Used 2005 Chevrolet Express Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2005 Express, so we've included reviews for other years of the Express since its last redesign.
Best Van Ever built
Rollin, 04/14/2009
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I purchased this van for work and pleasure , it has turned out to be my every day driver... I love it, my favorite thing about this van is the FUEL ECONOMY it is amazing i have the 5.3 vortec and loaded with about thousand pounds i get 20 - 22 mpg rollin down the highway at 75 85 mph,you cant beat it. Very comfortable and actually easy to park.
Better then SUV for a trailer and kids
Chris, 09/06/2005
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
We needed the ability to tow a trailer and carry 7. All the SUVs we looked at had a back seat that you must get into like a 2 door car. All the small vans cannot tow a trailer. We found that conversion vans are the best fit. What a pleasure to drive and tow (its like the trailer is not there). This has lots of power - even on the hills a smoth ride and handles like a smaller vehicle. We test drove the Ford and found it nice - but you never forgot you had a truck under you, also we could not get the 4th door. Gas mileage is not as bad as I feared - 13mpg with trailer, 19 on the open road,14/15 every day.
Still kicking at 190,000
cooldude5, 02/27/2014
updated 02/28/2017
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've had this van since 2006. It's been so good. I personally think it's more comfortable and prettier than the Fords. Very easy maintenance.
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Van for All uses
AKJIM, 05/30/2005
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is my second Chevrolet Express G3500 extended wheelbase 15 passenger Van. My first was a 2002 which now has over 62000 miles and both looks and runs like it is new. This 2005 has all the indications of being the same way, excellent throughout. I've had equivalent Ford's in the past and these Chev Vans are vastly better in handling and reliability. The 2005 has a 6.0 L engine which gets about 13% better fuel economy than the 5.7 on my 2002. I'm getting 18-19 mpg at 55 mph on long highway trips with this 2005. I'm very happy with it.
You'll Love The Extra Room
J. Hillsoto, 07/27/2005
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
The Express 3500 is highly recommended for large families or people who want to travel in comfort with a lot of gear. We love the extra roominess of the extended 3500 and for a vehicle of this size we have found that it handles very nicely and gets very good mileage. When it comes to parking, we sometimes have trouble in the narrow parking lots. Our 3500 is about 20 feet long and seat 15 adults comfortably.
Comsumer Beware
Disappointed, 04/04/2009
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
While I like the design of the van especially the exterior look and the rear doors (hinges designed to maximize access/storage)I have been disappointed with the reliability. I have had to replace the fuel pump ($600), the water pump, and one of the side windows fell out, yes fell out ($1000). The mechanic told me (kingman az dealership) there is a design flaw in the fuel pump which manifests itself primarily in higher elevation, hotter climates. He told me that Chevy knows but wont replace them. All these repairs were needed while the vehicle had less than 75,000 miles.
A thumbs up for this one!
Abe Mills, 11/28/2003
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This van handles like a van should! I was told to watch out because it would be hard to drive, and would feel like a tractor trailer going down the road, but boy am I happy I went with my instinct on this one. I give this van a 10 on everything. It is a real pleasure to drive, with great visibility, handling, and a great turning radius for such a long van. My only problem with it is I wish I had measured my garage before I bought it, because it just doesn't fit. I am happily sacrificing the garage for this fine piece of equipment though.
Some Good/Some bad
John, 09/02/2017
updated 03/05/2020
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The van has been awesome for a family. Ours was a Waldoch conversion. The ride was great. Super easy for long drives. Mechanical issues were messy. Tranny went out at 105,000, airbag and engine lights were issues@ 37,000, no warranty.
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Love it
Martin Griggs, 02/14/2006
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have had this van for about 18 months and I've been very happy with it. We have had less problems with it, than the 2 Honda vans we have owned. I have taken it on many long trips and it is not only comfortable, but it gets between 17-19 mpg on the highway. Being a car guy I have never been a fan of GM products, but after talking to my trustworthy mechanic he recommended it - he was right.
What got me into loving American Cars
JW, 05/29/2009
2004 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am (was) a die-hard Honda fan - I believed Honda has the most reliable and fuel efficient vehicles in US. In my 20 years of driving life, have purchased 9 new Honda & Acura cars, from Accord to Civic to CRV to Pilot to Odyssey. But since owning a Chevy Express 2500 (Explorer conversion w/ high top roof) I am not sure if Honda really is the best. I'd have to admit, when it comes to a big car, GM still is the best. (little 30mpg civic isn't for everyone you know - some of us have no other option) Express gets 16-17 MPG @ 75MPH, even when it's overloaded with 7 adults and tons of luggage. Odyssey gets 20MPG if I did the same, and there will barely be any room left to breathe.
