Here's an exciting one: Chevy Astro
 

Sorry if this puts anybody to sleep. :)

I need a small cargo van for business use. I've heard good things about Astro reliability, and the chassis is a plus for capacity. Has anybody worked on or owned one? Have any thoughts about year breaks? I only know large Ford and small DC vans.

I used to work in a Chevy dealer, Astro's are fairly decent, the front steering and suspension parts (ball joints, idler arm and pitman arm especially) tend to wear quite a bit, also if the vehicle has power door locks the front door lock actuators go out all the time.
They didnt change much over the years, they went to the central port Vortec engine in '96 which was good for power but not as reliable as the old throttle body Vortec for '95 and prior. I *think* 96 was the same year they did a minor restyling of the exterior and interior, although it may have been in '95. Either way most of the mechanicals stayed the same.

My company has worn out several Astro/Safari vans over the years. They've generally given good service. One we had was a bit of a lemon... kept snapping power steering brackets.
Do your diligent maintenance (keep the chassis lubed, etc.), and you should get more than your money's worth.

Yeah, that engine and transmission are near bulletproof, in any iteration. The CPI engines are better for power and fuel mileage. I know of people who have 300,000 miles on them, and while the body isn't in great shape any longer, they run like a champ. I say go for it.

My moms 93 Astro has over 380,000 on it still runs like new :thumbsup:

Thanks guys. Good to hear. Nobody I've asked has come up with red flags yet. Just choices.

PainTrain, your mom's? Now I have to get a manly cargo system & cage. :)

I barely missed an '01 steal yesterday. Now I'm back to shopping in the '96/'97 range...

I neglected to ask, any thoughts on the AWD system? I'm more concerned about durability & serviceability vs. function.

Well my mom's isn't a cargo but same engine and tranny set-up.

Got a 97 with 250,000km on it. Still going strong. It's had an alternator, water pump, power steerign/power brakes pump (power brakes them are hydraulic, not vaccuum operated) and otherwise just normal wear out stuff like brakes, u-joints, ball joints, tires, etc.

Seriously the toughest vehicle I have ever driven. That van will drive to hell and back without a problem.

I forgot, Crazybill is right, mine is on front end number two or three if I remember correctly. Still not too bad though considering the mileage. The body restyle was in '95 and I think interior in 96. I may be wrong though.

From everything I've heard, Astros are pretty good from a reliability standpoint.

The only major drawback is their absolutely abysmal crash test ratings. Definitely something to consider, especially if you'll be doing a lot of highway driving.

http://www.hwysafety.org/ratings/image.ashx?rh=66&id=1

http://www.hwysafety.org/ratings/image.ashx?rh=66&id=2

And to put that in perspective, a Honda Civic in that exact same crash held up well enough that the occupants would most likely walk away.