Chevrolet Express Van Review

[Ming]

Chevrolet Express Van/Wagon
By Ken Chester Jr
Motor News Media Corporation



Far removed from the salad days of the full-sized van when minivans did not exist, and everybody wanted to own a conversion van, the Chevrolet Express is a full-size body-on-frame, rear-drive van that is anything but a technological throwback. Engineered to work hard, the Express is designed to carry impressive quantities of people and cargo.

This versatile truck is available in the following configurations: G1500 (1/2 ton), G2500 (3/4 ton) and G3500 (1 ton) and regular (135-inch) or extended (155-inch) wheelbase models (G2500/G3500 only). Passenger wagon models offer eight, 12 or 15 passenger seating.

As befitting a van with a high level of flexibility, buyers have a choice of four engines: Vortec 4300 V6; Vortec 4800 V8; Vortec 5300 V8 and Vortec 6000 V8. Gearbox offerings include two four-speed automatics with overdrive.

Chevrolet delivers a higher dose of safety with the introduction of StabiliTrak, the automaker's vehicle stability enhancement system, on 15-passenger models. (New for 2005 - StabiliTrak also standard on regular-wheelbase 12-passenger vans)

On the road, the Express is impressive. An insulated vinyl floor mat is standard on the cargo models, eliminating most of the groan, rattle and squeaks associated with an empty cargo van. The large Vortec 6000 V8 is smooth and responsive. The truck is very easy to maneuver, even in tight spots.



The stout, full-frame underpinnings permit the application of tried and true suspension hardware -- independent short/long arm (SLA) with coil springs and a 30-mm stabilizer bar in the front; two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semi floating axle in the rear.

Inside, it is all about capacity. The driver is treated to a commanding view of the road. The base high back bucket seats for driver and front passenger are comfortable. Displays and controls are typical Chevrolet -- large, easy to read and complete. The center stack has plenty of room for storage. Two large cupholders will satisfy even the heaviest coffee drinker or largest beverage container.

Access in and out of the Express is easy. A wide, low step-in is built into all door openings. Double doors open wide at the side and rear to facilitate loading of both passengers and cargo.

Article Here

Specs for 2005 Express Vans

[TaHoE]

I liked the first one, and this one is even better. The Express is the best vehicle in it's class. Congratulations Chevrolet on a job well done!

[giagastormer]

Originally posted by laserwizard@Sep 4 2004, 01:22 PM
This is perhaps one of GM's finest vehicles. When it was first introduced, it was an awkward cow of a van, but subtle and necessary changes have turned it into an outstanding vehicle in its class. Well done.

Who are you and what have you done with Laserwizard!

I agree, the Express Van is top notch for its class. I was at my local GMC dealership the other day, and they had a fully loaded Savana in the showroom. Wow, what a plush vehicle. It had every option known to man on the inside, it was priced in the $30,000's too.

[diablo4]

Originally posted by giagastormer+Sep 4 2004, 02:21 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (giagastormer @ Sep 4 2004, 02:21 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-laserwizard@Sep 4 2004, 01:22 PM
This is perhaps one of GM's finest vehicles.&nbsp; When it was first introduced, it was an awkward cow of a van, but subtle and necessary changes have turned it into an outstanding vehicle in its class.&nbsp; Well done.

Who are you and what have you done with Laserwizard!

I agree, the Express Van is top notch for its class. I was at my local GMC dealership the other day, and they had a fully loaded Savana in the showroom. Wow, what a plush vehicle. It had every option known to man on the inside, it was priced in the $30,000's too. [/b][/quote]
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[tgagneguam]

Originally posted by laserwizard@Sep 4 2004, 01:22 PM
This is perhaps one of GM's finest vehicles. When it was first introduced, it was an awkward cow of a van, but subtle and necessary changes have turned it into an outstanding vehicle in its class. Well done.

Actually, I mostly agree. I never imagined myself saying that about a full-size van.

[ChevyLaxMan]

The express is an awesome vehicle indeed. It is a wonder why more suv buyers dont look at full size vans. They offer lower step in height, better interior space, and the same powertrains as their suv counterparts. Also, they are much cheaper than the suv's too. Plus it doesnt hurt that this van has good looks too!

[Swahili]

It is a wonder why more suv buyers dont look at full size vans.

Agreed. People are targets of advertising, and most companies that make full size vans (I guess only Ford, Chev, and Dodge) don't really advertise them as much as their SUV's. SUV's are big cash grabs aren't they?

[GTOken]

The 1500 is also available in All Wheel Drive. I plan on getting rid of my 2000 Safari and getting a Savana and was interested in the AWD model. Anyone have any experience with these?

[usa1]

GM has the best full sized vans, but that's not saying much. Ford and Dodge have done little, if anything, over the last 10 years to improve their vans. It's hard NOT to excel in such an uncompetitve market.

Mark

[Ming]

Originally posted by GTOken@Sep 4 2004, 10:18 AM
The 1500 is also available in All Wheel Drive.* I plan on getting rid of my 2000 Safari and getting a Savana and was interested in the AWD model.* Anyone have any experience with these?

I have - excellent vehicles, test drive one and you'll love the cargo/peaple room and low pricing.


2005 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van 1500 Regular Wheelbase All-Wheel Drive:
Invoice Price:

$25,900 get dealer quotes

Gas Mileage:
14 mpg city / 18 mpg hwy

Engine/s:
5.3L V8, 16 valve, 285@5200h

-----

VS.

2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD:
Invoice Price:

$35,350 get dealer quotes

Gas Mileage:
14 mpg city / 18 mpg hwy

Engine/s:
5.3L V8, 16 valve, 295@5200hp

Transmission:
4 speed Automatic

[ChevyLaxMan]

And ming proves the point again! If anyone gets the chance to ride in one make a point to notice how 80mph feels just like 30mph. Does dodge market that new goofy van to the public? I believe it replaced the ram van some time ago. It might give the Express/Savana some competition.

[AmmoWG66]

I agree with everyone here...

These vans aren't only cheaper, but they're also roomier and have a ton more options than the biggest SUV's.

I'd rather get one of these fully loaded and pimped out than get an SUV of similar nature.

[jarsworldcom]

Finally someone has noticed what GM has done in regards to the full size vans.

GM mainly markets the vans towards cargo van consumers at trades show and trades magazines. That is why the average consumer doesn't hear much about them.

Interestly enough the AWD transmission was borrowd from Astro/Safari. And it is pain in the rear to build verses the stand RWD version.

For 2006 the GMC Savanna and the Chevy Express will finally have the Duramax engine as an option, but the Allison transmission won't be.

2008 will bring about either a major refresh or redesign of the line. Right around the time Ford will have a new Econoline out. Dodge did replace the Ram van with the Mercedes Sprinter. It does have GM management a little worried, but GM still offers some things that niether Ford of DC offer when it comes to the full size van segment.

[karhopper]

I love GM vans :lol: . The major buying public don't like vans because they don't give the "King of the Road" image like a Suburban or Excursion. They just want to show off what kind of money that they spend. That's how I think

[navarre92589]

Yeah if i get real fat one day and have 10+ kids to haul around, the Express will be first on my list. :YMCA: