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2000 Chevrolet Astro Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Chevrolet Astro Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2000 Chevrolet Astro Review
Eight passenger seating is newly standard for 2000 as Chevrolet's truck-based minivan enters its 17th model year. Astro is also sold as the near-identical GMC Safari. Astro continues in a single body length with a passenger-side sliding door and choice of base, LS, and LT trim levels. A no-frills 2-seat Cargo Van returns for commercial users. Passenger models discard 5-passenger seating in favor of the previously optional 8-passenger arrangement (two front buckets and two 3-place rear benches). A 7-passenger setup with two second-row buckets remains an option.
The sole powertrain is a 190-horsepower V6 and automatic transmission, but Chevy says internal changes make the engine quieter and smoother for 2000. And a Tow/Haul mode, as on Chevy's big Silverado pickups, has been added for more efficient shifting when carrying heavy loads. Antilock brakes remain standard, and an all-wheel-drive system returns at extra cost. Other new standard features include headlamps that switch on automatically in low-light conditions, a larger fuel tank made of plastic instead of metal, and retained accessory power that permits operating electrical accessories for up to 20 minutes after shutting off the ignition.
The sole powertrain is a 190-horsepower V6 and automatic transmission, but Chevy says internal changes make the engine quieter and smoother for 2000. And a Tow/Haul mode, as on Chevy's big Silverado pickups, has been added for more efficient shifting when carrying heavy loads. Antilock brakes remain standard, and an all-wheel-drive system returns at extra cost. Other new standard features include headlamps that switch on automatically in low-light conditions, a larger fuel tank made of plastic instead of metal, and retained accessory power that permits operating electrical accessories for up to 20 minutes after shutting off the ignition.
Competition
Chrysler started the minivan trend back in 1984, and they remain one of our Best Buys today. Though the competition has heated up, we still feel that the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager are two of the best you can buy. They offer all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Chryslers, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.
Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.
Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.
News
Astro, along with GMC's similar Safari, has been around without fundamental change since model-year 1986, making it one of the oldest vehicle designs on today's market. Though some General Motors suppliers hint that these minivans will be dropped, other sources think they will be redesigned. Lending credibility to that, both versions are enjoying fairly healthy sales right now, posting modest gains for calendar 1999 vs. '98 and another year-over-year increase for the first four months of 2000. With that, Astro/Safari should continue for at least the next couple of years pretty much as is. What happens then is anyone's guess. GM itself has given no hint about its plans for these vehicles or even whether it has any yet. If a redesign does occur, industry insiders don't expect it before model-year 2004.
2000 Chevrolet Astro Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Trailer towing capability | Entry/exit |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The torquey V6 and smooth transmission provide good acceleration and passing response. The truck-based design allows a 5500-pound towing capacity, versus 2000 for most front-drive minivans.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
The torquey V6 and smooth transmission provide good acceleration and passing response. The truck-based design allows a 5500-pound towing capacity, versus 2000 for most front-drive minivans.
Fuel Economy
Don't expect to average more than 15 mpg--less with the AWD models.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Don't expect to average more than 15 mpg--less with the AWD models.
Ride Quality
Rougher than front-drive rivals, with some pounding and pitching over large pavement irregularities, but smooth and controlled on good roads.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.9 |
Rougher than front-drive rivals, with some pounding and pitching over large pavement irregularities, but smooth and controlled on good roads.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Adequate. More maneuverable and agile than full-size vans, but less carlike than front-drive minivans. Steering response is good.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.3 |
Adequate. More maneuverable and agile than full-size vans, but less carlike than front-drive minivans. Steering response is good.
Quietness
More road and wind noise than sleeker car-based minivans, but not objectionable given the square-box design.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
More road and wind noise than sleeker car-based minivans, but not objectionable given the square-box design.
Controls
Gauges are unobstructed. Most controls are smooth-working and easily accessible. Optional dual sound system allows rear-seat passengers to listen to their own audio source on headphones.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Gauges are unobstructed. Most controls are smooth-working and easily accessible. Optional dual sound system allows rear-seat passengers to listen to their own audio source on headphones.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Uncomfortably narrow footwells are the overriding impression. Seats are firm and chairlike. Tilt steering and fold-down front armrests are options we recommend.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
Uncomfortably narrow footwells are the overriding impression. Seats are firm and chairlike. Tilt steering and fold-down front armrests are options we recommend.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Fine head and leg room, but the middle and third-row seats are heavier and harder to remove than those in General Motors' front-drive minivans.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.4 |
Fine head and leg room, but the middle and third-row seats are heavier and harder to remove than those in General Motors' front-drive minivans.