Great van, handles great.
Tim, 03/26/2005
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This van rides and handles great. Bought a new 2004 Express Low top Chariot conversion. Very comfortable on trips or around town. Average highway mpg is over 20. Not bad for a big van. Only suggestion is they replace cheap plastic arm rest on door with a padded material.
2nd Express Conversion
mike1955, 04/28/2004
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We just got our second Chevy Express Conversion Van with an Explore conversion package. What a dream boat. With the special Platinum Paint and six spoke alloy 18" wheels this van turns heads. Rides like my Caddy and performance is outstanding, both in fuel economy and power to tow. In the large van catagory, it's the best game in town!
The Oversized Family Vehicle
AtomicZebra, 04/24/2005
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Deciding to buy a 2004 Chevy Express 3500 Extended Van was an easy decision. We needed a vehicle that would carry 11 people plus our belongings. These days fuel economy plays a big role in making a decision to buy a large vehicle. The Express 3500 that we purchased consumes about the same amount of gas as two compact cars. The way we see it we took one car off the road in exchange for great comfort and ample room, adventurous styling with all the interior appointments we wanted including...AM/FM/CD changer Sound Sys. cruise control, All Power, 6way pwr. driver seat, factory tint, OnStar, plus so much more. My family is extremely satisfied with our New 2004 Express 3500. No complaints here!
Big, but great gas mileage
Brian, 06/11/2005
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Actually have 3500 ext. conversion w/stand up roof modification. Great gas mileage even towing (when using NON reformulated gasoline) 14/14.6 towing 16/16.8 non towing. The dash is ugly but the conversion shop added some trim. They should have kept the same dash as the 1998/1999. A/C volume is good but the air could be colder. Conversion A/C might be affecting it on my van though.
Conversion Van
jhillen, 04/01/2005
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Good solid vehicle for a family. Good value when compared to a Suburban. Even with 4.3L V6, it has good perfomance. Available V8 would probably be better. Locking rear axle makes winter driving very doable. Optional 4 wheel disk brakes are welcome addition to stop this 5300lb truck.
The best travel vehicle
Mary hilton, 11/14/2016
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We're driving our second customized Chevy 1500 van. We've loved them both. This one is a 2004 and it's still running so we haven't let it go yet. It's been the most comfortable thing you can imagine and has given us plenty of room for several college move-ins. The only negative thing I can think to say is that both vans have had to have the transmissions replaced. Otherwise -I'd highly recommend it. Love this van like a family member!
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2005 AWD 1500 Express Cargo
MattCicanese, 02/19/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this van used for my plumbing business. The AWD is incredible in the snow, better than any of the 4x4 trucks I have had. It rides great, decent on gas 14-15 MPG, and drives nice. I wish it came in an extended version.
Ready for the test!
Dual purpose, 12/29/2003
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Hope to get good use for business and pleasure, but will have to add a few of my own touches.
Coming from Fords, very dissapointed.
Greg, 10/03/2009
2004 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
Mechanically these are superior to the Fords, as far as engine and transmission. However, everything else is worse. The old 1975-1992 Econoline has more room, feels better, drives better, handles better, body is more solid, I could go on an on. The Express interior is very cheap and uncomfortable. Hard plastic creaks and feels like it's going to break whenever you touch it. Feels coarse and unpleasant on skin. Front seating is cramped and much less roomy than Ford. Rides like a "rock". Feels like you better handle it with "kid gloves" or it will break. Sliding door rattles and shakes like tin foil when you close it GENTLY. All doors, controls, seats, and dash feel cheap compared to Ford.
2003 Chevy Express 1500 AWD w/ 4th Door
Phitter, 02/27/2003
2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Chevy doesn't have their act together on this vehicle yet. The assembly is poor. Door & hinge weather gaskets & grommets are missing or falling off. Unpainted sealant on the door hinges and entry areas is present. The fuel fill door compartment is a collection area for road salt and sand. The vehicle is plagued with driveline vibrations and resonance problems. I expected Chevrolet to resolve the issues -- they have not. The interior is the best they offer and it is dull at best. The seats don't belong in a vehicle that lists for over $35,000. The ride is very smooth suspension wise. Acceleration is good when called upon.
Lots of kids
rick b., 01/13/2007
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great for hauling kids, dogs, and everything. Also the 300hp. is great for pulling our 31 ft. 7800 lb. camper. Looks tough too.
Our family van is at 170,000 miles by just us
Richard, 09/17/2020
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our family van is our 2nd express. First was a 1999 12 pass and this one is a 2011 15 passenger. No reason to sell it other than she's a little old to take on cross country trips anymore. Great as our local trips to lowes with the seats out or to a family event with all or some of the seats back in. We drive it every day, but don't want the sticker price of a new one as they really haven't changed over the years.
