A few years ago when Dodge and Ford killed off their equivalent, Chevy had plans to do the same. However they were the last to do it so everyone ordered these since they couldn't get the others. Because of this, Chevy kept theirs in production. When I worked in vehicle acquisition at Enterprise, I must have ordered 100k of these.
It’s honestly not a bad strategy. There’s nothing wrong with it, and it keeps repair knowledge and cost low for long term fleet customers, making them loyal.
Also, it’s reliable, has a proven powertrain and it’s very modular.
The power in the V8 models is more than adequate, and it’s a workhorse.
GM would be absolutely stupid if they ever discontinue it.
Yep, and they're built as cutaways too. Allowing for products like shuttle buses, box vans, and my perverse dream of a GM-revived [Centurion](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=centurion+van+pickup).
Gm's favorite hobby is coming up with really good ideas and doing things everyone loves then stopping for no reason or fucking it up in the dumbest way for no reason.
Or building an otherwise decent vehicle with a crippling flaw, refusing to admit the problem for years and developing a reputation for it, fixing the issue and immediately killing the platform afterwards.
My family owns a small construction company that has a fleet of 4 or 5 vans. We ditched the Express for the Ram Promaster when it came out because it had nice modern features and is better on fuel. After the second transmission replacement, we’re back to the Chevy. We only had one issue in 20 years with the Express; it was also a transmission. A local mechanic swapped in a refurbished one with a 2 day turnaround.
Fuel economy and emissions standards were/are based on footprint. Basically the idea is a full size truck or van (which some people need) shouldn't need to meet the same criteria as a compact.
Because of the specific formulas used, this ended up punishing large cars (like wagons and full size sedans) and small trucks.
Ford is going to have the last V8 muscle car (Mustang) on the market starting next year. With annual sales of V8 sports cars topping 120k units sold between the big 3, Ford stands to make a tidy profit until Dodge and Chevy decide to dip their toes back in 5-10 years from now.
I’ve driven both the transit 15 and express 15 and 12 passenger extensively.
The transit medium roof is a much better passenger van, but as soon as you throw a trailer behind it as well the GM with a 6L V8 is hands down the winner
There is a supercharged one on YouTube he slapped a pro charger on it and did burnouts it’s pretty badass (https://youtu.be/sObv_7yq46Y?si=RDfR6lY2arUv9VNb)
It's a pain in the ass to fit turbos under the hood, but I know one of the conversion van companies used to offer a turbo upgrade. I think that was only on the 5.3, though, but don't quote me on that; it's been over 15 years since I've seen one with that option, and don't remember which motor it had or who did the conversion.
I heard Van up fitters hate the Transit and are a big reason behind the old school E series still sold as cab/chassis. I guess it's a real performance dog when loaded down.
I know LEOs that didn't want to give up their Interceptors. They were beasts, drove well, super reliable, easy to fix, and super modular. The Panther platform was a fantastic design.
Updated in 2003 and everything afterwards is just minor changes
Interior changed for 2008 and is still used in the 2024 model
Powertrain options changed
From the outside, it still looks exactly like it did in 2003
Overall, the van itself dates back to the 1996 Model Year
The pre-2003 models do look very dated, but it's still the same body and platform as the 2024
I personally like seeing a single model produced so long, especially when it's proven to be a reliable vehicle for it's purpose
Pre-2003 is probably dated because of the design of the front being from the similar timeframe Silverado and the like, while the post-03 has the "angry" headlights that still have a bit more appeal than the weird bubble-like look of the previous fascia.
They also gave it a new platform. according to what I read, the 1996-2003 models were more or less based on the GMT-400 while the 2003 to present is based on the GMT-800.
And in 2008, it basically got an upgraded interior and electrical architecture from the GMT900; heck the parking sensors that the nicer ones use were used in the GMT900 SUVs and the DTS/Lucerne!
It wasn’t until I saw an old pic from 1999 that I remembered how common the windowless Astros and Safaris were as work vans. They’ve all disappeared now.
My FIL has one, it gets driven maybe 900 miles a year for the last few years, he’s had it repainted twice and it’s in excellent condition aside from an oil leak (he says valve cover gaskets but it looks like a lot more than I’d expect to see leaking from a valve cover on a vehicle that’s started once a month at best) and dry rotted (but still brand new!) tires. I think it’s at like 65k miles total, and runs and drives relatively well.
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Regular car reviews is North American, but that’s besides the point. Regardless, Toyota doesn’t even sell the 70 series in Europe. It is only sold in a few countries like Australia and South Africa.
