2008 Chevrolet Avalanche [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 33 Avalanche reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Avalanche - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche ranks 2 out of 5 Sport Utility Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Avalanche, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The highly-ranked Avalanche offers excellent hauling and towing capabilities in a uniquely versatile, safe and smooth-riding package, but can't match the affordability and higher fuel economy of others in its class.
Launched in 2001, the Avalanche is Chevy's four-door, six-seat sport utility truck. Thanks to a full redesign in 2007, the 2008 Avalanche as an exceptionally functional hauler/tower and a surprisingly smooth highway cruiser. These features make the Avalanche one of the top-ranked sport utility trucks. The Avalanche has a folding rear midgate and removable rear window, which extends the truck bed into the back seat area. Because the Avalanche is so multi-functional, most reviewers are positive on the SUT. Highlights for the new model include a stiffer suspension, updated steering, a restyled exterior and a higher-quality interior. But despite the positive changes, the Avalanche has limited maneuverability and low fuel economy, as well as a high price tag.
- "The truck has the right combination of attributes -- power, space, towing capacity, and off-road ability -- for people who sometimes want room for six people, but also have towing and cargo-carrying needs." -- Truck Trend
- "A four-wheeled, 5,645-pound Swiss Army knife." -- The Orlando Sentinel
- "The Avalanche, while it is a truck underneath, is a vehicle that is elegant, comfortable and practical all in one package. It starts out as a sport-utility vehicle ... and essentially is the same as the Suburban from the nose to the back of the middle seat, where it then becomes a pickup." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- The Avalanche's sticker price "makes our long-term Ridgeline seem like a bargain, even with all the compromises." -- AutoWeek
Avalanche Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The Avalanche's performance is good but not notable among its peers. A stiffer frame and new suspension and steering systems, acquired during a 2007 redesign, help deliver a level of refinement for the truck. Still, Autobytel complains, "Aside from its power and competency as a truck, the Avalanche offers poor handling, a ponderous ride, and a genuine thirst for fuel." To see if other reviewers agree, check out our full performance review. continue
Avalanche Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
Once again, the Avalanche's clean exterior lines are good but not especially distinctive for its class. Still Car and Driver notes, the 2008 Avalanche "is as handsome as the old one was garish." To find out what's changed, read our full exterior review. You can also check out our Chevy Avalanche photos. continue
Avalanche Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2008 Avalanche's luxurious and comfortable cabin still isn't good enough to break into the top-three for sport utility truck interiors. However, Forbes says the inside of the Avalanche "is crafted from higher-quality materials, with redesigned seats that offer greater comfort, and an instrument panel that is positioned lower for easier visibility." To find out what other reviewers like about the interior, read our full interior review. You can also see pictured of the interior in our Chevrolet Avalanche interior photo gallery. continue
Avalanche Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche does very well in federal government crash tests. New this year, all trims receive standard head-curtain side-impact air bags. continue
Avalanche Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevy provides a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty for the Avalanche. continue
