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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 86.00-
Den On Wheels - 2000 Chevrolet Express
By franks350 - February 4 - 2:00 amA great family vehicle to own! You get plenty of cargo and passeger room.I personally have a conversion van package and love the extra headroom and accessories.What other vehicle can you drive and have to stop to calm or assist children in rear without leaving the vehicle?The tv/vcr is a god sent if you have kids and go on long rides or trips. Very reliable and trust worthy.fuel economy is a trade off with all the room and comfort you get.I was more than willing to pay at the pump and be comfortable and not crambed.
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Ready for the test! - 2004 Chevrolet Express
By Dual purpose - December 29 - 2:00 amHope to get good use for business and pleasure, but will have to add a few of my own touches.
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Super buy on a used van - 2015 Chevrolet Express
By Sean McMichael - December 18 - 12:49 pmThis is a 2015 Chevy Express LT 2500 van. Its the 12 passenger mocel with the 6.0 liter engine. I bought it to haul my dogs around in as we go to shows and performance events. Its got a nice interior and the multiple rear ac vents are great foR keeping the dogs cool. Exterior is in great shape and it looks good going down the road. Drives very easy (of course, Im downsizing from a Dodge B3500 so pretty much anything drives better). Have made several short trips and Im really satisfied with it.
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A thumbs up for this one! - 2004 Chevrolet Express
By Abe Mills - November 28 - 2:00 amThis van handles like a van should! I was told to watch out because it would be hard to drive, and would feel like a tractor trailer going down the road, but boy am I happy I went with my instinct on this one. I give this van a 10 on everything. It is a real pleasure to drive, with great visibility, handling, and a great turning radius for such a long van. My only problem with it is I wish I had measured my garage before I bought it, because it just doesnt fit. I am happily sacrificing the garage for this fine piece of equipment though.
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Our "Goin Up North" Vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Express
By johnandlore - November 12 - 2:00 amWe bought this van in Oct. 2001 when GM first came out with 0% financing. It has been a real workhorse ever since - towing our jet-skis, hauling building supplies, or just ferrying us to our Up North cottage. Everyone who rides in it is amazed at the roominess. The ride is surprisingly smooth, and the kids love the TV/VCR with the A/V hookups.
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Keep the kids away! - 2002 Chevrolet Express
By jdbayes - October 24 - 2:00 amThis van is my favorite vehicle out of many new car purchases in my life. It is hard to imagine driving anything smaller. If you need to create space between yourself and those pre-teen monsters we call children - this is with out a doubt the van for you!
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2003 express van comments - 2003 Chevrolet Express
By PCMS - October 21 - 2:00 amTHE MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THERE ARE NO AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, NO BUG SHIELD, NO HOOD BRAS ETC. BODY IS CONSTRUCTED OF THINNER METAL THAN WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER NORMAL. I COMPARED IT TO MY DODGE VAN. THE WAY THE PLASTIC INTERIOR WALLS INTERLOCK IS A DISGRACE, ESPECIALLY AT THE PRICE I PAID. SOME PLASTIC JUST LAYS IN PLACE, NO INTERLOCKING MECHANISM. THE TOUTED OIL CHANGE LIGHT IS USELESS TO ME, IT GOES OFF AT 7000 MILES, I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3000. THE STEP UP, IF YOU ARE A SHORT PERSON, IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HOLDING ON TO THE SEAT AND PULLING YOURSELF IN.
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2001 mercer review - 2001 Chevrolet Express
By jlmercer - September 28 - 2:00 amlove this van we do alot of camping and it realy fits the bill , b
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great tow vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Express
By cooch - June 24 - 2:00 ampurchased new to pull camping trailer. Mechanically very dependable and still runs great after 7 years. Interior fit and finish mediocre. Plastic does not fit cleanly. outside mirrors vibrate.
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BANG FOR THE BUCK! - 2003 Chevrolet Express
By WILDCAT - March 3 - 2:00 amIF YOU WANT POWER, GREAT LOOKS, TONS OF ROOM AND NOT BE LUMPED INTO THE SOCCER MOM MINI VAN CROWED THIS IS THE VAN FOR YOU! BUT WAIT!, WHAT ABOUT THE POOR GAS MILEAGE? GO ON ANY DEALER LOT AND SEE HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS YOU WILL SAVE OVER THEIR MINI VAN COUNTERPARTS. YES, ENOUGH TO OFFSET MANY YEARS OF "MEDIOCRE" GAS MILEAGE.