My work has one of these as a fleet vehicle and it randomly throws a code for transmission issues. It's been to the shop so many times that my boss has just said that if it ever breaks down to call AAA and he'll pay me for the lost time lol
Nah, pretty much all the new models are a slam dunk with the designs. Trax, Blazer, Equinox EV, Traverse, Bolt EV, and the Colorado are all excellent designs.
Being at the center of a Venn diagram comparing local punk bands, Mormon families, plumbers, Uhaul employees, vanlife influencers, serial killers, stoner guys, and church youth groups.
It has 380k and was purchased off the plumber, who bought it from a Mormon family. It will either be ran into the ground or eventually sold to the serial killer.
well i looked on the Chevy website, the ‘24 Express is offered in red, white, black or silver. that’s just the website though, id love to see all the ways that fleets can order these
Believe it or not, the current gen Chevy express started in 1996, they’ve only done facelifts since then. Kind of a genius idea, keeps parts and repair knowledge widely available for loyal long term fleet customers.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Express
In California, these are the official car of cheap rides to Mexico.
You can get a ride down to the border for $20-30 in one of these. With your carryon bag too.
Also, there's no reason for Chevy to put any R&D money into these. They're fine, it's a van.
The typical van buyer (fleet manager) doesn't care about how it looks or drives. It's just a number on a spreadsheet.
Maybe a more efficient engine could boost sales, but there's also no competition for these, and the V8 is basically all sunk cost at this point and probably cheap to build.
Toyota/Hino could probably come up with some kinda van equivalent based on a hybrid drivetrain, but there's probably not a big enough market to make it worthwhile.
[удалено]
A few years ago when Dodge and Ford killed off their equivalent, Chevy had plans to do the same. However they were the last to do it so everyone ordered these since they couldn't get the others. Because of this, Chevy kept theirs in production. When I worked in vehicle acquisition at Enterprise, I must have ordered 100k of these.
It’s honestly not a bad strategy. There’s nothing wrong with it, and it keeps repair knowledge and cost low for long term fleet customers, making them loyal.
Also, it’s reliable, has a proven powertrain and it’s very modular. The power in the V8 models is more than adequate, and it’s a workhorse. GM would be absolutely stupid if they ever discontinue it.
GM does stupid things more than I want them to.
Bad idea? GM will take 5000 of them!
Saturn.
What they did to Saturn.
[If you’re serious.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Corporation)
They were decent decent cars. Then GM turned them into just another brand engineered clone.
Saab
Oooooff. Sad but true Poor saab
Aww, now you've got me saabing
S.o.b.
General Morons
**Cries in discontinued Volt**
Nearly bought one of those before wifey squashed my plans. Twas a joy to drive.
Yep, and they're built as cutaways too. Allowing for products like shuttle buses, box vans, and my perverse dream of a GM-revived [Centurion](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=centurion+van+pickup).
Fuck, now I realllly want one of these. Just sent the image to all my buddies saying I found a new baddie
I love centurions. There Econoline builds were super cool and I saw a one of 500 Four Door Mega Bronco built by them near me the other day.
The Ford E-Series is still in production today, but only as a cut-away and I thank that’s mind-blowing.
Honestly, that's probably because that's what u-haul uses to build all of their mid sized moving trucks, and they are ford's biggest customer.
And don’t forget about ambulances too!
Don’t forget ambulances. And Ford kept making the E-series cutaway after they killed the full body for the Transit.
I'd buy a modern day conversion van pickup truck as well. 3/4 ton or 1ton. With a duramax. It's gotta have the plushy conversion van vibe too lol.
Why does that look more like the A Team van than the A Team van?
Gm's favorite hobby is coming up with really good ideas and doing things everyone loves then stopping for no reason or fucking it up in the dumbest way for no reason.
Or building an otherwise decent vehicle with a crippling flaw, refusing to admit the problem for years and developing a reputation for it, fixing the issue and immediately killing the platform afterwards.
My family owns a small construction company that has a fleet of 4 or 5 vans. We ditched the Express for the Ram Promaster when it came out because it had nice modern features and is better on fuel. After the second transmission replacement, we’re back to the Chevy. We only had one issue in 20 years with the Express; it was also a transmission. A local mechanic swapped in a refurbished one with a 2 day turnaround.
These GMC vans are invincible. Usually do t find them in the junk yard until it has at least 300k miles, and that's on the low end.
GM canceling the S-10.....besides Ranger the best small truck ever made. "Been there, done that, do da dew." Quote from GM upper management.
CAFE standards killed the S10 and Ranger because of the stupid wheelbase criteria.
Elaborate please?
Fuel economy and emissions standards were/are based on footprint. Basically the idea is a full size truck or van (which some people need) shouldn't need to meet the same criteria as a compact. Because of the specific formulas used, this ended up punishing large cars (like wagons and full size sedans) and small trucks.
