2004 Chevrolet Astro

The Chevy Astro Van returned unchanged for the 2004 model year after a number of small alterations involving brakes and trim levels for 2003. The midsize truck-based Astro offers buyers a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, different rear-door layouts, and a cargo van interior configuration.

The Astro has been praised for its towing capacity, versus that of a minivan similar in size, thanks to its truck platform. Other positive attributes include interior space, interior cargo-carrying options, and the all-weather traction system bundled with AWD. While moving cargo and loads may be a snap for the Astro, its ability to move passengers from A to B is the downside. Ride comfort and handling are both substandard, and no side-impact airbags are offered.

Astro vans come standard with a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and full power accessories. Seating for eight passengers is available through two front buckets and two rows of three-seat benches. With the second- and third-row seats removed, cargo space totals 170.4 cubic feet. Buyers may also opt for a seven-passenger configuration with the LT package, which swaps two second-row bucket seats for the bench. The LT is also available with optional leather seating.

The Astro is powered by a 4.3-liter V6, which produces 190 hp and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain is available with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The difference in traction is significant, as the rear-wheel Astro struggles to maintain a grip on wet surfaces, and the AWD version is bundled with traction control. Fuel economy is estimated at 14/17 mpg with AWD and 16/21 with RWD. The rear-wheel setup offers the best capacities; payload is 1,764 pounds and towing is 5,400 pounds.