Chevrolet Express Cargo Review

2008 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

Some things in the good ol' USA just don't change that much, such as die-hard Red Sox fans, Wheel of Fortune and Donald Trump's comb-over. The same could also be said for full-size cargo vans. The Chevrolet cargo van has soldiered on for nearly four decades with only one major redesign, at which point it was dubbed the Express.

A rolling testament to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of vehicle design, the Chevy Express offers a cargo van's timeless features of powerful engines and space, space and…space. Thanks to its 317 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the Express Cargo is often used by delivery companies or people with service-oriented jobs (such as plumbers or carpenters) who need a mobile workshop. Upfitters (companies that modify vans for commercial use) offer plenty of configurations for the Express.

Over the years, the Chevrolet Express Cargo has enjoyed a healthy share of the full-size van segment. Its main competition has been the equally aged Ford Econoline and the (now-retired) Dodge Ram van. With its variety of powertrain and body-length choices, the Express is well-suited for those who need a big van, and it offers superior driving dynamics when compared to its Blue Oval rival.

For shoppers interested in a late-model van, there's also the Mercedes-Benz-built Dodge Sprinter to consider. It offers several advantages over traditional American full-size vans, such as a frugal turbodiesel engine and a taller cabin that allows adults to fully stand up. However, the Chevy Express Cargo is still a solid choice thanks to its choice of cargo capacities, wide array of upfitting options and relatively pleasant driving experience.

Current Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

The Chevrolet Express Cargo is available in half-ton (called 1500), 3/4-ton (2500) and 1-ton (3500) versions. The 2500 and 3500 are also available in extended-wheelbase versions, which allow up to 317 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. As expected, these work vans are not exactly luxurious -- air-conditioning and a theft-deterrent system are standard but not much else. Option choices include passenger-side access doors, a rear air-conditioner and heater, power accessories, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and a CD stereo.

A 4.3-liter V6 (195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque) is standard on the rear-wheel-drive 1500, while a 5.3-liter V8 (295 hp and 335 lb-ft) is optional on that van and standard on the AWD version. The 2500 models come with a 4.8-liter V8 (285 hp and 295 lb-ft). A 6.0-liter V8 (300 hp and 360 lb-ft) is standard on the 3500 and optional on the 2500. Optional on 2500 and 3500 series vans is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 (250 hp and 460 lb-ft). All engines come paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Only the 3500 features stability control. Trailer capacities range from 4,300 to a stout 10,000 pounds, depending on the model.

As it has for years, the big Chevy should handle whatever folks throw at it. Furthermore, in the two-horse race against the Econoline, the Chevy Express Cargo boasts superior driving dynamics and somewhat more modern styling (should that matter). But before you sign on the bottom line, we suggest you also strongly consider the more technologically advanced and more efficient Sprinter.

Past Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Models

The Chevrolet cargo van last received a complete redesign back in 1996. To mark this rebirth it got a proper name -- "Express." Prior to this, it went by the generic moniker Chevy van, which was immortalized in a 1970s song by the same name. This new generation brought modernized body styling with high-mounted taillights, new power plants and an updated cabin with improved ergonomics that gave the Chevy the edge compared to its Ford and Dodge competition. The biggest change during this generation happened in 2003, when the current lineup of powerhouse engines debuted (ranging from the 200-hp V6 to the potent 300-horse 6.0-liter V8) and all-wheel drive was offered for the first time.

Prior to the '96 reincarnation, the van rode the same basic platform for nearly three decades and the sheet metal barely changed in a quarter century. Engine choices ranged from an inline-6 all the way up to 6.2-liter diesel and 7.4-liter gasoline V8s. The most popular engine was Chevy's tried-and-true 5.7-liter (350-cubic-inch for the older vans) V8. Model designations consisted of G10, G20 and G30.

Visual updates through the '70s, '80s and early '90s consisted chiefly of grille and headlight changes. Periodic hardware updates, such as the adoption of a four-speed automatic and fuel injection in the mid-'80s and dual airbags in the mid-'90s, kept the big Chevy van viable in this niche market segment.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.