1999 Chevy Astro Review
1999 Chevy Astro Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Last midsize you can buy, eight-passenger seating, versatile, rear-driver tows like a full-size.
Cons
- Design is two decades old, cramped front footwells, boxy sheetmetal, can't hide its truck roots.
What’s new
A new, all-wheel-drive active transfer case replaces the previous AWD system, and includes a new control module and service light. There are two new interior roof consoles: one with storage is optional on base model, another with trip computer is standard on LS and LT trim. A new LT stripe design comes in three new colors. Dealer-installed running boards are available, as are new optional aluminum wheels. Three exterior paint colors are added for '99, while depowered airbags finally arrive this year. Finally, the outside mirrors are redesigned, available heated and with or without electrochromic glare reduction.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$266/mo for Astro LS
Astro LS
vs
$219/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 passenger/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 Chrysler mini or a Ford Windstar. What you do acquire is a highly practical carrier that can be equipped to suit just about any family, trimmed in any of three levels. Depending on configuration, Astros can seat up to eight passengers and haul as much as three tons.
Out on the road, rolling hour after hour, 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 for long journeys. Seats are a little short, but comfortable, in both the front and center positions. 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 standard, putting power through a smooth-shifting four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels.Dual depowered airbags and antilock brakes are standard. You get only one body choice: the extended-length version. 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.
This year, Chevy adds a state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive transfer case to replace the old AWD system. It operates in two-wheel-drive until the system senses rear-wheel slippage. It then immediately transfers torque between the front and rear axles to help regain traction and optimize control. Also new are interior roof consoles, redesigned outside mirrors, and new optional aluminum wheels.
Three new paint colors are available for 1999, while the LT model gets a redesigned stripe, itself available in three new colors. And dealers can now install optional running boards in six colors. Solid and substantial, Astros remain tempting (if dated) choices, whether for hauling passenger or cargo. If you need a small van with big van capacity and versatility, the Astro should be on your shopping list.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Chevrolet Astro.
5 star(35%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(22%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(4%)
54 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.25 out of 5 stars
1999 Astro LS AWD
danjpao, 11/27/2002
1999 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan AWD
Many problems after the first 2 years
(35000 miles). Transfer case was rebuilt
twice, 35000 miles apart because of
locking up on cornering. Can't keep
brakes in it - rotors keep warping -
brake system is to small for the weight
of vehicle. Power steering pump, 1 door
lock actuator, 2 sets of idler arms, oil
cooler lines, ignition coil, ignition
switch housing and pinion oil seal … all
replaced. Right now at 76,000 miles my
Astro is in the shop with the engine out
because of a coolant leak. I am amazed
at Chevy's lack of concern for this
lemon!!!
3.25 out of 5 stars
good van for anything
dskidds, 01/19/2011
1999 Chevrolet Astro 3dr Minivan
love this van, its a Custom Craft.
problems are no locks, keyless entry doesn't work, driver side window motor is a no go, don't have access to the trunk, fuel sender does not work, ne fuel pump put in at 130k, ball joints are going, when it shifts between 1st and 2nd it "jumps, hard shifting"
check the fluid and its alright
does well in the snow
perfect donuts (just once, no more)
had … this van on many numerous trips
its a good van, but it gets 13mpg city and 16 highway, 4.3 Lt. V6 Vortex
2.75 out of 5 stars
1999 Astro Van
John Hilger, 12/26/2009
1999 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan
Bought van new and it performed well until it reached 60,000 miles. Then the electric door locks began to fail. The power window motor failed on drivers side. Water pump and and thermostat @ 80,000. 100,000 differential bearings went bad. 119,000 cooling leak around intake manifold gasket. Always maintained van and never abused.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Many problems
Victor, 04/30/2002
1999 Chevrolet Astro 3dr Minivan
I bought this van because of its size.
This van has had many problems. Window
switches replaced, door locks replaced,
door opener replaced, calipers
replaced, all these problems under
36,000 miles. Latest problem the
differential had to be replaced at
38,000. Unheard of by many mechanics.
GM would not pick up total cost to
replace it. Only half. The executive
office … said since I didn't use the
dealer to service it all the time, they
would not help me. Why should I pay
the deal 2 times the amount for a
simple oil change.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Chevrolet Astro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Astro since its last redesign.
1999 Astro Highlights
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $266/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
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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