The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV built on the same GM Lambda platform as the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave. Assembled only at GM’s proprietary plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the Traverse is a successor to GM’s previous offerings such as the Uplander Minivan and the Trailblazer SUV.

Offered as either a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or an All Wheel Drive (AWD), the Traverse is powered by a 3.6L VVT DI V6 engine that produces 281 hp @ 6300 rpm and a torque of 266 @ 3400 rpm. Within both the versions, the trims are the standard GM ones – LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. These can in turn be made to be either 8 or 7 passenger seaters.

Transmission is six-speed automatic. Both the front and rear suspensions are independent. Fuel injection is direct. The overall length of the vehicle is 205 inches, overall width is 78.4 inches, and the overall height is 70.4 inches. The Traverse has a wheelbase of 118.9 inches, with a curb weight of 5066 and a cargo volume of about 116.4 cubic feet.

Take a Quick Drive with the Traverse, in this Video from Cars.com:

On the safety front, 4-wheel ABS as well as 4-wheel disc brakes along with StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System is Standard across both the models and their respective trims. Standard air bags are plenty across both models and their trims including driver and passenger air bags, thorax side impact air bags, rear body air bags, front and rear head curtain side impact air bags as well as a passenger air bag on/off switch. Numerous OnStar services such as Automatic Crash Response, Remote Door Unlock, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Diagnostics are all standard across all models and their trims. You also have a Rear Door Child Security Lockout, Remote Keyless Entry and a Tire Pressure Monitor, all available as Standard.

On the Entertainment front, you have an AM/FM stereo as well as a CD player with MP3 playback as Standard. A Premium Sound System though is Standard only on the 2LT and LTZ trims. XM Satellite Radio is available as Standard on all models and trims. Bluetooth connectivity is Standard only on the LTZ while it is available on the others.

Inside the Chevy Traverse

Power steering and an adjustable steering wheel is Standard on all trims. An Electrochromic, Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror is Standard only in the 2LT and LTZ trims.

Standard Exterior features include – Automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power driver and passenger side mirrors, privacy glass, intermittent wipers, traction control system, a compact spare tire as well as a rear spoiler.

The Traverse from the Exterior - in all its Glory!

At a price tag of starting MSRP of $31,745, the Traverse definitely does not come cheap, especially when compared to its competition such as the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Flex. But where the Traverse scores is its fuel economy of 24 MPG on the highway, which is in fact the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger crossover. It also scores heavily in terms of cargo space – more than its competitors, as well as sheer power of its engine in terms of horsepower, which is more than that of all its competitors, in this segment. Get a lowdown in terms of a full, independent competitive comparison of the Traverse with other competitive offerings in the segment, here.

Combined with the fact that this is yet another offering from your very own, American Chevy brand, there is little reason for you to even consider others in the fray!

OnStar is a GM-owned proprietary in-vehicle security and communications system that is available in all GM vehicles, your favorite Chevy included.

So, what exactly does it consist of and how does it work? Read on…

Firstly, in simple terms, it is a system that allows the vehicle to communicate. Using the system, you could actually avail of hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, as well as remote diagnostics, across the United States and Canada, 24 x 7 x 365. The only initial requirement for availing OnStar services is to have the necessary OnStar hardware factory-installed…and you’re ready to go!

Although OnStar is available on all GM vehicles, it has become so profoundly associated with Chevy vehicles that in the Latin American markets, the service is referred to as ChevyStar. As of 2009, the service has more than five million subscribers. Get to know specific numerical stats on various ways in which OnStar has added value to GM vehicle owners, in the following video:

In order to function, the OnStar service uses CDMA mobile phone voice and data communications technology, essentially via Verizon Wireless in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada, along with location information using GPS technology. Both drivers and passengers can use its audio interface to contact OnStar representatives for emergency services, vehicle diagnostics and directions. OnStar equipped vehicles with an active subscription end up contacting representatives, who are based either out of Pontiac, Michigan; Charlotte, North Carolina; Makati, Philippines; and Oshawa, Ontario in case there is a collision where the airbags were actually deployed.

