
What kind of Van is a Chevy Astro?
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger minivan and cargo van.
What is the best year to buy a Chevy Astro?
If you are a die-hard manual transmission owner, options are limited to the first few years of the van. However, if you are after the best version possible without tipping into the conversion vans, it is best to look for a 2003 to 2005 Chevrolet Astro.
Is there a replacement for the Astro?
The Astro was a unique vehicle (mid size van body on a truck chassis) It will be tough too replace it with something similar.
Why did General Motors discontinue the Astro van?
General Motors discontinued the Astro and Safari vans back in 2005 for a few different reasons. The original versions of the Astro van were launched to compete with the other minivans that were on the market at the time in the 1980s.

What is similar to an Astro van?
Chevy Astro AWD Cargo Van.Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 Cargo Van.Mercedes G-Class SUV.Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck/4Runner SUV.Ford Transit AWD Cargo Van.Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV.AMC Eagle Wagon.
Will there be a new Chevy Astro?
Chevy Astro Van Modernized With Digital 2022 Silverado DNA, Keeps OG Vibes Alive. Automakers are so entrenched in developing just crossovers, SUVs, and trucks that people are starting to cherish everything else. Including boxy vans that got decommissioned almost two decades ago.
Why was the Chevy Astro discontinued?
After 20 years on the road, General Motors cut production of the Astro, claiming they could “no longer justify” building the Astro at “volumes that are significantly below the plant's capacity,” according to MotorTrend.
Is GM bringing the Astro van back in?
GM has no plans that we know of to put either of these boxy vans back into production, though, so for now we'll just have to live with these digital renderings. Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Astro news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
What was the last year for Chevy Astro?
2005The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger minivan and cargo van.
Does Chevy make a minivan?
2022 Express Passenger With comfortable seating for 12 to 15 and room left for equipment and luggage, Express Passenger Van is ready for every trip.
Are Astro and Safari the same?
Far as I've been able to determine, the only differences between Astro and Safari are grill and front lighting, badges, and wheels in later models - plus GMC trim levels are labeled differently..... The rest is skillful marketing....
Why are Astro vans so popular?
Today, the Astro is prized by van fans who appreciate the taller interior and excellent cargo capability offered by its rectangular shape. Throw in the vehicle's available all-wheel drive system, and it's a van that has seen more than a little attention from both conversion companies and overland outriggers.
Did Chevy make a 4x4 Astro van?
It was replaced in 1995 by the 1995 Chevrolet Astro Van 4WD. It's an all-wheel drive front-engined 4-door minivan MPV with 8 seats. With 153 hp, the naturally aspirated 4.3 Liter 12v V6 gasoline engine accelerates this Astro Van 4WD to 62 mph in 12.0 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 99 mph.
Does GMC still make the safari van?
GM to End Production of Astro and Safari Rear-Drive Mid-Vans.
How much does an Astro van cost?
About the Chevrolet AstroVanOriginal MSRP/PriceHorsepowerAstro Cargo Van 111.2' WB AWD$25430 / $23014190Astro Cargo Van 111.2' WB RWD$22930 / $20751190Astro Passenger Ext 111' WB AWD$26430 / $23919190Astro Passenger Ext 111' WB RWD$24430 / $22109190
How do I convert my Astro van into a camper?
0:223:53Chevy Astro Van Tour - Van Life Camper Conversion by PhotographerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's do it pop it on the inside here we just sheeted everything with a nice uh cedar paneling. AndMoreLet's do it pop it on the inside here we just sheeted everything with a nice uh cedar paneling. And then got the live edge slab here that i just threw some tongue oil on.
Do they still make Astro van?
A 2015 Chevy Express 3500 with 4x4 and a custom interior can be the ideal home away from home. But the Astro came way before that. It was first introduced in 1985 and was sold over the course of 20 years before being discontinued.
Are Chevy Astros good vans?
Are Chevy Astro vans reliable? Chevy Astro vans tend to be very reliable. These vans were built primarily for commercial use and they have the same reliability and longevity that you would expect from other commercial trucks and vans. If you take care of them they should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles.
How much does an Astro van cost?
About the Chevrolet AstroVanOriginal MSRP/PriceHorsepowerAstro Cargo Van 111.2' WB AWD$25430 / $23014190Astro Cargo Van 111.2' WB RWD$22930 / $20751190Astro Passenger Ext 111' WB AWD$26430 / $23919190Astro Passenger Ext 111' WB RWD$24430 / $22109190
Do they still make Safari vans?
Quality car insurance coverage, at competitive prices. Ask for a car insurance quote today. rear-drive mid-vans will be discontinued in 2005.
When was the Chevrolet Astro made?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger minivan and cargo van.
What year did the Astro have 16 inch wheels?
In 2003, GM upgraded the chassis of both the Astro and Safari with certain suspension components, larger brakes, and six-lug, 16 inch wheels from the full-size Chevrolet and GMC half-ton pickup trucks.
What colors did the Astro vans come in?
1994 also saw the addition of three new exterior paint colors. These colors were Indigo Blue Metallic (#39), Light Quasar Blue Metallic (#20), and Medium Quasar Blue Metallic (#80).
Which is better, the Astro or the Safari?
In testing performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), however, the Astro and Safari fared better, improving from a single-star rating in 1991 to a three-star (driver) and four-star (passenger) rating by 2000. In side impacts, the Astro and Safari both received the highest, five-star rating in every year that the test was administered.
