Used 2003 Chevrolet Astro Consumer Reviews
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Bullet Proof Family Hauler
My wife and I purchased a used Chevy Astro after researching other vehicles. For the money, it cannot be beat. It is incredibly reliable and has ample room for our five children. We looked at a Toyota Sequoia, Honda Pilot, and car-based minivans such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. We kept coming to the same conclusion that the Astro with its reliable engine and transmission, room for 8 and low ownership cost was tough to beat. With essentially the same drivetrain since '85, Chevy worked out all the kinks. We picked ours up for $7,200 with 74,900 miles. I analyzed the cost per mile and the Astro was far cheaper than any comparable vehicle. We intend to keep the vehicle until it dies.
Nothing like a Chevy Van
There's nothing like a beefy Chevy Van, makes all those wussy looking mini's look like they came from the Barbie factory. 4.3 V6 rules the road. I hope in the future they will make a dual slider on the Driver's side, and that's the only negative.
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $16,999370 mi away
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $10,700619 mi away
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $6,9951,131 mi away
A good vehicle at a good price
Anyone considering one should get it. It will last forever (my father in-law has a 94 with 180,000 Miles and still going)and it hauls more than anything in its class. It also cheaper than ANY SUV, and bigger than most. It is NOT a mini-van...more like a mid size van. If you consider a Mini-Van, you may pay less, but you will get less in size and power.
Satisfied
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.
love the van
I had an astro before this one drove it for 10 years no problems except the sliding door locked and couldn't open inside or out. It made 24 MPG. Bought a new one because we liked the old one for the room (took out the seats and we could haul 4x8 sheets of plywood. They have good clearance and AWD grip the road when lots of snow and ice ( better than our 1/2 ton 4WD pickup) Also has 5000# tow capacity. But we were very disappointed with the gas mileage on the 2003. We lost 8 to 10 MPG can't understand what happened? It has the same engine as the old one and we drive it the same way.
Keep making them
I love the height of the vehicle. I love the amount of room, I always feel like I have room for everything. I like the roomyness. It is very comfortable to ride in. It is easy to drive and manuver. Mostly the fact that I can see what is going on. The drivers seat is extremely comfortable.
This is one great van! Bring it back!
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
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Astro is a strong minivan
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...
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
Great for teens
I'm a 16 year old guy that got an astro van for my first car, it's the biggest thing I've ever driven but it handles like a small car, just dont take turns too fast. I've fit around 18 people in it comfortably and I've taken it on a few roadtrips. Quite possibly the best vehicle for driving to the beach and places like that, can fit almost anything and everything you have, and doesnt have a problem moving it around.
2002 Astrovan
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
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.
Chevy, make another!
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
very functional
Possibly the ultimate utility vehicle -- 8 passenger advertised capacity (i've had 13), towing capacity comparable to a pickup, great for camping, etc. In other words, great if you need to move large numbers of people and large/bulky stuff. If your people/stuff fit into a regular minivan (Caravan or Odyssey), buy that -- easier to drive and requires less gas. Don't go in the mud, and forget working on the car yourself -- the engine is rather inaccessible.
Sad to see them go
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
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
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
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.
Old Faithful
This is my 3rd Astro van, having driven my previous vans 160,000 and 99,500 miles, I am obviously very impressed with the reliablility and quality of these cars. Interior design is very utilitarian and practical. 170 cubic feet of cargo space! Can't beat that with a Chrysler minivan. All- wheel drive is very good in the snow. Engine has torque galore...very fast off the line and when towing a trailer.
AWD LS
Nice family van. Lots of space for people & cargo. If you are looking at other vans pull them side by side & compare the room. This is no mini van. All seating is full size & comfortable for adults. Motor has strong torque for towing. Ride is a 100 times better than some of those consumer magazines rate it. I was surprised how well the van did ride after reading some so-so reviews. Doing light towing (appx 1,500 lbs) we still get 17mpg on the highway. Not to bad with a road mixture of flat & hills. We have friendS who are on their 2nd or 3rd van & rate them highly.
