2001 Chevy Astro Review
2001 Chevy Astro Review
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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.
Edmunds says
Other than its ability to mimic a small pickup truck in terms of towing ability and cargo space, there's not much about the Astro van that makes it a viable choice over its numerous competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$264/mo for Astro Base
Astro Base
vs
$231/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 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 need, trimmed in just about any way you like.
Astro passenger vans can be equipped with standard LS or upscale LT trim. Included with the basic van are such items as chrome wheels, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and remote keyless entry. Step up to the ritzy LT and you've opened the door to leather seating, as well as rear A/C and heat, second-row captain's chairs, rear Dutch doors and brushed aluminum wheels.
All Astros offer a host of appealing features, such as 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.
Out on the road, loaded with passengers and 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. Dual depowered airbags and antilock brakes are standard, but the aged Astro doesn't perform well in crash testing.
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, or optionally, all wheels. Depending on configuration, Astros can haul as much as 5,500 pounds. 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.
Changes for 2001 are minimal since Chevrolet is still trying to decide when the Astro should die. A more powerful alternator, a new powertrain control module and two new colors are the primary changes this year. Also, you can opt for a new National Low Emissions Vehicle system.
Despite the fact that the Astro is celebrating its sweet 16 birthday, Astros remain tempting, especially if you need to combine 170 cubic feet of cargo space with substantial towing capacity and all-wheel drive.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Chevrolet Astro.
5 star(37%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Can do it all!
Tim, 10/27/2010
2000 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan AWD
This is my second Astro and it is so capable of doing everything. It has a truck frame which allows towing large campers, gets 19 mpg on highway when which is awesome for a AWD van/truck this size. Walks through snow and ice with ease. Strong winds push it around a little on interstate. Finally had to replace something at 119,000 miles, a starter which was very easy to replace myself. … Plugs aren't too bad if you pull the front wheel off. Overall we love this (boxy) design, because you sit up so high you can see what's going on in front of you. This van is better than any other minivan we have owned, Mazda, Plymouth, better than our Toyota 4x4 pickup. Great Van, bring it back.
4 out of 5 stars
2000 AWD AstroVan
catlover, 11/09/2003
2000 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan AWD
Have found vehicle to be extremely
reliable, have put 90000 miles on it in
3 years, gone through the worst
blizzard in the east coast in 50 years
in 2 ft of new snow without even a
hesitation. Very roomy, great cargo
space, seats comfortable. not good on
foot room, can't stretch out driver's
legs. driver's information center was
very useful.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Versatile, Reliable, Predictable
rosco, 07/12/2005
2000 Chevrolet Astro LT 3dr Minivan
I purchased it used with 50,000 km and have added 60,000 km in last two years. It replaced a 1988 with 325,000 km. Great highway vehicle; comfortable, quiet, great visibility, reasonably economical at highway speeds. Great capacity. Easily accommodates up to 8 passengers with full load or a very comfortable vehicle for 6, with all gear + 2 canoes on top. Great clearance in deep snow. … With 4 winter tires, this van will navigate 8 inches or more of snow, and is my preferred vehicle for winter driving compared to my car. It's also great in summer for comfortable drives and trips. Downside - the intrusive wheel wells in the passenger compartment. Otherwise, conservative styling, simple clean lines. It looks great.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Useful but plain
Mr. Rufener, 07/15/2008
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
The Astros 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, its 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 doesnt feel strong, and its 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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Astro since its last redesign.
2001 Astro Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,441 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $264/month |
Seating | 8 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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