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2001
Chevrolet Astro

Starts at:
$20,793
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New 2001 Chevrolet Astro
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 111.2" WB RWD
    Starts at
    $20,793
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 111.2" WB RWD YF7 Upfitter
    Starts at
    $21,850
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    1
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 111.2" WB AWD YF7 Upfitter
    Starts at
    $24,250
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    1
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro 2001 Chevrolet Astro

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Expert 2001 Chevrolet Astro review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Following Chrysler’s 1984 debut of its front-drive minivans, Chevrolet introduced its truck-based midsize van a year later. Slotted between the Venture minivan and the full-size Express van/wagon, the Astro comes with either rear-drive or all-wheel drive. The GMC Safari is nearly identical, but the Astro outsells it by a wide margin; but sales have dipped lately, from 104,427 in 1999 to just 92,585 during 2000.

Not much is new for 2001 apart from a high-output, 105-amp alternator that’s able to handle laptop computers, cell phones or even a TV at the cargo area for tailgate parties. A new powertrain control module is supposed to boost engine performance, and two new body colors are available. The Astro comes in LS and LT trim levels, either for passenger use or as a two-seat Cargo Van for commercial use.

Exterior
Marketed in one body length, Astros ride a 111.2-inch wheelbase and measure 189.8 inches long overall. This minivan used to fit between the top-selling Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan in size, but things have changed since the 2001 redesigns from Dodge were made. Today’s regular-length Caravan is nearly as long as the Astro, while the Grand Caravan measures 11 inches longer. But at just under 75 inches high, the Astro is 6 inches taller than the Caravan. Running boards are available to help easy entry and exit.

A sliding door is installed only on the passenger side, with standard swing-open rear cargo doors. “Dutch” doors, which are standard on the LT and optional on the LS, consist of a swing-up rear window on top and twin swing-out doors below. A rear defogger is included with the Dutch setup.

Interior
Standard equipment includes a tilt-steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, remote keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Most Astros are sold in the LS trim, with chrome-clad steel wheels, an overhead roof console and remote keyless entry. A CD player is standard in the LS, while the LT gets a cassette/CD unit. LT versions can have optional leather seating, as well as high-back reclining seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Eight-passenger seating in the LS consists of two front buckets and a pair of three-place rear bench seats. Upscale Astro LTs get two split-bench seats instead. An optional seven-passenger configuration for the LT puts two second-row bucket seats in place of the bench. With second- and third-row seats removed, the Astro offers 170 cubic feet of cargo space.

Under the Hood
A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter Vortec V-6 engine is the sole powertrain and is driven by a four-speed-automatic transmission that incorporates a Tow/Haul mode for transporting heavy loads. Chevrolet claims it’s the biggest V-6 in its class. The Astro passenger model can tow up to 5,500 pounds, while the cargo version is capable of pulling 5,900 pounds. Astros have a 1,764-pound payload rating.

Optional all-wheel drive normally sends full power to the back wheels. In case of slippage, the system begins to deliver power to the front wheels until the Astro is able to regain traction. Side-impact airbags are not available, but four-wheel antilock brakes are standard.

Driving Impressions
In both size and the overall driving feel, the Astro and its Safari companion are more like scaled-down Express vans than enlarged Venture minivans. Despite refinements and a load of comfort and convenience features, rear-wheel drive inevitably produces more of a trucklike sensation than you’d experience in a front-drive Venture or any of its rivals. For ample hauling capacity and a spacious cargo hold, the Astro can be a useful compromise. But for everyday driving, most people would be more comfortable with a conventional minivan.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

2001 Chevrolet Astro review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Following Chrysler’s 1984 debut of its front-drive minivans, Chevrolet introduced its truck-based midsize van a year later. Slotted between the Venture minivan and the full-size Express van/wagon, the Astro comes with either rear-drive or all-wheel drive. The GMC Safari is nearly identical, but the Astro outsells it by a wide margin; but sales have dipped lately, from 104,427 in 1999 to just 92,585 during 2000.

Not much is new for 2001 apart from a high-output, 105-amp alternator that’s able to handle laptop computers, cell phones or even a TV at the cargo area for tailgate parties. A new powertrain control module is supposed to boost engine performance, and two new body colors are available. The Astro comes in LS and LT trim levels, either for passenger use or as a two-seat Cargo Van for commercial use.