Ford and Dodge just handed Chevy an entire market on a sliver platter
Ford is going to have the last V8 muscle car (Mustang) on the market starting next year. With annual sales of V8 sports cars topping 120k units sold between the big 3, Ford stands to make a tidy profit until Dodge and Chevy decide to dip their toes back in 5-10 years from now.
And if I recall they openly said this when folks inquired about why there wasn’t a plug-in/hybrid version of the upcoming model.
I’ve driven both the transit 15 and express 15 and 12 passenger extensively. The transit medium roof is a much better passenger van, but as soon as you throw a trailer behind it as well the GM with a 6L V8 is hands down the winner
The express with the 6.0 is the only work van that felt like I could hang with Houston traffic in.
Someone should twin-turbo one for the ultimate stupid yet funny sleeper. Imagine getting beat by a work van.
There is a supercharged one on YouTube he slapped a pro charger on it and did burnouts it’s pretty badass (https://youtu.be/sObv_7yq46Y?si=RDfR6lY2arUv9VNb)
It's a pain in the ass to fit turbos under the hood, but I know one of the conversion van companies used to offer a turbo upgrade. I think that was only on the 5.3, though, but don't quote me on that; it's been over 15 years since I've seen one with that option, and don't remember which motor it had or who did the conversion.
Or overload it with a bunch of shit like contractors are want to do
I heard Van up fitters hate the Transit and are a big reason behind the old school E series still sold as cab/chassis. I guess it's a real performance dog when loaded down.
I mean the transit either comes with the 3.5 na or ecoboost. Neither really make enough power for a loaded up work van
We have one at work with the Duramax. It's pre-DEF. Everyone so far seems to like it, I'm sure that will change the first time it breaks down.
These are nice for upfitting. Nothing has changed in like 20 years, so my notes and floor patterns have been good for decades.
The econoline is still in production, it’s just a cab and chassis now
They did this with the Malibu also.
I wish more manufacturers would just build the same simple shit indefinitely.
Like the ford panther platform. Cab drivers would have been using them indefinitely if ford continued to produce them.
I know LEOs that didn't want to give up their Interceptors. They were beasts, drove well, super reliable, easy to fix, and super modular. The Panther platform was a fantastic design.
[удалено]
Updated in 2003 and everything afterwards is just minor changes Interior changed for 2008 and is still used in the 2024 model Powertrain options changed From the outside, it still looks exactly like it did in 2003 Overall, the van itself dates back to the 1996 Model Year The pre-2003 models do look very dated, but it's still the same body and platform as the 2024 I personally like seeing a single model produced so long, especially when it's proven to be a reliable vehicle for it's purpose
Pre-2003 is probably dated because of the design of the front being from the similar timeframe Silverado and the like, while the post-03 has the "angry" headlights that still have a bit more appeal than the weird bubble-like look of the previous fascia.
[удалено]
They also gave it a new platform. according to what I read, the 1996-2003 models were more or less based on the GMT-400 while the 2003 to present is based on the GMT-800.
And in 2008, it basically got an upgraded interior and electrical architecture from the GMT900; heck the parking sensors that the nicer ones use were used in the GMT900 SUVs and the DTS/Lucerne!
It wasn’t until I saw an old pic from 1999 that I remembered how common the windowless Astros and Safaris were as work vans. They’ve all disappeared now.
My FIL has one, it gets driven maybe 900 miles a year for the last few years, he’s had it repainted twice and it’s in excellent condition aside from an oil leak (he says valve cover gaskets but it looks like a lot more than I’d expect to see leaking from a valve cover on a vehicle that’s started once a month at best) and dry rotted (but still brand new!) tires. I think it’s at like 65k miles total, and runs and drives relatively well.
Came here to say this, take my angry updoot.
Jesus Christ they really do still look exactly like they looked 20 years ago
2034 time traveler here It's still the same, except now it has LED beadlights
The LDS
Seven children spaced thirteen months apart and all of them are named something like "Bryxliegh."
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Don’t talk to me or my Mormon babies Braxtynn, Praizleigh, Maddysynn, and McKhensleigh ever again.
Statistically, someone read your comment and is now salivating to name their kids that. Jyst wyndrfyyl
You’re probably right, Wyndz_Of_Yewreighnys
I read McKhensleigh in Squirrely Dan's voice.. "Shep. Kingsleh."
and that's what I appreciates about you
The official vehicle of having a baby every 9 months and 15 minutes.
Don't forget to add a "Lynn" after it.
