Chevy Avalanche has it all

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ANN ARBOR -- Tom Holley sat at our kitchen counter while we ticked off a list of improvements to the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, long regarded as a rolling tool kit to its audience.
The Avalanche is new inside and out, we told Holley, a 38-year-old Dexter custom home builder who drives a 2004 Avalanche. It's got such features as a tailgate that locks from inside the cabin, remote vehicle starting, optional side curtain air bags and a new chassis that's shared with the redesigned 2007 Chevy Suburban.
"Oh, no," Holley said. "My wife is going to be mad. When I hear this, I think I may have to go out and get a new one."
But we felt it wasn't enough just to tell this Avalanche owner about the benefits of the redesigned '07 model.
We tossed him the keys and gave him our test truck to drive for three days, with Chevrolet's blessing. Holley divided the time between construction sites and family outings, including a weekend picnic with his wife, Susan, who is expecting their second child, and his 18-month-old daughter, Brooke.
We spent our three days in the six-passenger Avalanche tackling long highway commutes and doing some off-roading.
When the three of us met up again at the end of the week -- with several hundred miles added to the Avalanche's odometer -- we all came to the same conclusion: The impressive 2007 Avalanche is one civilized workhorse that has no trouble doubling as a comfortable family vehicle.
"Chevy did a fabulous job," Holley said. "It rides like a car now and it's got more of a luxury feel. In fact, it feels like it belongs in the Caddy lineup, not the Chevrolet lineup. And, my wife really liked it, too."



http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs...607050338/1149

[91 s-10baja]

This is such a good looking truck!

[TahoeMikeZ71]

I love the sunburst-orange color on the Avalanche.

[TahoeMikeZ71]

All of us agreed, though, that Chevrolet did a great job of cleaning up the exterior of the Avalanche, which used to be cluttered up with ugly black plastic cladding. The cladding was so unattractive that when Holley bought his truck several years ago, he ordered a black one, with the intention of giving the vehicle a monochromatic look. The texturized cladding was also difficult to get clean, once it was covered with mud and grime, he said.

You know, that people could have ordered the Avalanche without the cladding.

[FamilyTruckster]

The first time I drove the 2007 Avalanche I was suprised. I really felt the previous generation had an excellent ride. The 900 is by far the best truck I have ever driven. It looks great and has such a luxurious feel.

I'll admit though, I did find it hard to find the electronic transfer case controls. I was looking for a row of buttons. A nice knob now controls the transfer case.

[SobeSVT]

Lets see how horrible reviewers the Lienerts are now

[Clocker]

I just PEP'd a 2007 LTZ. Greystone metallic with Platinum leather. Should be available in September. I can't wait to get it!!!

:-) I'm so excited! Anyone interested in buying a babied '02 Intrigue with 58,000 miles on it?

[asim]

Yeah its a great truck, my mom might get one for my dad in the next few years, either that or a Silverado.

[j_granlund]

i will be looking for something like this in the next few years.honestly, i would love to get one now but its just too expensive for me.