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Mike's Review
Mike Saunders, 05/24/2004
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is a great van!
owner of a vending business
Bob Warnock, 03/01/2003
2003 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the small V-8 and its gas mileage is ok. When I have alot of weight in it the engine has a hard time, but when its gets on the expressway its gone. I have the cargo van and it's very roomy and fun to drive. I would recommend it to anyone.
2003 express van comments
PCMS, 10/21/2003
2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THERE ARE NO AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, NO BUG SHIELD, NO HOOD BRAS ETC. BODY IS CONSTRUCTED OF THINNER METAL THAN WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER NORMAL. I COMPARED IT TO MY DODGE VAN. THE WAY THE PLASTIC INTERIOR WALLS INTERLOCK IS A DISGRACE, ESPECIALLY AT THE PRICE I PAID. SOME PLASTIC JUST LAYS IN PLACE, NO INTERLOCKING MECHANISM. THE TOUTED OIL CHANGE LIGHT IS USELESS TO ME, IT GOES OFF AT 7000 MILES, I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3000. THE STEP UP, IF YOU ARE A SHORT PERSON, IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HOLDING ON TO THE SEAT AND PULLING YOURSELF IN.
Buy the Extended Warranty
Bill, 08/03/2005
2003 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle to haul our six kids around, and had many problems due to poor GM quality (just get it through the bumper-to-bumper wty). For over $30,000 you don't get much for your money except a big 6.0L V8 engine: no rear cupholders, no rear headrests, rear bench seats uncomfortable for adults, poor fit and finish, and plastic parts break easily. Even with rear A/C it struggles to keep cool on 90 degree days. OEM tires needed replacing at less than 30K miles. Been recalled three times. Problems before 36K miles: radio failed, plastic window latch broke, door switch broke, door latch broke. Front bearings separated at 37K miles. A/C leak at 38K, rotors warped at 40K, window switch fail at 42K
My AWD Van
Crystal, 04/26/2006
2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my van. I can throw so much stuff in it and drive it anywhere in the snow. I live on an 800ft gravel drive that is plowed by our farm tractor and the Van has never let me sit. We pack in six kids, two dogs, and two adults and go anywhere. The only problem is the price of gas.
This car has major problems from day one
TOM SCHUMANN, 12/30/2006
2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has major problems with it from day one. The first time in it and started it the check engine light was on. The car pulled to right, the a/c kept blowing warm. Engine tap. Tranny slips into reverse. Window kept coming loose. Blinker has moisture, bowtie was peeling. Multiple repairs on the right side sliding doors. Tierod replaced, gas pedal assembley replaced. Differential, had to be completely rebuilt. Glove box lock assembley, rear door windows both leaked water. Rear jack cover keeps falling off, seat belt retainers all broke off. Gas tank cap assembley replaced, gas gauge never read correct. 1/8 of tank left me 1 gal gas. This is all I can remember. p.s. The check engine light is on again, cause, fuel
My Express
Lori, 01/31/2007
2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my van. I use it for transporting dogs to and from competitve events and vet visits. It's a perfect size for my purpose and its very easy to take seats in and out for whatever I need it. It's been very reliable. The only thing I've had repaired on it was a water pump gasket.
Big van for big ideas!
Tammy M, 07/29/2022
2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I’ve driven the new style Express since 1997. Drove first one since it was new for 17 yrs. Bought a used 2003 and still have it. But you always have more room in it. Have moved my kids all over. Can’t seem to kill the van. Repairs…yea. Most vehicles have needs. Great van to go on trips. Drives good for a living room on wheels. Wish I had tried the AWD. Just never ran across one. We compared many vans when we decided on this one. Still love it and it still performs! We had the 4 door v8. Had power as needed.
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Can pull a house
Big family man, 01/05/2023
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Paint keeps peeling off
BANG FOR THE BUCK!
WILDCAT, 03/03/2003
2003 Chevrolet Express 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
IF YOU WANT POWER, GREAT LOOKS, TONS OF ROOM AND NOT BE LUMPED INTO THE SOCCER MOM MINI VAN CROWED THIS IS THE VAN FOR YOU! BUT WAIT!, WHAT ABOUT THE POOR GAS MILEAGE? GO ON ANY DEALER LOT AND SEE HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS YOU WILL SAVE OVER THEIR MINI VAN COUNTERPARTS. YES, ENOUGH TO OFFSET MANY YEARS OF "MEDIOCRE" GAS MILEAGE.