Overview & Reviews

Some things in the good ol' USA just don't change all that much, such as diehard Red Sox fans, Wheel of Fortune and Donald Trump's comb-over. The same could also be said for full-size passenger vans. The Chevrolet Express has soldiered on for nearly four decades with only one major redesign happening during that time.

A rolling testament to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of vehicle design, the Express offers a passenger van's timeless features of powerful engines and space, space and…space. With seating for up to 15 adults, these vans are ideal for sports teams, really big families and, of course, commercial use.

Over the years, the Chevrolet Express has enjoyed a healthy share of the full-size passenger van segment. Its main competition has been the even more aged Ford Econoline and the now retired Dodge Ram van. With its variety of powertrain and seating options, the Express is well-suited for those who need a big van, and it offers superior driving dynamics when compared to its Blue Oval rival.

For shoppers interested in a late-model van, there's also the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (previously sold as the Dodge Sprinter) to consider. It offers several advantages over traditional American full-size vans, such as a frugal turbodiesel engine and a taller cabin that allows adults to fully stand up. However, the Chevy Express (along with its GMC Savana corporate twin) is still a solid choice thanks to its variety of passenger capacities, strong towing performance and relatively pleasant driving experience.

Current Chevrolet Express Passenger Van
The Chevrolet Express is available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions. The 3500 is also available with an extended wheelbase, which allows for 15-passenger capacity. Two trim levels known as LS and LT are offered. The LS is typically what fleet buyers purchase, so it's a bit plain, with only air-conditioning and a stereo as the key standard features. If this is going to be your family vehicle, the LT, with its rear A/C, full power accessories, cruise control and plusher seats is the better choice. Standard on all are stability control and side curtain airbags.

The 1500 series comes with a 5.3-liter V8 making 310 horsepower, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The rear-drive-only 2500 gets a standard 4.8-liter V8 with 280 hp or an optional 6.0-liter V8 generating 323 hp. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic. The 6.0-liter V8 is standard on rear-drive-only 3500 series models. Optional for the 3500 is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 putting out 260 hp and 525 pound-feet of torque. Both 3500 series engines are also connected to a six-speed automatic.

As it has for years, the big Chevy should handle whatever folks throw at it. Furthermore, in a two-horse race against the Econoline, the Chevy Express boasts superior driving dynamics and somewhat more modern styling. Compared to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, however, the Express trails on both counts along with interior space. It's much cheaper, though.

Used Chevrolet Express Passenger Van Models
The Chevrolet Express last received a complete redesign back in 1996. To mark this rebirth, the name was changed from "Sportvan" to "Express." New body styling that featured high-mounted taillights, new power plants and an updated cabin with improved ergonomics gave the Chevy the edge compared to its Ford and Dodge competition.

The luxury-themed LT debuted for 2001, but the biggest change during this generation happened in 2003, when an enhanced lineup of engines debuted (a 200-hp V6, 295-hp 5.3-liter V8 and 300-horse 6.0-liter V8) and all-wheel drive was offered for the first time. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic. During this time, there was also a 3/4-ton 2500 version offered, as well as base and LS trims.

For 2007, the V6 was dropped, while the V8s were upgraded to 301 hp and 323 hp, respectively. The following year the interior was redone, and stability control and side curtain airbags became standard. For 2010, the 5.3-liter was bumped to 310 hp and the 6.0-liter V8 got a six-speed automatic transmission. The 4.8-liter V8 and turbodiesel V8 did not arrive until 2011.

Prior to the '96 reincarnation, the Chevrolet Express van rode the same basic platform for nearly three decades and the sheet metal barely changed in a quarter century. Engine choices ranged from an inline-6 all the way up to 6.2-liter diesel and 7.4-liter gasoline V8s. The most popular engine was Chevy's tried-and-true 5.7-liter (350-cubic-inch for the older vans) V8. Up to 1995, the model designations consisted of G20 and G30 (a G10 was available prior to '94), while the top trim level went by the oh-so-suburban name of Beauville.

Visual updates through the '70s, '80s and early '90s consisted chiefly of grille and headlight changes. Periodic hardware updates, such as the adoption of a four-speed automatic and fuel injection in the mid-'80s and dual airbags in the mid-'90s kept the big Chevy van viable in this niche market segment.

User Reviews:

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  Very superior to all others tested - 2011 Chevrolet Express
  By appletime - April 14 - 5:02 pm

  The Express is far superior to Fords version and superior to all others I tried before I purchased it. Quiet, Very Powerful, Comfortable, Stylish and workmanship receive top scores from my comparisons.

