2004 Chevrolet Express Review

Coming from Fords, very dissapointed.

Written by: Greg on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Mechanically these are superior to the Fords, as far as engine and transmission. However, everything else is worse. The old 1975-1992 Econoline has more room, feels better, drives better, handles better, body is more solid, I could go on an on. The Express interior is very cheap and uncomfortable. Hard plastic creaks and feels like it's going to break whenever you touch it. Feels coarse and unpleasant on skin. Front seating is cramped and much less roomy than Ford. Rides like a "rock". Feels like you better handle it with "kid gloves" or it will break. Sliding door rattles and shakes like tin foil when you close it GENTLY. All doors, controls, seats, and dash feel cheap compared to Ford.

Favorite Features

This is the 2500HD series, 8 lug wheels, 6.0 liter. What I like: Much better engine and trans. design than Ford. Much easier to work on for mechanics, and preferred by those who know. More power and potential to modify. However at anything less than full throttle, the Fords feel tighter and quicker.

Suggested Improvements

1. Improve interior design, ergonomics, feel to the touch, room, and QUALITY. 2. Improve body and doors solidity, rigidity. An old 70's chevy van feels more solid. 3. Improve steering, ride, and handling to better the Fords. It's WORSE now. 4. Improve MPG for the 6.0. Getting 12-14 mpg empty now.

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What got me into loving American Cars

Written by: JW on 05/29/2009

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I am (was) a die-hard Honda fan - I believed Honda has the most reliable and fuel efficient vehicles in US. In my 20 years of driving life, have purchased 9 new Honda & Acura cars, from Accord to Civic to CRV to Pilot to Odyssey. But since owning a Chevy Express 2500 (Explorer conversion w/ high top roof) I am not sure if Honda really is the best. I'd have to admit, when it comes to a big car, GM still is the best. (little 30mpg civic isn't for everyone you know - some of us have no other option) Express gets 16-17 MPG @ 75MPH, even when it's overloaded with 7 adults and tons of luggage. Odyssey gets 20MPG if I did the same, and there will barely be any room left to breathe.

Favorite Features

It's ironic to use the word "economic" with this big 7000 lbs vehicle with a 6.0L V8 engine. But IT IS. It gets same mileage as Yukons and Suburbans, but I get twice the space. Sure Honda gets better MPG, but enjoy traveling hundreds of miles in a crammed 20MPG Odyssey.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing really, may be some better interior materials would be nice. Steering cold use some improvements, but 2005 model went to Rack and Pinion so this is the best full size van you can buy in US. Period.

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Best Van Ever built

Written by: Rollin on 04/14/2009

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased this van for work and pleasure , it has turned out to be my every day driver... I love it, my favorite thing about this van is the FUEL ECONOMY it is amazing i have the 5.3 vortec and loaded with about thousand pounds i get 20 - 22 mpg rollin down the highway at 75 85 mph,you cant beat it. Very comfortable and actually easy to park.

Favorite Features

5.3 vortec engine FUEL ECONOMY , cloth seats and all the room inside

Suggested Improvements

Would love to have the radio and cruise buttons on the steering wheel

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Comsumer Beware

Written by: Disappointed on 04/04/2009

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

While I like the design of the van especially the exterior look and the rear doors (hinges designed to maximize access/storage)I have been disappointed with the reliability. I have had to replace the fuel pump ($600), the water pump, and one of the side windows fell out, yes fell out ($1000). The mechanic told me (kingman az dealership) there is a design flaw in the fuel pump which manifests itself primarily in higher elevation, hotter climates. He told me that Chevy knows but wont replace them. All these repairs were needed while the vehicle had less than 75,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Exterior Design. Rear Door Hinge Design & sliding side door.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel pump, better dealer service. would like a roof rack.

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Love it

Written by: Martin Griggs on 02/14/2006

Vehicle

2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I have had this van for about 18 months and I've been very happy with it. We have had less problems with it, than the 2 Honda vans we have owned. I have taken it on many long trips and it is not only comfortable, but it gets between 17-19 mpg on the highway. Being a car guy I have never been a fan of GM products, but after talking to my trustworthy mechanic he recommended it - he was right.

Favorite Features

The AWD is amazing in slick conditions. The size over a minivan is wonderful. I can fit a 10ft. ladder under the two back seats and behind the front seats. I have found the handling on the AWD version to be much better than the two wheel drive version.

Suggested Improvements

The two back seats should either fold down flat to make a bed, or fold flat into the floor

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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