1990 Chevrolet Astro review from North America
"Smokin' family hauler!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The stock idler arms usually fail. I've replaced mine, no problems. These vans tend to have a vibration right at about 60 - 70 miles per hour. I have purchased 2 sets of wheels and tires, and re-balanced MULTIPLE times to no avail. My latest set is 16-inch Nich Thrusters with 50 series tires mounted. The vibration settled down, but am afraid the taller wheels have possibly just moved up to a higher range (maybe 80 - 90 MPH), but I don't drive that fast anyway.
General comments?
I have completed a 350 V8 conversion on this van over a year ago and still running STRONG. I am pushing nearly 300 horsepower and pushing close to 20 miles per gallon. Log onto my website at www.v8astro.homestead.com to see pictures and details. Basically all I needed was a TBI, distributer, and ECM from a similar year V8 truck. I chose to do this because my wife and I have 6 children and love horsepower, so I get the best of both worlds in my 8 passenger minivan. Plus, do you know how hard it is to find a 8 passenger full size van?
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 176000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 194000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Grand Caravan |
| Date of Entry | 4th April, 2003 |