1997 CHEVROLET Astro Van

The Hat Trick Van

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Love these vans, my third one. The 88 went 360,000, 94 AWD still strong at 455,000. I have been told mileage would drop of on these Vortecs, but I just pulled 21mpg on recent trip (8 hrs). Lots of power (190hp?), great reliablity, rides great. I don't know of a better buy for your money. Rides like a car ,hauls like a truck. Wife is confident with AWD. The EXT AWD hugs the road in windy conditions, much better that the 2WD.

Transmission Problems Under 75,000

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Had 2 transmission repairs under warranty at 75 and 80,000. I don't think the dealership fixed it properly, because had to be assertive, and now it has lasted another 225,000 without problems. Had trouble with dealer trying to get out of warranty for transmission and throttle body, saying it is because we didn't have oil changes at GM and used our own serviceman (had regular oil changes every 2500 elsewhere). Dealer said transmissions must be overhauled every 15,000 or would void warranty and said that brakes needed doing at 7500 then didn't put enough brake fluid in and they failed after the repair. After warranty over have been very satisfied with van. Love van except front leg room.

Loved it, hated to get rid of it

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We have put more trips and miles into this van than any other we've ever owned. Being a travel hockey family whose player is a goalie, this van has held all four of us and on more than one occaision three additional players, all our gear and clothes. Fantastic room. It has performed equally well in summer travel as well as traveling the snow storms and rain in the upper midwest. We never felt that we had to pull over and sit a night somewhere due to a winter storm. If you are looking for a quality used vehicle - this it!

Great Van but died too soon

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

We purchased this Astro as a conversion in 1990 with 18K. It just died last week when the tranny died at 246K. The Astro was a good van, though after 150K miles it started to suck up money. We had prblems with a fuel pump, one window motor, the paint coming off after 200K miles, and the A/C system and hood latch. It also ran through a lot of tires in its time, but it went over a lot of rough roads too. We got our money out of the thing, the Starcraft conversion was excellent, and the gas mileage was decent for most of its career at 20 mpg. The biggest pain was the well documented vacuum hose problem. The bad rap the Astro got for crash tests and bad production values was not true in out case!

Astros Rule

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Our Astro van has served us wonderfully for the last 10 years. Other than a new transmission while still under warrenty it has not had any major problems. It is very powerful(for a minivan), fun to drive and comfortable on long trips.

A Great Vehicle

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This van is a truck, not a car, and has the good and bad points of a truck. As a box on wheels, it is great. It hauls lots of people or stuff and tows a heavy trailer. It is nimble in parking lots and comfortable on the highway. It gets 20 mpg at interstate speeds. It is roomy when compared to other minivans and "big" vehicles like Suburbans. I have put 141,000 miles on my 1986 Astro and 147,000 on my 1997. Both have needed transmission and air conditioner rebuild around 90,000 miles. Otherwise, trouble-free. My '97 looks like new and everything works. This van is unique in size and capability. GM should have updated the Astro instead of discontinuing it.

Tough Ol' Gal

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

My 1997 van is approaching the 200k mark and she still rides fine. I've had problems with the following: catalytic converter(twice),fuel gauge stuck on "E" even though I just filled up, driver's window broken, air condt knob broke, rear hutch window doesn't stay up, sliding door stuck, tranny, oh yeah..the "service engine" light stays on even though I've spent over 1k to figure out why, just to name a few. But all in all, it's a pretty good van.

Astro Van delivers reliability

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Very pleased with the performance of my 1997 Astro Van. With the rear seats removed, it can hold alot of freight. Great for long trips. A lot of side room for traveling.

daddyronhank - update

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 2

After nearly 4 years I still own this van. Resale value has dropped so it's senseless to sell or trade. Replaced idler arms and factory recall repaired the windshield wipers. Blower motor on AC was replaced but I guess my resistor is bad since the blower does not always work (i.e. when it's very hot or very cold). Cleaning the throttle body intake took care of the sticking gas pedal. 'Just bought a boat so the towing capacity will come in handy. Ride is rough but improved with Michelin Harmony tires. Driver's side power window sticks but stopping it before it goes all the way down seems to reduce the problem. Current brakes have nearly 30K miles but they are due for replacement.

We have loved it!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

This van has held up good, had some tranny trouble, but I knew about that model tranny before we bought it. Have had it since new, and replaced a few things here and there. Rides high, tows great, pull 5,000 lbs easily in the mountains where we live. Drives good in the corn and hay fields too. 220,000 miles and engine runs great, no oil use and no noises.

totally satisfied with this van!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I put the miles on per year and this van keeps up with them have had no major problems .....power window on drivers side.yes but have found that to be a weakness with chevy's.....mine has 142,000 miles and runs like a clock..if I didn't need more room for my business , would definately get another..will be sad to retire this one.

