Overview & Reviews

An all-new vehicle from the ground up, the Express is the successor to the Sportvan. The exterior looks totally different and offers improved functionality. The rear doors open wider and swing out away from the high-mounted taillights. Thus the taillights are still visible, even when the doors are open, as they could be at a loading dock.

Other functional improvements include longer wheelbases for the standard- and extended-length versions of this van (135 inches for the standard; 155 inches for the extended). The longer wheelbases ease entry/exit and improve ride quality and stability.

The spare tire no longer encroaches on cargo room; it's now banished to the underside of the van. Also, a 31-gallon gas tank offers a longer range between fill-ups. Dual front airbags are added to the standard safety equipment list of the vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,600 pounds or lower.

A new series of engines is introduced, providing more power and torque than last year's offerings.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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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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  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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  Do Not Buy - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By GetRidOf_Chev - May 7 - 3:32 pm

  We bought this van new with Conversion package. Put in 1st transmission at 51K, 2nd at 75K ( 96 has big time transmission problems ) Intake manifold gasket, new radiator and finally fuel pump. About $6000 in repairs since we owned it. Cant wait to get rid of it.

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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 tow vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By cooch - June 24 - 2:00 am

  purchased 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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  great vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By MikeJ - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been fantastic. Only problems I have had in 90,000 miles is that the computer went bad and intake manifold gasket. Still tuns like brand new

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  Chevy should be ashamed - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By DadofFour - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this Chevy G1500 conversion van for 16 months. We purchased the vehicle with only 62000 miles. Today the odometer reads 76000 miles. In the past 16 months we have spent $600 to replace the breaks TWICE, $1700 on a new transmission, $700 on the a/c (condensor) and $200 on a water pump. Thats $3200 in 16 months with the fear of more to come.

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  GM needs quality control improvement - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By Kayaker - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Mine is a conversion van Mark III so the interior is better than standard.The car is a good road warrior but had the ABS go out at 48k, the a/c rear at 25k, and a drive shaft leaking oil at 27k. Brakes inadequate for such a large vehicle.At 59k, bits and pieces of trim are departing or breaking I echo the concern about vibrating rear view mirrors. Very flimsy side door. I am convinced Chevy could build a better van if they tried. Now that the kids are bigger, next car is a Subaru which will last forever.

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  Next Time,Ill buy FORD - 1996 Chevrolet Express
  By PERK - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van used.At 50,000 miles,the fuel pump went bad.I have spent over $1000.00 on the air conditioning.Now the computer is bad.I expected better performance from a GM product.Fit and finish is poor,at best.The outside rear view mirrors vibrate excessively.