Used 2005 Chevrolet Astro Consumer Reviews
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Does Well for what it was designed for
Okay, so I have only had this van for a few months, but I have had experience with other Astros, as well as other brands for comparision. For what the Astro was designed for it does it well. It's not overly stylish, but it is very funtional. Has adequate power delivery, although not refined. Handles like a van, not a BMW. Rides like a truck, not a Buick, but it will haul people and trailers. It will also get decent fuel mileage. Makes a great work truck and can take the abush and punish usually associated with work trucks.
Only one with a full frame
Long term experience very good. Holds up very well. Built like a tank. Has steel reinforcement behind plastic bumpers. Only item replaced: Alternator.
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,900569 mi away
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $10,9951,207 mi away
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $7,9901,240 mi away
Best van for our needs
This is the third Astro we have owned. Currently we tow a 26.5ft travel trailer through the midwest and have experienced no problems. One must drive responsibly and not expect to break any speed records.
2nd Astro Van
The first one I bought was a 1995, drove it 109,000 miles, the transfer case went, replaced it for $2300 then traded it for a 2004 model. It is now 2008 and I have 51,000 miles and need a new transfer case. Both vehicles had electrical problems with the 'check engine soon' light, numerous brake repairs and each needed idler arms and torsion bars. I love the van tho and today when my mechanic told me to junk it because I needed a transfer case and a brake hub and a speed sensor, I said no. But, now, I need to find a more reliable vehicle that will carry and do all the family stuff that my van does.
Chevy Astro Van is awesome!
Bought my 2005 Astro cargo van years ago, it now has almost 200,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. This van handles the road excellently, anti-lock brakes are very quick to respond and it will stop on a dime! It's braking power has rescued me several times now. It has handled great in all weather conditions, rain/snow/sleet. Love the roomy cargo space, it never lets me down when I need to haul a load. Bucket seats are very comfortable, but I wish the instruments were in easier reach. Overall my Astro has been a a very reliable and strong little powerhouse.
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Thank You GM
We are on our 2nd Astro, our first is a 1988 Astro LT. The 4.3L engine is one of the best.I fix cars for a living and this is the van for my family.
Second Astro Owned
This is my second Astro. The first I drove 230,000 miles with little maintenance. This is longer but handles nicely I put Mogg idler arms on the 1991 that greatly improved the steering and handling. I plan to do it on the 2005 in a year or so. I now have 40000 miles on the 2005. I drive these vans from SC to Yellowstone Natl. Park and on to Phoenix and back. I pull a midsized bass boat for short 20 or 50 trips. We especially like the fold down bench seats for the second and third row seats. We throw coats and etc. over the first folded down bench. I have driven Toyota vans but this Astro will outdrive it hands down with a lot of hauling space.
An "unknown" reliable minivan
I brought this vehicle use in Jan 2006. Surprisingly this vehicle's build quality has improved drastically. No squeaks and rattles to date compared to other friends' older astro vans. Improved braking and quiet interior. 4 wheel disc brakes setup was taken from chevy/gmc truck division. It possess impressive stopping power. Fuel mileage is not bad, getting 21mpg on the highway. Rear A/C and rear heat are awesome. Trunk space is ample for those long trips. Leg room in all rows are very good, compare to other minivans. Power is good. No problems to date.
Best Vehicle in 3 classes
If your looking for a SUV, truck or mini-van this is it except better. It's all of the above. Plenty of room for cargo and people. It tow's up to 5000 lbs(AWD version)and seats 6 people without feeling cramped, 8 for those short trips. The LT version provides a luxury feel to this "mid size Van". I never driven a more stable vehicle on snow,water and ice (again AWD). Our initial intention was to buy a larger SUV (smaller SUV's are no comparison) and when we looked at overall interior space, power and fuel economy we became ASTRO owners and yet saved about 10,000 dollars.
Good Van
Our family expanded so we bought this van with 34k miles for a great price. We travel home 3 to 4 times a year (1000mi round trip) and it runs like a charm. No problems. I feel safe when my wife is alone with the kids on trips. Love the rear air and towing capacity
LEGROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE LEG ROOM IN THE FRONT SEATS IS VERY LIMITED.
1991 and 2001
We purchased a used 1991 Astro in 1993 and have put 160,000 trouble free miles on it.We pulled a travel trailer with it,including many trips to Florida,and Kentucky.I have done all general maintenance work on it,and never have had to have it in a shop for repair.In December 2003 we bought a 2001 AWD Astro that we really find very useful with having five children.And we still have that 1991!
Chris Craft Tow Toy
Very dependable, very low maintenance, so comfortable to drive, great for road trips, pulls the boat like a toy
Astro
The vehicle I am reviewing was purchased used in 2001. I now have 96000 miles on it and it has never failed me. We have useed it to travel on trips in excess of 5000 miles at a time. I am 6'1" and 250 pounds and I find the unit most comfortable.
