2013 Chevy Express Review
2013 Chevy Express Review





+74
Used Express for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet Express model years
Chevrolet Express types
- Van
- Diesel
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Wide-ranging powertrain lineup
- variety of passenger configurations
- available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Cheap cabin plastics
- thirstier and less spacious than Sprinter rival.
What’s new
The 2013 Chevrolet Express Passenger adds an optional navigation system, rearview camera and rear park assist.
Edmunds says
The full-size 2013 Chevrolet Express van is one of the more versatile and functional passenger vehicles on the road, but it's outdated compared to a couple fresher full-size van competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$264/mo for Express LS 1500
Express LS 1500
vs
$295/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
It shouldn't come as any surprise that the 2013 Chevrolet Express is good at transporting large groups of passengers. A full-size van is one of the most useful tools that a small company, a little league team or a large family can have in its garage. One of only a few options available in this class, the Chevrolet Express has the capacity to carry eight, 12 or 15 passengers and to top it all off, this van can tow nearly 10,000 pounds.
Competitors in the passenger van segment are few, but the Chevy Express is acceptable Point-A to Point-B transportation for almost any large group. The virtually identical GMC Savana and the Ford E-Series Wagon are the Express' main rivals. There aren't many differences among the three, but the GM vans have more engine options, including a very strong 6.6-liter diesel V8 on the Express 3500 model.
For increased maneuverability, refinement and fuel economy, though, buyers should look at the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Prices on the Sprinter are higher, but its high-roof option also allows for significantly more cargo space and standing room in the back, while its standard diesel V6 engine is far more efficient than any of the engines on the Chevy. We'd also suggest taking a look at the 2013 Nissan NV, which is priced more comparably with the Express. The NV can't match the Sprinter's fuel mileage, but it has a newer overall design than the domestic-brand vans.
The 2013 Chevrolet Express van is certainly outdated after more than 15 years on the market without a major overhaul, nor is it the least bit luxurious. But when it comes to getting large groups of people moving, the Express remains a viable and affordable option.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Chevrolet Express offers four different powertrains. The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 making 310 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy with either drivetrain is 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
The rear-drive-only 2500 series gets a standard 4.8-liter V8 with 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 6.0-liter V8 generating 324 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy with the 4.8-liter is 11 mpg city/17 highway/13 combined, while the 6.0-liter earns 11/16/13.
The rear-drive-only 3500 series comes standard with the 6.0-liter V8. A 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque is optional. Both 3500 series engines come connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is the same as the 2500 with the 6.0-liter. The turbodiesel V8 is the more efficient engine of the two, but mpg estimates are not available because the EPA doesn't rate vehicles that weigh more than 6,000 pounds. Properly equipped, an Express 3500 can tow a maximum of 9,900 pounds.
Safety
All 2013 Chevy Express passenger vans come fitted with antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and stability control as standard equipment. A rear vision camera, rear parking sensors and OnStar emergency communications are available as options.
Driving
Although the full-size passenger van class is a small one, the 2013 Chevrolet Express doesn't quite meet the current standard. While the Express is certainly capable of moving large groups of people, it's not as civilized to drive around town. It doesn't handle, ride or steer as well as the Sprinter and NV. It's not a bad choice if cost is the primary consideration, but this van feels outdated, especially in the crowded urban environments where the typical Chevy Express will spend most of its working life.
Interior
Eight passengers can sit in the standard 1500-series 2013 Chevrolet Express vans, while 12 people can fit in the standard 2500 and 3500 models. The long-wheelbase version of the 3500 can be fitted with an extra seat, which gives it room for 15 people.
Controls are simple and easy to use, but there's a lot of hard plastic and even basic features like carpeting and power locks are left on the options list. Legroom for the driver and front passenger is limited by the engine cowling that sticks out from the dashboard. Rear legroom is sufficient, but the standard roof height makes it hard for those in the back to get in and out without ducking.
2013 Chevrolet Express models
The 2013 Chevrolet Express is a full-size passenger van that's offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. There are three different load ratings available, including the 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500. All three are offered in the standard-wheelbase (135 inches) configuration, which seats between eight and 12 passengers. The extended-wheelbase (155 inches) model, which can seat up to 15 passengers, is only available in the 3500 series.
Base LS models are modestly equipped and fleet-oriented, with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, rear privacy glass, passenger-side swing-out doors, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering, OnStar and a two-speaker AM/FM sound system.
The LT trim adds chrome exterior trim, keyless entry, rear air-conditioning and heating, cloth upholstery, full-length carpeting, cruise control, full power accessories, a trip computer, a tilt-only steering wheel and visor vanity mirrors.
Many of the LT's standard features are also available as options on the LS model. Other major options include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a sliding side door, a towing package, six-way power front seats, remote ignition, Bluetooth, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and satellite radio. Also available is a back-up camera with a display mounted either inside the rearview mirror or on the navigation system's screen (if equipped).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Chevrolet Express.
5 star(54%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(0%)
37 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.
3.38 out of 5 stars
'09 Chevy Express Passenger Van
adabatch92, 12/14/2009
2009 Chevrolet Express LS 1500 3dr Van AWD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I've been driving several different vans of this model ranging from '06 to '09. The engine has very good power, and the AWD system really helps it grip the road. However, the gas mileage could be better, the best I've ever gotten out of it is 17mpg (on 87 octane gas). I don't like the traction control system, which just shuts off all power for several seconds if you lose traction, this … can be quite unnerving when pulling out on to a busy intersection. I do like some of the features, such as; the on board tire pressure monitors and the oil life %. On the whole, a good van. Only problem I've had was a oil filter gasket leak, which as probably an installation fault by the garage.
4.88 out of 5 stars
You'll Love The Extra Room
J. Hillsoto, 07/27/2005
2005 Chevrolet Express 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
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.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Chevrolet Express, so we've included reviews for other years of the Express since its last redesign.
2013 Express Highlights
Van
LS 1500
Base MSRP | $29,510 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $264/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 92.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | 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 RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 Rollover27.9%
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