Newer models on the other hand will contact OnStar, irrespective of whether airbags were deployed or not. Whenever a driver presses the Red OnStar Emergency button or Blue OnStar button, current vehicle data and the user’s GPS location are immediately gathered. This information is then sent to OnStar. OnStar Emergency calls are routed to the OnStar Center with highest priority. The three centers that receive emergency calls are: Pontiac, Michigan; Charlotte, North Carolina and Ontario Canada; and all of these centers are open 24 hours a day.

The Proprietary OnStar Buttons

This year, i.e. 2009 onwards, GM also started incorporating a Stolen Vehicle Slowdown feature inside new vehicles which allows police to remotely slow down the vehicle, and also reduce the chances of damage to property, injuries or even fatalities as a result of high-speed chases of stolen vehicles. Just last month, in October 2009, the service bore fruit when a stolen Chevy Tahoe was successfully recovered and the thief promptly apprehended, using the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown feature. In this video, the owner describes exactly what happened and how he got his Tahoe back:

Other plans also exist as a part of the entire portfolio of OnStar services including Safe & Sound Plan (at $18.95/month or $199/year), and Directions & Connections Plan ($28.90/month or $299/year).

Considering all the benefits that OnStar has on offer, it is a feature you would certainly not like to miss out, on your favorite Chevy!

With its ability to go 40 miles at a stretch, completely gas-free, the Chevy Volt has the potential to completely change and revolutionize the way America travels. And with nearly 75% of American daily commuters usually traveling less than 40 miles in a day, the Volt could very well change America’s energy dynamics completely.

It is thanks to the Volt’s Extended-Range Electric technology that it is able to go that much distance on a single, full charge, without having to switch over to gasoline. Additionally, the Propulsion System of the Volt is revolutionary and unique to the extent that it is able to take the consumer, way beyond just the power of the battery.

Get an Overview of the Chevy Volt, in the Video below:

Once the Volt launches next year in 2010, it will be seen using a lithium-ion battery, along with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that will propel the generator to provide electric power, even after you drive beyond the 40-mile range of the battery.

Cutaway of the Chevrolet Volt

So far, not much is known about the Volt we will actually get to see in the showrooms, with the vehicle still in its final development stages, and the ones that have been showcased in auto shows or reviewed by auto experts being in fact ‘mules’, i.e. the Volt packaged in another vehicle, in this case the Cruze, which is similar in its overall shape, size and design to the Volt. Yet, it remains certain that in terms of its looks, its power, its noise-isolation and of course its ability to run on electricity for at least the specified distance, the Volt will not disappoint at all.

In early 2008, Chevrolet launched a test fleet of Equinox fuel cell vehicles that were hydrogen-powered, across the streets of New York City, Washington D.C. and Southern California.

Known as ‘Project Driveway’, the aim of this initiative was to garner feedback from everyday people about the usability and feasibility of fuel cell vehicles – vehicles that have zero emissions other than water vapor and are completely gasoline independent, thus reducing our over dependence on foreign fuel.

Know more about the program and the experience that people are having, using this vehicle, in this video.

Side View of the Chevy Equinox FCV

As an electric vehicle, the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell uses GM’s fourth-generation fuel cell system, which is the most advanced fuel cell propulsion system that GM has produced till date. Combined with the vehicle’s electric motor traction system, it will produce quickfire torque, instant and smooth acceleration as well as noiseless performance.

GM is not yet bringing the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell out for general purchase by customers. Rather, this initiative is a way to garner feedback from select users, regarding both the positives and the negatives of the vehicle. In case you are wondering what the negatives are, well they are practically nothing to do with the vehicle itself, and more with the limited availability of hydrogen fuel pumps. So considering the limited distance that the vehicle can go on one fill of hydrogen fuel, combined with the limited availability of hydrogen fuel pumps, it will take a while for the vehicle as well as the technology to actually gain prominence as well as wide acceptance.

Rear View of the Chevy Equinox FCV - in all its Elements!

In terms of acceptance and recognition from external entities, the vehicle is receiving rave accolades. Already, the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell has been awarded with the Green Car Vision Award from the Green Car Journal, which is a big achievement, since it is the first time that the magazine has actually recognized a limited production vehicle for its futuristic technologies and thinking.

Only time can tell about the future of this project, though the prospects seem really bright. Additionally, considering our country’s dependence on foreign oil from essentially hostile regimes, the need of the hour is such an initiative which can do away with such a dependency.

To know more about the program as well as to get a close look at the vehicle itself, watch this video.