Cargo Room
Tight with all seats in place. Unlike the standard swing-out rear doors, the optional Dutch doors allow an unobstructed rear view and include the convenience of lift-open glass and an available defroster.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.3 |
Tight with all seats in place. Unlike the standard swing-out rear doors, the optional Dutch doors allow an unobstructed rear view and include the convenience of lift-open glass and an available defroster.
Value within Class
Consider Astro or Safari if you're looking for a minivan to haul cargo and handle light-duty towing. For primarily passenger use, go with one of the many front-drive alternatives.
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
Consider Astro or Safari if you're looking for a minivan to haul cargo and handle light-duty towing. For primarily passenger use, go with one of the many front-drive alternatives.
Total Score
| Cargo | Passenger 2WD | Passenger 4WD | Class Average |
| 39 | 39 | 40 | 54.4 |
Scores for all Minivans
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2000 Chevrolet Astro Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/09/1999
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD 3-door Cargo van | $20,240 | $18,317 | $645 |
|
|
|||
| AWD 3-door Cargo van | $22,640 | $20,489 | $645 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD 3-door Passenger van | $21,587 | $19,536 | $645 |
|
|
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| AWD 3-door Passenger van | $23,887 | $21,618 | $645 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Cargo
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lamps.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, black rubber floormats, reclining highback vinyl front bucket seats, cupholders, variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM radio, digital clock, remote fuel-door release, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, dual manual outside mirrors, 215/75R15 tires, AWD models add: permanent 4-wheel drive.
Passenger adds to cargo:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-passenger seating with front bucket seats and two 3-passenger rear bench seats, carpeting, cloth door trim, visor mirrors, cloth headliner, rear heat ducts, swing-out rear side windows, rear storage compartments.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD models add: permanent 4-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
LS Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
|
||
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2WD Passenger
|
$3,326
|
$2,860
|
|
AWD Passenger
|
$3,326
|
$2,860
|
|
LS Pkg. (tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows and door locks, illuminated visor mirrors, custom cloth upholstery, Seat Pkg. [front inboard and outboard armrests, adjustable lumbar supports, map pocket], map lights, cargo net, floormats, deep-tinted glass, swing-out rear door glass, lower bodyside cladding, chrome accent grille, chrome styled steel wheels), AM/FM/cassette, remote keyless entry, overhead storage console, front passenger seat storage compartment (ordered without 6-way power passenger seat), roof rack.
|
||
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LT Preferred Equipment Group 3 1SE
|
||
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Passenger
|
$6,683
|
$5,747
|
|
LS Preferred Equipment Group 1SC plus LT Pkg. (upgraded upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, overhead storage console w/compass and outside temperature indicator, split folding center bench seat w/console and additional cupholders, alloy wheels), 6-way power driver seat, front and rear air conditioning, rear heater, rear Dutch doors.
|
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Seat Pkg.
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$168
|
$144
|
|
Front seat armrests, map pocket, manual lumbar supports. Requires cloth upholstery.
|
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ZQ3 Convenience Pkg.
|
||
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$383
|
$329
|
|
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
|
||
|
ZQ2 Convenience Group
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$474
|
$408
|
|
Power windows and door locks.
|
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Trailering Special Equipment
|
||
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$309
|
$266
|
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Platform trailer hitch, 8-lead wiring harness.
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Powertrain |
||
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Locking rear differential
|
||
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$252
|
$217
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Front and rear air conditioning
|
||
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Passenger
|
$523
|
$450
|
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Air conditioning delete
|
||
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Cargo (credit)
|
$-845
|
$-727
|
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Rear heater
|
||
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$205
|
$176
|
|
Dutch doors
|
||
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$518
|
$445
|
|
Cargo, Passenger w/LT Group
|
$459
|
$395
|
|
Includes rear wiper/washer and electric release.
|
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Overhead storage console
|
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Passenger
|
$83
|
$71
|
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Overhead storage console w/illuminated visor mirrors
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$159
|
$137
|
|
Overhead console w/electronics
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$223
|
$192
|
|
Includes storage, compass, outside temperature indicator.