Exterior
Marketed in one body length, Astros ride a 111.2-inch wheelbase and measure 189.8 inches long overall. This minivan used to fit between the top-selling Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan in size, but things have changed since the 2001 redesigns from Dodge were made. Today’s regular-length Caravan is nearly as long as the Astro, while the Grand Caravan measures 11 inches longer. But at just under 75 inches high, the Astro is 6 inches taller than the Caravan. Running boards are available to help easy entry and exit.

A sliding door is installed only on the passenger side, with standard swing-open rear cargo doors. “Dutch” doors, which are standard on the LT and optional on the LS, consist of a swing-up rear window on top and twin swing-out doors below. A rear defogger is included with the Dutch setup.

Interior
Standard equipment includes a tilt-steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, remote keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Most Astros are sold in the LS trim, with chrome-clad steel wheels, an overhead roof console and remote keyless entry. A CD player is standard in the LS, while the LT gets a cassette/CD unit. LT versions can have optional leather seating, as well as high-back reclining seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Eight-passenger seating in the LS consists of two front buckets and a pair of three-place rear bench seats. Upscale Astro LTs get two split-bench seats instead. An optional seven-passenger configuration for the LT puts two second-row bucket seats in place of the bench. With second- and third-row seats removed, the Astro offers 170 cubic feet of cargo space.

Under the Hood
A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter Vortec V-6 engine is the sole powertrain and is driven by a four-speed-automatic transmission that incorporates a Tow/Haul mode for transporting heavy loads. Chevrolet claims it’s the biggest V-6 in its class. The Astro passenger model can tow up to 5,500 pounds, while the cargo version is capable of pulling 5,900 pounds. Astros have a 1,764-pound payload rating.

Optional all-wheel drive normally sends full power to the back wheels. In case of slippage, the system begins to deliver power to the front wheels until the Astro is able to regain traction. Side-impact airbags are not available, but four-wheel antilock brakes are standard.

Driving Impressions
In both size and the overall driving feel, the Astro and its Safari companion are more like scaled-down Express vans than enlarged Venture minivans. Despite refinements and a load of comfort and convenience features, rear-wheel drive inevitably produces more of a trucklike sensation than you’d experience in a front-drive Venture or any of its rivals. For ample hauling capacity and a spacious cargo hold, the Astro can be a useful compromise. But for everyday driving, most people would be more comfortable with a conventional minivan.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

3.9 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.2
Value 4.0
Exterior 3.5
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • My Chevy Astro's

    I'v owned two Chevy Azstro's a 2004 and a 2000 I use them for my carrier business. The Chevy Astro has been the most reliable van I've ever owned
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car

    I didn't love this car at first, but it grew on me. Lots of room. Minimal repairs. Never broken down. No transmission problems. AWD was great in the snow. Great car for passengers or cargo.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Work Horse

    I sold my 1993 Astro with 125,000 miles on it. Most were highway while towing a boat. I bought a used 2001 with 88,000 miles. What a work horse. It's just as comfortable and quiet as my Cadillac. The torque while towing is amazing. Sure its had a few minor issues like dashboard switch illumination and rocker panel rust, but it has proven a very reliable vehicle. I love the height in which you are seated. It gives a better view of things around you. I will buy a 3rd when this one is burned out.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Chevy should have killed the Astro earlier

    This is the 2nd Astro van owned by my family. The first was a 1999, and it was trouble free. Unfortunately, it got totaled when someone turned left in front of my wife. We replaced it with a 2001, and it has been nothing but trouble. Leaky roof, brake lights that don't work (2-3 times repaired before the recall), driver's door window motor out 3 times, distributor cap failure, front end alignment problems, brake problems, and now the rear view mirror falls off. All in less than 30,000 miles. Incidentially, when the mirror on a 2001 Astro falls off, the design has been changed. Now, you can't just back out a set screw, there's a spring clip that holds the mirror in place. When I tried to pop it back on, I wound up with a cracked windshield. This van is a piece of junk. I wonder what will go wrong with it next.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro?

The 2001 Chevrolet Astro is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • YF7 Upfitter (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Chevrolet Astro?

The 2001 Chevrolet Astro offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2001 Chevrolet Astro reliable?

The 2001 Chevrolet Astro has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Chevrolet Astro owners.

Is the 2001 Chevrolet Astro a good Cargo Van?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro. 75.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.9 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.0
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 3.5
  • Reliability: 3.8
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