2008 Chevrolet Express Trims and Specs

Seating eight in three rows, the 2008 Chevrolet Express LS 1500 is the half-ton base trim for this rear-wheel-drive utility passenger van. A 5.3-liter, 301-hp V8 rates 325 ft-lbs of torque and is matched to a four-speed automatic with overdrive. It can be configured as a flex-fuel vehicle as well. A 6.0-liter, 323-hp V8 is optional. The 2008 Express LS 1500 rates five stars in frontal impact tests, thanks to dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows and a revised passenger airbag for 2008. Newly standard stability control, four-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, daytime running lights, and a new tire monitor are also standard. The van rides on 16-inch wheels with all-season tires.

Used mainly as a shuttle van, the 2008 Express LS 1500 can tow up to 6,300 pounds with the optional tow/haul package and gets about 12/16 mpg. It holds 204 cubic feet of storage without the rear seats. Rear barn doors open 180 degrees, and the passenger-side hinged door splits open 60/40. A sliding door is optional. Standard features include air conditioning, a radio, power steering, intermittent wipers, and a tachometer. There are cupholders and power outlets in the front row only. There are lots of options for the 2008 Express LS 1500, including rear air conditioning; a CD player or 6-CD changer; power locks, windows, and mirrors; remote entry; heated mirrors with turn signals; cruise control; power front seats; leather trim for the steering wheel; and cloth seats to replace the standard vinyl ones.

Fully automatic all-wheel drive distinguishes the 2008 Chevrolet Express LS 1500 AWD from its rear-wheel-drive sibling. The system is available only on 1500 trims and defaults to 35/65 front/rear torque, though it will adjust power to the front wheels according to road conditions. The AWD combines with 16-inch wheels with all-season tires, four-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats to earn five stars in frontal impact tests. The 2008 Express LS 1500 AWD also features a new tire monitor and daytime running lights. Halogen lamps can be added. The standard 5.3-liter V8 gets 301-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque. An optional 323-hp, 6.0-liter V8 delivers 373 ft-lbs of torque. Both are matched to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Front bucket seats are joined by second- and third-row bench seats to fit up to eight passengers. Cargo capacity can be configured up to 204 cubic feet. A hinged 60/40-split passenger-side door is standard and can be joined by an optional one on the driver's side. A sliding passenger door is also available. Rear doors open barn-style, out to 180 degrees. Features are minimal, as this is mainly a utility van. Air conditioning, a radio, rear defrost, intermittent wipers, privacy glass, a tachometer, and front cupholders and power outlets are standard. Tilt steering, full power features, remote entry, cruise control, rear air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player or 6-CD changer, heated mirrors, and power front seats are all optional. Leather trim for the steering wheel can be added, along with cloth seats (vinyl is standard). A trailer harness and tow package is also available, and the 2008 Express LS 1500 AWD can tow up to 6,100 pounds.

The 3500 in the 2008 Chevrolet Express LS 3500 trim refers to the weight class of this rear-wheel-drive passenger van. The 3500 boosts seating capacity for up to 12 in four rows, the back three removable to provide up to 204 cubic feet of cargo space. A more powerful 6.0-liter V8 engine that gets 323 hp and 373 ft-lbs of torque is also standard, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This helps provide up to 7,600 pounds of towing capacity. The utility van is well-equipped for safety, as it's used mostly for fleet and shuttle purposes. A new StabiliTrak system joins standard traction control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for the first three rows, four-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, a new tire monitor, daytime running lights, and 16-inch wheels with all-season tires. Halogen lamps can be added. The van receives five stars in frontal impact crash tests.

The 2008 Express LS 3500 adds a few more features to the standard package than last year's version. In addition to air conditioning, a radio, tachometer, power steering, and front power outlets and cupholders, you now get a trip computer, tilt steering, and cruise control. Intermittent wipers, rear defrost, and privacy glass are also standard. The radio can be replaced with an optional CD/MP3 player or 6-CD changer. A hinged 60/40 side passenger door is standard, with a sliding door optional. A Convenience Package adds power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as remote entry. Also available are heated mirrors with turn signals, rear air conditioning, and 6-way power front seats. Other small add-ons include a front storage bin, compass, temperature display, and leather steering-wheel trim.

Adding 20 inches to the wheelbase of the standard LS 3500, the 2008 Chevrolet Express LS 3500 Ext has a 155-inch wheelbase and is 244 inches long overall. It provides seating for 15 passengers in four rows and 236 cubic feet of storage space when the rear three rows are removed. The extra length adds some weight and reduces towing capacity (with the optional trailer harness and tow package) to 7,400 pounds. Under the hood sits a 323-hp, 6.0-liter V8 that rates 373 ft-lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission.

The 2008 Express LS 3500 Ext is a rear-wheel-drive passenger utility van with standard stability and traction control, four-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for the first three rows, a new tire monitor, and daytime running lights. 16-inch wheels with all-season tires grip the road.

In terms of standard features, the 2008 3500 LS Ext adds a compass and front and rear air conditioning. These join a radio, tilt steering, cruise control, a tachometer, intermittent wipers, and cupholders and power outlets up front. A hinged 60/40 side passenger door is standard, and a sliding door is optional. Rear cargo doors open 180 degrees outward. Options add full power features, heated mirrors, remote entry, and a 6-CD changer/MP3 player. Also available are leather steering-wheel trim, cloth seats, mirrors with turn signals, 6-way power front seats, and chrome exterior trim.