2001 Chevrolet Van Express 3500 review from North America

Front seats ripped soon after we bought the van. Replaced with conversion seats from a conversion manufacturer.

At 68,000 miles we had it towed into the dealer because the van was lagging going up hills and causing a loud knocking noise. This ended up being the distributor cap and rotor. $538!!? for a cap and rotor?!

They also cleaned the fuel lines at that time because they thought it was bad fuel.

At 72,000 miles (4000 miles later) the same issue happened with the cap and rotor. I was now told by a different dealer that the first dealer did not remove the screen that was supposed to keep out dirt, but held water and caused the corrosion and arching. They also charged $78 for the "diagnosis" even though it was "covered" by the GM warranty from the previous "repair".

At 78,000 the problem started again and I replaced the cap and rotor again along with the plugs and wires, myself.

Rear lights would not operator properly from the day we bought it. It was a short in the sockets and required the replacement of the rear lighting wiring harnesses. That was yet another $670 just so I could sell it.

I liked the idea that GM moved the rear axle back on their extended version vans for better stability, unlike the Ford or Dodge. That was the main selling point for me on this van.

Lots of space with the 15 passenger extended version. We took out the last seat and still had 11 passenger seating and a HUGE trunk. With 8 of us in the family it was a very useful vehicle.

Gas mileage was what could be expected for a 15 passenger van - in the 15 MPG area.

Way too many problems for a 2 year old vehicle that was well taken care of, overall.

Cheaply made vehicle. I sold it before it "nickel-and-dimed" me to death after we had it only a year.

This will be the last GM vehicle I will ever own. With my previous 3 GM vehicles I have had nothing, but trouble and they have cost a great deal of money to repair. If I am ever given one (not likely), I will sell it and buy either a Ford Econoline or a Dodge Sprinter.