2001 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Chevrolet Astro Cargo 2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD Cargo Van Minivan Regular Length AWD Baltimore, Maryland Performance from Astro's Vortec 4300 V6 is enhanced, compliments of a new powertrain control module. Also new is a low-emission vehicle (LEV) version. Color choices are expanded to include Light Pewter Metallic and Dark Carmine Red Metallic. Dutch rear doors are ousted to make loading easier. Big-van capacity, small-van package, available all-wheel drive, towing ability. Engineered in the early '80s, mediocre crash-test scores, intrusive front wheel wells. Models that have been around for a while can still deliver impressive value -- and valor. That's true of the long-lived Astro van, a staple in Chevy's lineup since 1985. This hard-working cargo hauler, sporting a conventionally boxy shape, has -- if anything -- mellowed with age. No, you don't get the curvaceous contours or the ergonomics of a modern machine. What you do acquire is a highly practical heavy-duty hauler that can be equipped to suit just about any business. Available in a single trim level, Astro cargo van includes a host of appealing features. A tow-haul mode on the transmission that holds revs longer when Astro is laden with cargo or a trailer, headlights that automatically activate in low-light situations, and a flash-to-pass feature for those interested in inciting road rage, are standard. Buyers also get front air conditioning, vinyl seats, and an AM/FM stereo. Aluminum wheels with white-lettered tires can be added to dress up the exterior, and a number of window glass configurations can be ordered. Power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as a tilt steering wheel and cruise control, are optional. Cloth upholstery and an upgraded sound system with both cassette and CD players are also available. Out on the road, loaded with cargo, is where the Astro demonstrates its true worth. Taller than its likely rivals, Astros are admittedly more truck-like in temperament, but deliver a pleasant highway ride with competent handling. Seats are a little short, but comfortable. Unfortunately, overly small front footwells drop the comfort level a notch, especially after long stints behind the wheel. A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 is the sole engine choice, putting power through a smooth shifting, four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to drive the rear, or optionally, all wheels. The lower-priced rear-drive rendition is the ticket for hauling plenty of weight. All-wheel drive costs more and delivers improved wet-pavement traction, but slurps up more fuel along the route. Depending on configuration, Astro cargo vans can haul as much as 5,900 pounds. Dual depowered airbags and antilock brakes are standard, but Astro doesn't score well in crash testing. Still, with its body-on-frame construction and standard rear-wheel drive, Astro is the one small cargo van that can boast big-van capacity and versatility. Perfect for heavier-duty jobs, Astro makes sense for those with plenty to haul in any kind of weather. Chevrolet Express Ford Windstar GMC Safari Cargo GMC Savana Cargo 336,000 336,000 336,000 6100,000 NA NA NA 6 4.3 liters V6 190 hp @ 4400 rpm 250 ft-lbs. @ 2800 rpm 170 cu.ft. 1715 lbs. 5600 lbs. 189.8 in. 77.5 in. 75 in. 4184 lbs. 111.2 in. 43.8 ft. 7 in. 39.2 in. NA NA NA NA NA 41.6 in. NA 2 Standard Standard Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Rating = Not Tested Rating = Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Poor Poor 27 gal. 15 mpg / 20 mpg 405 mi. / 540 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $20,809 $22,993 7.35% $655 N/A 3% of the Total MSRP RWD CARGO VAN (4A): 4.3L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; driver's selectable 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 600 amp battery with run down protection; engine oil cooler; 105 amp alternator; transmission oil cooler; rear-wheel drive, 3.42 axle ratio; partial stainless steel exhaust; front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rigid rear axle leaf spring suspension; variable power recirculating ball steering; front disc/rear drum brakes with 4-wheel antilock brakes; 27 gal. capacity fuel tank; front license plate bracket, side impact bars; 3 doors with sliding right rear passenger's door, split swing-out rear cargo door; front and rear argent bumpers with rear step bumper; monotone clearcoat paint aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's manual black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" silver steel wheels; P215/75SR15 A/S BSW tires; compact steel spare wheel; airconditioning; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, 2 speakers, and fixed antenna; child safety rear door locks; 3 power accessory outlets, retained accessory power, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include battery, lights on, key in ignition; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable; tinted windows, sun visor strip; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, driver's seat includes 4-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; front height adjustable seatbelts; vinyl seats, front cloth headliner, front vinyl floor covering; interior lights include dome light with delay, front reading light; day/night rearview mirror; engine cover console with storage, locking glove box, front cupholder, driver's and passenger's door bins; cargo light; argent grille, black side window moldings,black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles. AWD CARGO VAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of RWD CARGO VAN (4A) equipment): Full-time all-wheel drive axle ratio; front independent short & long arm suspension with anti-roll bar, front torsion springs and front torsion bar.