2008 Chevrolet Express

2008 Chevrolet Express Pictures

MSRP:: $25,955 - $31,194
Invoice:: $23,749 - $28,507

User Reviews:

Overview:

Used primarily for either cargo hauling or as a fleet passenger vehicle, the Chevrolet Express Van receives some horsepower upgrades and a few updates to its interior layout and materials, but otherwise remains unchanged for 2008. Comparable to the Ford Econoline, but with a bit more panache, the 2008 Express gets a standard tire monitor and stability control on all trims, joining the already standard ABS brakes and dual front and side airbags for the first three rows (passenger van only). The dash has been revised, with a new driver information center, dials, and switches, and new cloth for the seats.

Both Cargo and Passenger vans come as rear-wheel-drive vehicles, but have the option for all-wheel drive on 1500 trims. The Cargo Van features either a 4.3-liter V6 or 4.8-liter, 285-hp V8. Passenger vans come in LS and LT trims in both 1500 and 3500 weight classes. The 3500 is available in an extended version (Ext trims have a 155-inch wheelbase, compared to the other trims' 135 inches) that can hold up to 15 passengers in four rows. The 1500 Passenger van features a 5.3-liter, 301-hp V8, which is also available as a flex-fuel version, while the 3500 comes standard with a 6.0-liter, 323-hp V8. All vans offer a four-speed automatic with overdrive. Towing capacity with the optional tow/haul package ranges from 6,300 to 7,600 pounds.

LS trims are basic, with air conditioning and a radio, while LTs add cruise control, power features, and remote entry. On regular wheelbase (135-inch) versions, cargo capacity is 204 cubic feet, while the extended versions hold up to 236 cubic feet when both second and third rows of seating are removed. Rear doors open up 180 degrees for easy access, and an optional 60/40-split side door is available for the driver's side, matching the standard one on the passenger side. While the 2008 Express is intended mostly for commercial use or work purposes, it offers a fair amount of creature comfort and modern styling that make it a popular choice. And its five-star frontal impact ratings, along with the newly standard stability control, provide an extra note of safety. Gas mileage and maneuverability remain the Express's biggest drawbacks. (less) (more)

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History of the Chevrolet Express

[Edit] The Chevrolet Van has existed in some form since the 1961 "Van," which was built on a Corvair platform.  After decades of relatively unchanged incarnations, ending with the 1995 Sportvan, in 1996 the Van got a major overhaul and a new name -- the Chevrolet Express.

Capable of being outfitted as a cargo van for work purposes, or a passenger van for fleet and shuttle services, the new Chevrolet Express came in three categories, based on weight.  These were the Express 1500, 2500, and 3500.  The new version for 1996 added more inches to both the regular and extended wheelbases (135 and 155 inches, respectively).  The extended wheelbase was offered only on the 2500 and 3500 models.  The new Express also featured wider-swinging rear doors that opened 180 degrees, for easier loading and unloading.

The Chevrolet Express is closely related to the GMC Savana, and both compete with the market-leading Ford Econoline.  The passenger van can hold up to 15 people in the extended version, and an optional driver-side 60/40 split door can be added alongside the one on the passenger side.  The first Express vans came with a variety of V6 and V8 engines, dual front airbags, and ABS brakes.  A 2003 redesign added an AWD option on the 1500 and a more rigid frame.

Current models come in a basic LS trim and a more comfort and convenience-oriented LT trim that offers power features and rear climate control.  In 2007, the 2500 model was dropped along with the V6 engines, leaving only three V8 engines to choose from, including a flexible fuel version of a new 5.3-liter, 295-hp V8.

The Chevrolet Express has a bit sleeker, more updated look than the Econoline (as sleek as a large passenger van can get) and the power upgrade, AWD option and standard ABS are all big selling points.  In 2007, the NHTSA gave the Express a five-star frontal impact rating.  Gas mileage is poor and interior styling won't be featured on Martha Stewart, but with few van options out there, both the Express and its sister Savana have captured nearly 50% of the market segment.

Discussion Board

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what should a chevy express van with a v6 engine thats 3 years old get for miles per gallon on avera

1 posts. Created by chicomarin. Last post on Apr 4, 2008 at 10:14:28 AM

engine cover removal

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Replacing passenger side mirror and housing

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Other Chevrolet Expresss

	2007 Chevrolet Express 1 review, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $19,687
	2006 Used Chevrolet Express pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $17,481
	2005 Used Chevrolet Express 1 review, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $16,522
	2004 Used Chevrolet Express 2 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $15,013
	2003 Used Chevrolet Express 1 review, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $13,851
	2002 Chevrolet Express pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $10,659
	2001 Used Chevrolet Express 2 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $10,713
	2000 Chevrolet Express pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $7,676
	1999 Chevrolet Express pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $7,427
	1998 Chevrolet Express pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $7,413
	1997 Chevrolet Express pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $6,641
	1996 Chevrolet Express specs	Web Average Price: $5,098

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