If reports are to be believed, General Motors (GM) is looking at avenues within its product line-up wherein it could incorporate its existing hybrid-electric technology, that it is preparing to proffer in its upcoming offering, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The Volt is expected to be up for grabs in the U.S. market, by November 2010.

One of the cars in its existing product portfolio, in which it could incorporate the hybrid-electric technology rather easily, is the Chevrolet Orlando. The reason for that is essentially the way the Orlando is built, viz. its architecture, based on the Delta Platform from the Chevy Volt, that easily allows incorporation of the electric-hybrid technology into it.

The Chevrolet Orlando

See both the cars showcased at the Paris Motor Show 2008, in this video.

On this, Jon Lauckner, Vice President of GM’s Global Program Management, said that, “I would point out that the Chevrolet Orlando is built on the same basic vehicle architecture and component set as the Chevrolet Volt. So if it makes sense, it’s certainly something we can take a look at.”

Meanwhile, the 2010 Chevrolet Orlando is expected to hit the U.S. market in 2011 as well. Take a close look at the Chevrolet Orlando, in its present avatar (which is the 2008 model), in this video.

The Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana are full-size vans from General Motors, which replaced the Chevrolet Van and GMC Vandura respectively, back in 1996. In this post, we look at the specifications of the 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van, while the specifications of the Cargo version of the Express are covered in this post, here on WorldofChevy.com. To build your own 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van, click here.

Firstly, the 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van comes in the following models – 1500 (RWD and AWD), 2500 (RWD), 3500 (RWD), and 3500 EXT (RWD). Within these models, there are only two trims, LS and LT.

The Cargo Volume (in cubic feet) of the 1500 RWD/AWD, 2500, and 3500 REG./EXT is 217.3, 217.3 and 217.3/252.6 respectively. Additionally, these three aforementioned models can seat 8, 8-12, and 8-12/12-15 persons respectively.

On the exterior of the 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van, you are likely to notice the following features:

• Doors: dual rear-load (Standard on both trims)
• Doors: passenger-side sliding (Optional on both trims)
• Doors: passenger-side 60/40 swing-out (Standard on both trims)
• Mirrors, rearview: Black, manual-folding, power-adjustable, heated (Optional on both trims)
• Mirrors, rearview: Black, manual-folding, power-adjustable,
  heated with turn-signal indicators (Optional on both trims)

The 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van is powered by a Vortec 5.3L V8, 301 hp @ 5200 rpm, 325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm (1500 models only) as Standard on both the trims. You also have an Optional Vortec 5.3L FlexFuel V8 engine, delivering 301 hp @ 5200 rpm, with 325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm (1500 models only) available on both the trims. Likewise, the Vortec 6.0L V8, 323 hp @ 4600 rpm, 373 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm (2500 and 3500 models only) is Standard on both the trims.

An Optional heavy-duty trailering package on both the trims includes trailer hitch platform, seven-pin lead wiring harness and trailer brake control harness.

A Chevrolet Express Passenger Van, used as an Airport Shuttle Express

The Standard Transmission of the 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van is a Hydra-Matic four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with internal transmission oil cooler (1500 models only), while on the 2500 and 3500 models, the Standard Transmission is a heavy-duty, Hydra-Matic four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with internal transmission oil cooler.

There are sufficient safety and security features inside the Express, including driver and right-front passenger air-bags as well as head-curtain side-impact air-bags. Brakes are four-wheel disc ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning. There is also PASS-Key III theft-deterrent system as well as StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System. Note that all these features are Standard on both the trims.

Inside the Express, you will find manual climate controls, both in the front as well as in the rear; a Convenience Package with power windows and door locks as well as Tilt-Wheel adjustable steering column and cruise control. The rear-window has a Defogger and lastly, the Express features remote, keyless entry. Note that most of these features are Optional.

Inside the 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van

Entertainment options in the Express are rather limited – only an AM/FM player is Standard while an AM/FM stereo with CD player as well as AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible in-dash six-disc CD player are both Optional.

Seating is either Vinyl or Cloth, with front reclining buckets.

Additional Chevy accessories for the Express, available at the dealer level, include Contour Splash Guards, Hitch Ball Mount Assembly, Molded Hood Protector, Roof-Mounted Hard Cargo Carrier, Side Window Weather Deflector, and Wheel Lock Kit.

