Used 2002 Chevrolet Astro Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Astro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Astro since its last redesign.
Useful but plain
Mr. Rufener, 07/15/2008
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
The Astros greatest merit is its interior space. It has room for 8 large passengers plus considerable cargo. It is also the only newer minivan that can tow 4500 pounds. Otherwise, its a humdrum vehicle that delivers dependable, no-frills transportation. AWD, a common option, is valuable for driving in snow, but unfortunately doesn't work in reverse. It also reduces mileage by 2 mpg. Expect 13-17 mpg for an AWD model. The powertrain performance is adequate but doesnt feel strong, and its noisy when pushed hard. The seats are only moderately comfortable, but they were improved in 2002. The Astro offers usefulness and value to owners willing to sacrifice modern design and performance.
Satisfied
Mike, 08/19/2010
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased vehicle as a rental return. I need AWD because I sell property in the mountains and occasionally go off road. Clients are always comfortable. Currently has 180K miles, mostly reliable, minimal repairs have been needed. Gas mileage in the mountains averages 13-14 MPG. 18-20 MPG on the road.
2002 Chevrolet Astro for sale near you
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Good Astro
John, 04/06/2005
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th Astro but my first AWD. Even though the gas mileage is less with AWD, I find it holds the road better, especially wet roads. I would purchase another.
Solid Van
DJ, 11/28/2005
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I had a 95 that only was in the shop a couple of times for non-maintenance work - a bad EGR valve and the exhaust system rusted out at 92k miles. Based on my experience I bought a new 2001. It's five years old and has 120k miles on it. I've had a few non-maintenance repairs. At around 50k miles the turn signal switch went out. This was a $450 repair but about three years later, GM had a recall on the switch and re-imbursed me. I installed new front shocks at around 70k miles. At about 105k miles the fuel pump went out. This cost $750 plus the towing!
This is one great van! Bring it back!
Ron, 01/07/2009
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I have owned four of the Astro series and one Safari van since '96. I've had only good experiences with them. Maybe I apprciate its comfort level, driveability and road feel because I don't expect this truck to drive like a luxury sedan. My Astros gave me better mileage than any pickups I've driven from time to time (including the big new Toyotas), yet with much bigger enclosed hauling space for my tools, lumber, etc., with the seats out. Then, when you need it, unlike a pickup, it's a great people mover too. And, as far as the styling goes, a nicely detailed 2002 Astro looks better than anything else out there. I'm keeping this one!
Astro Snow Mobile
D-Mac, 12/31/2015
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
bought the astro w 130,000 mi. 3yrs ago. 160know. Replaced a jeep cherokee with it and so happy with our choice. More cargo and smoother ride. Mine is not a soccer mom mobil. It's the Toy Box. And I have a long playlist. Take one seat out. still seat 5 comfortably. and put 5 bikes in the back. Or skis or snowboards... climbing gear... windsurf/kitesurf rigs... or a mixture of them all. In the winter move the seat to the back row and you have a nice space to put ski boots on or have lunch between snowkite sessions or sleep in it..rear heat works great. No need for a rocket box. but it has factory racks so easy to do if needed. Hook up a trailer and pull 4 dirt bikes or two snowmobiles no worries. Right now its winter and this van loves it. So stable on ice and snow. Good tires of course do help a lot. We ski little cottonwood cny and chase wind for snowkiting so often driving in blizzards. Its weight is well proportioned to its size and make it a smooth reliable snow mobile. The gears work awesome. Just put it in 1st or 2nd on steep snowy downhills and you barley need to use the brakes. I work on the great salt lake, if it's not stormy, and have to commute across a 15 mile dirt road which gets icy, horribly washboarded, and rutted this time of year. Set the cruz control at 45 and let the S-10 chassy do the work. although i have had to replace fuel pump and catalytic converter, normal stuff for its age, affordable parts and minimal labor made it no big deal. I recommend this van to all fun hogs... especially snow lovers.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
- Value
Astro is a strong minivan
Mike, 04/08/2006
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is our second Astro. The first one was destroyed in a side-impact collision by a drunk driver. The impact was so hard it flipped the van over onto it's roof and spun it around the intersection. No serious injuries to my wife and children, just small cuts from broken glass. Astro vans are built on a truck frame, and are durable, strong, and can almost drive like a pickup. It's been on many a campout with my son's scout troop. If you're thinking about buying a minivan, and need durability, strength, and space, get an Astrovan.
