2006 Best Truck

[Ghrankenstein]

2006 Best of GMI Awards: Best Truck, Best Truck Engine, Best New Technology


2007 Chevrolet Avalanche


By Ghrankenstein


“The best truck idea since putting a bed on the back of a Model-T.” --Big Al

This one goes out to Chevrolet, and to GM, for doing the research, for anticipating the demand, and for inventing a potential modern-day icon in the tradition of Chevrolet’s own Suburban. Unlike the Suburban, which for over seventy years has remained the ultimate expression of sensible comfort and do-all/be-all utility, the Avalanche has given Chevrolet a full-size fashion statement with a custom market nearly as strong as Cadillac’s Escalade. The efficiency statement should be nearly as strong, within 1-2 mpg of the transverse V-6 minivan-derived Ridgeline that its maker almost jokingly refers to as “half-ton.”

In the Avalanche, Chevrolet leveraged its tough truck heritage with the Suburban’s comfort, creating an on-demand pickup without sacrificing the newfound amenities of modern SUVs. I think that Chevrolet gambled correctly, in imaging the Avalanche as an entry-level H2, with an extreme and controversial appearance that attracted a hardcore clientele. Since its 2002 introduction, I have seen Avalanche owners quickly become repeat-buyers, and even multiple-repeat buyers, with more extravagant customization ideas each time around. Even more grounded owners have grown into the capabilities of their Avalanches, much like Suburban owners before them, to the point where lesser vehicles no longer serve their needs.

For 2007, the Avalanche saw the same windfall as the rest of the full-sized truck lineup. This time, its arrival came with the SUV’s rather than the pickups. To the chagrin of the original rebels, body cladding is no longer offered. Instead, more options and more accessories have become available, even before an Avalanche takes to the aftermarket.

The improvements start at a far more basic level, with the GMT-900’s strengthened frame, suspension mounts, and improved suspension and steering. Interior quality has improved, going from cheesy and adequate to precise and attractive. We’d like to see a soft-touch dash and an upscale faceplate for the radio and HVAC, but we certainly can’t argue with the fit, the functionality, or the staggering array of options.

I’ll note that, like almost every other GMI award winner, the Avalanche benefits from our Best Technology, the OnStar 7.0 Turn-By-Turn Navigation feature that comes with the Directions and Connections upgrade on the Avalanche.

For the second year in a row, we’ve selected the various incarnations of the Vortec 5300 as our best truck engine. For 2007, this solid powerplant produces 315-320 hp and 338-340 lb-ft of torque in the classic tradition of the simple, compact GM small block V-8. We also like the new Vortec 6200 VVT, but the combination of Active Fuel Management, Flex-Fuel (E-85 Ethanol) capability, and class-leading fuel economy in both pickup and SUV applications cements it as our pick.

I’ve reported extensively on the improved handling of the GMT-900’s. Like the Silverado, Sierra, and the SUV’s, all Avalanches now benefit from rack-and-pinion steering, coil-over-shock front suspension, and forged-aluminum lower control arms that reduce unsprung weight by over 5 lbs. per corner. With the optional Autoride suspension and 6.0L Vortec 6000 VVT, buyers can get an Avalanche that rides and drives in a manner similar to the stratospheric Cadillac Escalade EXT.

For all its improvements, though, the Avalanche’s trump card is its Midgate, and the corresponding versatility it affords. With its multiple configurations, the Avalanche hauls stuff when you need it do, it accommodates dogs like a station wagon, and it hauls people in SUV luxury the rest of the time. The removable rear windshield is icing on the cake, offering a near-convertible experience when the weather gets nice. We might not be fair weather fans, but we’re fans of fair weather.

And we love the Avalanche. It was the rare gamble that paid off during the darkest days of Chevrolet, and now it’s better than ever. We hope that it becomes an enduring American icon like the Suburban before.

ChevroletRevived’s Take- 2007 GMC Sierra: With the new 900 trucks out, and after seeing them in person, the GMC Sierra gets my vote. It's got classic, chunky truck styling Inside and out it's got the features and quality needed to compete and cement GM's truck leadership. With this re-design so critical, thank God GM got it's act together in time to pull out the best trucks we've ever seen. Sales? Oh yeah. Profits? Uh huh. Trucks may not have the best image, but they provide GM with valuable $$ to invest in emerging markets, namely fuel-efficient small and mid-size vehicles. I cheer the 900's on, knowing that the profits they provide will help GM to wean itself off of trucks and once again produce class-leading cars.

Best Truck Engine:

Ghrankenstein’s Take- 6.6L LBZ Duramax V-8: We're in a rennaissance of truck performance, and for over half a decade the Duramax diesel has been at the forefront. The stronger 6-speed Allison 1000-series transmission allows the LBZ to reach 360 hp and 650 lb-ft in the current Silverado Classic/Sierra Classic trucks, and they're a blast to drive in their own primitive way. Can the upcoming GMT-900's, with 365 hp and 660 lb-ft be any less?

Paul8488’s Take- 3.7L Atlas Inline 5: Most of the people who say they don't like this engine don't look past the number of cylinders. It's unfortunate it hasn't found more widespread use at GM. As with the 2.9L Atlas 4-cylinder, it manages high levels of hp and torque, making it a jack-of-all-trades.

Ghrankenstein sez: I can only say that I wish character counted in the world of compact pickups. Heck, I wish fuel economy counted. If either were the case, the Atlas 3.7 would be the standard and not some oddball.

Swahili’s Take- Vortec 6.2 L92: Who said refinement and power had to come from fancy design? A smooth and powerful V8 for an important vehicle in Cadillacs lineup.

Big Al’s Take- 6.2 L92: Half LS2, half LS7, the future of GM V8's and the future of performance.

[asim]

Wow...I surprised that the Silverado/Sierra didn't win this one. Even Motor Trend picked it for it's truck of the year. lol

I guess the innovation in the Avalanche won out over the true-truckness of the Silverado/Sierra. Nonetheless, all of these trucks are definitely good.

[EldoFan]

I'm glad someone put the Avalanche in the spotlight

I'm not a big fan of trucks, nor am I big on SUVs (not because of gasoline......because most start wayy out of my price range mainly). The Avalanche though, IMO, is the perfect marriage of the two.

Perfect for packing in a few friends, luggage/fishing tackle and then hooking a boat on the rear end and heading for the nearest big body of water (which is what my dad, I and several friends do each summer ...albeit not in one of these ).......or any of the various big home improvement projects people tackle nowadays.

Hopefully someday I'll find a legit reason to put one in my driveway, behind the Eldo.....

[stevecmh]

i would think the Silverado would have won.. but the Ava is really nice

[fp115]

I really did enjoy the Avalanche. I think it serves more a purpose to the average person over the Silverado.

[bryce miller]

i like the looks of this better than the silverado anyhow

[sa_seahawker]

I still think Ford makes the best trucks but the worst cars.

[GM_Guy81]

Did the 900 Silverado not win because its a 2007 model?

[superstreet]

the vortec 6.2 is a very very good engine