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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  Conversion Van - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By jhillen - April 1 - 5:46 pm

  Good solid vehicle for a family. Good value when compared to a Suburban. Even with 4.3L V6, it has good perfomance. Available V8 would probably be better. Locking rear axle makes winter driving very doable. Optional 4 wheel disk brakes are welcome addition to stop this 5300lb truck.

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  Great van, handles great. - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By Tim - March 26 - 1:03 am

  This van rides and handles great. Bought a new 2004 Express Low top Chariot conversion. Very comfortable on trips or around town. Average highway mpg is over 20. Not bad for a big van. Only suggestion is they replace cheap plastic arm rest on door with a padded material.

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  Chevy Express - 2000 Chevrolet Express
  By Castiglia - December 3 - 8:16 am

  The Chevy Express has been a very reliable vehicle. The quality of the vehicle is lacking in certain areas. For example, almost every interior light has failed. The dash, radio, window/lock buttons, control panel lights are mostly burned out. Engine performance and fuel economy is nothing to brag about. I expected low milage but not 15mpg on the highway unloaded. About 11 or 12 in the city.

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  Our Adventure Mobile - 2001 Chevrolet Express
  By gep10 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  We use this vehicle to tow our camper around the midwest and carry our family, gear & guests on ski trips & kayaking and biking trips. We also use it to haul large objects and loads ( rototillers, pavers, lumber, etc.). It has been a great traveling vehicle everyone is very comfortable even after long drives (good seat design, amazing legroom for 2nd & 3rd rows, strong ft/rr AC/ heater system) and the Bose/dual TV/VCR system w/AV hookups is great. 255/70 Firestone Indy 500 tires transformed the wet/ dry handling and Ive safely passed 4WD SUVs on snow and ice on our ski trips after installing four winter tires. Very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Mikes Review - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By Mike Saunders - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great van!

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  02 chev 15 pass van - 2002 Chevrolet Express
  By sternberg547 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  excellent driveability, no stability problems, no mechanical problems. ownership has exceeded expectations as of 28000mi. my highest reccomendation.

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  2nd Express Conversion - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By mike1955 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  We just got our second Chevy Express Conversion Van with an Explore conversion package. What a dream boat. With the special Platinum Paint and six spoke alloy 18" wheels this van turns heads. Rides like my Caddy and performance is outstanding, both in fuel economy and power to tow. In the large van catagory, its the best game in town!

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  Da perfect family van - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By Big-Van-man - April 7 - 2:00 am

  We wanted to put some distance between the back of our seats and the kids shoes. We got that and then some. Have traveled 1000s of miles of highway with the fam and loved it. Could never do it in a minivan. Mechanical problems: AC compressor froze and got stuck in the winter, cooling system leaks, had radiator replaced at 85000. No other major repairs, current miles 112000.

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  Great Improvement - 2000 Chevrolet Express
  By DaveScans - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This design is a huge improvement over previous Chevrolet Vans. I find the interior to be much quieter, ride to be better, and handling to be much easier. I do have this van in a conversion form, but it outclasses my older GS van by far.

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  2000 chevy express van LS 3500 - 2000 Chevrolet Express
  By Billthedrummer - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This van serves the purposes I bought it for. It drives smooth and pulls my 19 FT bow rider boat better than my old 92 F250. The clearance inside is higher than my truck was with a cap on it. All the seats remove easily so I can load up with music equipment. I can even leave seats in and bring the band along with me. It has the 5.7 litre motor so I have no problems on hills. I use it to take the garbage to the dump too. The garbage cans will fit standing up in the back with the lids on. I havent owned it for very long so I cant tell you all the many uses.