2008 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Review

The Express is a cargo van that debuted in 1996. It was refreshed in 2003 with all-wheel drive and new styling. It’s the second best-selling full-size van in America, behind the Ford E-Series.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Chevrolet Express Cargo Van is a roomy workhorse. With powerful engine options to choose from, this primarily functional vehicle provides good value for the money. It may not be equipped with all the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done.

What’s New For 2008:

Tire-pressure monitoring is now standard. The interior has been improved with a new steering wheel, new controls, and better materials. It comes in 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton styles, as well as extended wheelbase versions.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Express 4 stars for dependability. Problems with the Express include: engine overheating, engine knock, hesitations, and vibrations. It’s been recalled 10 times since 2003 for improperly latching seatbelts, faulty power steering hoses, faulty transmission cables, and other issues. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles and drivers can expect below average reliability.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Express earned 5 stars in government frontal crash tests. IIHS scores are not available. Anti-lock brakes and tire-pressure monitoring come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Roomy
+ Available AWD
+ Powerful engines

Cons
- Sparse interior
- Low towing capacity
- Numerous recalls

Head-To-Head Competition:

The GMC Savana Cargo Van is virtually identical. The Ford E-Series Van 150 has a larger engine with 30 more hp and more towing capacity, but costs over a grand more. The Dodge Sprinter Van 2500 includes traction control, a CD player, and can tow more, but costs much more and has 40 less hp.

What Others Are Saying:

“The Express offers remarkable value for the money. It’s relatively cheap to buy, easy to configure for your specific needs, and has a good value history, factoring resale, maintenance, insurance, and repairs. (Fuel is another story.)” – Automobile Magazine

“If they adopt any more children, Brangelina may want to consider the 2007 Chevrolet Express, a cargo/passenger van that’s used mostly for fleet purposes, but can seat anywhere from eight to 15 people…The only real drawback is the expected poor gas mileage.” – CarGurus.com

“No matter what the mission, Chevrolet provides not just the platform, but the hardware to back it up. From its powerful engine lineup to its heavy-duty transmission oil cooler, the Express Van is designed to be a hard-working vehicle.” – Kelley Blue Book

Read more about the 2008 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.