2001ChevroletAstroChevrolet Astro2001 Chevrolet Astro LT RWD Passenger VanMinivanWagonRWDBaltimore, MDPerformance 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.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 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 need, trimmed in just about any way you like. Astro passenger vans can be equipped with standard LS or upscale LT trim. Included with the basic van are such items as chrome wheels, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and remote keyless entry. Step up to the ritzy LT and you've opened the door to leather seating, as well as rear A/C and heat, second-row captain's chairs, rear Dutch doors and brushed aluminum wheels. All Astros offer a host of appealing features, such as 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. Out on the road, loaded with passengers and 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. Dual depowered airbags and antilock brakes are standard, but the aged Astro doesn't perform well in crash testing. A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 is standard, putting power through a smooth-shifting, four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to drive the rear, or optionally, all wheels. Depending on configuration, Astros can haul as much as 5,500 pounds. 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. Changes for 2001 are minimal since Chevrolet is still trying to decide when the Astro should die. A more powerful alternator, a new powertrain control module and two new colors are the primary changes this year. Also, you can opt for a new National Low Emissions Vehicle system. Despite the fact that the Astro is celebrating its sweet 16 birthday, Astros remain tempting, especially if you need to combine 170 cubic feet of cargo space with substantial towing capacity and all-wheel drive. Chevrolet VentureGMC SafariMazda MPVPontiac Montana336,000336,000336,0006100,000NANANA64.3 litersV6190 hp @ 4400 rpm250 ft-lbs. @ 2800 rpm170 cu.ft.1764 lbs.5000 lbs.189.8 in.77.5 in.75 in.4323 lbs.111.2 in.40.5 ft.7 in.39.2 in.37.9 in.NANANANA41.6 in.36.5 in.8StandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedPoorPoor27 gal.16 mpg / 21 mpg432 mi. / 567 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.$23,766$26,4197.35%$655N/A3% of the Total MSRPLS RWD PASSENGER VAN (4A): 4.3L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; driver's selectable multi-mode 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 600 amp HD battery with run down protection; engine oil cooler, HD radiator; 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 door, split swing-out rear cargo door; trailer harness; roof rack; front and rear body-colored bumpers with rear step bumper; body-colored bodyside cladding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's power remote black foldingoutside mirrors; 15" x 6.5" chrome styled steel wheels; P215/75SR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, single CD player, 8 speakers, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, fixed antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2 stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child safety rear door locks; 4 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), retained accessory power, smoker's package; instrumentation display includes oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, compass, exterior temp, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include battery, lights on, key in ignition, turn signal on; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm; deep tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down, sun visor strip, fixed 1/4 vent windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; seating capacity of 8, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, driver and passenger armrests, driver'sseat includes 4-way adjustment, lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; removable 2nd row bench seat with adjustable headrests, armrests mounted outboard only; removable full folding 3rd row bench seat with adjustable headrest; front height adjustable seatbelts; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert with carpet lower, full cloth headliner, full color-keyed carpet floor covering with rubber front and rear floor mats, deluxe sound insulation; interior lights include dome light with delay front and rear reading lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; day/night rearview mirror; full overhead console with storage, engine cover console with storage, front and rear cupholders, interior concealed storage, 2 seat back storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo net, cargo tie downs, cargo light; chrome grille, black side window moldings,black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
LT RWD PASSENGER VAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of LS RWD PASSENGER VAN (4A) equipment): 15" x 6.5" brushed aluminum wheels; P215/75SR15 OWL A/S tires; cassette player, single CD player, rear audio controls; driver's seat includes 6-way power adjustment; premium cloth seats; leather wrapped steering wheel.
LS/LT AWD PASSENGER VAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of LS/LT RWD PASSENGER VAN (4A) equipment): Full-time AWD, 3.42 axle ratio; front independent long and short arm suspension with anti-roll bar, front torsion springs, front torsion bar.