Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet’s full-size Express is available as a passenger or cargo van with rear-wheel drive in 1500, 2500 and 3500 duty levels. The Express competes with other full-size vans, including the Ford E-Series and Dodge Sprinter. The GMC Savana is closely related to the Express.
New for 2009
There are no significant changes to the Express.
Exterior
Express vans are built on a separate box frame. Overall height and length of the Express and its competitors vary among different models, with variables like longer wheelbases and extended roofs. All versions of the Express are 79.4 inches wide; that’s about the same as the Ford E-Series, but the Dodge Sprinter is about half an inch wider. Half-ton Express models get standard 17-inch wheels. Standard flat and convex exterior mirrors on each side provide a wider field of vision.
- 1500 versions come on a regular-length wheelbase (135 inches)
- 2500 and 3500 also available in extended-wheelbase form (155 inches)
- 1500 is 224 inches long; 2500 and 3500 are 244 inches long
- Each van is at least 81.6 inches tall
Interior
A driver information center in the instrument cluster displays instructions for maintenance and warnings when the vehicle’s transmission is overheating, or if a situation such as a theft attempt has taken place. A fuel-operated heater is available on vans with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine to quickly heat the interior in cold weather. The system features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu of heating energy.
- Seating for two in cargo vans
- Seating for eight, 12, or 15 in passenger vans
- 60/40-split left-side entry/load door available on regular-length models
Under the Hood
Five available engines range from a 4.3-liter V-6 to a turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8. All engines have air-filter and oil-life monitors and are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a Tow/Haul mode. The 6.0-liter V-8 has a fast-idle option that makes it easier to run accessories while the vehicle is idling. Vans equipped with the turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 have a standard 3.73 axle ratio and an optional locking rear limited-slip differential.
Properly equipped, the Express can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The heavy-duty G-3500 is available for RV and commercial cutaway applications; it has an even longer wheelbase and a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 14,200 pounds. The 1500 has a GVWR of up to 7,300 pounds; it’s 8,600 pounds for the 2500 and 9,600 pounds for the 3500.
- 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with 260 pounds-feet of torque
- 279-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with 294 pounds-feet of torque
- 301-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 325 pounds-feet of torque
- 323-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 373 pounds-feet of torque
- 250-hp, turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 with 460 pounds-feet of torque
Safety
Standard in all passenger vans and available in cargo models are side curtain airbags. Passenger models come with electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Other standard safety features for all models include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Lap/shoulder belts for all center seats
