2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

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2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

Kelley Blue Book Retail $25,000–$28,700  

Average Rating

4.6 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.9 out of 5
Performance:4.0 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.6 out of 5
Interior Design:4.9 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.3 out of 5
Reliability:4.7 out of 5

10 out of 11 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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First time Chevy Owner

by Mavrickkc
from Overland Park, KS | September 14, 2011

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"Have now owned this vehicle for 3 months. If you are in the market for a V-8 vehicle and shopping gas mileage, don't believe the hype. This vehicle doesn't even come close to touching the advertised MPG ratings. I average 13-16 MPG, and as such, my cost to drive this vehicle is significantly higher than I anticipated. Not sure if this is an issue yet or not, but have had a few electronic glitches in the first few months. I'm hoping this isn't indicative of a bigger problem. Have had my battery die twice, my 4WD engage and get stuck there once (set on auto), two burnt out tail-lights... Not something I've ever seen on any other 3-year old vehicle. My last negative about this vehicle comes in the Navigation and Entertainment system. You'd think in the top-line model, there would be more thought put into this. The sound is great, but the functionality is seriously missing. No blue-tooth, so I can't wirelessly sync my iPhone for handsfree or music. Ford is doing this, catch up Chevy. And the navigation system is seriously archaic. It seems reminiscent of something designed in 2000 or earlier. Otherwise, this vehicle has the power, comfort and style that make heads turn. I have gotten compliments from total strangers that love the look of the LTZ and I have to say that I am impressed with it myself. There is little room for improvement on the interior either and the ride is smooth. I pull my 22' boat with ease and comfort."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Towing


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Avalanche

by Kenny199
from Mass | April 27, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Best vehicle I have ever owned. This truck is somthing ive been looking for after many years of searching. The LTZ is the way to go..."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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0 out of 0 found this review helpful

Best All Around

by Weekend Adventurist
from Springfield, MA | March 21, 2011

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I purchased my LT3 Z71 w/all the goodies Chevrolet had to offer. The cabin is very comfortable and makes you want to crawl into the back seat to catch a few Z's on the way to work. The cabin is also luxury car quiet and rides to match. When packed with the family you never feel cramped. Pop in a movie on the rear DVD and keep your passengers entertained for hours. I would strongly suggest the rear back up camera because the Avalanche is a Goliath to park. The 5.3 liter engine is competent from a stop, but surprisingly lacking when romped at highway speed. The Avalanche is a great choice when a "one car does all" is needed."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Nice-N-Roomy

by #1 Grandpa
from Oklahoma | November 12, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"We wanted a nice car with lots of room and this one fit the bill. It has lots of cargo space even with the third row of seats in. It didn't crowd the passengers up either. It has lots of power and quite economical as far as mpg for its size. We love it!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


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2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Chevy Avalanche - A "Swiss Army knife" truck

by Omicron
from Boulder County, CO | August 9, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"After looking at all comparable vehicles I discovered there ARE no comparable vehicles. Closest thing is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac and they are much smaller and very underpowered. Quality, fit, and finish are all excellent. Reliability has been stellar. American cars have come a long way in the last decade. The Avalanche drives like a very nice BIG car. Which is to say even though you know it's a truck, with all the utility that brings with it, it doesn't really drive like what trucks used to drive like. Ride is pleasant and handling is tight and predictable. I'd like it to be faster off the line and accelerate better, but it's not bad. Interior is a very nice place to spend time. Quiet and comfortable, with all the features you'd hope for and more. I'm really glad I got the LS model which comes with cloth seats and no center console - the leather is to slippery and the center console is massive. With the LS the center console is a combo extra seat and arm rest storage bin - excellent functionality. The utility of this truck is AMAZING. Within a week I found I'd used most available configurations, and now that I have it I wonder how I ever lived without an Avalanche. This is a truly excellent truck, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Great Truck!

