2005 Chevrolet Express: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Expanded availability of GM's StabiliTrak antiskid system marks the only change of note to Chevrolet's full-size vans for 2005. These vans are cousins to the GMC Savanna. Passenger models are called Express Passenger Vans, cargo versions Express Cargo Vans. Half-ton 1500s come only in regular length; three-quarter-ton 2500s and one-ton 3500s come in regular or extended length. All models have two swing-open rear cargo doors and, on the passenger side, either 60/40 doors or a sliding door. Optional on all models are 60/40 doors on the driver side. Regular-length Passenger Vans seat 8-12 people, extendeds carry 12-15. Front seats are buckets; others are benches, which can be removed. Cargo models have two front bucket seats along with metal side and rear panels in place of windows. Optional on cargo models without the driver-side 60/40 doors are pop-up access panels where the side windows would normally be. A 4.3-liter V6 and automatic transmission are standard. Three V8s of 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0 liters are offered. All-wheel drive is available on 1500 regular-length Cargo/Passenger models. All-wheel drive models are designated H1500 and H2500. Rear-drive versions carry on as G1500/2500/3500. Four-wheel ABS is standard. No side airbags or head-protecting curtain side airbags are offered. General Motors' OnStar assistance system is available on passenger models. StabiliTrak antiskid system, made standard on 3500 extended-length passenger models last year, is now also standard on 3500 regular-length 12-passenger models.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Full-size vans are holdovers from a long-gone era. They are truck-based boxes on wheels that can carry up to 15 passengers or loads of cargo. Though they aren't very fuel efficient, they offer vast cargo holds and are often the choice for contractors and airport shuttle services.

Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Our Recommended pick is the Ford Econoline.