Strong engine, good ride(IF you like a truck and I do!) Great for family use and cargo use. Mine does both.

Drivers seat belt too short. If you are short and pull the seat all the way up like I have to then you can't wear the seat belt as there is not enough belt to lock it. this was fixed in newer years.

This is my 2nd 93 Astro. The first one didn't have rear AC so I sold it and got this one. Rear AC is a MUST! I LOVE THIS VAN!!!! At 200,000 miles its going strong with nothing but normal wear and tear work done to it over the past 5 yrs that I have had it. Brakes/tires twice(but I have put over 100,00 of those miles on) O2 sensor, exhaust, replaced passenger side motor in power window, etc. No repairs over $500 ever! This van takes me wherever I want to go and never complains. She's been a joy to own and drive. A friend also has a 93 astro and hers has over 300,000 with same engine/transmission. I expect this one to do the same. Will have to trade soon for a newer astro though due to the seat belt laws(see weaknesses)

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1993 Chevy Astro- no rear AC but GREAT van 1982 Dodge Ram Van- drove this till 200,000 and then went for the slightly smaller Astro since we had a new baby on the way and this didnt' have AC.

Lots of inside features, good sound system, lots of room...

Gas mileage, mechanical difficulties

Where do I start? When we first purchased this van from a private seller, we were ecstatic! This is the ultimate van to take to garage sales! Prior to getting it, the motor for the power window on the driver's side had to be replaced. The 3rd month we owned it (with 76000 miles on it) the alternator failed. We had it fixed at a local Chevy dealership and paid Chevy dealership prices to have it done. Luckily we did it there because about a year and a half later, the alternator went out again and it was covered by warranty. About the six month mark that we owned it, the water pump failed and we were able to replace it ourselves. Just last week, the fuel pump failed and we had to replace that. Luckily we were able to find the pump only (not the sending unit and fuel gauge/housing number the auto parts store sells) on ebay and fixed it for a lot of elbow grease, some beer and pizza for the help and $60 for the part. Just tonight, the handle on the back door busted and I am unable to get it open without removing the carpet panel inside the door and pulling the lever down that will disengage the latch. This last mishap is what brought me to these forums. I love and hate this van. It's a great "grocery-getter", but a big fuel consumer. I moved into this van from a 98 Toyota Corolla (40 mpg). The gas alone was a big sticker shock. Of course, no one likes a vehicle that continually gives you problems. By the time we are ready to sell it (in 2 years) it will mechanically be nearly a brand new van. We've also had trouble with the transmission overheating when either towing or driving in heat up a hill. We will probably add a transmission cooler to it before next summer. I would recommend to anyone to get one of these vans and maintain it faithfully. It's great for what it was intended, but this van is my first foray into the world of domestic automobiles (i.e. Chevy/Ford). So far, I am far from impressed with the mechanical aspect of it. I do, however, enjoy all the inside features it provides for a family. One thing I would recommend would be paying the extra for rear A/C and heat. It will totally be worth it.

Nice and high for great driving view. Tows excellent Seats come out easily Stereo AC clearance for mini van

Suspension Lock System Hard to enter as driver without running boards

I am a mother of two, came of to find information regarding ball joints, buy the way, my van now needs. I have seemed to have more problems with the suspension on this vehicle since I bought it new. I have replaced twice the CV joints, numerous shocks, and now the joints. Van alsways needs alignment. My door locks gave up two years ago, my rear door lock gave up 1 year ago and I cannot open the door. The hydrolics for the rear door gate needed replacement. Front seats have no leg roon for long trips. Wheel well is right under drivers left foot which makes an uncomfortable long ride. All that, and I love it and would buy another one! I love the almost 360 degree view while driving and being up so high. I feel safe on the highway and in traffic and love how it handles. Roomy in back, with rear heat and AC, ( by the way is a must because of the window design in the rear, as they are long wing windows and do not provide much airflow.) This is my second one, the first Astro had no rear heat or AC, and was dissappointing in the winter and summer, my kids were frozen, or too hot. Also, because this is a tall step up, I have no runnning boards, Chevy did not put an inner handle to help get in the darn thing. I have to pull myself in using the steering wheel. I have driven off road over one hour up a moutain on an old trail while my husband looked for wildlife. He always assured me this van can go anywhere. As it always did. My eyes would be closed as I drove clearly over rocks, branches without hitting bottom. Wait a minute, maybe that is why I have so many problems with my suspension! God I love this van!

Fast, dependable, and tons of cargo space. great off road too.

gas milage, its a crate on wheels, front seat doesn't go back far enough, constant electric lock problems

Great, Great, and more great. I love this van, although its a box on wheel, its a fast and powerfull box on wheels. I actuly somehow beat a newer camaro with it once, no joke. Its my parents, so i don't have to deal with the gas bill, but its a lot, i'm the one who has to fill its up, its a thirsty SOB. There is tons of cargo room, and I can have all of the seats out in less than 20 minutes. I take it off road a lot too, i'm not talking soccer-mom suburban off road, i'm talking roads that a dodge durango scrapes on and the astro goes along no problem, the dodge was in 4x4 and mine is a 2wd, i had no problem. great fishtails too.