Aged but utilitarian van
I have had this van for little over a year with 28,000 miles. So far, I've had no repair problems. Cargo space is what sold me on this van, and it has been impressive. It has almost as much room as my previous full-size van. This van is by no means fast but has tremendous pulling power. The steering is light and quick, but it is also loose and numb. Although Chevy has continually updated this vehicle over the years, you can't escape the fact that this is a vehicle from the eighties. While functional, interior design is very stark and dull with plenty of monochrome plastics. All in all however, Astro is a very capable and reliable vehicle.
2003 Astro LS AWD
I think as far as 'mini' vans go, the Astro is the best. I love the room, the visibility, the power and the ability to tow. Also, this has been the best winter vehicle I've ever owned, the AWD works great. I've owned two SUVs and two 4x4 pickups that didn't do as well in the snow. It does everything my family needs from a vehicle.
Astro Number 2
Pack it up; pile the dogs in and away we go all across the USA --- most of the time I'm travelling alone and rely heavily on the reliability and durability, good performance of this van! The roomy interior is just right for all the paraphrenalia that needs to accompany us on our adventures. This is my 2nd Astro ..... my trade-in Astro had 260,000 miles on it and was still going strong! I am looking forward to putting 260,000 on this one too!
Don't Buy It!
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.
2002 Astro Conversion
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.
3 Astros and Counting
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
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
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.
It's a nice Truck
This is my second Astro. Once you accept the fact it is a truck it is a very nice truck. It is huge inside! Makes a suburbam look small yet is over two feet shorter. The V6 is powerful towing by 4000 pound boat nicely.
Family Van
It's perfect for a larger family. We have three small kids in carseats, it's the only van we could find that was able to fit all three perfectly, and it's still affordable. We haven't had any big problems with the van, just the normal wear and tear that all vehicles experience. This van has a lot of power, we drive up and down a steep grade daily, and it has no hesitation whatsoever. Definetly would buy another one in the future.
A Lot of Van for the Money
This van has more passenger, cargo, and towing capacity than any other minivan on the market. The truck frame and suspension make it much sturdier than the the car-based minivans of today yet the ride quality and handling reflect the beefier suspension. The interior quality of the LS looks and feels cheap but I like the rubber floor mats that it came with. Compared to the 2002 Pontiac Montana that I owned previously, this van is much more capable of of hauling 8 adult passengers and their luggage. If you're looking for a van that can truly carry eight people and still cruise effortlessly down the freeway this is the van for you.
ugly but works
The van is a bit ugly but it gets the job done it have expictnial take off power and maxes out aroung 130mph. There hasn't be any majour problems with it and it workes good to tow a trailer.
Not bad
So far we've only had the van for 5months. It's not bad. The things I have noticed: not enought leg room in the front seats, blind spot if you get the model with the back doors that swing out, kinda hard to get into from the front, side window fasteners made cheaply. Gas tank doesn't lock from in/out side. I thought all new cars did this now adays.
Chevy Astro
We LOVE this van! We have 2 of them & they are the best deal in town!
Great all around vehicle car/truck
My Astro van fuctions as both a mini and cargo van. It is very spacious for hauling passengers, equipment, and furniture. The conversion into a cargo van is awesome, by taking out the extra passenger seats, or folding them down.
2003 Astro
I bought this van to use on boat ramps to put my boat into and out of water. I have used it in Knoxville and around Douglas Lake. The van has been no farther than 50 miles from Knoxville. It was a program vehicle with 4000 miles when I bought it. I traded a 1994 Astro van I bought at West when I bought this one. It still runs like new as one would expect with such low mileage. West has serviced the vehicle twice per year since I've owned it.
High Quality in Low Design
My Astro was very fun to drive. In winter is very easy to grip on the slush with AWD system. I use my Astro everyday. Last week i charge my Astro over 3000 pounds of training equipement and i never had problem for pull it!!
HOPELESS....OH BOY
HOPELESS,EXPENSIVE, HIGH RESIDUAL VALUE, LOW RESELL VALUE, HIGH MAINTAINANCE, HIGH GAS CONSUMTION, UGLY DESIGN
A minivan that works like an SUV
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
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
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?
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
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
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.
need a new life!!!
good AWD,good towing and exllent to haul.I don't like the access and font seats,not really comtable.
That "Sure" Feeling
Rugged Durability, and Reliability, is what makes this vehicle.......The Outstanding Value, in its' class. This is the 3rd. Astro Van that we have owned.