Exterior color options in the 2009 Chevy Express Passenger Van include Summit White, Victory Red, and Black. Other extra-cost colors are Sport Red Metallic, Dark Green Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Sandstone Metallic, and Silver Birch Metallic.

With an EPA estimated City/Highway fuel economy of 13/16 in the 1500 RWD and 12/15 in the 1500 AWD, accompanied by a price tag of a juicy MSRP $24,365, and Ford’s E-150 the only real competitor [See the head-to-head comparison between the twain here], this has got to be the Passenger Van you have been looking for!

The Chevrolet Silverado, along with its GMC counterpart, the GMC Sierra, is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors. Here we look at the base model, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, with the other two models, 2500HD and 3500HD, covered in another one.

The 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes in three models:

• 1500 Regular Cab Standard Box and Long Box (2WD and 4×4)
• 1500 Extended Cab Short Box, Standard Box and Long Box (2WD and 4×4), and
• 1500 Crew Cab Short Box (2WD and 4×4)

These three models in turn have four different trims each – WT, LS, LT and LTZ [Take a peak inside/outside a brand new 2009 Chevy  Silverado 1500, in this Video here].

The engine of the Silverado 1500 is a Vortec 4.3L V6 with 195 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque as Standard in the WT trim. Both the LS and LT trims have a Vortec 4.8L V8 with 295 hp and 305 lb.-ft. of torque as Standard. The LTZ trim on the other hand has a Vortec 5.3L (iron- or aluminum-block) V8 with 315 hp and 338 lb.-ft. of torque as Standard. Other Optional engines include the Vortec FlexFuel 5.3L (iron- or aluminum-block) V8 with 315 hp and 338 lb.-ft. of torque, the Vortec 6.0L V8 with 367 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque, and the Vortec FlexFuel 6.2L V8 with 403 hp and 417 lb.-ft. of torque [Watch a Chevy Silverado 1500 do some serious revving up, in real quick time here].

Interestingly, the Silverado comes with numerous additional packages such as the following:

• MAX Trailering Pack: automatic locking rear differential, Handling/Trailering suspension, 9.5-inch rear axle, front and rear disc brakes, and heavy-duty trailering equipment
• Skid Plate Package: frame-mounted shield protecting front underbody, oil pan, differential case and transfer case on 4×4 models
• Snow Plow Prep Package: includes 160-amp alternator, high-flow front bumper and electrical relays (Regular Cab 4×4 models only)

Peak Inside a Customized Chevrolet Silverado

The Suspension package is either Z60 High-Performance or Z71 Off-Road with 46mm shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers and stabilizer bars, Skid Plate Package, and Z71 decals on rear-quarter panels (both Optional on the  LT and LTZ trims).

Heavy-duty trailering equipment includes trailer hitch platform, seven-pin wire connector, auxiliary transmission oil cooler and trailer brake control harness under dash. These are Standard on the LTZ trim and Optional on all the others.

Transmission is Standard, Hydra-Matic, four-speed automatic, and electronically controlled with overdrive across all the trims. There is also the Option of a Hydra-Matic, six-speed automatic, electronically controlled with overdrive Transmission on the LT and LTZ trims.

An AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player is Standard on all the trims while an AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible in-dash six-disc CD changer is Optional on the LT and LTZ trims. Other (essentially Optional) entertainment features include Bluetooth wireless technology for select compatible phones, Bose speaker system, DVD entertainment system (Crew Cab models only), and Touch-screen navigation radio. XM Radio with three trial months is Standard on all trims.

Wheels are either 17, 18 or 20 inch in painted-steel, chrome-styled steel or chrome clad.

Available exterior colors include Deep Ruby Metallic, Black, Imperial Blue Metallic, Victory Red, Summit White, Blue Granite Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Silver Berch Metallic, and Dark Cherry Metallic. There is also Black Granite Metallic which is an extra-cost color.

Side-Rear View of a Victory Red Chevrolet Silverado

Accessories for the Silverado 1500 at the dealer level include 20-Inch Wheels, Cat-Back Exhaust System, Chrome Fuel Door, Personal Audio Link (PAL), Tilting Hard Tonneau Cover, and Tubular Assist Steps.