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Safari- good, newer astro- good

Powerful, reliable, decent mpg for a 4WD van/truck, lots of room (definitely NOT a mini-van), versatile (hauls people OR cargo), handles well (not a lot of body roll for a van).

Can't think of any.

This is a great vehicle! I bought this van new in 1996 and I currently have about 170,000 miles on the clock and it's still going strong! All I've ever done is change the oil and replace the brakes. The only major repair was the torsion bars (they broke, bad design) which I replaced in 2003 at 147,000 miles and one alternator at 169,000. Not bad for the amount of use it gets! I've seen a few reviews that complain about the fuel economy being about 20 mpg. All I can say is this...IT'S A FREAKIN' ALL WHEEL DRIVE PIANO CRATE! It's not gonna get 100 mpg!!! I get between 19 and 21 with mine, I think that's great for a 4WD truck! If someone wants 50 mpg, buy a Toyota Prius! If you want something reliable and powerful with good towing capacity that goes anywhere, get an AWD Astro.

AWD Power Reliability Comfort for large family

Mileage Mileage Mileage Oh, and mileage.

First of all, I have been a mechanic in a large shop for 17 years and have not seen any "breakdown trends" with these vans. In fact, I have never replaced anything on an Astro other than brakes. So you need to take the complaints written in this forum with a grain of salt. Otherwise, just scheduled maintenance. Second, If you buy where I did, you are an idiot. I wasn't warned. You have been. Now on to my Astros. Yes this is my second. The first was a 87 2wd shortie that I loved. The only problem is that the power steering pump came loose and wrecked the serpentine belt and the accessory bracket (which is one piece all the way from the bottom left up over the top and down to the bottom right). That was a engineering marvel. Otherwise, I got better than 23 MPG pulling a small trailer with about 1500 pounds. Very smooth. My second Astro is my current 97. I went loking for another 4X4 truck, but found the Astro instead. We just returned from a 4600 mile 2 week trip. I pulled a large cargo trailer that weighed over 2500 pounds and stuck above the van atleast 2 feet. Aside from the check engine light which came on because I drove 100 miles with the gas cap off, I had no problems at all (other than blowing an air shock line twice because I ran the line too close to the exhaust). Not only did I have a large trailer in tow, but I had 6 people in the van. Everyone was comfortable. Even me and my bad back. Probably the happiest person is the guy at the gas station though. The AWD is a gas sucking pig. I have to say that the gas mileage is a dissapointment to me. I averaged 10, although I did fight a good headwind for over 2K miles. As for power, anyone that has driven I-90 between Seattle and Milwaukee knows what kind of hills there are. The van only fell below 55 MPH twice in each direction. That impressed me. If you want a V8 powered Astro, I know where there is a 350 powered one. That is awesome. The Astros have really been ignored because the Caravan was pretty much first on the market and is cheaper. This is a excellent vehicle for which it was designed. It was designed to haul kids to and from ballet without the poor mileage of a fullsize. The Ford Aerostar is pretty much the only other mimivan worth mentioning. They are ok new, but they fall apart real fast. Ford tried to make a cheap van with the rear wheel drive reliability. They failed miserably. The Astro was designed on a truck body for reliability with the power to haul the family to the beach with a fairly large camper or boat in tow. They succeeded. The problem that the Astro has is the competition. The Caravan came out with nothing to compare it to. The cars were getting to small to carry the family, the station wagons were all but gone and the full size vans were too big and bulky in smaller parking areas as well as bad on gas. Quite frankly, the Caravan came into a market that had nothing to compare it to, so it naturally was the only choice (and not a bad one at that). The Astro van came about as a people and cargo hauler when the SUVs and extended cab midsize trucks (S10, Ranger, 4runner, Bronco II, ect...)were getting big. Also, most families were down to 2 kids which fit decent in a ext cab truck. Plus, the Astro was stuck with the minivan name. It will never be as big as the Chrysler products which still are the only "people carrier". If you are looking for something to carry 6 comfortably and still pull a boat or trailer, there is only one choice.

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Suburban 454 that got just as good mileage loaded (worse empty though and that is how I usually use it).

Great in snow in Minnesota. Can go through anything. Will tow a big boat. This van has the best heat in the winter. That is the real reason that I bought it.

Lately the electric door locks will not work every time. Must have to manually operate. Paint needs to be touched up. This is a custom Gran Prix van. Minor electrical problems at first . They were in the Gran Prix electric board. Not a chevrolet problem.

This van is fabulous. It has 242,000 miles on it. Replaced the ERG valve at 237,000 miles. That's it.

