How will the S-crew compare to the Avalanche?
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Joined: Jul 2000
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How will the S-crew compare to the Avalanche?
I've seen the photos and read the preliminary reviews and think the Avalanche will be the S-crews big competitor. But, my wife wouldn't let me within 200 yards of our house if I was seen driving the Avalanche. It's too "x-tream" 20's something over the top styling for her. But the combination of the bed and the middle seat is a great selling point, as well as the hard cover to the bed that comes standard. Look for the later supercrews to adopt these featurtes. Just waite. But that will be too late for me.
Still, supercrew is just a classy and better looking vehicle with a fantastic engine IMO. Will I change my opinion and cancel the s-crew order to waite on the Avalanche? Not a chance. In 10 years, the Avalanche style will be out with the polyester suit, plus I heard it will be about 5 to 7 more expensive than the supercrew.
Still, supercrew is just a classy and better looking vehicle with a fantastic engine IMO. Will I change my opinion and cancel the s-crew order to waite on the Avalanche? Not a chance. In 10 years, the Avalanche style will be out with the polyester suit, plus I heard it will be about 5 to 7 more expensive than the supercrew.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 153
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From: Yorktown, VA
Let me jump in before all the GM flamers start their assault.
The Avalanche will be a great vehicle, and a definate competitor to the Screw. The actual production vehicle wont be as 'extreme' as the current concept vehicle - so dont worry about that.
Compared to the Screw, the Avalanche will have more lockable compartments - but at a cost of a smaller [narrower] bed. People looking to actually haul stuff (tools, mulch, motorcycle, etc) will favor the Screw. Those who carry the occaisonal bicycle, or a load from those 'warehouse' supercenters will prefer the Alalanche.
Then there are your basic GM vs. Ford differences. Fords have better brakes, GMs have smoother engines. Fords have a better seating position, GM has better seats. The GM will have more options (gear ratios, premimum stereo, roofrack, windows that roll ALL the way down), but the Ford cost less.
The Screw is derrived from the F-150, the Aval from the Suburban. So basically, those looking for a truck with SUV features will choose the Screw, those looking for an SUV with truck features will choose the Avalanche.
Now I know that people here will flame the Chevy and chant 'Ford at all costs', but I say that if your spending $30+ for a vehicle, choose the best vehicle that fits your need.
In my case, its the Ford.
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01 SUPERcrew XLT 4x4
*rare* amazon green
The Avalanche will be a great vehicle, and a definate competitor to the Screw. The actual production vehicle wont be as 'extreme' as the current concept vehicle - so dont worry about that.
Compared to the Screw, the Avalanche will have more lockable compartments - but at a cost of a smaller [narrower] bed. People looking to actually haul stuff (tools, mulch, motorcycle, etc) will favor the Screw. Those who carry the occaisonal bicycle, or a load from those 'warehouse' supercenters will prefer the Alalanche.
Then there are your basic GM vs. Ford differences. Fords have better brakes, GMs have smoother engines. Fords have a better seating position, GM has better seats. The GM will have more options (gear ratios, premimum stereo, roofrack, windows that roll ALL the way down), but the Ford cost less.
The Screw is derrived from the F-150, the Aval from the Suburban. So basically, those looking for a truck with SUV features will choose the Screw, those looking for an SUV with truck features will choose the Avalanche.
Now I know that people here will flame the Chevy and chant 'Ford at all costs', but I say that if your spending $30+ for a vehicle, choose the best vehicle that fits your need.
In my case, its the Ford.
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01 SUPERcrew XLT 4x4
*rare* amazon green
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 99
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From: Appleton, WI
riotrob,
Agree with you on every point. GM will have power/heated seats all the way around. They have more interior options. My father is GM-retired and I could have gotten the employee discount if I had waited. I like the Ford styling better after seeing the Avalanche at the Detroit Auto Show. The one feature that GM has that I really wanted, was the full-time transfer case. I have always had full-time 4wd (Jeep Grand Cherokees) and was unsure about part-time. My friends with Fords assured me not to worry. I will see what happens when winter gets here.
Agree with you on every point. GM will have power/heated seats all the way around. They have more interior options. My father is GM-retired and I could have gotten the employee discount if I had waited. I like the Ford styling better after seeing the Avalanche at the Detroit Auto Show. The one feature that GM has that I really wanted, was the full-time transfer case. I have always had full-time 4wd (Jeep Grand Cherokees) and was unsure about part-time. My friends with Fords assured me not to worry. I will see what happens when winter gets here.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 153
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From: Yorktown, VA
Ill assume that the official Ford response to the full time transfer case issue is that "you could always manually rotate the **** to 4x while you are sliding off the highway".
HA HA HA HA HA ...
Actually, that might be a possibility - IF THE DAMN SHIFTER WASNT IN THE WAY OF THE SWITCH.
Oh well. While you are looking at your truck upside-down in a ditch, take note of the various rusted suspension and driveline parts that Ford doesnt even bother to paint.
HA HA HA HA HA ...
Actually, that might be a possibility - IF THE DAMN SHIFTER WASNT IN THE WAY OF THE SWITCH.
Oh well. While you are looking at your truck upside-down in a ditch, take note of the various rusted suspension and driveline parts that Ford doesnt even bother to paint.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6
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I was hoping to see an Avalanche before deciding but the timing didn't work out. I've had my SCrew for 3 weeks and have no complaints. The Avalanche web site has a side by side comparison for dimensions and features. The Avalanche will be 5 inches shorter so it should fit in a garage a better. My SCrew physically fits in but not well enough to park in it there every night. Not enough walking room, doors come close to lally columns, kids bike, etc.
