2000 Chevrolet Astro: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.

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.