It keeps going and going and...
Knuckles, 07/20/2017
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Over 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. My wife has been through 3 Odysseys since Ive had my Astro. Who says America can't build cars that last?
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2001 Astro AWD, what an inprovement
fourwindgsd, 03/09/2004
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is the second Astro I have owned, the other being a 1995 AWD that was a maintenance nightmare. But the Astro is so ideal for my needs that I traded for the 2001 AWD. What a difference! So much more thoughfully laid out, seats are MUCH lighter (still no picnic) to remove. The driver controls are thoughfully laid out easy to reach and control. The response to driver imput is much improved and better power when it's needed. The rocker arm mouldings are a nice addition and make the van more attractive than the 1995. I am very happy with my purchase and expect to continue with the Astro/Safari for yet another one.
2002 Astrovan
Jed Depew, 07/16/2006
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased an Astrovan due to its vast cargo capacity and some advice from a mechanic I know. While the engine and drive train has been good it seem likes everything else has a problem. Small things break on a regular basis and are a pain to repair. Door handles, door locks, rear seats, windshield, lights front and rear, etc.
Old reliable
Alex Rose, 12/31/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Chevy has left the challenge in place for any other manufacturer to put as much value in a van as the Astro. It may be an old design, but it continues to fill a niche in the NA market. The room, fuel mileage and towing are great! The styling may seem boxy, but when you are looking for reliability, you cannot beat this combination.
My 3rd Astro
Jim of Fort-Laud., 01/24/2004
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned an 85 and a 91. My most recent Astro is the worst one yet. I miss the comfort of the seats of my other vans; I have deflated the back support completely and it is still uncomfortable. I cannot adjust the AC vent to prevent the air from blowing right on me; it is the same for the passenger. The rear suspension is too soft; I had to reinforce it. I have spent a lot of time at the dealer (leaking roof, brake light, door lock, rear axle, brakes, power windows, etc.). Like my other Astros, the idle is rough, the rear brakes are weak, and the check engine light comes on.
Chevy, make another!
Jason, 04/25/2008
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We purchased our '02 because we owned a '91 & my wife loved being up higher than a typical minivan. It was barely used when we bought it & it had everything we wanted. The biggest improvement over the older one was the rear dutch doors. It's a system that makes complete sense. The adjustability of the bench seats is tremendous, allowing ample leg room for an adult in the back if neccessary. Try having an adult in the back of a Caravan; they may decide to walk! The only thing I needed to change was the factory rims & tires; looked really soft for such a tough truck (and it is a truck!). We love our Astro van and plan on keeping it for years to come
Sad to see them go
Donn, 03/18/2009
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Our 4th Astro, obviously we like them. A-B'b the Caravan, Aerostar & Astro when we were in the market for a small van in 1985. Thought the Astro was the best choice then, still do now. Sorry they're no longer made
Poor Stepchild to the Suburban
KVD, 12/10/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Got the LS AWD (with leather and every available option) for family trips. No aftermarked flip-down video made for the model. Owned vehicle 6 months and has been in the shop 7 times, once to re-attach the gas tank! Rattles like garbage truck and parts coming apart on the interior. Had a 93 Astro that we drove all over the US with no problems. Get the impression that all the attention goes into SUV design and production. This could be a great vehicle.
Great Van
Androog, 03/02/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This van is a work horse. It is a great compromise on driveability, size, comfort, economy, and trailering ability. It drives like a car. The all wheel drive is incredible, the astro van sticks to an all ice road like a goat. This is our second, and we feel there simply is not another product on the market like it.
this is the family vehicle
momwithkids, 01/17/2003
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We are on our second Astro. We love the room, comfort & ease of movement, (important when you have to get back to little kids in car seats quickly no center console to trip over). Most of all we found that this van is reliable, powerful easy drive, sits high for great visibility. Lots of cargo room. There isn't a minivan that can compare! It is like an SUV w/minivan price w/better gas mileage and manuverability. Astros are only for the economically minded who need a reliable work horse to tote a family.
