Topic: CD Article: 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ

[Autos_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

"The biggest improvement over the previous generation Avalanche is, without a doubt, the new stiffer chassis, which provides a better ride, handling feel and noise reduction," reports Bob McHugh.   A "transformable two-in-one vehicle," the Avalanche converts to an open-back pickup truck with a big cargo bed that can swallow a 4x8 sheet of plywood, he says.
   
   More...

[airbalancer]

If you have problems parking a large truck, dont drive one.
You should be able to parallel park that truck with just the mirrors
I have a friend ( drywall contractor) with an older Ava, he said it one of the best vehicules he has had, and will get a new one when his lease is up

[inco]

The ability to mix and match makes this a good vehicle. Wonder how the sales are doing with it and the new design? I would think it is becoming even more popular with the cleaned up look. Kinda wish.....

[Snowman]

I see more of them around Sudbury and a guy on my street just bought one after decades with a pick-up. To him it is the perfect compromise between a Yukon and a pick-up truck. I was most impressed with the ride when we went for a spin and it is far superior to any pick-up I have been in. If you have ATV’s and /or snowmobiles you will need a trailer.

[biker_golf]

I like this vehicle a lot but GM continues to confound logic with their decision to
install a 4-speed slushbox.     The Caddy version comes with a 6-speed.

Bean counters?  Hah!  The thing already costs well over $50 large, so does it matter what the
incremental cost for the 6-speed is?  I don't know trailer tow ratings for the 6-speed;
maybe this tranny is only for posers (hence, for Caddys only).

[sirAQUAMAN64]

This is such an improvement over the previous model's ungainly appearance, inside and out. I almost like seeing them on the road now.

[inco]

I like this vehicle a lot but GM continues to confound logic with their decision to
install a 4-speed slushbox.   

Too true. I was considering a Tahoe, but not with that tranny.

[HeliDriver]

The 4-speed automatic in the Suburban really hasn't bothered me in the least. It's got a nice torquey V8 that makes power all across the rev range, so I don't really see the need for the two extra gears.

I've never driven the six-speed, so I can't compare first-hand, but I have heard complaints from six-speed owners that the constant up- and down-shifting of that transmission gets pretty annoying.

When cruising with the four-speed, the thing pretty much just stays in fourth no matter what (until you get to the really steep hills, of course). With the six-speed, even a good headwind on level ground will apparently cause the transmission to hunt back and forth between fifth and sixth.

Anyway, the new Avalanche is certainly a huge improvement over the old one. Big  to GM on this one.

[G0dspd]

I don't know how much of a practical improvement a 6-spd transmission gives a full-size pick-up.  I'm sure it's better on gas but I don't know if it's something that would affect buyers decisions at the same level than a car.  I'm sure it's a selling point for some people ... in a new gadget kinda way at least.

[inco]

Both points above are valid and I guess might be a concern. The sixth gear usually allows lower rpm's on the highway - like 2000 at 120 to give you better mileage.

[airbalancer]

with my pick up in 4th the rpm is only 2100 at 120km/hr