The features that make the Silverado 1500 a real winner are its looks as well as its fuel economy which is an EPA estimated 20 MPG on the highway. It is for these reasons that the vehicle bagged 2008’s “Highest Ranked Large Pickup in Initial Quality” award from J.D. Power and Associates.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD come in numerous models, including:

• Regular Cab Long Box: 2500HD (2WD and 4×4), 3500HD SRW 2WD and 3500HD SRW/DRW 4×4
• Extended Cab Standard Box: 2500HD 2WD and 4×4
• Extended Cab Long Box: 2500HD 2WD and 4×4, and 3500HD SRW/DRW 2WD and 4×4
• Crew Cab Standard Box: 2500HD 2WD and 4×4
• Crew Cab Long Box: 2500HD 2WD and 4×4, and 3500HD SRW/DRW 2WD and 4×4

In turn, these models come in three trims – WT, LT and LTZ.You can compare the 2500HD trims here.

On the exterior of both the 2500HD and the 3500HD, you will find numerous Optional features such as:

• Cargo Management System: configurable, sliding hook system in pickup bed
• Exterior Plus Package: remote start, universal home remote, locking tailgate, EZ Lift tailgate, foglamps
• EZ Lift Tailgate Package: lockable EZ Lift tailgate (only available with Exterior Plus or LTZ Plus Packages)
• Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist

Both these babies are powered by a Vortec 6.0L V8 with 360 hp (322 hp in 3500HD Big Dooley models) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (312 hp and 373 lb.-ft. of torque with box delete), which is Standard across all the three trims. You also have an Optional Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 Turbo engine with 365 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque on all the three trims.

Rear View of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LTZ Crew Cab

Additional Standard/Optional packages on both the 2500HD and 3500HD include:

• Skid Plate Package: frame-mounted shield protecting front underbody, oil pan, differential case and transfer case on 4×4 models
• Snow Plow Prep Package: 15-amp power for backup and roof emergency light, high-flow front bumper, Skid Plate Package, and electrical relays (4×4 models only; see dealer for additional ordering information)
• Suspension Package, Z71 Off-Road: 36mm shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers and rear locking differential, Skid Plate Package, and Z71 decals on rear-quarter panels (SRW models only; requires trailering equipment)

Heavy-duty trailering equipment on the Silverado include trailer hitch platform with 2.5-inch receiver and 2-inch adapter, seven-wire harness mated to seven-way sealed connector, automatic locking rear differential, trailer brake control jumper harness under dash and sealed connector for center
high-mounted brake lamp (not available with pickup box or rear-bumper delete). These are Standard on the LTZ trim and Optional on the WT and LT trims.

Transmission is six-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode as Standard on all trims while it is Allison 1000 Series, six-speed automatic with engine-grade braking and Tow/Haul mode as Optional on all three trims.

Standard safety and security features include driver and right-front passenger air-bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and OnStar with one year Safe and Sound Plan as Standard on all three trims. The Brake Controller with an ABS-integrated trailer is Optional on all three trims.

Inside the Chevy 2500HD and 3500HD, you will find mostly Optional features such as:

• Interior Plus Package: six-way power driver seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth wireless technology for select compatible phones
• Sunroof: power-sliding with Express-Open and wind deflector
• Window: power, full-drop, rear (Extended Cab only)
• Climate (temperature) control: single-zone, manual
• Climate (temperature) controls: dual-zone, automatic (Ext. and Crew Cab only)
• Rearview camera system

A Peak Inside the Chevy Silverado 2500HD

Seating options are essentially in Vinyl, Cloth, Premium Cloth or Custom leather appointed, as per the trims.

An AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player is Standard on all trims with an MP3-compatible in-dash six-disc CD changer (not available with DVD entertainment system) Optional on the LT and LTZ trims. Other Optional features include Bluetooth wireless technology for select compatible phones, Bose speaker system, DVD entertainment system (Crew Cab models only), and Touch-screen navigation radio. XM Radio with three trial months is Standard across the trims.

The exterior color options in the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD include Deep Ruby Metallic, Black, Imperial Blue Metallic, Victory Red, Summit White, Blue Granite Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Silver Berch Metallic, and Dark Cherry Metallic. Black Granite Metallic is also available as an extra-cost color.

