1996 Chevrolet Astro LT review from North America
"Overall good, dependable van"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator went out at 149,500 miles.
Upper ball joint on passenger side tore at 149,500 miles, 2 days after the alternator went out.
General comments?
Doesn't have much frontal leg room.
Handling is good and responsive.
Very little road noise.
Descent take off speed.
Handles descent around curves, if you are used to driving a top heavy vehicle. Not easy to take curves in, if you're not used to driving a top heavy vehicle, and does take getting used to. Theses vans are more like driving a truck, than a van, since they're built on a truck frame, not a car frame, like a lot of minivans.
Haven't had a lot of problems with the van considering it has 150,000 miles, and being a volunteer on a rescue team I cannot baby it. I put a lot of wear and tear on a vehicle, and also run a full size light bar which does draw a lot of power. Overall it's a great van with very few problems.
As with any vehicle though, maintenance plays a big role and so does driving habit.
Mechanical work isn't easy to perform on the van, do to half the engine sitting inside the van.
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| Great for the salvage yard! |
|
| Great to drive, super for a large family, Maintenance nightmare |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3 Vortec Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 148000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 150000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 19th October, 2004 |