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Astro van. No heat

Great motor! Loads of torque and really useable powerband. Tremendous tractability under full load. Transmission is more friendly than the older 700R4, but I think the non-electronic transmission had its good points as well. But for those who aren't mechanically inclined and who can't remember to downshift to third on a grade, the newer E40OD electronic tranny is a bonus. Scads of very useable, convertible cargo space. Great take out seats. Wonderful dual A/C (we live in the Phoenix area where 122 degrees is the normal summer high)! Whoever designed this thing needs a pat on the back and a raise. This is the handsomest van on the road. No woosy girly Caravans, Windstars or Siennas allowed!

I have put two radiators in each of my Astros. For some reason they don't last. I have had a pesky leak at the engine oil cooler adaptor which I have yet to resolve. I wish there was an access panel under the carpet to allow fuel pump changes; as it is you must drop the tank. not that difficult really, but you always get dirt in your eyes! The spare tire hoist thingy is difficult to use, especially in the dark. Could be more friendly. Take care of it, change the oil, keep up on your maintenance and these things will run forever! It's a Chevy man, that's what they do! A little smoke on start up is not the end of the world. It is a notorious Chevy trait. Just watch the oil level and you'll get another 100,000 miles out of it after it starts doing that. it is really no big deal. Changing the alternator is no fun. Do your spark plugs from the bottom, it is much easier. Run Bosch Platinums. They will start easier and boost your mileage; no kidding!

This is my second Astro. I think it is wonderful, for what it is. One of the other reviewers pointed out that if he wanted sportscar-like handling, or better mileage, he would have bought something else. I would heartily agree. It is a friggin' not-so-mini-van, not a 735i! It is what it is, and as far as those of you complaining about things breaking... you have to expect somethings to break. Things wear out in the normal course of use. A little simple preventive maintenance and these things will give excellent service. My first Astro was retired with a quarter million miles on the clock. Yes, I replaced the steering box, replaced the drag link, tie-rod ends, ball joints and idler arms... all normal wear and tear if you ask me. No complaints! Never left me anywhere, and we took it to Mexico regularly. It was a short one, and got 24 MPG, yes, that's right! So you can imagine my disappointment when the new van would only do about 16-18 MPG. But it is an extended, and I believe it has a different final drive ratio, and I know it is a different transmission. I do miss the mileage of the shorty, but I do love the french rear door and added cargo space of the newer van. it is now at 176,000 miles and running strong. I would buy another and another and another. I love this thing! My big dream is an AWD Astro with a lift kit and bigger tires. Maybe someday!

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4WD Suburban (you think Astro's get bad mileage?)

Lots of room, comfortable seats, lots of towing capacity, nice colour.

All things electrical, motor, alternator, wind noise.

This was the most frustrating vehicle I have ever owned. It was large and truck-like, which I thought would mean that it was durable. That turned out not to be the case. We bought this vehicle with about 100,000km in the fall of 1999 and got rid of the sorry thing in July of 2003. The Astro had a horrid tendency to break down far from home. First the small stuff. Windshield wiper motor, electric door locks (all of them at one time or another), door handles (2 out of 4) fuel pump (an hour away from home) and 2 alternators. The second went on a freeway near Dallas, stranding us for a day or so there. I'm sure I've missed a grand or two of work in there somewhere. Then there was the expensive stuff. In the middle of the night on a freeway in Montreal, an oil cooler line ruptured, barfing out all of the engine oil, siezing the motor before the idiot light came on. 6 grand and a week in Montreal (a fine city) later, we were back on the road. Then last summer, we were on our way to Vancouver and stopped to investigate a strange engine sound in Swift Current. It was a thrown main bearing. 6 grand they said, and a week in Swift Current. We said no thanks, traded it in (and you can guess what they gave us for it) on a Montana. The entire Astro experience was frustrating and impoverishing. We could have bought a new Windstar for what we sank into this wretched vehicle. Oh yes - it sucked gas like the Exxon Valdez. It sucked a whole lot of gas when towing anything, and a little less when towing nothing. It never, under any conditions, got more than 20 mpg. I forgot to mention the wind noise. In any sort of crosswind, it was virtually impossible to carry on a conversation whithout shrieking.

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Pontiac Montana

Strong motor. Great seats. Huge gas tank, more interior room than other minivans. Repairs are easier, and less labor cost, hopefully will need few of these. Horrible resale, bought with 19,000 miles for about $3000 less than windstar, venture or caravan. More than makes up for the worse milage.

poorer milage than I expected. Limited front leg room. Removable seats are very heavy, horrible resale if you bought new

There is not other van in this catagory. comparing to Caravan etc is unfair. So far, been trouble free, baby it and get about 19.5 mpg. When driven on rough roads seems to be much more solid than FWD minivans. Repairs shoud be so much cheaper, as uses shocks, not struts, no CV joints, tranny easy to pull, relativly simple. I like the radio, needs better speakers. AC is OK, if people in the back then you need rear AC. Biggest plus, it holds my daughters electric wheelchair.

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Caravan