2001 Chevrolet Astro Review

Useful but plain

Written by: Mr. Rufener on 07/15/2008

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.

Favorite Features

Passenger and cargo space. 4500 lb. towing ability. AWD performance, good reliability record, convenience of "Dutch Doors" (innovative three-part rear door design with a top hatch and bottom swinging doors); overhead console with trip computer; easy-to-use (though cheap) controls on dash

Suggested Improvements

Unresponsive handling, no sliding door on driver’s side, electronic latch on rear hatch sometimes sticks, high step-in height, wheel wells intrude into legroom of front seats, window defrost doesn’t keep up in cold weather

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Trans. and rearend out at 72,000 miles

Written by: mmfan56 on 04/17/2006

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.

Favorite Features

Nice vehicle to travel in, especially for two people.

Suggested Improvements

Disappointed in life of transmission and rear.

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Solid Van

Written by: DJ on 11/27/2005

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!

Favorite Features

Lots of room. Much more room than a small mini-van. Heavy duty vehicle compared to other minivans. A good value for the money. Plenty of power. The van can pull a trailer with no strain.

Suggested Improvements

The quality on the 2001 was slightly lower than my 95. More rattles, interior trim items that came loose, etc.

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Good Astro

Written by: John on 04/06/2005

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.

Favorite Features

All the room inside and ease of driving.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage

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2001 Astro AWD, what an inprovement

Written by: fourwindgsd on 03/09/2004

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.

Favorite Features

Thoughtful layout for driver controls. Better performance, lighter rear seats.

Suggested Improvements

Sliding door easier to close for children, easier removal of rear seats.

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