So, why these beasts? I would say, why not, especially if you are a hardcore Chevy fan? After all, these are surely the strongest members of the Chevy truck family and if you consider the impressive ergonomics and ample storage room, particularly in the LTZ model, you have no reason to look anywhere else! For a Pictorial Review of the 2500HD, Watch this Video.

The Chevrolet Colorado, along with its counterpart, the GMC Canyon, are mid-size pickup trucks from GM, that were introduced in 2004, to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma respectively. Combined with enormous flexibility, superb power and luscious looks, the Colorado sure makes for a wholesome package you would love to own!

Available in both 2WD and 4×4 options, the Colorado comes has three models, viz. Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab, which in turn have four trims – Value Model, Z85, Z71, and Sport. The Colorado is assembled locally in Shreveport, Louisiana and internationally in Rayong, Thailand [See a not-to-be-missed Video of a Thai built One-Tonner Chevy Colorado here].

The heart of the Colorado is a Vortec 2.9L I-4 with 185 hp and 190 lb.-ft. of torque ( Standard in the Value Model and the Z85), a Vortec 3.7L I-5 with 242 hp and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (Standard in the Z71), and a Vortec 5.3L V8 with 300 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (Standard in the Sport). The Shield is front underbody in the 4×4 only, while StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System (including Traction Control) is Standard on all trims.

Safety features on the Colorado include:

• Air bags: driver and right-front passenger; passenger-side
  includes Passenger Sensing System (Standard on all trims)
• Air bags: head-curtain side-impact for driver, right-front
  passenger and rear outboard occupants (Optional on all trims)
• Brakes: four-wheel antilock (ABS), front disc/rear drum (Standard on all trims)
• OnStar with a one-year Safe & Sound Plan (Standard on all trims)

The Chevrolet Colorado regular cab, photographed at College Park, Maryland

Inside the Colorado, you will find:

• Power Convenience Package: includes power windows,
  power-programmable door locks, power outside mirrors
  and Remote Keyless Entry (Optional only in the Z85 and Standard in the others)
• Steering column: Tilt-Wheel, adjustable (Standard on all trims)
• Steering wheel: leather-wrapped (Standard on all trims)
• Sunroof: power, tilt-sliding (not available on Regular Cab models) (Optional in the Z85, Z71 and Sport trims)
• Rear-sliding window (Optional in the Z85 and Standard in the Z71 and Sport trims)

Audio entertainment choices are rather limited, with an AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player as well as a three months trial of XM Radio as Standard on all trims.

Seating options inside the Colorado include:

• LT Deluxe Cloth three-passenger 60/40 split-bench with recliners, armrest with storage and integral head restraints as Standard on all except the Sport trim
• LT Deluxe Cloth high-back bucket seats with integral head restraints, recliners and floor-mounted center console with storage (Standard only in the Sport trim)
• Deluxe high-back leather-appointed front bucket seats with heated seatbacks and cushions, eight-way power-adjustable driver seat and six-way power-adjustable passenger seat (Optional across Trims; not available in the Value Model)
• Rear: two forward-facing, flat-folding seats with rear underseat storage compartments (Extended Cab models only) (Standard on all trims)
• Rear: three-passenger 60/40 split-bench flat-folding seat with head restraints and underseat and behind-seat storage (Crew Cab models only) (Standard on all trims)

Inside the 2009 Chevy Colorado

The wheels of the Colorado are either 16/17/18 inch in aluminum, chrome-clad or Midnight Silver.

Additional accessories for the Colorado, installed at the dealer end include a Chrome Fuel-Filler Door, Chrome Grille, Chrome Stainless Steel Tubular Assist Steps, Folding Hard Tonneau Cover, Rear-Seat Entertainment Head Restraint DVD System, and a Soft Tonneau Cover.

There is a rich variety of exterior colors in which the Colorado is available, including Victory Red, Black, Deep Ruby Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Summit White, and Silver Birch Metallic. New colors introduced recently include Deep Navy and Aqua Blue Metallic. Two other extra cost colors are Inferno Orange Metallic and Black Granite Metallic.

The things going for the Chevy Colorado are firstly its wide variety; with three models and four trims within each, there is easily a Colorado for everyone! But the real killer is its starting MSRP; at $16,705 the Colorado offers excellent value for money, considering all its features, especially if you compare with the 2009 Nissan Frontier Crew whose base MSRP is $26,540 [For a full, independent, competitive comparison, click here]. Combine that with a 2WD City/Highway fuel economy of 18/24 in the Vortec 2.9L manual, and you are sure of having an absolute winner at hand.