Why is the Astro rated "poor"?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), gave the Astro a "Poor" rating in 1996 because of a display of structural failure in the institute's 40 mph (64 km/h) crash test into a fixed, offset barrier.
When did Astro start offering digital dashboards?
Digital dashboards were offered in the first generation Astro; this option did not continue after 1994.
What case did the 1990 Astros use?
AWD Astros used a Borg Warner 4472 transfer case. The 1990 model year also introduced a new analog dashboard and the hydroboost braking system, a system using the same accessory belt driven pump to supply the power steering and brakes.
What is an astro?
The Astro was a unique vehicle (mid size van body on a truck chassis) It will be tough too replace it with something similar.
Can you buy a lot of repairs on a new car?
Perhaps a complete detailing and some money spent on reconditioning is worth considering. You can buy a lot of repairs/reconditioning for less than monthly payments on a new vehicle.
What Year Chevrolet Astro is the Best?
However, if you are after the best version possible without tipping into the conversion vans, it is best to look for a 2003 to 2005 Chevrolet Astro. These specific years of Astro vans will give you the best chassis, safety, and interior upgrades possible.
Why did GM discontinue the Astro van?
General Motors discontinued the Astro and Safari vans back in 2005 for a few different reasons. The original versions of the Astro van were launched to compete with the other minivans that were on the market at the time in the 1980s. As other vans evolved and got more luxurious and comfortable GM continued to focus on building a larger van that was capable of fitting more people and towing.
How long do Chevy Astro vans last?
If you take care of them they should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles.
What year did the GMC Safari have all wheel drive?
A pivotal year for the Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari, 1990 models were now offered with an optional All-Wheel-Drive system. It was the first U.S.-built minivan to do so. It also featured four-wheel anti-lock brakes. By the end of the first generation in 1994, the Chevrolet Astro was given optional Dutch-style rear doors. GM also went on to utilize a new R134A refrigerant for the air conditioning system.
What engine does the Astro van have?
The Astro van was built with stop-and-go traffic and hauling cargo in mind, that is why they came standard with a 4.3L V8 engine. This engine only produced 190 horsepower, but it was great a great choice for these vans that focused more on reliability than performance. There are also millions of these engines out on the market which makes them simple and affordable to fix should anything go wrong.
When did GM ax the manual transmission?
Beginning in 1990 , GM decided to ax the manual transmission and only offered the four-speed automatic that continued until the end of the Astro/Safari line. The satisfaction of rowing gears in a minivan is sought after by enthusiasts making the once “cheaply optioned” manuals more expensive today.
Is Astro a reliable van?
Overall the Astro is simple to work on and there are plenty of parts out there if something does go wrong with your van. These are known to be very reliable, but if you do need some work done it will not be difficult or expensive to tackle.
When was the Astro key made?
Chevrolet Astro car key replacements. Chevrolet Astro was introduced in 1984. This model has five types of keys. Non-Transponder Keys: 1984 to 2005. Please keep in mind that while some keys or key fobs may look the same, they have different capabilities/frequencies/keyways. Therefore, having the right key or key fob is essential.
What is a programming machine for a Chevrolet key?
Chevrolet keys programming machine tool. These keys, also known as remote smart keys, intelligent keys or key fobs, and transponder keys, have a security chip. Programming is needed. Also, a special machine is needed to program them. An automotive locksmith or dealer should do it for you.
What does it mean when your car key has been changed?
in case your ignition cylinder has been changed, which is quite common in older cars, that probably means that the code for the key may not be useful. In these instances, the key will have to be cut manually by a locksmith, or you will have to change the ignition again, which in this case, the dealer can’t help.
How much does it cost to replace a key in a car?
The newer the car is, the better the security features the key has. On later models, you can therefore expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. Click here to see the model and type of key you had for a more accurate price and additional information.
Can a VIN be used to replace a key?
The VIN allows the dealer or automotive locksmith to access the key code on file, i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code, which is a very fast and easy process. There are, however, two things to consider: For Chevrolet Astro vehicles that are older than ten years, there are no codes available.

Overview
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger minivan and cargo van.
The Astro and Safari are GM M-body vehicles, using a rear-wheel drive chassis…
Background
The Astro and Safari were introduced for 1985 as the first minivan from General Motors. While marketed as a response to the first-generation Chrysler minivans, GM selected a rear-wheel drive layout, sizing the Astro and Safari closely to the short-wheelbase Chevrolet G10 van. Similar to the Ford Aerostar, to reduce production costs, GM adapted light-truck powertrain components; engines and transmissions were sourced from the Chevrolet S-10, allowing for a towing capacity …
First generation (1985–1994)
Initial advertising boasted that it was a vehicle that will "make you realize that life is too big for a minivan", referring to the Chrysler minivans. The van can have a seating configuration between two and eight passengers.
Engine choices ranged from a 98 hp (73 kW; 99 PS) 2.5 L four-cylinder to a 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) 4.3 L V6, depending on options and/or model year. The …
Second generation (1995–2005)
In 1995, the model was facelifted with an extended nose that resembled the then-new full-size Express vans; while the original square sealed beam headlights were retained for use on lower trim levels, higher spec models now used horizontally-mounted rectangular headlights that had debuted on the full-size trucks in 1990, and would eventually appear on the smaller trucks in 1998…
External links
• 1985 Chevrolet Astro handbook
• 1986 Chevrolet Astro handbook
• 1987 Chevrolet Astro handbook
• 1988 Chevrolet Astro handbook