1997 Chevrolet Astro User Reviews

Astro Vans Never Die — I bought my first Astro Van new in 1986. The only real problem we ever experienced over a 15 year period was that we had some freeze plugs go early on. I really can't say enough about these vehicles. They are more like a tank than a car or van or SUV. This is what really sold me on GM products and especially the 4.2 V6 engine. I need to stress, We did not take particularly good care of this van. It got a fairly regular oil change, but was often well over the recommended mileage. Over the years it was used in many different ways. For several years I was in the publishing business and would go from Condo to Condo in Florida delivering magazines. I would stop, leave the AC going and the engine on in blistering hot weather then get back in and drive up another 1000 feet to the next condo and do the same. We would often carry very heavy loads stop and start for both short and long distances in tourist traffic and then drive 1500 miles on the Interstate. This van just never would die. After a while, it started to seem like a living creature that was part of the family. I even started having conversations with it and I feel pretty sure it was listening. It outlasted two wives and witnessed 6 children grow up. Toward the end the speedodomer and odometer stopped working at about 595,000 miles. After t hat it was still driven regularly for another 2 years. By now it was showing its age and ugly as she had become and with the AC no longer working and a few dents and tares in the upholstery I would still make trips to Tampa from Pensacola if I needed to haul something (7 hr drive 450+ Miles). FInally, I had rented an apartment and one day found the apartment manager had my old Astro Van hauled away. That was the last I saw of her. At this point I figured she probably had around 700,000 miles. About a month later, I went and bought another one. This time it was used '97 that had 165,000 miles on it. By now I figured for an Astro Van that wasn't even broken in. Pretty much the same story. It also just kept on running just like the first one. I drove it for 2 years and got it up close to 250,000 miles before giving it to my daughter and son in law. I have since bought a third one also used with high mileage. Again, the same reliable and versatile vehicle. Same story, just different year and vin number. All this time the only problems I ever had with any of them were the typical. Every hundred thousand miles or so maybe a break job or turn the rotors or maybe replace a Alternator or a battery. I'm sure the Astro isn't for everyone. It's so un-cool that it actually feels cool to drive one. Gas mileage isn't great but on the highway I still managed to get 20 mpg. I'm sure many V6's are out there that have much better performance and it isn't as fun to drive as a nice new sporty sedan. Still, my take on it is for anyone who wants one vehicle that can always answer the call, this is the one. You can take out the seats and carry furniture or lumber. Carry a large family safely. It's really not so big as you would think and has a fairly good turning radios making it easy to maneuver or park. Don't laugh, but it's really the sports car of vans! :) And oh yes, extremely comfortable to travel long distances in. Nice and roomie and you don't get as tired. I really don't have any cons, except to say after a while the AC in your Astro will go. They all seem to eventually. I don't know- I can say if this is a bad thing or it's onl;y noticeable because eventually something does have to go and since in the Astro Van nothing else ever seems to go and something does have to be first, it's fair to say it will be the AC. If it's the compressor (And it prob will be) that will set you back $500-$600. So be prepared, After somwhere between 185,000 and 450,000 miles you will have to replace the AC compressor.!

Owner for 15 years, 0 months

Miles Driven per Year:50,000

Ok Ride. Perfect For A Family. — it was nice ride, had lots of compliments on it .The red cleans up easy & shines in the sun. was a comfortable ride in the caption seats.sit up high can see the road. No air thou front auto windows roll down back crank open was pretty breezy. Heat works great. I'm a grand-paw driver didn't notices any bad handling or acceleration. No blind-spots window all the way around. Never had it in the shop except for tires.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Eh Great For Road Trips. — It rattles sometimes, and lurches on occasion. the interior is decent. has sweet overhead lights. Drives well for the most part. Gas hog though. It gets about 18 MPG. so if you're going to drive one everyday, make sure you have money to burn.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Cheap Transportation — Performance - good acceleration, poor braking, good handling Build Quality -it has needed repairs for squeaks & rattles Appearance - has both interior and exterior styling are good Cost of Ownership - poor gas mileage, high maintenance Fun Factor - car is fun to drive

Primary Use: Commuting to work