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  What got me into loving American Cars - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By JW - May 29 - 12:27 pm

  I am (was) a die-hard Honda fan - I believed Honda has the most reliable and fuel efficient vehicles in US. In my 20 years of driving life, have purchased 9 new Honda & Acura cars, from Accord to Civic to CRV to Pilot to Odyssey. But since owning a Chevy Express 2500 (Explorer conversion w/ high top roof) I am not sure if Honda really is the best. Id have to admit, when it comes to a big car, GM still is the best. (little 30mpg civic isnt for everyone you know - some of us have no other option) Express gets 16-17 MPG @ 75MPH, even when its overloaded with 7 adults and tons of luggage. Odyssey gets 20MPG if I did the same, and there will barely be any room left to breathe.

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  Best Van Ever built - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By Rollin - April 14 - 10:23 am

  I purchased this van for work and pleasure , it has turned out to be my every day driver... I love it, my favorite thing about this van is the FUEL ECONOMY it is amazing i have the 5.3 vortec and loaded with about thousand pounds i get 20 - 22 mpg rollin down the highway at 75 85 mph,you cant beat it. Very comfortable and actually easy to park.

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  Its paid for so dont laugh. - 2001 Chevrolet Express
  By firefightingfool - October 23 - 7:31 pm

  I love my van. My wife hates it. (Due to the consumption of fuel, along with the price of fuel.) I upgraded from an Chevy Astro. The room, the entertainment system, the handling, the styling, the aggressive motor, the storage room behind the rear seat, the duel A/C. I can go on forever. The only drawback is the fuel economy, which I really dont mind, because the entire family can travel in comfort. I bought my van with 29,000 miles and I currently have just over 93,000 miles. When it comes to repairs, Ive needed to replace my starter, alternator and battery. With regular maintenance my vehicle has been superb.

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  Workhorse - 2000 Chevrolet Express
  By Raj - July 11 - 5:20 pm

  Owned 10 years, over 185,000 miles on it, still going strong. Repairs relatively minor: brakes, belts, that sort of thing. Amazingly, still riding on the original transmission. If you need to move a lot of people and their stuff, shes beast of a workhorse. Because it is so big, the MPG is very low, around 12. But shes amazingly easy to handle, and park, and the visibility is the best of the big vans. Very reliable workhorse. Minor issues: drivers side window failed at 70K. Door lock panel fell inside door. Interior side panels got loose at about 100K. Tires are expensive to replace. But shes been one of the best vans weve owned, and weve used her hard!

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  Outstanding multi-purpose vehicle! - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By johngcarr - June 16 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this van 2 years ago having 174k miles on it. Im approaching 200k now and it runs like new. It does need brakes every 15k because its fairly heavy. I average 19+ mpg highway with a 5.7 350 V8, 8000lb towing capacity conversion van that is exceptionally comfortable for 7 people. If it ever does wear out Ill buy another one, but from talking to other owners it likely never will. This is the original engine and transmission having no repairs other than a radiator and a fuel pump at 185k. I understand the 4.3 v6 model to be just as good except for towing capability.

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  A true workhorse. - 2008 Chevrolet Express
  By Ed - April 2 - 3:06 am

  This is my second Express van. I have the 12 passenger van, just the right size. The 08 has been given many up grades over older models. The seats can easily be removed, and you can almost put your whole house in there. My previous Express van was trouble free. My 08 came with no defects, so a good start.

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  Greatest family vehicle ever made! - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By JohnGCarr - February 24 - 10:36 am

  I bought this van as an occasional use vehicle for family trips last year with 174k on it. It ran and still does run like brand new. I have the Debut conversion which is extremely comfortable for the whole family. The miles dont bother me in the slightest now as Ive seen them with over 300k running smoothly. It looks like brand new both outside and inside and everything works perfectly. Mine has the towing package with 5.7 V8 and still manages to get very decent gas mileage even with 6 or more people and a load in the back. Well likely have many more years of use out of it and then Ill buy another one :)

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  My Express - 2003 Chevrolet Express
  By Lori - January 31 - 8:30 am

  I love my van. I use it for transporting dogs to and from competitve events and vet visits. Its a perfect size for my purpose and its very easy to take seats in and out for whatever I need it. Its been very reliable. The only thing Ive had repaired on it was a water pump gasket.

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  Better then SUV for a trailer and kids - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By Chris - September 6 - 1:18 am

  We needed the ability to tow a trailer and carry 7. All the SUVs we looked at had a back seat that you must get into like a 2 door car. All the small vans cannot tow a trailer. We found that conversion vans are the best fit. What a pleasure to drive and tow (its like the trailer is not there). This has lots of power - even on the hills a smoth ride and handles like a smaller vehicle. We test drove the Ford and found it nice - but you never forgot you had a truck under you, also we could not get the 4th door. Gas mileage is not as bad as I feared - 13mpg with trailer, 19 on the open road,14/15 every day.