2005 Chevrolet Express: Road Test
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2005 Chevrolet Express ▼
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- MSRP: $22,860 -$30,819
- Invoice: $20,003 -$26,967
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Our road test for the 2005 Chevrolet Express includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chevrolet Express from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chevrolet Express, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Express help you decide if a 2005 Chevrolet Express is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2.8 |
We've not tried the 5.3-liter V8, but it should provide adequate thrust for small to medium loads. The 6.0-liter V-8 provides sufficient power for merging and passing even with a heavy load. Transmission shifts smoothly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.8 |
Big vans are never close to being frugal, and Savana is no exception. Our 2WD 1500 test models averaged 12.7-14.3 mpg. Test 3500 averaged 12.5 mpg in an even mix of city and highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Although the passenger models lack the ride comfort of most minivans, these GM rigs display little rough-road harshness and only minor float over crests and dips. They're also surprisingly refined. 15-passenger van feels stiff only when lightly loaded.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2.6 |
Like all big vans, these are clumsy to drive, with a wide turning radius, copious cornering lean, and modest grip. Steering less-overboosted than on previous test vehicles, but still feels numb. All GM big vans respond with reasonable confidence in quick maneuvers. StabiliTrak is a useful safety feature; too bad it's not offered on all Express models.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Mechanical ruckus is noticed because engines protrude into the front-seat area, but wind and road noise are acceptably low up to 65 mph.
CONTROLS
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
The dashboard features legible round gauges and simple, mostly handy controls, though the driver's power seat switches on the front of the cushion are tough to reach.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Commercial or passenger model, wide-bottom front-door openings aid entry/exit, though step-in is a bit lofty. Front footwells are long but not that wide, though there's plenty of leg space. Relatively compact engine housings leave sufficient walk-through space to the rear, though the front row could use more small item storage.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Passenger models offer generous room in all positions and firm, supportive seats. The benches are easy to unlatch, but too heavy for most people to move alone. The optional driver-side door is a handy feature not offered by the competition.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 |
The wide-opening rear cargo doors ease loading. The optional driver-side door is a helpful addition, as is the driver-side access panel on cargo models. Maximum available cargo volume is a whopping 316 cubic feet on extended models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.9 |
Like other large vans, Express and similar Savana have all the room most users will ever need, though sheer bulk makes them thirsty for fuel, a handful in traffic, and too big for some garages. The available AWD, StabiliTrak antiskid system, driver-side 60/40 door, and side access panels are useful features. Even without those, GM's vans get the Best Buy nod because they are quieter overall than Ford's Econoline, which matches them in virtually every other measure.
Total Score
| 2WD 1500 passenger van, 5.3 V8 | Ext. length 2WD 3500 passenger van 6.0 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 57 | 57 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Full-size Vans
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