- 2010
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
- Used Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Avalanche - What the Auto Press Says
The highly-regarded 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 (even for a large SUT), as well as a high price tag.
If you need more luxury, the Cadillac Escalade EXT has the same capabilities as the Avalanche, but is more upscale. Keep in mind that its price is more upscale too.
- "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." Read More
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." Read More
Avalanche Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2008 Avalanche's luxurious and comfortable cabin isn't the best in the class. 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." Read More
Avalanche Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche does very well in federal government crash tests. New for 2008, all trims receive standard head-curtain side-impact air bags. Read More
Avalanche Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
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. Read More
