Chevrolet Express Review

2009 Chevrolet Express LS 2500 Van Shown

Some things in the good ol' USA just don't change all that much, such as die-hard 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-built 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 half-ton (called 1500) and 1-ton (3500) versions. The 3500 is also available with an extended wheelbase, which allows 15-passenger capacity. Two trim levels, consisting of base LS and luxury 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. An update for 2008 provided an upgraded cabin as well as standard stability control and side curtain airbags.

Stout powertrains and high tow capacities are some of the Express' chief assets. The 1500 comes with a 5.3-liter V8 (295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque) while the 3500s have a 6.0-liter V8 (300 hp and 360 lb-ft). Both engines come paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3500 features stability control, while the 1500 can be had with all-wheel drive.

As it has for years, the big Chevy should handle whatever folks throw at it. Furthermore, in the two-horse race against the Econoline, the Chevy Express boasts superior driving dynamics and somewhat more modern styling. But before you sign the bottom line, we suggest you also strongly consider the more technologically advanced and more efficient Sprinter.

Past 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 biggest change during this generation happened in 2003, when the current lineup of powerhouse engines debuted (ranging from the 200-hp V6 to the potent 300-horse 6.0-liter V8) and all-wheel drive was offered for the first time. During this time, there was also a 3/4-ton 2500 version offered, as well as base and LS trims. The luxury-themed LT debuted for '01.

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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHEVROLET EXPRESS MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.