I LOVE MY ASTRO VANS!!!!!
I have TWO Astro Mini-vans, and I love them!!! My first is an '89, has 140,000 miles on it, and is still on the road. My new one has the AWD and extended features which are absolutely GREAT!
Astro's are Great
This is my second Astro. I also have a 1989 with 107k which I purchased new and is still going strong. I just purchased this 2004 as GM is supposed to stop making the Astro/Safari in 2005.
Chevrolet Astro Van AWD
This is the 5th Chevy Astro Van I have owned. They are great vans. Better than having a truck because they get better gas milage and quiet running. I just bought a new one and still own two older ones. One has 165000 miles(1994) and the other one 106000 (2000) and they are still running great. I maintain them and have not had any major problems with any of them. They are great on long trips with family, we have even taken out the seats and camped in them overnight. They are also great for carrying building supplies. I like them better than a truck because you can use the whole vehicle and have heat and air and spread out and be comfortable. I get great gas mileage doing a lot of highway miles.
Best vehicle ever, a vehicle that does it all
The Astro van is the only vehicle I own, and I have owned it for 28 years. I own a 1993 Astro passanger and it still drives and handles like its brand new. Its done everything and its gone every where. From towing a 5,000lbs travel trailer through the rocky mountains. To moving furniture, people, windows, engines. To being my daily driver for 28 years and growing. Its all I will ever need. Love the Astro van! EDIT: edmunds wants me update this review... Still driving the same van only this time we are towing a boat and going camping with it. So still getting a ton of use with these vans even with the van being 20 years old on all original parts, still no issues.
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GM take a hint.
The best vehicle in its class. The problem is that it's the only one in its class. Because of no competition, GM has treated the Astro like an ugly step child. The last revision was nearly ten years ago. I upgraded to a 2000 model from the '91 I had. The only noticeable difference beside appearance was the reliability of a newer vehicle. After just a few years my new van rattled just like my old one. I've had many service calls that were fortunately under warranty. Delco batteries only last two years in Florida.I love my van but I'm sorry that when I'm ready for a new one, GM will have done little to give me a reason to buy.
Best mid-sized van ever
This is the 4th Astro that I have owned in 9 years, and each one has been better the the last. I averaged about 90,000 to 100,000 miles on the last three and already have 1600 on the 2005 Astro. I love it.
Minivan it is not...
I would have to disagree with Edmunds on the "dated" Astro/Safari vans. Are they the newest design? No. Do they still sell units? Yes. This van is not a mini van. Find me a competing Japanese unit that can tow 5400 lbs! This is a towing vehicle that can also seat 6 in style, and 8 with comfort. And you can park it in a mall parking space with a minimum difficulty. It doesn't handle like a minivan because it isn't. Its a 1/2 ton pickup with a big cabin for people. It really is in a category by itself. When mine reaches 200K miles, I'll go buy another one.
Best Of Breed
Will never own another minivan. We show our German Shepherds in AKC events. All our "stuff" fits with room to spare. Other minivans are too small. Ride is strong not mushy, interior comfort is great. This is our 3rd Astro. Our 1st is still on the road with over 200K miles. The 2nd is still running with only 150K miles.
Strong Player in a small package
I was pleasantly pleased with the towing ability, with a 21' Sports Boat. The 4.3 liter engine seems bullet-proof. I would bet it would take an additional $ 15,000.00 worth of vehicle to do what the Astro does. The style seems current, sure the design is dated. The engineering is still proven, basic, simple and reliable. Fuel economy is better than expected. Just a strong little work horse.
Astro Van
I own and show dogs. The Astro van is perfect size for transporting dogs and crates. Crates are easily stacked for the smaller breeds. I have had no problems with this van.
2005 Astro AWD LS
Been pretty reliable so far. The brakes on this vehicle are awesome ( design was borrowed from their truck line 4 wheel discs) I'm 6'3 with long legs and this is the only vehicle that I can actually sit in without hitting my knees. This also includes the 3rd row seats. I've tried a lot of vehicles. Rear heat and A/C is effective. With a 8 seats filled, cargo room is still ample for that trip to L.A. I don't have have the towing gears, so I get with AWD 15 city and 21 highway. Power is as strong as any other minivan out there. Ride is a bit stiff. AWD helps with handling corners and different road terrain. GM has improved interior sound levels and rattles compared to prior years.
Chevy Astro
Mr. Edmonds ought to speak for himself. I'm on my second ASTRO and it is perfect for my driving/hauling needs. When this one wears out, I'll get another.
Frustrated
The size of this van cannot be beat. I LOVE my Astro Van, but I have had the van in for warranty work 9 times for what we thought was the transmission, which was replaced, the accelerator was stuck, and a variety of other engine- transmission problems. I am still in a rental and waiting for a diagnosis. I owned a 1992 Astro and had 150,000 miles on it and never had a problem. Mixed feelings if I would ever buy another.
