Strengths

Can be configured for work or families; configurable seating up to 15; massive cargo capacity

 

Changes

There's nothing new for the Express this year. As a carry-over from 2009, it retains its class-exclusive all-wheel-drive option.

 

Value

Sometimes, only a full-sized van will do. Whether you need to haul a dozen or more people or haul ten thousand pounds of equipment, the Chevy Express is one of the few vehicles that can accomplish it. In either passenger or cargo configuration, the Express can use E85 FlexFuel.

 

Overview

There are two basic configurations for the Express: cargo and passenger. The choice depends on whether you need to haul a lot of people or a lot of stuff. The short-wheelbase passenger van is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic with overdrive. The long wheelbase passenger Express has a 6.0-liter V8 making 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. Both wheelbase choices for the cargo van are powered by a 4.3-liter V8 making 195 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Whether the Express is filled with passengers or cargo, it comes standard with anti-lock brakes, 4-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitoring and driver and passenger airbags. Only the short-wheelbase Express 1500, in either cargo or passenger configuration, is available with all-wheel drive.

Each Express comes in three trim levels: 1500 at the base, 2500 in the mid-range and 3500 for heavy-duty use. The 1500 passenger van seats eight, and is available with power doors and locks, rear heat and air conditioning, cruise control and a swing-out storage bin in the console. The 2500 seats twelve, has full-floor carpeting and remote keyless entry. The 3500 can be had with seating for twelve or fifteen and rear air-conditioning vents are standard.

The cargo-equipped 1500 only seats two, but it has 225 cubic feet of space and a payload capacity of more than 2,300 pounds. The 2500 can carry 3,200 pounds, and the 3500 can hold more than 4,100 pounds. The long-wheelbase 2500 and 3500 have interior space for 261 cubic feet of cargo.