by JustinOT
from Morrisville, PA | June 22, 2010

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This is the second "truck" I've owned, the first being a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with a Hemi. The comfort and ride on the Av are better than the same year Ram. Its much more comfortable and more spacious (at least I think so) and has better amenities. I got the fully loaded LTZ. Only probably I've had in the 4,000 miles that I've owned it is that the rear door handle came off. Otherwise it rides great and runs nice, however its 5.3L lacks the power of the Hemi, but it does tow pretty well."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Best of the Best

by Bradntrouble
from Hopkinsville, KY | June 28, 2009

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I purchased the vehicle new in May 2008. I spent two years reviewing, comparing, test driving, and so on every truck from the 2006 to the 2008 model year. I did end up purchasing a 2007 Silverado 1500 4X4 Extended Cab in August 2007 thinking that the bed of the truck was more useful. However, I regreted the purchase becuase the ride was nothing like the Avalanche. In the end I sold the Silverado and ordered my 2008 Avalanche. I have a 4X4 with the Z71 Offroad Package, 2LT, and a sunroof. The vehicle is absolutely amazing. We have taken it from Kentucky to Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Vermont averaging 21 MPG on the highway. Every trip just showed how versatile the vehicle was. In town I get around 14 MPG but I am a little heavy footed behind the wheel. It is just so easy to be in this truck because it will haul. I commute about 30 miles a day to work and around town and usually make 3/4 of a tank last 2 to sometimes 3 weeks even with driving the vehicle on the weekends. Now for you guys that are married my wife enjoys driving the vehicle because of just how well it handles and the impressive ride. We have a 2009 Toyota Camry and she prefers the truck for going shopping with her girlfriends. No children but we both realize just how valuable this vehicle will be as a family vehicle. As always there is room for improvement. I think that the bed could be a little more useful if GM could loose the side storage (or beer coolers) on each side. The center console needs a better storage configuration. I purchased the tray to set inside from the dealer to turn it from a bottomless pit but yet it could be more functional. An optional floor shifter would make it more sporty and would help with the issure of the shifter being in the way of reaching for the radio/climate controls. The steering wheel is great with the cruise and audio controls. The dash is well planned and all controls are easy to read. My wife and I both love the automatic climate control. Overall, I would buy the vehicle a hundred times over and would recommend it to anyone who is considering an SUV as a family vehicle."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

""

by Floridachevrolet
from Florida | November 10, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Well what is there not to like about the truck ,it is big enough for family haulings and is great towing vehichle, the down sides are minor compared to what the truck gives , our truck right now gets 13.9 miles per gallon which isn't exactly good hah ,but I love the color scheme it is black with the 4X4 grey on the front and has the 2 tone leather black/grey and has the navigation system with DVD player. IT gets around 17 to maybe even 21 on long trips but since gas has gone down it really dosen't matter anymore... All in all thes truck is the best truck ever :) 2008 chevrolet avalanche"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Most enjoyable vehicle I've driven

by Chris M
from Frederick, MD | May 24, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 2 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I've driven a lot of vehicles and none are as enjoyable to drive as my avalanche. Make no mistake...this truck is a very useful tool that comes with a steep price tag. Overall I'd say you get what you pay for. My only complaint about the vehicle would be the 5.3L engine just does not propel the vehicle like it should, acceleration is sluggish. Other than that, this truck is great and I love it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Great ranch help

by Chevy Gal
from Oregon | April 23, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"We love our Avalanche! As a mom it is great for hauling kids and groceries but it also fits the other portions of my life very well. It is the most versatile rig known for my country lifestyle with a business to manage. We live on a ranch and I commute to a ranch office for my regular job. The cargo space comes in handy all the time rather I need to haul a sick farm animal or a few bales of hay. It is an impressive vehicle to transport business investors/partners to various locations around the ranch. The vehicle came in handy when we were doing some building at home, what an amazing storage capacity when you put the backseats down. Plus the vehicle tows our camp trailer really well. The Avalanche is also an agressive vehicle in the mud and gravel bars. When we have a little free time to play with our friends the Avalanche is always a gathering place. Perhaps that is because of the built in coolers and awesome Bose stereo system. I don't think the gas mileage is as good for commuting as the research claimed. I did put a 6 inch lift and 20" tires on because I already had poor mileage and neded more clearance than stock allowed. I wish the plastic around the bed was a little bit sturdier but our local dealership is replacing the bad gutters with out questioning it. Overall best-buy!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: N/A


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.

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