Used 1997 Chevrolet Astro Minivan Consumer Reviews
The Hat Trick Van
Love these vans, my third one. The 88 went 360,000, 94 AWD still strong at 455,000. I have been told mileage would drop of on these Vortecs, but I just pulled 21mpg on recent trip (8 hrs). Lots of power (190hp?), great reliablity, rides great. I don't know of a better buy for your money. Rides like a car ,hauls like a truck. Wife is confident with AWD. The EXT AWD hugs the road in windy conditions, much better that the 2WD.
Great Van but died too soon
We purchased this Astro as a conversion in 1990 with 18K. It just died last week when the tranny died at 246K. The Astro was a good van, though after 150K miles it started to suck up money. We had prblems with a fuel pump, one window motor, the paint coming off after 200K miles, and the A/C system and hood latch. It also ran through a lot of tires in its time, but it went over a lot of rough roads too. We got our money out of the thing, the Starcraft conversion was excellent, and the gas mileage was decent for most of its career at 20 mpg. The biggest pain was the well documented vacuum hose problem. The bad rap the Astro got for crash tests and bad production values was not true in out case!
Van gets Kudos
I've had this van 2 years, and its the most comfortable, reliable vehicle I've ever had. I'm a big man at nearly 300 lbs with a very bad back. This is the first vehicle I could drive for hours without much stress on my back. Engine is strong, mileage about 20. Problems, heater control knobs are two weak and expensive to replace. Feet are cramped by fender well protruding inside floorboard too much. Classic chevy prob. Large min have difficulty getting comfortable on passenger side. Van rides like a dream. 60 series tires add stability over 75s. Would consider bying another Astro. Family loves it.
I like my car
It is a very spacious car, with great visibility and high. Don't like at times the high because for short and old people it is kind of difficult to get in. Window motors are not too good, both, driver and passenger brake easily and when you need it the most.
I love this Van
I purchased this van with 50,000 miles and now have 184,000 miles and it still runs like new. No slipage in the transmission and no loss of power. I have replaced a few items like water pump and radiator along with 4 brake jobs but at 184,000 miles, not bad at all. This is my second Astro.