ITS A LEMON

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

NOT A GOOD VEHICLE TO OWN. TRANSMISSION WE OUT WITH IN 2 WEEKS. DOORS DO NOT STAY ALIGNED. OVERHEATING PROBLEMS. WAS IN THE SHOP 10 TIMES FOR ALARM SYSTEM. LOST THE ALTERNATOR WITHIN 2 MONTHS. NOT BUILT LIKE A ROCK. WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER ASTRO VAN.

A Real Lemon But Love It Anyway!

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

EVERYTHING has been replaced early and often. Maintained by the book at dealership. My 3rd Astro and will likely get another. This must be a lemon but I love it anyway. It's cost a fortune to repair but had extended warranty for alot of the repairs. But can't seem to get out of the dealership for less than $600 a pop. But it's the perfect sized van for my needs! Just wish it was more reliable. Do wish they had a 4th door though.

astro van 1997

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Very comfortable, only problem I have had is the windshield wipers and a window motor, runs very good

I love this Van

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this van with 50,000 miles and now have 184,000 miles and it still runs like new. No slipage in the transmission and no loss of power. I have replaced a few items like water pump and radiator along with 4 brake jobs but at 184,000 miles, not bad at all. This is my second Astro.

I like my car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

It is a very spacious car, with great visibility and high. Don't like at times the high because for short and old people it is kind of difficult to get in. Window motors are not too good, both, driver and passenger brake easily and when you need it the most.

Best mini van out there

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is our second Astro, but first AWD and we think it is great. I am a professional mechanic, and I have been very impressed by the Astro / Safari vans. If you are in the market for a mini van, the AWD is a vrey good choice.

My 1997 Astro

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

Very reliable, lotsa cargo space. Have had it for 5 1/2 years & only major repair has been fuel pump. A couple interior design flaws noted below. No rust, even though driven in sald every winter.

My Astro

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Have had hardly any trouble with this van. Rides nice, if you like the truck ride, which I do. Only thing that has been a hassle is the rear door hydraulics last about 1 year only. I was having trouble with the wipers, but that was fixed through a recall.

Stay Away from Astro and GMC Products

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

The Astro Van has known manufacturing defects that GMC/Chev. have not addressed which include, the side window not locking in an open position, transmission slippage, idler arm defects which result in early wear of tires. This is a poorly built, low volume vehicle that either needs to be pulled from assembly or fixed.

Best van for the family

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I think this is the best comprimise betwen a mini van and a full sized van. This vehicle has always been clasified as a mini van, but I think it fits inbetween. This car is larger than the voyager and can tow much larger loads. This is my second one of these vans I have bought for my family

Astro

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

Very poorly made. Falling apart with less than 51000 miles and maintained by the book

Piece of junk

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

Replaced power window motor three time,windshield wiper motor,intake gasket,rear air conditioning hose,fuel gauge sender,cruise control cable and its had a steady miss in overdrive that they never could fix.

97 Astro AWD

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

Purchased new, performed all recommended maintenance. No major problems until it hit 100,000 miles last year. In the past year, the following problems developed: Head gasket, transmission lines, coil, water pump, tensioner, wiper motor, both power window motors, door locks, rear hatch lifters, vacuum leaks, oil leaks, and more.

97 Astro

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The Astro has been a good family van. It is big, boxie, and rides like a truck but that is a trade off that is OK with us. We feel safe, have a good view from all of the seats, and have plenty of room for the kids. Have only replaced the alternator and battery. Make sure the doors are closed, with all the interior lights it does not take long to run the battery down. This is more like a truck than a car, but is holding-up better than the smaller mini-vans. We have 60+k after five years and plan on it lasting another five years well past 100k.

Van gets Kudos

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I've had this van 2 years, and its the most comfortable, reliable vehicle I've ever had. I'm a big man at nearly 300 lbs with a very bad back. This is the first vehicle I could drive for hours without much stress on my back. Engine is strong, mileage about 20. Problems, heater control knobs are two weak and expensive to replace. Feet are cramped by fender well protruding inside floorboard too much. Classic chevy prob. Large min have difficulty getting comfortable on passenger side. Van rides like a dream. 60 series tires add stability over 75s. Would consider bying another Astro. Family loves it.

Jim

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is a dependable rugged van. The AWD makes all the difference. Moves through snow and slippery roads with ease. Sitting high makes visability great. Pulled my 2000 pound boat like it wasn't there.

Powerful..but it's a truck

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

This is a great vehicle if you want to pull a boat or a travel trailer...as long as there are no side winds. It's a truck. It drives like a truck, it sucks gas like a truck, and it rides like a truck. I average about 15mpg. I've had the vehicle a year and it needs front brakes...the previous owner replaced the brakes at least twice so a set lasts about 20K miles. The windshield wipers work when they feel like it..not always when I need them. Knob on heater fan control just twisted off. Rear heat control doesn't work.

TRANSMISSION

Performance: 2 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS,MEVERY YEAR, THE ELECTRICAL, GAS PEDAL STICKS, THE TIRES ARE FACTORY ONLY.