2005 CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER VAN NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Chevrolet Astro Passenger Van?
The big news for the 2005 Chevrolet Astro is a pair of new two-tone exterior colors: Black with Light Pewter and Black with Light Autumnwood. In addition, LT models get extra vinyl on the seatbacks. Otherwise, nothing changes on the 2005 Chevrolet Astro.

Advantages of the 2005 Chevrolet Astro Passenger Van:

• Sturdy body-on-frame design for towing and hauling
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Low price

Objections to the 2005 Chevrolet Astro Passenger Van:

• Uncomfortable driving position
• Inexpensive interior trimmings
• Design and engineering date to the mid-1980s
• Poor resale value
• Mediocre crash-test results

Editor's Advice:
Chevrolet has been selling the Astro, with few updates, since 1985. This model has never been redesigned, so it's not surprising that occupant comfort and safety lag more modern small vans. But Chevrolet's Astro continues to sell strongly enough for General Motors to continually postpone the van's death. Why? It, along with the nearly identical GMC Safari, is the only small, body-on-frame van on the market. Combined with a size more manageable than full-size vans, this construction makes the Chevrolet Astro compelling for serious towing and hauling duties. And with its available all-wheel-drive system, propelled by a proven 4.3-liter V6 engine, the Astro is a reliable, foul-weather vehicle. For some families, there is no alternative to the 2005 Chevrolet Astro. For most, however, there is.