel (aluminized stainless steel muffler and tailpipe)
Rear axle: 3.42 ratio (1500 models)
StabiliTrak: Vehicle Stability Enhancement System
Suspension: front; independent torsion bar
Suspension: rear; five-link with coil springs (1500 models)
Trailering Package: includes trailer hitch platform, seven-pin wiring connector, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, trailer brake control harness and seven-way to four-way adapter
Transmission: Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic; electronically controlled with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode (1500 models)
17" x 7" aluminum, six-lug: includes center caps and 16" steel spare
Seats: Front, Custom Cloth 40/20/40 split-bench, three-passenger; driver and passenger manual reclining, outboard head restraints, center fold-down storage armrest, six-way power-adjustable driver seat and rear storage pockets
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:Back-up sensors would be helpful. It's difficult to see over the back of the tail gate when backing up. Always check behind you LOW before starting. Bed is high off the ground which make it difficult to load heavy objects (especially for me since I'm only 5 foot 1). Leg room in the back is okay for children and average size individuals. Taller or long legged individuals would find it a bit cramped if the person sitting in front of them is also long legged and therefore has the seat scooted back.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 27,900
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: Z66
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