By Mr. Rufener on 07/15/08 08:55 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
The Astro’s greatest merit is its interior space. It has room for 8 large passengers plus considerable cargo. It is also the only newer minivan that can tow 4500 pounds. Otherwise, it’s a humdrum vehicle that delivers dependable, no-frills transportation. AWD, a common option, is valuable for driving in snow, but unfortunately doesn't work in reverse. It also reduces mileage by 2 mpg. Expect 13-17 mpg for an AWD model. The powertrain performance is adequate but doesn’t feel strong, and it’s noisy when pushed hard. The seats are only moderately comfortable, but they were improved in 2002. The Astro offers usefulness and value to owners willing to sacrifice modern design and performance.
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By mmfan56 on 04/17/06 16:25 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is the second Astro we have owned, the other being a 1993 we sold at 170,000 miles with little problems; motor mounts,elec. wondows, etc. This van has been babied since we had it, but I tow a small trailer occasionally, with heavy loads. The trans never seemed to shift quite right, but Chevy dealer always said okay. Recently, noticed the rear starting to sing, especially, at 40 mph, off gas. Oil leakage around pinion seal, 1 pint low. Took to Aamco, bad rear and trans being repaired as I write this.
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By DJ on 11/27/05 19:53 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I had a 95 that only was in the shop a couple of times for non-maintenance work - a bad EGR valve and the exhaust system rusted out at 92k miles. Based on my experience I bought a new 2001. It's five years old and has 120k miles on it. I've had a few non-maintenance repairs. At around 50k miles the turn signal switch went out. This was a $450 repair but about three years later, GM had a recall on the switch and re-imbursed me. I installed new front shocks at around 70k miles. At about 105k miles the fuel pump went out. This cost $750 plus the towing!
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By John on 04/06/05 08:42 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is my 4th Astro but my first AWD. Even though the gas mileage is less with AWD, I find it holds the road better, especially wet roads. I would purchase another.
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By fourwindgsd on 03/09/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is the second Astro I have owned,
the other being a 1995 AWD that was a
maintenance nightmare. But the Astro is
so ideal for my needs that I traded for
the 2001 AWD. What a difference! So
much more thoughfully laid out, seats
are MUCH lighter (still no picnic) to
remove. The driver controls are
thoughfully laid out easy to reach and
control. The response to driver imput
is much improved and better power when
it's needed.
The rocker arm mouldings are a nice
addition and make the van more
attractive than the 1995.
I am very happy with my purchase and
expect to continue with the
Astro/Safari for yet another one.
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By Jim of Fort-Laud. on 01/24/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned an 85 and a 91. My most
recent Astro is the worst one yet. I
miss the comfort of the seats of my
other vans; I have deflated the back
support completely and it is still
uncomfortable. I cannot adjust the AC
vent to prevent the air from blowing
right on me; it is the same for the
passenger. The rear suspension is too
soft; I had to reinforce it. I have
spent a lot of time at the dealer
(leaking roof, brake light, door lock,
rear axle, brakes, power windows,
etc.). Like my other Astros, the idle
is rough, the rear brakes are weak, and
the check engine light comes on.
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By astro FAN on 12/06/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Van is excellent in snow.Optional seats
are comfortable.Cruises well on the
highway but can be a little wishy washy
on windy day driving.Very solid feel
and LOTS of power.Plenty of cargo
room.Ride is a little firm but better
than a suv.The family loves it!!Oh...
and not a single problem yet!!
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By sharona61bio on 09/13/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my van used in January 2003. It
had 38,000 miles when I bought it. So
far, it has been a really good vehicle.
The only problems that I have
experienced is a bad window motor, a bit
of vibration at idle and an intermittent
squeak from the rear on acceleration.
These appear to be more annoying than
detrimental. I drive it to work everyday
and have made a few 100+ mile trips to
visit relatives. It's comfortable, roomy
and it handles real well. The dash
controls are very user-friendly. The
front/rear AC does a nice cooling job
even with 6 adults aboard in July heat.
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By rsocia on 08/28/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is the second Astro we have
owned. We were in two very serious
accidents with our first and the van
held up great. My a/c, the window
switches, and belt broke in both
vans. The fuel pump has gone out in
my new one along with the emergency
brake. The wiper control broke. The
interior does not hold up very well.
The van sounds horrible, but the
service department does not know why.
It stays in the shop. It is difficult
to see out of the backe windows with
the doors. The sliding door is hard
to close. I do feel safe in it and I
love driving it, but I am afraid that
it will leave me stranded one day.
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By astroman on 07/29/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
1st gear too torquey; Computer seems to
2nd guess your moves: I drive very
conservatively most of the time so when
I really have to get on it and pass
someone, it wants to balk or almost
hesitate like it has to figure out what
I'm about to do; Plastic trim is so
poorly fitted that you can go around
the vehicle and pop trim up with your
fingers; Very poor ventilation system
engineering and quality: the lack of
being able to get A/C or fresh air
through any of the settings (GM fixes
the choice)-there's still plenty of air
coming right out at you with front
vents closed; Wipers on high speed push
all the water from the passenger side
into the drivers vision.
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