2006 Chevy Express Cargo Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　The Chevrolet Express cargo van heads into 2006 with a new 6.6-liter diesel V8 engine option. Otherwise, the van is unchanged save for the AM/FM sound system now being optional instead of standard.

　　

zzdcar says

　　Powerful engines and some unique features make the Express (and its twin, the GMC Savana) pretty much the only game in town if you're looking for a full-size van that doesn't look and drive like it was designed two decades ago.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet Express Cargo 1500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$241/mo  for Express Cargo 1500

　　Express Cargo 1500

　　1500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,645 MSRP1500 3dr Van AWD (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $26,510 MSRP2500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $22,405 MSRP2500 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $23,375 MSRP3500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,024 MSRP3500 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,929 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Introduced in 1965, Chevrolet's full-size cargo van has since undergone only one complete redesign. Constant improvements throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s kept it somewhat up to date, but not until a full redesign in 1995 did the Express become a legitimately modern vehicle. A new exterior look, new engines, extended-length body styles and improved ergonomics made the Express hard to overlook when compared with the aging Econoline from Ford. The latest version incorporates features like four-wheel antilock disc brakes and powerful V8 engines that make the Express safer and more capable than ever before.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　The standard engine on two-wheel-drive 1500 models is a 4.3-liter V6 rated at 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.3-liter V8, with 295 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, is standard on AWD 1500 and optional on two-wheel-drive 1500-series vans. Heavy-duty 2500 models come standard with a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 rated at 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque is standard on the 3500 and optional on the 2500. Also available on 2500 and 3500 series vans for 2006 is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 with 250 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All 1500s use a four-speed automatic transmission, while 2500 and 3500 series vans get a heavy-duty automatic. Trailer capacities range from 5,900 to a stout 10,000 pounds, depending on the model.

　　

Safety

　　Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all models. Light-duty models (GVWR less than 8,600 pounds) feature a front-passenger sensing system that will deactivate the front airbag if it senses a small adult or child sitting up front. Heavy-duty models use a manual airbag deactivation switch for the front passenger.

　　

Driving

　　A reinforced frame, larger stabilizer bars, rack and pinion steering (half-ton models only) and an upgraded brake system give the Express a leg up on the Ford Econoline when it comes to ride and handling. Although the Express is still far from nimble, its modern running gear makes day-to-day driving a much more enjoyable experience. The brakes require less effort than those of the Econoline, and the powerful engines really make a difference when it comes to merging and passing.

　　

Interior

　　The interior is built for functionality and not much else. The controls are simple to use and well within reach of the driver. Available 60/40-split driver-side access doors make it easier for the whole crew to get in and out of the van.

　　

2006 Chevrolet Express Cargo models

　　The standard wheelbase (135-inch) Express comes in half-ton (1500), three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton (3500) configurations, while the extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) requires either three-quarter-ton or one-ton running gear. The one and only trim level comes standard with air conditioning and a theft-deterrent system. The option choices include typical items like a rear air conditioner and heater, power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and a CD stereo. Also included on the options list is a host of job-specific cargo configurations, as well as swing-out access doors.

　　

2006 Express Cargo Highlights

Trim: 1500250035001500

　　

Base MSRP	$21,645
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$241/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	267.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles