2011 Chevy Express Cargo Review
2011 Chevy Express Cargo Review
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Appraise This CarChevrolet Express Cargo model years
Chevrolet Express Cargo types
- Van
- Diesel
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Robust engines
- driver-side access-door option
- multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations
- available all-wheel drive
- hefty towing capacity.
Cons
- Low-grade cabin plastics
- less interior space than the Sprinter van
- no tall-roof option.
What’s new
For 2011, the Chevrolet Express Cargo van receives a number of functional upgrades that add to the workhorse's comfort and safety, including available Bluetooth, a USB port and standard stability control. There is also a revised and more powerful turbodiesel V8 engine.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo is a willing workhorse for buyers who require the functionality of a full-size van.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo 1500 3dr Van (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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$254/mo for Express Cargo 1500
Express Cargo 1500
vs
$314/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
This year, the current-generation Chevrolet Express Cargo turns 16. Obviously, full-size cargo (and passenger) vans don't go through the vanity of a full redesign every five years as do most cars. As a result, the 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo sees only minor changes this year that nonetheless add a bit more functionality and comfort to this reliable workhorse.
Most notable is a new and more powerful 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. It's rated at 260 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque, noticeable upgrades compared to last year's 250 hp and 460 lb-ft. Chevy says the new engine also provides better fuel economy and reduced tailpipe emissions. An available compressed-natural-gas engine offers green-minded business owners another powerful engine option.
The Express Cargo competes in a segment with but a handful of entries. The other full-size work vans include the Chevy's GMC Savana twin, the Ford Econoline and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The latter is the most modern, offering superior maneuverability, fuel economy, cargo space and quality. But it is also the most costly and has a lower-output diesel V6 as its sole engine choice.
The Econoline is similar in size to its American rival and offers a useful collection of "Work Solutions" features. But neither of the Ford's two engine choices comes close to offering the Chevy's muscle. For something smaller, the 2011 Ford Transit Connect might be worth a look. But thanks to its strong engine lineup and multiple configurations, we think most contractors or business owners will be quite pleased if they choose a 2011 Express for their full-size cargo van needs.
Performance & mpg
The rear-drive Chevrolet Express 1500 cargo van comes with a 4.3-liter V6 that produces 195 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Standard on all-wheel-drive 1500s and optional on rear-drive 1500s is a 5.3-liter V8 good for 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque. These engines are coupled to a four-speed automatic.
The rear-drive-only 2500 and 3500 come standard with a 4.8-liter V8 that produces 280 hp and 296 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines include a gasoline-fueled 6.0-liter V8 capable of 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, a CNG 6.0-liter V8 and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 good for 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. These engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic.
Maximum payload capacity for a 3500-series van is 4,490 pounds, while maximum towing capacity for the same is an impressive 9,700 pounds.
Safety
All 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo vans have antilock brakes and stability control as standard equipment. Side curtain airbags are standard on the 1500 and optional on the others.
The Chevrolet Express has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. However, its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new tests) in frontal-impact crash tests were a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection.
Driving
A robust frame, rack-and-pinion steering (half-ton models only) and standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes give the 2011 Chevy Express Cargo respectable ride, handling and braking characteristics. With its various powerhouse engines to choose from, merging and passing maneuvers are easily accomplished, even when you're hauling a heavy load of cargo. As full-size vans go, the Express is pleasant to pilot -- just don't expect it to match the more nimble Sprinter for maneuverability.
Interior
The Chevy's interior is built for functionality, not fashion. All controls are simple to use and well within reach of the driver, but they're far from stylish. The front footwells remain as cramped as ever. Unlike the Sprinter, the Express Cargo lacks a tall-roof option that allows a normal-sized person to walk upright in the cargo area. Express Cargo buyers can opt for 60/40-split driver-side doors or a passenger-side sliding door for easy access to the rear compartment (60/40-split passenger-side doors are standard). Standard-length vans have a maximum cargo capacity of 204 cubic feet, while extended-length vans check in with a voluminous 237 cubic feet of space.
2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo models
The 2011 Chevy Express Cargo full-size van's standard-wheelbase (135-inch) model comes in a base 1500 version as well as heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 variants. The extended-wheelbase version (155 inches) is available on the 2500 and 3500 series vans only.
Standard equipment on the Express Cargo includes 16-inch steel wheels, swing-out right-side doors, air-conditioning, front bucket seats, vinyl upholstery and a trip computer.
Options include alloy wheels, power windows and locks, towing features, heated power mirrors, swing-out driver-side passenger doors, a sliding right-side door, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat, driver-only front seat, a variety of rear door and window configurations, keyless entry, remote engine start, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar (with Directions and Connections), a simple two-speaker AM/FM stereo and an upgraded stereo with a CD player and USB port.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo.
5 star(45%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(7%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
WOW
wow 360K, 12/17/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
All I can say is 360K with no troubles. Engine/ trans /brakes/ electrical all exceptionally reliable. I am religious about maintenance and clean fluids which I believe has paid off. Drives great and very comfortable with seat mounted arm rests and cruise. I would consider no other after the service this vehicle has given me. This vehicle is a 2500, 4.8, 480el, semi floating 8 bolt … axle, extended wheel base. It is worked everyday hauling hardwood flooring.
4.25 out of 5 stars
A good van.
Happy Owner, 12/29/2008
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
For a van it handled well and was very comfortable to drive. Overall excellent reliability. A few glitches in the side door hinges and with a couple of the interior lights. Fuel economy varied dramatically by driving habits. Ranged from 12 to 22 mpg city to highway. Drivetrain reliability was excellent, with minimal expenses for maintenance or repairs in about 50K miles.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Express Van Workhorses
Joe Flash, 02/03/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
I own two express vans that is use for my business, A 99, (170k miles) and 2005, (143k miles) 3500 ext vans. I have owned Ford vans prior to the Chevys. Ford makes a good van but my Express vans have more headroom, (no need for a sprinter van) and are more comfortable and durable. I load a lot of weight on my vans and they handle it without a problem. I think they are quality built. I … have not had any problems with minor things breaking. But, then again, I do not abuse my vehicles. I work them hard, but I also maintain them. I would just like to say that I am very satisfied with my Chevy Express vans.
4 out of 5 stars
Just What I Needed
jbarradale, 12/29/2012
2008 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
I finally found a great deal on a cargo van. I was looking to get back into construction, but needed something for tools and equipment. I have been driving it only for a short while, but it even handles well in the snow. I like the space it provides. I have ordered a set of shelves to put into the back.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Express Cargo since its last redesign.
2011 Express Cargo Highlights
Van
1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,985 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $254/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 239.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Express Cargo include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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