2006 Chevy Express Cargo Review
Price Range: $5,950 - $8,900





+3
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong powertrains, dual side access doors, multiple wheelbase configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Plasticky interior, handling still awkward despite improvements.
What’s new
The Chevrolet Express cargo van heads into 2006 with a new 6.6-liter diesel V8 engine option. Otherwise, the van is unchanged save for the AM/FM sound system now being optional instead of standard.
Edmunds says
Powerful engines and some unique features make the Express (and its twin, the GMC Savana) pretty much the only game in town if you're looking for a full-size van that doesn't look and drive like it was designed two decades ago.
For sale near West Chicago, IL
48 listings
- $5,950great price$3,644 below market
- 90,302 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use
- 2 Seats
- Elmhurst Car Center (13 mi away)
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in Elmhurst, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GCGG25V961272382
Stock: 272382
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-08-2025 - 174,242 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, rental vehicle
- 2 Seats
- Manny Trucks (23 mi away)
- Towing Hitch
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in Chicago, IL
EXPRESS 2500 EQUIPPED WITH A 4.8L V8 ENGINE. VACUUM AND POWER WASHING EQUIPPED. HYDRAMASTER BOXXER 318 GAS GENERATOR. VAN HAS 174K MILES. TURNS ON GRE...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GCGG25V961248728
Stock: 248728
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-05-2024
Vehicle overview
Introduced in 1965, Chevrolet's full-size cargo van has since undergone only one complete redesign. Constant improvements throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s kept it somewhat up to date, but not until a full redesign in 1995 did the Express become a legitimately modern vehicle. A new exterior look, new engines, extended-length body styles and improved ergonomics made the Express hard to overlook when compared with the aging Econoline from Ford. The latest version incorporates features like four-wheel antilock disc brakes and powerful V8 engines that make the Express safer and more capable than ever before.
Performance & mpg
The standard engine on two-wheel-drive 1500 models is a 4.3-liter V6 rated at 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.3-liter V8, with 295 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, is standard on AWD 1500 and optional on two-wheel-drive 1500-series vans. Heavy-duty 2500 models come standard with a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 rated at 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque is standard on the 3500 and optional on the 2500. Also available on 2500 and 3500 series vans for 2006 is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 with 250 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All 1500s use a four-speed automatic transmission, while 2500 and 3500 series vans get a heavy-duty automatic. Trailer capacities range from 5,900 to a stout 10,000 pounds, depending on the model.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all models. Light-duty models (GVWR less than 8,600 pounds) feature a front-passenger sensing system that will deactivate the front airbag if it senses a small adult or child sitting up front. Heavy-duty models use a manual airbag deactivation switch for the front passenger.
Driving
A reinforced frame, larger stabilizer bars, rack and pinion steering (half-ton models only) and an upgraded brake system give the Express a leg up on the Ford Econoline when it comes to ride and handling. Although the Express is still far from nimble, its modern running gear makes day-to-day driving a much more enjoyable experience. The brakes require less effort than those of the Econoline, and the powerful engines really make a difference when it comes to merging and passing.
Interior
The interior is built for functionality and not much else. The controls are simple to use and well within reach of the driver. Available 60/40-split driver-side access doors make it easier for the whole crew to get in and out of the van.
2006 Chevrolet Express Cargo models
The standard wheelbase (135-inch) Express comes in half-ton (1500), three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton (3500) configurations, while the extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) requires either three-quarter-ton or one-ton running gear. The one and only trim level comes standard with air conditioning and a theft-deterrent system. The option choices include typical items like a rear air conditioner and heater, power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and a CD stereo. Also included on the options list is a host of job-specific cargo configurations, as well as swing-out access doors.
Compare 2006 Chevrolet Express Cargo trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$275/mo for Express Cargo 1500
Express Cargo 1500
vs
$300/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
See Edmunds pricing data
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Chevrolet Express Cargo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
WOW
4.5 out of 5 starswow 360K, 12/17/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
All I can say is 360K with no troubles. Engine/ trans /brakes/ electrical all exceptionally reliable. I am religious about maintenance and clean fluids which I believe has paid off. Drives great and very comfortable with seat mounted arm rests and cruise. I would consider no other after the service this vehicle has given me. This vehicle is a 2500, 4.8, 480el, semi floating 8 bolt … axle, extended wheel base. It is worked everyday hauling hardwood flooring.
A good van.
4.25 out of 5 starsHappy Owner, 12/29/2008
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
For a van it handled well and was very comfortable to drive. Overall excellent reliability. A few glitches in the side door hinges and with a couple of the interior lights. Fuel economy varied dramatically by driving habits. Ranged from 12 to 22 mpg city to highway. Drivetrain reliability was excellent, with minimal expenses for maintenance or repairs in about 50K miles.
Express Van Workhorses
4.88 out of 5 starsJoe Flash, 02/03/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
I own two express vans that is use for my business, A 99, (170k miles) and 2005, (143k miles) 3500 ext vans. I have owned Ford vans prior to the Chevys. Ford makes a good van but my Express vans have more headroom, (no need for a sprinter van) and are more comfortable and durable. I load a lot of weight on my vans and they handle it without a problem. I think they are quality built. I … have not had any problems with minor things breaking. But, then again, I do not abuse my vehicles. I work them hard, but I also maintain them. I would just like to say that I am very satisfied with my Chevy Express vans.
Never
2 out of 5 starsmario, 06/18/2005
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
The van only has 31,500 miles and i already had to take it to the shop 3 times for repair. I don't think Ill ever get a Chevy again. I also have a Chevy S10 that I had to take to the shop 5 times and it only has 34,800 miles on it. All the repairs are on the electricals.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Chevrolet Express Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Express Cargo since its last redesign.
2006 Express Cargo Highlights
1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,645 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $275/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 267.3 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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