2003 Avalanche

[gstreak]

I hear a lot of rumors about the 2003 Avalanche, but have trouble confirming them. Like many others, I too am waiting for 2003 a model, probably a 2500 for my 8000 lb. trailor. What will be new?

Here is what I know for certain: 1) GMC model coming out without the grey clading and available in a V-6. 2) Interior upgrades.

Here are the Rumors: 1) Deisel available in the 2500 2) 6.0 available in the 1500. 3) darker cladding.

Can anybody confirm?

 

[Chief]

Darking cladding is a very strong rumor. New interior is fact so that will mean steering wheel audio and climate controls and no more smart stalk. I have heard nothing about diesel or 6.0. I believe the V-6 GMC is a diesel - but I haven't heard that GMC is coming out with an Avalanche variant (but with Cadillac and Chevrolet sales numbers it would make sense)

 

[AwesomeVehicle]

I am sitting on the fence so late in the model year. I have heard that GMC will offer a sibling in '03. This is pure speculation, but I believe the GMC will offer a 6.0 and look similar to the Caddy so it will appear more up-scale.

I test drove a Pewter Z-71 last night and must admit I was very impressed. Took 2 asprin, and I still have the fever. I believe the only cure may be to park one in my driveway.

I can't bear the thoughts of putting my K5 Blazer out to pasture, but this vehicle could lead to that decision.

 

[spork_av]

take my advice, I was on the fence too. Find a good deal, and buy the AV you won't be disapointed.

 

[gandolphxx]

Yeah, hurry, or you will have to pay extra for the distinctive cladding, and a whole raft of other Lutz frills.

 

[4_by_Fun]

Take the plunge man, you won't be disappointed. I have had mine for 10 months now and the new still hasn't worn off. There is no cure for what we have so we just make the best of it by driving an Av.

 

[sadurbin]

GMC will have a version, but it will be based on the Envoy XL, or what chevy calls the Trailblazer. I don't think it will have the 6.0. But from what I hear here, there may be some differences in the 2003 AV, but I doubt they will have the 6.0. But then again what do I know.

Cheers

 

[SteveTimm]

Do it.

We went from a 1998 Chev Suburban to a 2002 Avalanche and there is absolutely no comparison. The Av is superior in every way.

Personally, I'd recommend the three-quarter ton (2500) to get the 8.1 engine and additional towing/hauling capacity. The Big Block gives 15mpg on the highway and 11-12 around town. And engine is a total animal for power.

Personally, I'd buy the Chevy over GMC. I write for hunting magazines and rub shoulders with lots of sports-oriented folks. All of them drive trucks/Suburbans/Tahoes and every time I hear of a lemon rig, it turns out to be a GMC.

Trade in the Blazer and buy the Avalanche - you'll be a very happy guy. Steve

 

[GMXLOKC]

I work at GM Truck OKC. Last year our plant was just gutted and retooled to build 370/305 trucks.750 Million worth. New paint shop,robots no expense spared.We have been slowly building up line speed since Jan15. Our first salable 370 trucks are shipping Apr.4.We Okies are proud to build quality trucks...
We will build the 305/Baby Av this summer.No clading just a
all aluminum 5.3 .Also EnvoyXL/TrailblazerEXT will go V-8.
PS. GMC+Chevy go down the same assembly line.

 

[dandan]

OK. Break it down for some of us that don't quite speak the lingo.
You said "305/Baby Av". What does that mean?

 

[dgbryant]

OK. Break it down for some of us that don't quite speak the lingo.
You said "305/Baby Av". ?What does that mean?

My guess:

-305 cubic inches - engine size
-baby AV - Chevy is building an AV based on the S-10 trucks for 2003.

(so if people are always saying "change for a dollar" about the big AV, I guess the baby AV will be referred to as "chump change".)

helmet

 

[bowtie-racing]

Look I do not know when you all bought your Avalanche's but I have had mine since 19 June 2001.
I love the truck. If you all watch NASCAR I will go this way.
They want Dale to drive the truck. Okay give Dale a chevy Avalanche and I know he will drive the TRUCK.. I know he would.

I just turned 8500 miles on my truck. I have changed oil and all the maint items and it drives great . I have had NO trouble out of my truck.

pete

 

[NJAV]

I myself am curious to see what the 2003 model year will bring...how can you make something that's already in my opinion been a great success and improve on it....I guess we'll all have to wait and see....

 

[powersurg]

If you all look at the Avalanche accesories Guide that is floating around this site, you will that there is a picture of the Avy where the roof mounted tail light is longer than the one we all have. I asked to Parts guy at the dealership and he said that was a picture of the 2003. The S-10 version of the avalanche will be cool to see. Does anyone know where you can find pics of it?

 

[powersurg]

Helmet,
You said that you think there will be a 305 cubic inch option. Does anyone know the Liter to Cubic inch ratio of our 5.7? I think 305 ci means 5.0 Liters. Does 5.7 liters = 350ci?

 

[LazKat]

5.0 L = 305 ci
5.3 L = 323 ci
5.7 L = 350 ci
8.1 L = 494 ci

 

[LoClass]

What was meant by "305/Baby Av", was that GMT305 is the GM code for the midsize version of the Av. The Avalanche is called an 805, Tahoe/Yukon are 820, Sub/Yukon XL are 830. It doesn't have anything to do with the engine going into them. Also fyi, the Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada is the GMT360 and GMT370 are the Envoy XL and Trailblazer EXT.

 

[dustman]

Thanks LoClass,
That makes plenty of sense to me.

 

[powersurg]

Hey Clarifications like that and we might just start calling you HiClass

 

[kbm]

I was under the impression that the baby AV was going to come standard with the inline 6 motor with an option for the new all-aluminum version of the 5.3 just like the Envoy XL.

 

[powersurg]

Is there a website for the Baby Av. I would like to see a picture