2001 Chevy Astro Cargo Review
2001 Chevy Astro Cargo Review
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Used Astro Cargo for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big-van capacity, small-van package, available all-wheel drive, towing ability.
Cons
- Engineered in the early '80s, mediocre crash-test scores, intrusive front wheel wells.
What’s new
Performance from Astro's Vortec 4300 V6 is enhanced, compliments of a new powertrain control module. Also new is a low-emission vehicle (LEV) version. Color choices are expanded to include Light Pewter Metallic and Dark Carmine Red Metallic. Dutch rear doors are ousted to make loading easier.
Edmunds says
A capable utility vehicle, if a bit outdated and unrefined.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded in Florida.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
$261/mo for Astro Cargo Base
Astro Cargo Base
vs
$222/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Models that have been around for a while can still deliver impressive value -- and valor. That's true of the long-lived Astro van, a staple in Chevy's lineup since 1985. This hard-working cargo hauler, sporting a conventionally boxy shape, has -- if anything -- mellowed with age.
No, you don't get the curvaceous contours or the ergonomics of a modern machine. What you do acquire is a highly practical heavy-duty hauler that can be equipped to suit just about any business.
Available in a single trim level, Astro cargo van includes a host of appealing features. A tow-haul mode on the transmission that holds revs longer when Astro is laden with cargo or a trailer, headlights that automatically activate in low-light situations, and a flash-to-pass feature for those interested in inciting road rage, are standard. Buyers also get front air conditioning, vinyl seats, and an AM/FM stereo.
Aluminum wheels with white-lettered tires can be added to dress up the exterior, and a number of window glass configurations can be ordered. Power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as a tilt steering wheel and cruise control, are optional. Cloth upholstery and an upgraded sound system with both cassette and CD players are also available.
Out on the road, loaded with cargo, is where the Astro demonstrates its true worth. Taller than its likely rivals, Astros are admittedly more truck-like in temperament, but deliver a pleasant highway ride with competent handling. Seats are a little short, but comfortable. Unfortunately, overly small front footwells drop the comfort level a notch, especially after long stints behind the wheel.
A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 is the sole engine choice, putting power through a smooth shifting, four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to drive the rear, or optionally, all wheels. The lower-priced rear-drive rendition is the ticket for hauling plenty of weight. All-wheel drive costs more and delivers improved wet-pavement traction, but slurps up more fuel along the route. Depending on configuration, Astro cargo vans can haul as much as 5,900 pounds.
Dual depowered airbags and antilock brakes are standard, but Astro doesn't score well in crash testing. Still, with its body-on-frame construction and standard rear-wheel drive, Astro is the one small cargo van that can boast big-van capacity and versatility. Perfect for heavier-duty jobs, Astro makes sense for those with plenty to haul in any kind of weather.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Chevrolet Astro Cargo.
5 star(50%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(33%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
6 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
2000 Chevy Astro Ext Cargo Van
Jared, 01/20/2007
2000 Chevrolet Astro Cargo 3dr Minivan
This is one hell of a van. Aside from the known transmission PCV valve problems (which can be fixed more permanently by using an aftermarket valve), this has to be the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Incredibly well designed. Engine is very powerful, more so than any other van I've driven in its class. Unfortunately, Chevy discontinued the Astro as of 2006 so '05 is the last … model year you will find. This is the ultimate small work van. Note that the standard roof rack solutions max out at 44" widths so if you need a 48" wide rack, you'll have to come up with a custom mounting solution for your wide rack.
2.75 out of 5 stars
Spunky AWD Astro
DavesAstro, 10/31/2002
2000 Chevrolet Astro Cargo 3dr Minivan AWD
I've used my '00 AWD Astro Cargo van
for work; where I frequently travel
many miles on and off road. The AWD
system works well when going up steep
dirt hills, and has good poor weather
traction. The van is easy to manuver
in parking lots, and has nice passing
and acceleration power.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Extremely Reliable
Heckler, 04/29/2004
1994 Chevrolet Astro Cargo 3dr Ext Minivan
This 94 Astro CS Extended now has over
138,000 miles on it, and the only
breakdown was the EGR valve at 120,000
miles. All I did was normal
maintenance (oil changes, alignment,
tires, and tuneup).
General Motors built this one right.
5 out of 5 stars
Best kept secret in small van market
DSTn, 08/20/2009
2000 Chevrolet Astro Cargo 3dr Minivan
I bought this van with 150k on it. It is about to flip 200k. The original motor/transmission/rear end are functioning flawlessly. I think it is interesting that it is rated to tow 3500 lbs and most front wheel drive van are rated at 1,000-1,500. Just goes to show you that rear wheel drive is a stronger design.-my neighbor has a courier service with a 1999 astro van that had 400k when he … sold it. The new owner drove it home.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Astro Cargo since its last redesign.
2001 Astro Cargo Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,793 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $261/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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