2004 Chevrolet Express Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Express (and its twin, the GMC Savanna) is pretty much the only game in town if you're looking for a full-size van that doesn't look and drive like it was designed two decades ago.
Pros
Strong powertrains, dual-passenger access doors, multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
Plasticky interior, handling still awkward despite improvements.
What's New for 2004
Changes are minimal for 2004. An assist handle is now installed in the front passenger area. The driver-side visor will no longer include an illuminated mirror.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
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
Better then SUV for a trailer and kids
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We needed the ability to tow a trailer and carry 7. All the SUVs we looked at had a back seat that you must get into like a 2 door car. All the small vans cannot tow a trailer. We found that conversion vans are the best fit. What a pleasure to drive and tow (its like the trailer is not there). This has lots of power - even on the hills a smoth ride and handles like a smaller vehicle. We test drove the Ford and found it nice - but you never forgot you had a truck under you, also we could not get the 4th door. Gas mileage is not as bad as I feared - 13mpg with trailer, 19 on the open road,14/15 every day.
Favorite Features
The 4th door (behind the driver) is a must have for kids. The handling is a good suprise compared to the vans of the 1980s and it's solid
Suggested Improvements
The back doors, while well constructed and convenent to open - obstruct the view out the back - you sometimes back by braile. Also no rear window defogger is avalible on the back doors. A hatch may be the solution to this. Floor mats are proving tough to find - probably other accessories are as well.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Big, but great gas mileage
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 LS Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Actually have 3500 ext. conversion w/stand up roof modification. Great gas mileage even towing (when using NON reformulated gasoline) 14/14.6 towing 16/16.8 non towing. The dash is ugly but the conversion shop added some trim. They should have kept the same dash as the 1998/1999. A/C volume is good but the air could be colder. Conversion A/C might be affecting it on my van though.
Favorite Features
MPG, power, view and steering compared to Fords
Suggested Improvements
Go back to the old dash style. If possible, softer empty ride on the 1 tons.
The Oversized Family Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Deciding to buy a 2004 Chevy Express 3500 Extended Van was an easy decision. We needed a vehicle that would carry 11 people plus our belongings. These days fuel economy plays a big role in making a decision to buy a large vehicle. The Express 3500 that we purchased consumes about the same amount of gas as two compact cars. The way we see it we took one car off the road in exchange for great comfort and ample room, adventurous styling with all the interior appointments we wanted including...AM/FM/CD changer Sound Sys. cruise control, All Power, 6way pwr. driver seat, factory tint, OnStar, plus so much more. My family is extremely satisfied with our New 2004 Express 3500. No complaints here!
Favorite Features
Extra Room - Extended Cab 6 Way Power Driver's Seat Cruise Control OnStar Service Factory Tint Tilt Steering
Suggested Improvements
Sliding Passenger Doors on Both sides of vehicle for easier access. Drop down roll-away-wheels on the removable benches to make it easier for one person to remove them. design the last two benches to face each other. This will allow for easier removal of benches for extra cargo
6 out 8 people found this review helpful
Conversion Van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Good solid vehicle for a family. Good value when compared to a Suburban. Even with 4.3L V6, it has good perfomance. Available V8 would probably be better. Locking rear axle makes winter driving very doable. Optional 4 wheel disk brakes are welcome addition to stop this 5300lb truck.
Favorite Features
Interior room and rear entry doors on both sides. Rear heat unit is great too. Handles well for a large vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
Redesign rear doors. Exterior plastic corners are a cheap touch for an otherwise fine vehicle. The dash is cheap looking too. Sticker on this conversion van was 38K. I got it for much less though. Must use materials that feel better.
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