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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The GMC Savana is closely related to the Express.
New for 2011
There is a new 3500 passenger van with a Duramax turbo-diesel engine, and GM’s electronic stability system, StabiliTrak, is now standard on all cargo and passenger vans. A dealer-installed Wi-Fi internet option is available.
Exterior
Overall height and length of the Express and its competitors vary among different models, with variables like longer wheelbases and extended roofs. 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)
Interior
A driver information center in the instrument cluster displays instructions for maintenance and warnings, such as when the vehicle’s transmission is overheating or if a theft attempt has taken place. A fuel-operated heater is available on vans with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine to heat the interior quickly in cold weather. The system features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater that uses diesel fuel to generate heat. There is also the option of a dealer-installed Wi-Fi internet hotspot.
- 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. 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.
For 2011, there is a new 3500 passenger van with a 260-horsepower, 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine. Mechanical features include:
- 195-hp, 4.3-liter V-6 with 260 pounds-feet of torque
- 280-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with 296 pounds-feet of torque
- 310-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 334 pounds-feet of torque
- 323-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 373 pounds-feet of torque
- 260-hp, turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 with 460 pounds-feet of torque
Safety
For 2011, all Express cargo and passenger vans get a standard electronic stability system called StabiliTrak. Side curtain airbags are standard in all passenger vans and available in cargo models. Other standard safety features for all models include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Lap/shoulder belts for all center seats
