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2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

The Quick Change Artist Gets Naked

Introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Chevy Avalanche is a vehicle that blends the attributes of a full size SUV with those of a full size pickup truck. With the incorporation of some creative engineering and a dose of wizardry, the Avalanche was born. Initially named the Warrior (political correctness aside), the Avalanche has been extremely well received by the public and sales figures for 2002 and early 2003 confirm its success.

Chevys Ultimate Utility Truck is targeted toward buyers between 34-45 years of age, most of who are male. These customers are seeking SUV-type vehicles, but also require full-size truck capabilities. Significant upgrades for 2003 include: new interior trim fabric and design, redesigned instrument panel, cluster and center floor console; electronic throttle control;

The Avalanche is targeting 35 to 45 year old men, who want the room and feel of an SUV but the capabilities of a truck. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

dual stage front air bags and automatic air bag suppression system and a 4-channel Stabili-Trak system available on 2WD models.

When I first espied the full body clad Avalanche, my mind shot back to the Mad Max movie (not an irrelevant image given the escalating road rage confronting the urban driver). My unscientific and less than random survey of friend and foe confirmed that the styling of the Avalanche is definitely a "guy thing". That being said, for

The fully clad Avalanche conjures up images of post-apocalyptic armored vehicles racing across a desert wastelands; the 2003 un-clad version is a little friendlier.(Photo: General Motors)

2003 Chevy is seeking wider acceptance by offering an un-clad version. Removing the simulated armor plating has familyized the Avalanche, allowing it to blend-in with surrounding SUVs in the parking lot at a PTA meeting.

The most unique aspect of the Avalanche is its "mid-gate" feature. The wall behind the rear seats can be completely removed by folding the rear seats forward and tilting the rear wall of the cab (mid-gate) down, into the area vacated by the rear seats. The rear wall of the cab now lays horizontal,

With the Avalanches unique folding "mid-gate" feature, both hauling long objects and summer cruising are equally enjoyable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

connecting the bed of the cargo box to the interior of the cab. This function creates a flat bed extending from the tailgate to the rear of the front seats. By taking out the back window the rear portion of the cab can be fully removed. The window can be safely stowed beneath the folded mid-gate. This procedure creates a cab that is entirely open at the rear, perfect for summer cruising. Large objects placed in the bed of the truck can extend into the rear area of the cab. The bed of the truck is nicely lined with heavy rubber matting and the inner sides of the box are flat and encompass lighting for the box.

The

With a sharp design and ample hauling room, the Avalanche interior is suprisingly civilized. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

open cab arrangement provides a floor space of 97.0 inches by 50.0 inches. With the cab closed, the floor space is reduced to 60.0 inches by the same width. In the open configuration, a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood will lay flat in the box, with the tailgate closed. The box is watertight and protected by a hard plastic cover comprised of three separate panels. This arrangement provides cargo box security and is strong enough to be walked on. The panels are easily removed and stowed in a zippered bag that can be strapped to the inner side of the box, providing an open box for carrying tall loads. The process of removing and replacing the panels is fairly straightforward, although a wee bit of a calorie burner. Nevertheless

A strong off-road contender, the Avs suspension sytem and 17-inch wheels soak up large potholes and washouts with ease. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

it was well thought out and creatively engineered.

Once inside, this manly truck becomes very civilized. I was highly impressed with the comfort and spaciousness of the four-door cab. My test vehicle included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather seats, with those in front providing infinite power adjustments including lumbar and side bolstering. Amazingly the sheer comfort of the drivers seat proved a welcome relief to my ailing lower back. Along with the Chevys incredibly smooth ride they were nothing less than therapeutic.

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