1997 Chevrolet Astro LT review from North America
"More reliable than a Chrysler 4 speed automatic any day"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My 97 Astro has been a dream. Lux touring model. My previous Grand Voyager was a drivetrain nightmare. 4 transmissions in 4,000 miles. Never again...
Only Astro problems so far:
Wiper motor (recall).
Window motors (easy fix).
1 fuel pump (replace with GM Delphi only please, all others die too easily).
Problem with cylinder misfire codes (bad pickup assembly in distributor).
Also, fan motor speed had issues here lately after 10 years (resistor inside motor/heater core under hood). Like I said, easy.
General comments?
The plugs are easy access, pull front wheels and straight in. Oil and filters are remotely located for easy access.
My wife drives this thing pretty hard, so sport tires last longer due to rounding on the fronts during cornering.
Great truck chassis for pulling or hauling a large family with a cargo box on top.
Nice sound system, comfy seats.
Easy to steam clean the interior twice a year. The van looks near new after almost 11 years.
One the A/C, DO NOT use the R134 With sealer. It will plug up your compressor. No fix, have to throw it away after that.
One other thing, watch for the class action suit on the GM extended life antifreeze. It corrodes the gaskets in the engine and the radiator. Also seems to sludge up the works on the rear heat. So flush regularly and fill with regular good antifreeze. Check the web for the class action suit on the antifreeze issues.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3 Liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 104000 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Voyager |
| Date of Entry | 1st March, 2008 |