1997 Chevy Astro Review
1997 Chevy Astro Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big inside but small outside, torquey V-6 engine, dual airbags, standard ABS, all-wheel drive
Cons
- Fuel economy, aging design, intrusive engine cover
What’s new
Daytime running lights debut, and LT models can be equipped with leather upholstery. Also optional this year is a HomeLink three-channel transmitter. Delayed entry-exit lighting is now standard on all Astro passenger vans. Transmission refinements mean smoother shifts, and electronic variable orifice steering eases steering effort at low speeds.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Chevrolet Astro 3dr Minivan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$243/mo for Astro Base
Astro Base
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
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 passenger/cargo hauler, sporting a conventionally boxy shape, has, if anything, mellowed with age.
No, you don't get the curvaceous contours of a Caravan/Voyager or a Windstar. What you do acquire is a highly practical carrier that can be equipped to suit just about any family, trimmed in any of three levels. Depending on configuration, Astros can seat up to eight passengers and haul as much as three tons.
Out on the road, rolling hour after hour, is where the Astro demonstrates its true worth. Taller than its likely rivals, Astros are admittedly more trucklike in temperament, but deliver a pleasant highway ride with competent handling for long journeys. Seats are a little short, but comfortable, in both the front and center positions. Unfortunately, overly small front foot wells drop the comfort level a notch. A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 is standard, driving a smooth shifting four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Dual airbags and antilock brakes are standard. This year, Chevy adds a standard theft deterrent system, just in case there might be some thieves around dying to get their hands on an Astro. Base models come equipped with the same composite headlights and uplevel grille of LS and LT versions for 1998. Three new paint colors are available and clearcoats are etch-resistant for better longevity.
You get only one body choice: the extended-length version. 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. Solid and substantial, the Astro remains a tempting (if dated) choice. If you need a small van with big van capacity, the Astro should be on your shopping list.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Chevrolet Astro.
5 star(27%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(20%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
What's not to like
rjerryc, 06/01/2009
1997 Chevrolet Astro LT 3dr Minivan
Of course, there are those who think every vehicle should be custom built to do everything they personally want. They want 50 mpg and capacity to haul the biggest load imaginable. Very good van - built on a truck chassis and the engine has plenty of power to tow a good sized trailer (5,500 lbs). Lots of driver and passenger comforts-armrests, etc. Easy to drive even when towing a big … load. It's not a Ford F-350 so don't expect that! Great van, bigger than a mini-van and a lot better.
1.63 out of 5 stars
Stay Away from Astro and GMC Products
Astro Owner, 08/02/2003
1997 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan AWD
The Astro Van has known manufacturing
defects that GMC/Chev. have not
addressed which include, the side
window not locking in an open position,
transmission slippage, idler arm
defects which result in early wear of
tires. This is a poorly built, low
volume vehicle that either needs to be
pulled from assembly or fixed.
3.63 out of 5 stars
A Real Lemon But Love It Anyway!
Pam Waugh, 01/16/2004
1997 Chevrolet Astro LT 3dr Minivan
EVERYTHING has been replaced early and
often. Maintained by the book at
dealership. My 3rd Astro and will
likely get another. This must be a
lemon but I love it anyway. It's cost a
fortune to repair but had extended
warranty for alot of the repairs. But
can't seem to get out of the dealership
for less than $600 a pop. But it's the
perfect sized van for my needs! … Just
wish it was more reliable. Do wish they
had a 4th door though.
2.38 out of 5 stars
TRANSMISSION
CAROL MONTOYA, 05/01/2002
1997 Chevrolet Astro LS 3dr Minivan
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS,MEVERY YEAR, THE
ELECTRICAL, GAS PEDAL STICKS, THE TIRES
ARE FACTORY ONLY.
1997 Astro Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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