Overview & Reviews

Daytime running lights debut, and LT models can be equipped with leather upholstery. Also optional this year is a HomeLink three-channel transmitter. Delayed entry-exit lighting is now standard on all Astro passenger vans. Transmission refinements mean smoother shifts, and electronic variable orifice steering eases steering effort at low speeds.

• Big inside but small outside, torquey V-6 engine, dual airbags, standard ABS, all-wheel drive

• Fuel economy, aging design, intrusive engine cover

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 30.00

• 

  Whats not to like - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By rjerryc - June 1 - 2:17 pm

  Of course, there are those who think every vehicle should be custom built to do everything they personally want. They want 50 mpg and capacity to haul the biggest load imaginable. Very good van - built on a truck chassis and the engine has plenty of power to tow a good sized trailer (5,500 lbs). Lots of driver and passenger comforts-armrests, etc. Easy to drive even when towing a big load. Its not a Ford F-350 so dont expect that! Great van, bigger than a mini-van and a lot better.

• 

  Transmission Problems Under 75,000 - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Bonnie - April 28 - 11:02 pm

  Had 2 transmission repairs under warranty at 75 and 80,000. I dont think the dealership fixed it properly, because had to be assertive, and now it has lasted another 225,000 without problems. Had trouble with dealer trying to get out of warranty for transmission and throttle body, saying it is because we didnt have oil changes at GM and used our own serviceman (had regular oil changes every 2500 elsewhere). Dealer said transmissions must be overhauled every 15,000 or would void warranty and said that brakes needed doing at 7500 then didnt put enough brake fluid in and they failed after the repair. After warranty over have been very satisfied with van. Love van except front leg room.

• 

  Loved it, hated to get rid of it - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Chase Franklin - June 23 - 5:31 pm

  We have put more trips and miles into this van than any other weve ever owned. Being a travel hockey family whose player is a goalie, this van has held all four of us and on more than one occaision three additional players, all our gear and clothes. Fantastic room. It has performed equally well in summer travel as well as traveling the snow storms and rain in the upper midwest. We never felt that we had to pull over and sit a night somewhere due to a winter storm. If you are looking for a quality used vehicle - this it!

• 

  Great Van but died too soon - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By jkumpire - April 17 - 10:46 pm

  We purchased this Astro as a conversion in 1990 with 18K. It just died last week when the tranny died at 246K. The Astro was a good van, though after 150K miles it started to suck up money. We had prblems with a fuel pump, one window motor, the paint coming off after 200K miles, and the A/C system and hood latch. It also ran through a lot of tires in its time, but it went over a lot of rough roads too. We got our money out of the thing, the Starcraft conversion was excellent, and the gas mileage was decent for most of its career at 20 mpg. The biggest pain was the well documented vacuum hose problem. The bad rap the Astro got for crash tests and bad production values was not true in out case!

• 

  We have loved it! - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Valley Dweller - July 7 - 12:41 pm

  This van has held up good, had some tranny trouble, but I knew about that model tranny before we bought it. Have had it since new, and replaced a few things here and there. Rides high, tows great, pull 5,000 lbs easily in the mountains where we live. Drives good in the corn and hay fields too. 220,000 miles and engine runs great, no oil use and no noises.

• 

  totally satisfied with this van! - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Carolyn - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I put the miles on per year and this van keeps up with them have had no major problems .....power window on drivers side.yes but have found that to be a weakness with chevys.....mine has 142,000 miles and runs like a clock..if I didnt need more room for my business , would definately get another..will be sad to retire this one.

• 

  A Real Lemon But Love It Anyway! - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Pam Waugh - January 16 - 2:00 am

  EVERYTHING has been replaced early and often. Maintained by the book at dealership. My 3rd Astro and will likely get another. This must be a lemon but I love it anyway. Its cost a fortune to repair but had extended warranty for alot of the repairs. But cant seem to get out of the dealership for less than $600 a pop. But its the perfect sized van for my needs! Just wish it was more reliable. Do wish they had a 4th door though.

• 

  astro van 1997 - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By gbsuy - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, only problem I have had is the windshield wipers and a window motor, runs very good

• 

  I love this Van - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By LMTapia - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this van with 50,000 miles and now have 184,000 miles and it still runs like new. No slipage in the transmission and no loss of power. I have replaced a few items like water pump and radiator along with 4 brake jobs but at 184,000 miles, not bad at all. This is my second Astro.

• 

  I like my car - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Norma A. Padron - September 15 - 2:00 am

  It is a very spacious car, with great visibility and high. Dont like at times the high because for short and old people it is kind of difficult to get in. Window motors are not too good, both, driver and passenger brake easily and when you need it the most.