2008 Chevy Express Review
2008 Chevy Express Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong powertrains, dual passenger access doors, multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Low-grade interior plastics, less interior space than Dodge's van.
What’s new
Stability control and side curtain airbags are now standard on all Chevy Express passenger vans. There are some minor feature changes within equipment groups. The interior has also been upgraded with a new steering wheel, switchgear, instrument cluster and materials.
Edmunds says
The 2008 Chevrolet Express (and its GMC Savana twin) is a capable people carrier for businesses and humongous families.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Chevrolet Express LS 1500 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$317/mo for Express LS 1500
Express LS 1500
vs
$314/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Full-size vans like the 2008 Chevrolet Express are redesigned so infrequently, a redo date of 1996 is practically fresh. Having been around for more than four decades, Chevrolet's full-size van lived through the 1970s, '80s and half of the '90s via sheet metal changes and updates to the running gear. It assumed today's shape 12 years ago and to celebrate the rebirth, the van's name was changed from "Sportvan" to "Express."
A number of important under-the-skin changes took place for 2003, including a wider selection of V8 engines, the first-time availability of all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, a stronger frame and various interior improvements -- all of which went a long way toward making the Express safer and more capable than ever before. For 2008, the interior has been updated again with improved interior materials and switchgear.
The 2008 Chevrolet Express still outpaces the even older Ford Econoline and certainly warrants consideration for those who need to ferry a small platoon (up to 15 people can ride in an Express 3500) and require the cargo volume only a large van can provide. Naturally, these attributes are most often needed by small businesses and fleet operators. The European-designed and dramatically more modern Dodge Sprinter is pricier than the Express, but with its much taller interior and better road manners, it makes a much better shuttle.
Performance & mpg
The standard engine on Express 1500 models is a 5.3-liter V8 with 301 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 rated at 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque is standard on 3500s. All 1500 models use a four-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels, while 3500s get a heavy-duty version of that transmission. An all-wheel-drive configuration is also available for the 1500. The maximum trailer-towing capacity on 1500 models is 6,300 pounds, while the heavy-duty 3500 can pull up to 7,600 pounds when properly equipped.
Safety
All models have four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags (for the first three rows of seating) as standard. In frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2008 Chevrolet Express scored five stars (the highest possible).
Driving
A robust frame, rack-and-pinion steering (half-ton models only) and standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes give the 2008 Chevrolet Express respectable ride and handling characteristics. Although Chevy's van is still far from nimble, it's a decent choice for day-to-day driving. And with a pair of strong V8 engines to choose from, merging and passing maneuvers come easily, even when you're hauling a heavy load of passengers and cargo.
Interior
The Chevy's interior is built for pure functionality, and while it may not be pretty, it gets the job done. All controls are simple to use and well within reach of the driver, but the footwells remain as cramped as ever. Express buyers can opt for 60/40-split driver-side doors for easier passenger access to the rear seats. The standard configuration seats 12, with eight- or 15-passenger arrangements also available, depending on which model you choose.
2008 Chevrolet Express models
The standard-wheelbase (135-inch) Chevrolet Express full-size van comes in half-ton (1500) and 1-ton (3500) configurations. The extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) is available only on the 3500. There are two trim levels: LS and LT. LS models are geared toward fleet service so standard equipment is limited to features such as air-conditioning, an AM/FM stereo and a theft-deterrent system. The more livable LT models include auxiliary rear air-conditioning and heating, power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and keyless entry. Optional equipment groups are extensive, and include features like power driver and front-passenger seats, alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#10 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Express from 2008-2022.$816/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.65x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).17.5%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Chevrolet Express.
5 star(53%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(0%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best Van Ever built
Rollin, 04/14/2009
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Better then SUV for a trailer and kids
Chris, 09/06/2005
2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Van for All uses
AKJIM, 05/30/2005
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Still kicking at 190,000
cooldude5, 02/27/2014
2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Chevrolet Express, so we've included reviews for other years of the Express since its last redesign.
2008 Express Highlights
LS 1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,395 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $317/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 204.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Express include:
- Stability Control
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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