|
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7-passenger seating
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$574
|
$494
|
|
Passenger w/LS Group
|
$318
|
$273
|
|
Passenger w/LT Group
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Front- and second-row bucket seats, third-row bench seat, Seat Pkg.
|
||
|
6-way power driver seat
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$240
|
$206
|
|
Passenger requires LS Group.
|
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6-way power passenger seat
|
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|
Passenger
|
$240
|
$206
|
|
Requires 6-way power driver seat. Deletes front passenger seat storage compartment.
|
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Leather upholstery
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$950
|
$817
|
|
Requires LT Group.
|
||
|
Cloth upholstery
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Rear defogger
|
||
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Cargo, Passenger
|
$154
|
$132
|
|
Requires Dutch doors.
|
||
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Power door locks
|
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|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$223
|
$192
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
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Passenger w/LS Group
|
$54
|
$46
|
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Remote keyless entry
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$170
|
$146
|
|
Requires power door locks.
|
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Power mirrors
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$98
|
$84
|
|
Requires ZQ2 Convenience Group.
|
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Universal garage-door opener
|
||
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Passenger
|
$115
|
$99
|
|
Requires overhead console w/electronics or LT Group.
|
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|
AM/FM/cassette
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$147
|
$126
|
|
AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$307
|
$264
|
|
Passenger w/LS or LT Group
|
$160
|
$138
|
|
Cargo requires ZQ2 Convenience Group.
|
||
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AM/FM/CD player
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$407
|
$350
|
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Passenger w/LS or LT Group
|
$260
|
$224
|
|
Includes automatic tone control. Cargo requires ZQ2 Convenience Group.
|
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
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Cargo
|
$507
|
$436
|
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Passenger w/LS or LT Group
|
$360
|
$310
|
|
Includes automatic tone control. Cargo requires ZQ2 Convenience Group.
|
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Rear radio controls
|
||
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Passenger
|
$125
|
$108
|
|
Includes headphone jacks. Requires LS or LT Group, AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control or AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
|
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Reading lights
|
||
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Passenger
|
$33
|
$28
|
|
Dome/map lights
|
||
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Cargo
|
$33
|
$28
|
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Cargo net
|
||
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Passenger
|
$30
|
$26
|
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Floormats
|
||
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Passenger
|
$69
|
$59
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Running boards
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$400
|
$344
|
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Passenger requires alloy wheels.
|
||
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Swing-out side door glass
|
||
|
Cargo
|
$77
|
$66
|
|
Swing-out side and rear cargo door glass
|
||
|
Cargo
|
$136
|
$117
|
|
Sliding side and rear cargo doors
|
||
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Cargo
|
$155
|
$133
|
|
Complete body glass
|
||
|
Cargo
|
$368
|
$316
|
|
Complete rear cargo area glass.
|
||
|
Deep tinted glass w/complete body glass
|
||
|
Cargo
|
$262
|
$225
|
|
Deep-tinted glass w/sliding side and rear cargo doors glass.
|
||
|
Cargo
|
$107
|
$92
|
|
Deep-tinted glass w/rear cargo door glass
|
||
|
Cargo
|
$54
|
$46
|
|
Deep-tinted glass
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$290
|
$249
|
|
Chrome accent grille
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$220
|
$189
|
|
Bodyside moldings
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$121
|
$104
|
|
Lower bodyside cladding
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$221
|
$190
|
|
Passenger w/2-tone paint
|
$350
|
$301
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$126
|
$108
|
|
2-tone paint
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Requires running boards or Preferred Equipment Group.
|
||
|
Cold Climate Pkg.
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$46
|
$40
|
|
Includes engine-block heater, coolant protection.
|
||
|
215/75R15 white letter tires
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$88
|
$76
|
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$365
|
$314
|
|
Passenger w/LS Group
|
$25
|
$22
|
|
Chrome styled steel wheels
|
||
|
Cargo, Passenger
|
$340
|
$292
|
|
Passenger w/LT Group (credit)
|
$-25
|
$-22
|
|
Painted styled steel wheels
|
||
|
Passenger
|
$92
|
$79
|
|
|
||
2000 Chevrolet Astro Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Astro 3-door van |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4186 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 170.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 27.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.3 /262 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 190 @ 4400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 250 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 16/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chevrolet Astro 3-door van |
| Collision | 5 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 58 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Injury | 4 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 75 |
| Theft | 4 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 48 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Chevrolet Astro Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car