1st Jun 2003, 14:10

Your van must've been built late on a Friday afternoon. I currently have 3 97 Astro window vans, & each one of them have well over 200k miles on them, & they have been nothing but solid, reliable, & sturdy vehicles.

24th Feb 2004, 20:21

My 1997 Astro Van has been nothing, but a pain, I have had problems with alternator, power window motors, wiper blade motor, rough idling, rear axle, and now I have transmission problems. Is this what GM is providing it's customers? If so, this long time GM customer is switching to FORD.

1st Jun 2004, 12:09

I also have a 1997 Chevy astro. I love the power, but have all the simular problems, Wiper motor, drivers side door latch rattles, big side door you have to manually unlock it after opening due to the cable, Seats rattle, and now it is up on jack stands, I have the differential taken apart due to the drive ring is missing three gear teeth and also the pinion is damaged. Total cost $500.00 dollars to do yourself. I love the van though really great engine.

2nd Jul 2004, 21:05

Greetings all. I am the owner of two Astro vans. one '91 and one'97. I have had problems with the window motors, but then so has every other GM truck or van owner. The wiper problem is under a recall, and will be repaired at any GM dealership at NO COST to the owner. If they tell you the owner pays the cost, simply have them pull up the service bulletin for the vehicle. The problem with the Astro is the owner, not the vehicle. As most people believe they are buying a mini-van, they expect it to drive as such. Remember, the Astro is built on a truck platform and therefore acts like a truck. Our '97 has over 200,000 miles on it, and has run flawlessly. As a mechanic I can tell you these vehicles require the owner to maintain and service the vehicle according to the owners manual with diligence. For all those that would bash the van, buy a Caravan, or worse yet Ford's answer. Not only will you lose cargo space, but if you think you got troubles now, wait. I have owned both the Caravan and the Windstar. The caravan I bought new and drove for 3 weeks of the 6 months I owned it. The rest of the time I drove a dealer loaner. I will not even get into the Windstar saga. Dollar for dollar the Astro is still the best "mini" van on the market. As I said anyone who feels different can take their chances on the competitions products. Good luck.

3rd Sep 2004, 18:55

I am the owner of a 97 Astro Van, it currently has 75,000 miles on it and is very reliable. I would not hesitate to drive this car across the country. It has endured many long trips and provided plenty of room for all passengers. The only problems I have had is the driver side window motor, and the lock button on the passengers side. All minor problems considering how good this cars been to me.

8th Oct 2004, 08:17

I have a 97 Astro it was a rental it had 90,000k on it. I have owned it 4 years now it has 260,000k.Wife driven.I'm a mechanic so I do all my own work. After 2 years I herd a noise in the tran. I replaced the torque converter (300can).Well on a trip 2000k from home 2years ago exhaust converter plugged up ($816can) last week converter plugs again check engine light came on. No warranty did not want buy another so beat gut out of conveter, light went out, van works great. replaced fuel pump last month $500. Co-workers have Windstars and caravans and are newer than mine. They are having a lot more trouble then me. You have to expect to spend $1000 a year on a used vehicle. I would buy another Astro van.

7th Aug 2005, 12:26

What's up with the window motors on these vehicles? I have owned two Astros over the past 13 years, and no real problems other than the drivers side window motor. It fails about every 30,000 miles. I like the van however - very roomy for the price.

6th Sep 2005, 09:00

Did you ever find out how to repair the driver side window? Does it need a new motor? It's kind of a bummer!

Anyone having problems with the heat/cool system not switching from defrost to vents? If so, what did you do?

6th Sep 2005, 23:35

My 1997 Astro had a new transmission at 85K and two more after that. The dealer had my van more than me during warranty. In the Lemonade book they state that GM knows about the transmission failure rate.

18th May 2006, 12:09

Not to jinx the thing, this van could not be better! I owned a 1984 Toyota van (no power-steering.arthritis got the better of me and gave it to my daughter with 389,000 km) for 18 years which was absolutely great, but have to lift the front seat to give it oil!

The Astro 97 NO POWER WINDOWS, is fantastic. Have no idea why it doesn't have the power windows as so many do in this site, maybe it is the harsh Canadian windows taken into account, but I've enjoyed it for 5 years with minor problems, taken it in for normal tuneups, except last week when it needed manifold intake work and new thermostat...$1009. CN, not bad for a '97. Love the power, though sharp turns are not all that smooth, but as someone mentioned IT IS A CHEV TRUCK BODY! All in all as a woman driver, I thoroughly enjoy it. May 06.

18th May 2006, 19:51

Not to twist the knife or anything, but the Astro has NEVER been reliable. I often wonder why they're coveted as work vans.

25th May 2006, 10:05

I own a 1994 Astro that I bought new. I have had one major problem that occurred twice. The fuel injection module (spider) was replaced twice. Once at 100,000 miles and then at 120,000 miles. Both times it cost about $900.00.I have to say that over all it has been a good vehicle.

29th May 2006, 13:01

Well, I remain very happy with this vehicle and I think we must remember cars need regular attention just like everything else. as an older woman I find it is not possible for me to maintain this vehicle myself so it does get pricey with the cost of the hourly garage rate.

All that being said, this 1997 Astro Chev is solid and reliable...if...you look after it.

That's why the contractors love the thing! I have been wanting to sell my 8 passenger Astro (I took out, and safely stored the two 3-passenger bucket seats for more fuel efficiency) because of raising fuel costs, but can't find anything I like that would give me as much reliability. still looking, but am not in a hurry: this vehicle is all-round good... no jinx intended.

10th Jul 2006, 19:34

I'm considering buying one of these... thank you all for the input!!!

7th Jul 2007, 20:12

I just bought a 1992 Astro Van with 179k miles on it for $1,000. So far, everything seems o.k. The engine feels and sounds real strong, however, when I am idle, there are some strong vibrations going on. Is this a common problem with the Astro?

24th Nov 2007, 23:46

I have a 97 4.3L AWD Astro Van and it has 283,000 km on it and it is fantastic. I have done fairly regular maintenance on it, but if I miss out doing something for a few months, there has never been a problem. First plugs lasted over 100,000. In 10 years with tires and everything, I don't think I have exceeded $4000 in repairs. I have had the window motor fail, that is all. I will continue to fix it, because it has absolutely no rust, the interior fabric wears like iron and looks brand new. Cheers,