Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility ( Wentzville, Missouri). One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity in 2023, the line entered its 27th model year, outliving the production run of its 1971–1996 predecessor. In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. But it settles into a groove on the highway, and its competent powertrains generate enough power for towing or hauling a full load of passengers without feeling strained.Chevrolet Van/Beauville GMC Vandura/Rally Given its size and age, few would expect the Express to handle like a sports sedan, and they’d be correct. The max tow rating is 9,600 pounds for both the 25 short-wheelbase versions when equipped with the optional V-8. The available 6.6-liter V-8 makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and teams with an eight-speed automatic for 2024. Rated for 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque, it mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission that moves power to the rear wheels. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceĬhevy's long-serving 4.3-liter V-6 is the volume unit in the Express. The optional 6.6-liter V-8 brings plenty of muscle, but the V-6 is a proven performer that is more than up to the job for most users. We’d also check the boxes for the limited-slip rear differential and the power adjustable driver and passenger seat. There’s an available Crew package with seating for five, which still leaves plenty of room for tools and cargo. Available in a standard 135-inch wheelbase or 155-inch extended version, its standard 4.3-liter V-6 and steel wheels reflect its work truck mission. Therefore, we think the base model 2500 Cargo Van represents the best value. While passenger versions are available, the Express can't match the cabin comfort and thoughtful interior designs of newer competitors. The Express shines as a cargo or work van. (The discontinued Express 1500 did offer all-wheel drive, something we applauded when we tested it in 2003.) Ancient as it may be, in a world where durability, mechanical familiarity, and parts availability pay dividends over the long life of a vehicle, the Chevrolet Express brings its own charms to the fight against its chief competitors: the Ford Transit, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and the Ram ProMaster. Chevy offers the Express in 25 iterations, neither of which offers all-wheel drive. GM's venerated naturally-aspirated 4.3-liter V-6, or an available 6.6-liter V-8, mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Easily adapted from a cargo workhorse to mini-bus duty for up to 15 passengers, the Express is a blank canvas of sorts that allows fleet buyers and upfitters to easily outfit it for the job at hand. With only one facelift on its vehicular CV, it remains a sturdy, proven solution to some unglamorous but crucial duties: getting people and their gear to the job site and delivering packages to anxious customers. The automotive landscape has changed dramatically in the previous 28 years, but the Chevrolet Express full-size van and its corporate twin-the GMC Savana-haven’t.
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