Not to be missed!

With flexibility as its mantra, the 2009 Chevy Avalanche turns from an SUV to a full-size pickup truck with mighty ease. It comes in various packages as a four-door, five or six passenger sport utility truck that shares GM’s long wheelbase chassis which is used on the Chevrolet Suburban as well as the Cadillac Escalade EXT.

The Chevy Avalanche clearly stands out from other pickup trucks in the market, in the sense that it’s open bed opens up to the backseat portion vide a folding panel, which Chevy refers to as a midgate, and a removable rear window. Subsequently, a series of three removable panels make up a watertight top for the cargo bed. In case you are looking at additional space, you could have that behind each wheelwell, which you can access by locking flip-top panels and using them as self-draining ice chests.

The Avalanche was first launched in 2001 as a 2002 model, based on the GMT800 platform. It has always been assembled at GM’s truck and SUV assembly plant in Silao, Mexico.

The trims on the Chevy Avalanche are the GM-standard LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, with both having the option of either a 2WD or a 4×4. The Standard engine on all the four trims is a Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management in the 2WD version, and a Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management and FlexFuel capability in the 4×4 version. The latter choice is Optional in the 2WD version and can be made available if requested. There is also the option of a Vortec  6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management in the 2LT and LTZ trims.

The Suspension package is mighty comprehensive in the Avalanche, including specially tuned springs and monotube shocks, high-capacity air cleaner, Skid Plate Package with aluminum front underbody shield, automatic locking rear differential, 18-inch aluminum wheels paired with on-/off-road blackwall tires, recovery hooks, tubular assist steps, specially designed front fascia with chrome grille insert, Z71 badging and Z71-specific gauge cluster.

Trailering equipment available as Standard with the Avalanche include trailer hitch platform, seven-wire harness mated to a seven-way sealed connector and two-inch trailering receiver. Optional trailering equipment include external transmission and engine oil coolers.

Mighty Chevrolet Avalanche Trailer

The Transmission in all the trims is Standard Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode.

Standard Safety features on the Avalanche include:

• Airbags: driver and right-front passenger, dual-stage, frontal; with Passenger Sensing System; head-curtain, side, for all outboard seating positions with rollover sensor
• Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc
• On-Star: one year safe and sound plan, Standard on the LS and one-year one-year Directions & Connections Plan including Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Standard on all other trims
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Proactive Roll Avoidance

Inside the Avalanche, you will find Bluetooth wireless technology for select compatible phones as Standard on all the trims. An Optional Convenience Package includes power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, rearview camera system and rear camera display in mirror. While a Luxury Package (again Optional) includes full-feature heated front bucket seats, Bose sound system, full-feature outside rearview mirror and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.

Rear Interior of the Avalanche

On the Entertainment front, you will be spoilt for choice, with an absolute avalanche of Standard and Optional features like an AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player or with an in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player or even a CD/MP3/DVD player, Bose sound system (including subwoofer), Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system, Navigation radio which includes voice recognition, AM/FM stereo and navigation radio with alternate CD/MP3 player functionality, Rear-seat audio controls which include dual headphone jacks (headphones not included); power outlet; and controls for volume, station selection and media, XM Radio with three trial months, and XM NavTraffic.

Accessories installed at the Dealer level on the Avalanche include 20- and 22-Inch Chrome Wheels, Chrome Fuel-Filler Door, Door Handles And Mirror Caps, Chrome Grille, Dual-Player Headrest DVD System, Portable Overhead DVD Player, and Oval Assist Steps.

Dazzling exterior color options on the Avalanche include Blue Granite Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Black, Inferno Orange Metallic, Deep Ruby Metallic, Victory Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic, Summit White, and the extra-cost color, White Diamond Tricoat.

At a starting MSRP of $35,460 and delivering  an EPA estimated City/Highway fuel economy of 10/15 in the 5.3L V8 FlexFuel version, 14/20 in the 5.3L V8 Gasoline version and 14/19 in the 6.0L V8 version, combined with its enormous flexibility (as seen in this Video here), the Avalanche certainly offers a breathtaking array of features that simply deliver a knock-out punch on competitive offerings [Full Independent Competitive Comparison here].

Highly recommended!