The Express Cargo van's real problem stems from the fact that it hasn't undergone a substantial redesign since the early days of the Clinton administration. Solid construction, heavy-duty towing capacity, a choice of different engines and available driver-side side doors make it a vehicle that's still ready, willing and able to put in a hard day's work. To be sure, the full-size Express Cargo van retains all the same good qualities that have made it the go-to choice for everyone from plumbers to florists for more than a decade. That decision is no longer quite such a slam-dunk, however, now that several newer entries have managed to out-innovate these old standbys. This brings the total to a reasonable $42,245, including destination.It wasn't so long ago that businesspeople looking for a solid no-nonsense work truck bought traditional vans like the 2012 Chevrolet Express Cargo without giving it a second thought. We'd also add the upgraded radio (requires a three-month SiriusXM subscription), Bluetooth (requires the leather-trimmed steering wheel), keyless entry, and blind-spot monitoring (requires rear parking sensors). So, to keep things sensible, we would opt for a 2500 LT trim with the standard V6 engine, which is adequate for normal passenger hauling. The rest is up to you and your needs, but regardless of which trim you end up going for, we do recommend throwing in the blind-spot monitor, as maneuvering the large van isn't the easiest task. The only thing we can recommend is paying extra for the LT, as the LS is really too bare for any level of comfort from a driving perspective. How much you'll pay is very much a function of how you spec it. Need to seat the maximum number of passengers? Then get the extended wheelbase. Need 12 seats? Get the standard wheelbase. Need to tow a lot? Get the big V8 - it's only $1,695 extra for an additional 125 hp. There's really no right or wrong answer when it comes to vans as you buy the one that suits your needs. It's a firm ride, but with a few passengers on board, the heavy-duty suspension soak shocks up decently, even if road noise echoes through the cabin. Despite all this, its suspension still manages to properly absorb most minor road abrasions and common undulations however, larger obstacles will have to be taken on cautiously. Fortunately, considering its purpose for routine passenger hauling, it probably won't ever be driven around corners very fast, which is probably for the best. There's plenty of body roll exhibited around turns and the van definitely feels top-heavy. Considering the van's dimensions and impressive towing capacities, its brakes perform admirably, delivering effective stopping power and with responses that are easy to modulate. Its steering is sloppy and excessively vague, however, but that's something typical to the class. Even so, its strapping powertrain propels it around easily and predictably, with controlled and smooth acceleration - and a decent turn of speed with the powerful V8. It wouldn't all be so bad if other passenger vans were approaching the same age, but with the new Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to contend with, the Chev Express is better off dying hard with a vengeance… yet another thing that's been around as long as the Express.Īs one can imagine, a large, metal lunch tin on tiny 16-inch wheels isn't going to be very agile its expansive size and heft are expected encumbrances to its ride quality and handling dynamics, which are more bus-like than car-like. Every review of the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van and its competitors you're likely to read will mention its prehistoric origins and agricultural feel in relation to far newer rivals. Sure, there have been a few engine updates along the way, leaving us with gasoline V6 and V8s today developing up to 401 horsepower, and there's a nifty 181-hp turbo-diesel too, but that's a band-aid on an amputated leg as the big bruising Express battles on into another year. It was also the year in which the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van went on sale in the USA, and while most manufacturers tend to update and replace their passenger haulers over time, Chevy has seemingly forgotten about the Express altogether in its 26-year history. It was the year of the Mexican bailout, and it was the year in which OJ Simpson was pronounced not guilty. A lot happened in 1995, with movies such as Waterworld, Toy Story, and Pocahontas all being brought to the silver screen.
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