1 of 2 - 12/29/99 Review

Valley Center, CA  Chevy Astro 1998 Auto, cd, cassette, power A/C

The Chevy Astro is more truck-like than other minivans. It is upright and boxy. However, it does have lots of useful space. Moreover, it is one of the few minivans with the AWD option. Yet, there are some things to be careful about. FS has put 45,000 miles on his van and has already had rather bothersome problems. He said he had to replace the "rear end" at 40,000 miles. He then had to replace the seals for the side pop-out windows. Next, interior plastic pieces have started to need to be replaced. The paint has failed on the roof rack. He has also replaced the rear hatch seal and pneumatic "shocks" which hold the window open. On the other hand, in the survey it is clear the Astro does things well. For instance, FS is pleased with the extra space he has. The van generally rides quietly. Power is adequate for passing and climbing hills. However, FS indicated the van has serious drawbacks. City handling is subpar (although highway handling is good.) The van's ride is also poor. Interior wear and fit and finish have been below average. When it is all said and done FS cannot recommend this van.

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  2 of 2 - 1/13/2000 Review

Modesto, CA  Chevy Astro 1998 - 24,047 miles Fully loaded, Vortec V6, rear wheel drive

Owner's Comments:

" I hate the van!! I bought this van because of all the advertisement on television...Like a rock! ya right. This Chevy Astro van has given me nothing, but a rock in my side. I purchased this van new in March of 1998, one week later GM sent out a recall on the ignition coil wire. 15 days later the van had its first break down. This van has been in the shop 12 times for loud front-end popping, binding up, 10 times for electric driver side window binding, 5 times for front-end wandering and play in the steering wheel. [The van has been in the shop] 7 times for SCPI poppet valve sticking causing the van to run on 5 cylinders, rough idle, misfire, and hard start. [The van has had problems with] the rear main seal leaking, extension housing leaking, transmission seal leaking, factory alarm going off and unable to disarm. The van has been in the shop 5 times for rear A/C was defective when purchased tube collapsed. The roof rack was not installed at the factory correctly. Me and my children in the middle of of a lane with oncoming traffic.

I am waiting to hear my arbitration results from BBB Auto Line.

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