1998 Chevy Astro Review
1998 Chevy Astro Review
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Pros
- Only mid-sized van left on the market. Available All-wheel drive system.
Cons
- Tight footwells. Design is 19 years old.
What’s new
New colors, improved clearcoating, a standard theft-deterrent system and the addition of composite headlights and an uplevel grille to base models are all that's different on this year's Astro. Full-power airbags continue for 1998.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro LT 3dr Minivan 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$288/mo for Astro LT
Astro LT
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Models that have been around for a while can still deliver impressive value -- and valor. That's true of the long-lived Astro van, a staple in Chevy's lineup since 1985. This hard-working passenger/cargo hauler, sporting a conventionally boxy shape, has, if anything, mellowed with age.
No, you don't get the curvaceous contours of a Caravan/Voyager or a Windstar. What you do acquire is a highly practical carrier that can be equipped to suit just about any family, trimmed in any of three levels. Depending on configuration, Astros can seat up to eight passengers and haul as much as three tons.
Out on the road, rolling hour after hour, is where the Astro demonstrates its true worth. Taller than its likely rivals, Astros are admittedly more trucklike in temperament, but deliver a pleasant highway ride with competent handling for long journeys. Seats are a little short, but comfortable, in both the front and center positions. Unfortunately, overly small front foot wells drop the comfort level a notch. A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 is standard, driving a smooth shifting four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Dual airbags and antilock brakes are standard. This year, Chevy adds a standard theft-deterrent system, just in case there might be some thieves around dying to get their hands on an Astro. Base models come equipped with the same composite headlights and uplevel grille of LS and LT versions for 1998. Three new paint colors are available and clearcoats are etch-resistant for better longevity.
You get only one body choice: the extended-length version. The lower-priced rear-drive rendition is the ticket for hauling plenty of weight. All-wheel drive costs more and delivers improved wet-pavement traction, but slurps up more fuel along the route. Solid and substantial, the Astro remains a tempting (if dated) choice. If you need a small van with big van capacity, the Astro should be on your shopping list.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chevrolet Astro.
5 star(31%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(4%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
I like it
yakimagal, 06/21/2008
1998 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan AWD
I am getting ready to purchase another car as I have had this one for 10 years. I find I am comparing everything I look at to my Astro. The interior and exterior still look almost new. I have replaced the tires 4 times in 10 years, whatever that means. I love how it handles on wet pavement and snow. With the AWD, I can travel the mountain pass without putting on chains. Compared to my … last car, 89 Astro, the handling is so much better. There has been some repair work, but standard stuff as a car ages. Check engine light 3 times in 10 years. The lighting on stereo has burned out but stereo still works well.
2.88 out of 5 stars
Astros are iffy
Clay Bum, 12/28/2002
1998 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan
Everything went to hell at 60,000
miles... with me in it! It's been in
the shop 6 times in the last two
months. Every time I make any money
it goes to my mechanic. As soon as I
get back from SCI's New Years run I
get to get the tranny fixed. Anyone
want buy an Astro?
3 out of 5 stars
1997 Astro Conversion
macboy9999, 04/08/2002
1998 Chevrolet Astro LT 3dr Minivan
I would not recomend this van to
anyone. We have 60,000 miles as of
3/02. So far the air went out twice,
the motor was replaced 6 months
after purchase, the front tierods and
bushings need to be replaced the
gas guage does not work the brakes
were replaced last year. The
serpentine belt has been replaced a
year ago and it still makes a loud
noise. They say we need … another
new one. This van has been garaged
since we bought it. My wife drives it
40 miles a day to the train station, so
most of othe miles are highway. I
purchased it new in 1997 for $28,900
It was the top of the line TV VCR ect.
If you are looking to purchase an
Astro I would say Don't!!!.
1 out of 5 stars
What a Farse
Astrotrash, 08/13/2003
1998 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan AWD
This van has been lousy since the get
go. At 16,000 miles, it died on the
freeway. The catalytic converter,
oxygen sensor and fuel pump needed
replacing. It has broken down numerous
times. The fuel pump has been replaced
twice, rear AC twice and on and on and
on. The cabin had an unlocated water
leak which caused the carpet and
padding to saturate and produce mold.
GM … Customer relations had to be brought
in to mediate. After paying for new
padding and having it happen again, we
finally just removed it and put it back
in place when we traded the ridiculous
thing in. It rides like a mattress
suspended on beach balls. First and
LAST GM experience.
1998 Astro Highlights
LT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $288/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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