2003 Chevrolet Astro Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Other than its ability to mimic a SUV 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.
Pros
Big-van capacity, small-van package, available all-wheel drive, high towing ability.
Cons
Engineered in the early '80s, iffy crash test scores, cramped front footwells.
What's New for 2003
All 2003 Astros have larger 16-inch aluminum wheels and an improved braking system.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
love the van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I had an astro before this one drove it for 10 years no problems except the sliding door locked and couldn't open inside or out. It made 24 MPG. Bought a new one because we liked the old one for the room (took out the seats and we could haul 4x8 sheets of plywood. They have good clearance and AWD grip the road when lots of snow and ice ( better than our 1/2 ton 4WD pickup) Also has 5000# tow capacity. But we were very disappointed with the gas mileage on the 2003. We lost 8 to 10 MPG can't understand what happened? It has the same engine as the old one and we drive it the same way.
Favorite Features
Tow capacity and roomy interior. clearance and traction on snow and ice.
Suggested Improvements
GAS MILEAGE Looks of the exterior, Kids get embarrassed riding in it. Wipers don't hold up leave a streak right in the best viewing area have switched blades often but we soon have the problem again. interior front wheel wells leave little room for feet on passenger side. Make better gas mileage.
2003 Astro
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Astro LT AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this van to use on boat ramps to put my boat into and out of water. I have used it in Knoxville and around Douglas Lake. The van has been no farther than 50 miles from Knoxville. It was a program vehicle with 4000 miles when I bought it. I traded a 1994 Astro van I bought at West when I bought this one. It still runs like new as one would expect with such low mileage. West has serviced the vehicle twice per year since I've owned it.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the four wheel drive. I put my heavy boat in and out of the water on some difficult ramps, and I don't have to worry about this vehicle spinning and leaving me on the ramp. The van will also carry 4 x 8 ft. sheets of plywood lying flat with the rear 2 rows of seats removed.
Suggested Improvements
Chevrolet has stopped making this van. I have another van, but it is only two wheel drive. The Astro has always been my favorite.
Great all around vehicle car/truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
My Astro van fuctions as both a mini and cargo van. It is very spacious for hauling passengers, equipment, and furniture. The conversion into a cargo van is awesome, by taking out the extra passenger seats, or folding them down.
Favorite Features
Folding down seats in the rear. The extra cigarette outlets for other purposes besides smoking. Large space and the tinted windows. Power 6 cylinder engine for towing and hauling.
Suggested Improvements
Need to improve fuel consumption.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Astro Number 2
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Pack it up; pile the dogs in and away we go all across the USA --- most of the time I'm travelling alone and rely heavily on the reliability and durability, good performance of this van! The roomy interior is just right for all the paraphrenalia that needs to accompany us on our adventures. This is my 2nd Astro ..... my trade-in Astro had 260,000 miles on it and was still going strong! I am looking forward to putting 260,000 on this one too!
Favorite Features
The big roomy interior! The rear air conditioning!
Suggested Improvements
LED readouts for odometer hard to see in daylight.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
AWD LS
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Nice family van. Lots of space for people & cargo. If you are looking at other vans pull them side by side & compare the room. This is no mini van. All seating is full size & comfortable for adults. Motor has strong torque for towing. Ride is a 100 times better than some of those consumer magazines rate it. I was surprised how well the van did ride after reading some so-so reviews. Doing light towing (appx 1,500 lbs) we still get 17mpg on the highway. Not to bad with a road mixture of flat & hills. We have friendS who are on their 2nd or 3rd van & rate them highly.
Favorite Features
We ended up being 100% satisfied with the van. Every family member from 8 to 41 likes it. As time goes on I personably like the van more every day. We have had several car & trucks in the past but this is by far our favorite vehicle so far. I would defiantly recommend the Astro AWD.
Suggested Improvements
Large sliding door is heavy for small kids to open & close. 3rd row is ok for kids to get in & out but a tight fit for adults, but I think most 3rd rows are like this. It took a few weeks to get used to foot well on driver side floor.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2005 Chevrolet Astro
- 2004 Chevrolet Astro
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro
- 2002 Chevrolet Astro
- 2001 Chevrolet Astro
- 2000 Chevrolet Astro
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