Don't Buy It!
fire44, 12/02/2006
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Unless you have a large family and you intend to tow more than the typical mini-van will allow, don't buy one. With just 35,000 mi. I'm already having mechanical problems. We've replaced the ignition, "U" joint and the water pump. There is something else that is making noise under the hood that I haven't tracked down yet and the front end will need work in the very near future. It gets poor fuel economy when compared to other mini-vans and really is not a comfortable vehicle to drive.
Great Van
KE, 06/18/2003
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This Van is like a Tank Built tough AWD is excelent in bad weather I drive this van with confidence knowing I will get to my destination I have an LT with 7 pass seating great set up exept pass seat no leg room
2002 Astro Conversion
hope46, 07/07/2006
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The only things I don't really like about this van are the turning radius, which isn't as tight as the Voyager we used to have, and how difficult it is to back up at night, because we have dark tinted windows, and the seats are quite high, making it difficult to see. It's a great traveling van, the back seat folds down to a bed, and it has nice blinds on the windows. It gets better mileage that we thought it would, averaging 20 mpg. I've gotten 24 mpg with it on the interstate. We'll keep this until it falls apart on us; we're quite happy with it.
A Handy Van
astro FAN, 12/06/2003
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Van is excellent in snow.Optional seats are comfortable.Cruises well on the highway but can be a little wishy washy on windy day driving.Very solid feel and LOTS of power.Plenty of cargo room.Ride is a little firm but better than a suv.The family loves it!!Oh... and not a single problem yet!!
3 Astros and Counting
Moms on her 3rd, 06/06/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well, I am on my third Astro Van. I literally cried we I was told I had to give the 1st one up at 100,000. Then the second one at 107,000 miles. Today in our throw-away world its nice to know there are somethings still dependable. I carry alot of children around and the ruggedness of this vehicle is unbelieveable. My only suggestion would be for Chevy to ask mothers what changes they would make. The rear windows opening is a very good point.Other than that I hope they keep making this model.
Astro better than SUV for my family
cmaricle, 09/09/2004
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The astro is much better than the Suburban for my family, much better accessability between rows when dealing with kids. Hey, its not sexy but its a good ride.
It was time to stop making this model
Mr P, 08/26/2007
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This van was a good fit for my needs at the time, It can tow medium size loads, and is OK in comfort. The engine box should be pushed forward some. Cargo space is great, if you remove the third row seat, which is a chore for one person.
GMAC
abewat, 11/13/2002
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good running used to commute to and from work.
#1 Review
astroman, 07/29/2003
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st gear too torquey; Computer seems to 2nd guess your moves: I drive very conservatively most of the time so when I really have to get on it and pass someone, it wants to balk or almost hesitate like it has to figure out what I'm about to do; Plastic trim is so poorly fitted that you can go around the vehicle and pop trim up with your fingers; Very poor ventilation system engineering and quality: the lack of being able to get A/C or fresh air through any of the settings (GM fixes the choice)-there's still plenty of air coming right out at you with front vents closed; Wipers on high speed push all the water from the passenger side into the drivers vision.
Could be a better van.
rsocia, 08/28/2003
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second Astro we have owned. We were in two very serious accidents with our first and the van held up great. My a/c, the window switches, and belt broke in both vans. The fuel pump has gone out in my new one along with the emergency brake. The wiper control broke. The interior does not hold up very well. The van sounds horrible, but the service department does not know why. It stays in the shop. It is difficult to see out of the backe windows with the doors. The sliding door is hard to close. I do feel safe in it and I love driving it, but I am afraid that it will leave me stranded one day.
My 2001 Astro Van
sharona61bio, 09/13/2003
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my van used in January 2003. It had 38,000 miles when I bought it. So far, it has been a really good vehicle. The only problems that I have experienced is a bad window motor, a bit of vibration at idle and an intermittent squeak from the rear on acceleration. These appear to be more annoying than detrimental. I drive it to work everyday and have made a few 100+ mile trips to visit relatives. It's comfortable, roomy and it handles real well. The dash controls are very user-friendly. The front/rear AC does a nice cooling job even with 6 adults aboard in July heat.
