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.