Have to chime in here as I'm surprised at the dismissal of the Astro. I've got 70k adventure miles (van has over 250k total on original engine, trans and driveline) on my 03 Astro with AWD. I have added 2" lift shackles and some helper springs to the rear and mildly cranked the front torsion bars. I fit 235 70 16 BFG ko2s with very minor rubbing (I haven't bothered to trim or hammer anything). They may only be 29" ish tires, but I have never had to turn around due to lack of clearance. I don't rock crawl the thing but I take it many places in the west, overloaded, that few people make the effort to get to. I could likely fit bigger tires but haven't had the need and have heard that ride and power starts to suffer. The ride of my van is awesome. I set the cruise at 85 mph, regularly, with dual A/Cs running on UT highways. I can pass cars going up long mountain grades if I'm willing to work the engine. The 4.3 may not be efficient but it has power. I run constantly with a roof rack for a large roof box, lots of water/beer weight for us and 3 dogs and my long-term fuel economy is 14-15mpg.
I've bought 3 cars in failed attempts to replace the Astro, thinking I'd have improvements, but I still use it for trips (Volvo xc70, too nice and too small; Mits Montero, too slow, too hot inside, too small; Toyota Sequoia, too small inside, too large outside) When we travel there are 2 adults and 3 full sized dogs. Yes, the van is overloaded, especially when we bring cases of beer and wine back to UT but it has worked amazing. We can all sleep inside. Yes tight with the dogs, but for 1 or 2 people it is incredibly comfortable. I have all rear seats removed and a platform installed. I can sit upright on the platform bed. Platform is about 12" of height under it. Getting a swivel passenger seat opens tons of space.
I did just buy an AWD express because I can now afford one (attempt #4 at besting the Astro) and I plan to install a high top for standing room. The only time the Astro felt insufficient is when I was in Central British Colombia, during the rain, in October with my epileptic dog going through a cluster of seizures. It was just me and 3 dogs and lots of rain. It worked, but I decided I wanted to be able to stand up.
My van now has over 250k miles on it with minimal repairs required. It has never stranded me. I can buy parts for it online or at the corner parts store.
If it wasn't for the epileptic dog getting worse (needing to spend more time in the van sleeping while we hike/bike) and my malamute being 10 years old, the Astro would still be my choice.. I now want the dogs to have their own beds, from home, on the floor under the human bed. Truth is I'll still probably keep the Astro around, or buy a nicer one, for when the dogs pass on or no longer travel with us.
Major reasons I already like the AWD Astro more than the Express:
1) fits in my garage with a mild lift (Express was too high before lift and has much worse ground clearance without a lift)
2) short wheelbase, short length. I've turned around on many a narrow forest road that turned into a dead end, I dread having to do that with an Express. I also can park it very easily in parking lots and small streets
3) dirt cheap. Mine was $1800 in 2009. There are a tons more AWD astros out there than any other capable van I've seen. I use my van mainly for trips so it spends a lot of time not in use. It kills me knowing how much money, relatively, I'll have into the Express vs. the Astro but I'm going to standing room a shot.
4) I haven't put more than 30 miles on the express but I already miss the dutch doors/hatch. The other day it was drizzling and I had the rear doors open. After about 35 mins I realized I had a significant puddle inside...took me by surprise because than never happens with that half hatch...and the visibility while driving is great.
I wouldn't move into my Astro for an extended period, but for most trips it has been great. Unless you need true 4x4 capability (which can be done without too much effort) or significant space to hang out inside, the Astro is a great, low $$$ choice.
I've bought 3 cars in failed attempts to replace the Astro, thinking I'd have improvements, but I still use it for trips (Volvo xc70, too nice and too small; Mits Montero, too slow, too hot inside, too small; Toyota Sequoia, too small inside, too large outside) When we travel there are 2 adults and 3 full sized dogs. Yes, the van is overloaded, especially when we bring cases of beer and wine back to UT but it has worked amazing. We can all sleep inside. Yes tight with the dogs, but for 1 or 2 people it is incredibly comfortable. I have all rear seats removed and a platform installed. I can sit upright on the platform bed. Platform is about 12" of height under it. Getting a swivel passenger seat opens tons of space.
I did just buy an AWD express because I can now afford one (attempt #4 at besting the Astro) and I plan to install a high top for standing room. The only time the Astro felt insufficient is when I was in Central British Colombia, during the rain, in October with my epileptic dog going through a cluster of seizures. It was just me and 3 dogs and lots of rain. It worked, but I decided I wanted to be able to stand up.
My van now has over 250k miles on it with minimal repairs required. It has never stranded me. I can buy parts for it online or at the corner parts store.
If it wasn't for the epileptic dog getting worse (needing to spend more time in the van sleeping while we hike/bike) and my malamute being 10 years old, the Astro would still be my choice.. I now want the dogs to have their own beds, from home, on the floor under the human bed. Truth is I'll still probably keep the Astro around, or buy a nicer one, for when the dogs pass on or no longer travel with us.
Major reasons I already like the AWD Astro more than the Express:
1) fits in my garage with a mild lift (Express was too high before lift and has much worse ground clearance without a lift)
2) short wheelbase, short length. I've turned around on many a narrow forest road that turned into a dead end, I dread having to do that with an Express. I also can park it very easily in parking lots and small streets
3) dirt cheap. Mine was $1800 in 2009. There are a tons more AWD astros out there than any other capable van I've seen. I use my van mainly for trips so it spends a lot of time not in use. It kills me knowing how much money, relatively, I'll have into the Express vs. the Astro but I'm going to standing room a shot.
4) I haven't put more than 30 miles on the express but I already miss the dutch doors/hatch. The other day it was drizzling and I had the rear doors open. After about 35 mins I realized I had a significant puddle inside...took me by surprise because than never happens with that half hatch...and the visibility while driving is great.
I wouldn't move into my Astro for an extended period, but for most trips it has been great. Unless you need true 4x4 capability (which can be done without too much effort) or significant space to hang out inside, the Astro is a great, low $$$ choice.
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