Not worth buying!!?? I think not
LT's got it all. Indestructable engine, good suspension for its size, lot of room in the back.
excellent
I have had 3 Astro Vans and I find them to be very built very reliable very dependable and The most confortable Mini Vans on the street. But trying to find one anymore is becoming very difficult. Is GM not making them any more and why. It seems that all the dealers in the area dont have any in their inventory and dont seem to want to get any WHY ?
a class of its own
mr. Edmunds-- as anyone who has owned an Astro Van can tell you, it is in a class of it's own--true mid-size--I just bought my 4th one in 18 yrs. All have had over 200k mi.on them. I still own my 96 (in add. to my 03) with 260k with no major repairs. I have had a chance to see 1st hand , the Astro outperform, in almost ALL respects, the so called competition. GOD save the Astro !!
LOVE my Astro !!
Over all this is by far the BEST vehicle I have ever owned .... I traded in a ExtCab 3Dr Silverado and bought my Astro when my 2nd child was born. I love having 2 full benches in the back and still having a LARGE area behind the 3rd row for hauling and storage. All of my friends and family have children also so traveling together is easy and roomy with this van. Not to mention when a huge snow and ice storm hit WV I was able to get to and from work everyday safely when others even some Trucks were left sitting :)
😆 tired & tried oldy but goody Astro van
Our third Astro van ... 1984, 1994 and 2004 LT all leather, captain seats 💺 top of the line. At 214,000 miles, still going. Love the roominess and comfortable ride. Great on long trips. At 203,000 miles, had a month long trip (Nov 2021) from L.A. to Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Wilmington NC and Delaware, Philly and D.C. returned through Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Dallas, New Mexico and Arizona. 7500 miles RT! Just kept on humming. Regular maintenance - oil change, brakes, tires, shock absorbers & just replaced differential. Old van so expect things to come.
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Astro King !!
I've had a few Astro's in my day and always looking for another one but ,they are getting harder to find. My Sister and Brother-in-law who are devoted in their Christian faith gave me their 95' which was named" Ole Blue." According to my Sister, my Brother-in-law Dale stood in front of " Ole Blue" and prayed for over 20 minutes asking that God to bless this van and take good care of me. I'm not that religious myself but I have to say, 357,000 miles later and the body was still in pretty good shape but the doors were having to be strapped shut and there were some minor things going on with it. However, aside from new tires every year and the regular maintenance , this Astro ran and drove like a champ! If you can find one, even at today's used car prices, Buy it !! Though I hear they are bringing the model back in 2023.
Astro
This is a great van for the larger family. We have 5 children and they can all ride in comfort. The towing capcity is also great. Its a very well built, reliable vehicle.
ASTRO LS
VERY GOOD OVER ALL, NEEDS IMPROVEMENTS BAD AS NOTED BELOW. NEEDS MORE CHOICE OF PAINT AND INTEROR COLORS
the 2001 , not much different than 2004
I actually own the 2001 model. But I don't know of many changes between them.
Great vehicls
Great vehicle with great towing capacity for its class.
2003 Astro LT AWD Review
Lacks cramped room of the smaller vans (ventures, caravans, aerostars, etc.). More room, more power.
My third AWD Astro
Love the AWD.Prefer over 4WD.It's the only minivan that my labrador fits in. Would like more leg room up front, available DVD roof mount and moonroof would be nice. Back seat a monster to remove. Need to modify power window switches. My cat closed the window on my neighbor's hand!
very satisfied-on #4
I just bought my 4th Astro van, starting back in 1986.They are super reliable and just the right size for both doing an antique buss. or family use. A very rugged vehicle with good towing cap. All have had over 200k mi. on them. My 96 has 260k on it and still going strong.
Best Towing Minivan made
Our family of four has been using this as a family vehicle for a year, with several long distance trips towing a popup camper. The ride and comfort are excellent; we get 18mpg city; 22mpg hwy and 18-20 towing. But the bottom line is that if you want a minivan that has no trouble pulling a trailer 2500 lbs or more, then the Astro/Safari is your only choice.
Astro Forever !!!!!!!
2004 Astro LT 187,000 still running great. Would buy another one if they still made them.
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My Chevy Astro AWD ROCKS!!!
I got myself a 2003 Chevrolet Astro AWD LS and it has enabled me to do things I've always dreamed of,I found myself traveling with my loved ones safely and comfortably in this Vehicle, so I may be a bit biased, but I still enjoy washing the damn thing and looking at it as well. P.S. they are also great for dates!!!
Good solid van
We have four children and love this van. It has plenty of power and room. For the money it was and is a great deal.
a good truck
i have had a few problems but i like the truck . and it does a good job moving my gear. i play music for a living. the van works well for me. i can move people or gear to a job.