I really liked the moonroof option with the SCrew, which I don't see available on the Avalanche. The removable rear window in the Avalanche is too much of a hassle for me to consider it usefull. With small kids one wants it open, one wants it closed. There's no way I'm going to remove and store a large chunk of glass every 10 miles! I had an early 'vette with the removable window and it was a nuisance.
The convertible bed is a gimmick. I don't haul 4X8 sheets often enough to warrant having that feature. I don't see it getting used very much, bragging rights only. I also question how weather tight and wind/noise proof it will be. My Screw is very quiet at 75 with the windows up. Not willing to listen to whistling for 150K miles of use.
The folding hard cover is nice if that's what you want. I bought the Access rolling soft-top because I want to be able to use the full bed. Personal preference, I know!
I would have preferred to have the Chevy transfer case,part time, full-time, or auto-sensing. Really only an issue in winter here in New Hamshire.
My only apprehension on the SCrew is the 5.4 motor and the piston slap problems. The dealer I bought my truck from will cover the engine for 100K as long as I have them do the routine oil changes. They're not quite as close as I would like but I may do it just for the peace of mind. I drove a '99 Chevy with the 5.3 and was impressed by its low-end torque. The owner also claimed better mileage in his Silverado, routinely 18 mpg with an ext-cab 4x4 driving with a light foot. I know the Chevy would lay a slab of rubber with ease off the line. I can't get my SCrew to do the same without really tromping on the gas.
It would have been nice to do a side by side comparison, I'd like to think I would have still chosen the Ford. I will look at the Chevy when it comes out though, I'm not a brand loyalist. I'll buy whatever is the best-built option available. Brand loyalty makes mfg'rs too complacent. You need the competition to keep the products continually improving.
jeff
I really liked the moonroof option with the SCrew, which I don't see available on the Avalanche. The removable rear window in the Avalanche is too much of a hassle for me to consider it usefull. With small kids one wants it open, one wants it closed. There's no way I'm going to remove and store a large chunk of glass every 10 miles! I had an early 'vette with the removable window and it was a nuisance.
The convertible bed is a gimmick. I don't haul 4X8 sheets often enough to warrant having that feature. I don't see it getting used very much, bragging rights only. I also question how weather tight and wind/noise proof it will be. My Screw is very quiet at 75 with the windows up. Not willing to listen to whistling for 150K miles of use.
The folding hard cover is nice if that's what you want. I bought the Access rolling soft-top because I want to be able to use the full bed. Personal preference, I know!
I would have preferred to have the Chevy transfer case,part time, full-time, or auto-sensing. Really only an issue in winter here in New Hamshire.
My only apprehension on the SCrew is the 5.4 motor and the piston slap problems. The dealer I bought my truck from will cover the engine for 100K as long as I have them do the routine oil changes. They're not quite as close as I would like but I may do it just for the peace of mind. I drove a '99 Chevy with the 5.3 and was impressed by its low-end torque. The owner also claimed better mileage in his Silverado, routinely 18 mpg with an ext-cab 4x4 driving with a light foot. I know the Chevy would lay a slab of rubber with ease off the line. I can't get my SCrew to do the same without really tromping on the gas.
It would have been nice to do a side by side comparison, I'd like to think I would have still chosen the Ford. I will look at the Chevy when it comes out though, I'm not a brand loyalist. I'll buy whatever is the best-built option available. Brand loyalty makes mfg'rs too complacent. You need the competition to keep the products continually improving.
jeff
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 275
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From: Petaluma, CA USA
By the look of this thing Ford has nothing to worry about!
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2001 F150 SuperCrew, Lariat,4x4,5.4,Tow,Slider,6 CD,Moon Roof,60/40,Two Tone,Snugtop Campershell,Yakima rack system. Color:White/Silver
Photopoint.com
[This message has been edited by Sonoma Super Crew (edited 08-02-2000).]
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2001 F150 SuperCrew, Lariat,4x4,5.4,Tow,Slider,6 CD,Moon Roof,60/40,Two Tone,Snugtop Campershell,Yakima rack system. Color:White/Silver
Photopoint.com
[This message has been edited by Sonoma Super Crew (edited 08-02-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown, VA
That's the concept vehicle in the photo. The actual production vehicle wont be as 'wild'. Besides, it doesnt look all that different from the Explorer Sport-trac, which has been received well.
Ford does have something to worry about. Not only from the Aval, but also from the re-designed 2500/3500 series trucks. These trucks are very nice, and there will be a crew cab available in a few months. Some may say that these will only compete with the F-250, but even the F-250 crew is competition to the Supercrew.
I really like the F-250 crew, it just wont fit in my garage. I would of waited for the 2500 crew, but I figured it wouldnt fit in my garage either. I do have a BIG garage, its the width and height of my standard garage door that limits me (I installed a shorter antenna, and I usualy fold in my driver's side mirror). Im not going to by a vehicle that wont fit in my garage.
The truck I REALLY like is the Chevy SSR roadster: http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/naias/chevssr2.html
Slick!
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01 SUPERcrew XLT 4x4
*rare* amazon green
Ford does have something to worry about. Not only from the Aval, but also from the re-designed 2500/3500 series trucks. These trucks are very nice, and there will be a crew cab available in a few months. Some may say that these will only compete with the F-250, but even the F-250 crew is competition to the Supercrew.
I really like the F-250 crew, it just wont fit in my garage. I would of waited for the 2500 crew, but I figured it wouldnt fit in my garage either. I do have a BIG garage, its the width and height of my standard garage door that limits me (I installed a shorter antenna, and I usualy fold in my driver's side mirror). Im not going to by a vehicle that wont fit in my garage.
The truck I REALLY like is the Chevy SSR roadster: http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/naias/chevssr2.html
Slick!
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01 SUPERcrew XLT 4x4
*rare* amazon green