Trans. and rearend out at 72,000 miles
mmfan56, 04/17/2006
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second Astro we have owned, the other being a 1993 we sold at 170,000 miles with little problems; motor mounts,elec. wondows, etc. This van has been babied since we had it, but I tow a small trailer occasionally, with heavy loads. The trans never seemed to shift quite right, but Chevy dealer always said okay. Recently, noticed the rear starting to sing, especially, at 40 mph, off gas. Oil leakage around pinion seal, 1 pint low. Took to Aamco, bad rear and trans being repaired as I write this.
None
gimil, 04/05/2003
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great van, beside the VW Eurovan the only one of its size. Quality disappointing.
And it works well on snow.
Al Seeger, 01/06/2017
2001 Chevrolet Astro Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like it but I don't get good enough gas mileage, especially when compared to my 1994 Chrysler LHS. The Chevy Astro has Toyo A/T tires and they are great on snow. I can hardly believe how well I am getting around. I won't use cars until spring when the roads here are clean and dry. The Astro also starts nice in below 0 weather. Sometimes the window is stuck from ice when I go to the drive up window at the bank. Another thing about the Astro, I did not have to fix anything on it except to properly lock down the jack to prevent it rattling.
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- Value
Taxi Cab Astrovan
James Yambor, 03/05/2023
2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got 162 K miles before any mechanical breakdowns. Just a few minor mishaps. And it doesn't burn any oil.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Value
A minivan that works like an SUV
cgoetz, 06/18/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We had owned a '90 Plymouth Grand Voyager, and liked its large interior, but didn't like its reliability. The Astro has at least as much room, but has been perfectly reliable so far, and has a lot more power. We enjoy camping, but never dared take our pop-up into the mountains with the Plymouth. The Astro does a nice job of taking us and our stuff wherever we want to go. The old van was good on snow, but the Astro is something else altogether - it is diffucult to make it slip even when you try. I'd recommend it to anyone who has an active family.
Much more than a mini-van - SUV killer
flyingdutchman01, 02/21/2003
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Astro, a 2002 LS model. I hope that GM comes to its senses and redesignes the ASTRO. There is no other package like it on the road - good cargo and towing ability and room for my family and still has room for more stuff behind the 3rd row!). Mid- sized SUVs scrunch a 3rd row (if you can even get it in the highest costs models) right up against the back glass. Full sized SUVs cost 10-15k more and drink more fuel with no more space. This is a great package. GM - you've redesigned the s-10 replacement. Now its time to do the same for the ASTRO!
chevy astro
boyd6577, 01/24/2004
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have really enjoyed our astro for almost 2 years, now and would recommend it to anyone with more than 2 children. it is very comfortable, and reliable
time to retire it?
roger c, 03/05/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pros: I like the way it looks, tougher than the typical mini-van. Torquey engine feels powerful, accelerates nicely. Seats 8, not 7 like many others. Dutch door is convenient. Cons: Those wheel. The seats don't fold down and out of the way and weigh a ton if you want to remove them. Storage bins, etc., seem like stuff glued into a cargo van- feel like my kids will snap them off at any minute. Back seat hard to get into. Dual sliding doors not available.
Great Combination
Moms Green Machine, 03/07/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vortec 4300 V6 Engine All-Wheel Drive w/Locking rear differential and 3.73 axel ratio. Test drove this van because my husband asked and I am glad he made the suggestion. This van has more leg room in the rear seats and is very easy to get in and out. Our family loves the split-folding leather bench seats. More room inside with a shorter van.I like being higher then the oncoming headlights. The power of a truck with the luxury of a mini-van. I couldn't have asked for a better combination.
Astro Review
Houstonastro, 03/22/2002
2002 Chevrolet Astro LS Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I found this vechicle to be very reliable. After 2 years of service, only the original battery has failed. For my purpose it has served me well in hauling boy scouts for campouts as well as family vacations. I selected the Astro van over other mini-vans because it is on a truck frame, the usable interior space & seating, and the superior gas milage compared to SUV's with comparable interior space.