If you like the Cadillac Escalade but the price is a bit more than you want to spend, you may like the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. While this vehicle closely resembls the Escalade, the price is definitely a bit more friend, with the Avalanche starting out at around $ 36,000 and up, depending on the extras you choose. Of course if you want to add the navigation system, a Bose sound system, DVD players, a rear camera, and XM satellite radio, the you will pay closer to $ 40,000 for the vehicle.
Falling a bit shy of three tons, this vehicle is definitely a large one, and it is no wonder that Chevy's 5.3L V8 engine that boasts 320 hp is rumbling under the hood of this vehicle. So, even though this vehicle is on the heavy side, you still have plenty of power when you need it. A multi point fuel injection system helps to provide you with the best gas mileage possible as well. Usually on the road the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche gets about 15mpg; however, once you start doing some city driving you'll see that figure drop down between 12-13 mpg.
Although you can not expect this large SUV / truck to handle like a sports car, for the size and weight it handles fairly well. A stabilizing system help make sure that you do not have a problem when taking curves at a nice clip. With the stabilizer bars and coil springs that are used to improve the handling of the Avalanche, even bumpy roads will not feel to bad. The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche also has a Traction control that uses both the engine and ABS system to make sure you do not have problems with trafficking when driving in the rain or snow and ice.
Taking a look at the exterior of the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, you will find that it is 221 inches long, which is close to the size of a Chevy Suburban. Part of this length is used as a small truck bed, but the vehicle still has two rows of seats on the inside of the cab that seats up to six adults. If you need a bit more room in the truck bed, you can actually lay down the back seats to add some extra length. The bed of the truck is actually covered with a special plastic that is high friction, which is used to keep things from sliding around in the back, and the bed also sports drain holes and lockable compartments.
The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche also provides some luxury on the interior of the cab as well. It comes with beautiful leather seats, and you have the option of having warm seats as well. The front seats are powered, and there is also a duel zone automatic climate control in the vehicle too. For people who need a little help reaching the pedals, the gas and brake pedals are adjustable so you can fit them to your height. You can also choose to have options like a DVD system, rear camera, remote starting, side curtain air bags, or GPS navigation system included if you want to spend a bit of extra money.
Many people were not to thrilled about the old look of the Avalanche, but in 2007, Chevy has stepped up the look of this SUV / truck. The front end of the Avalanche has a new style, with a wrap around grille, smoked headlights, and both the front and rear have been widened as well to give the vehicle a more domineering look. The interior has been improved upon as well, with a nice mesh headliner and a new, stylish dashboard that look great. So, if you were not real fond of the previous Avalanches, the 2007 model will probably be an improvement to you.
Although the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche is not going to win any drag races, doing a modest 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, for families and people who need room for hauling equipment or people it is a great choice. So, if you are looking at a cheaper alternative to the Escalade, the Avalanche is definitely a great choice of a vehicle. This vehicle combines the best of an SUV and pickup truck into one great vehicle, and whether you are hauling lumber, the kids, or even your boss to the golf course, the Avalanche will get the job done.
Source by Marcus Lim