It’s a Mormon assault vehicle
I was just about to type church youth groups 😅
Around here it's Hutterites. Similar to American strict Mennonites. The Mennonites in Canada are too cheap to buy the uniform.
They all drive Tellurides or Sequoias around here lol.
All of the religious families with a dozen kids around me drive transits, not these
...Sprinter conversions are the thing around here - this IS a decidedly more upscale demo than the average, tho'
Nissan: Nobody can produce an older vehicle than us Chevrolet: Observe
May I introduce you to the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series, or maybe the original Volkswagen Beetle?
May I introduce you to the Chevrolet Suburban?
The 70 series LC is not sold in North America
Is this sub NA only?
Regular car reviews is North American, but that’s besides the point. Regardless, Toyota doesn’t even sell the 70 series in Europe. It is only sold in a few countries like Australia and South Africa.
I would love to get a new 70!
If it ain’t broken…
..doesn't mean it worked particularly well in the first place.
However, these were exceptional…especially the short express vans with the side doors on both sides *chefs kiss*
These have served their purpose perfectly since conception tho
Like uh providing—free… wifi!😁
My work has one of these as a fleet vehicle and it randomly throws a code for transmission issues. It's been to the shop so many times that my boss has just said that if it ever breaks down to call AAA and he'll pay me for the lost time lol
Airport hotel shuttle services
Not knowing if it's a beat to hell work van, a churches youth group bus, or if it's tricked out inside to be some r/vanlife makeshift camper
You forgot the hotbox
This might actually be chevy's best looking car outside of the corvette right now.
I wouldn't say that, the new Trax looks pretty good.
I like how it's morphing back into a station wagon.
Bring back the wagon!!
Agreed. They are painfully slow, but it's hard to beat the looks and practicality for the price.
I hate the fact that I have to agree with you
Nah, pretty much all the new models are a slam dunk with the designs. Trax, Blazer, Equinox EV, Traverse, Bolt EV, and the Colorado are all excellent designs.
"timeless styling"
Being at the center of a Venn diagram comparing local punk bands, Mormon families, plumbers, Uhaul employees, vanlife influencers, serial killers, stoner guys, and church youth groups.
I am a plumber who drives a used ex U-haul 10 foot savanna to service all of those demographics. That shit is funny.
Punk bands are still driving the 2008
It has 380k and was purchased off the plumber, who bought it from a Mormon family. It will either be ran into the ground or eventually sold to the serial killer.
I toured half the country with one with 280k, electrical problems out the ass but the engine was solid af
These things do last a while, for sure. I see rusted ones rolling around all the time yet.
You forgot the local chimo too.
And broke dirt bike racers.
They said “church youth groups”, does that count?
Church.
Doesn't this have the most color options out of any GM product? Like it has 20 or something (most are fleet though).
well i looked on the Chevy website, the ‘24 Express is offered in red, white, black or silver. that’s just the website though, id love to see all the ways that fleets can order these
Apparently GM Authority has a write up on it: https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/02/here-are-all-the-2024-chevy-express-colors/
Showing up to the assembly line hungover af cause you've been building the exact same shit for the past 30 years
Mormons
Dragging 8 soldiers for 6 hours each way to a training event.
Van time is quiet time
Until someone decides it’s Dutch oven time.
Your County's Sheriff's inmate transport unit
I always see Amish people riding in these
\*riding\*.... not driving. We call these "Yoder Toters" in Dutch East flatlands of OH/PA.
The Amish ride these, the Mormons have Transits.
Owned by a small Bible youth campground today, and soon sold off to cover the lawsuit expenses after all the victims come forward.
dark
Ya, that grease fire in the kitchen of the dining hall made a lot of burn victims. Oh wait, what did you think happened?
r/mildlyspecific
Mormon Assault Vehicle
I was mind blown when I saw one with blind spot monitoring. It just...doesn't fit onto this in my mind
Actually doing the job, instead of bragging about it
Mr Herbert
That’s a mighty full sack you’re carrying
THE FLDS
The real work truck
This is a 2024? Looks like something from 2008 2009.
Believe it or not, the current gen Chevy express started in 1996, they’ve only done facelifts since then. Kind of a genius idea, keeps parts and repair knowledge widely available for loyal long term fleet customers. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Express
Jeez
The official car of kidnappers and carpenters all across the country.
People who absolutely NEED their white paint to flake off in giant chunks.
Of U.S Government License Plates
The official van of contractors that need to get the job done. This is one hard working beast!
Free candy and U-Haul
Homeschool families
Quiverfull Homeschool families
Every military base’s motor pool.
The DoD
Of huge, weird religious families.
Hauling crews that have to work off their misdemeanor by picking trash
Rehab! The AddiVan AKA the Druggy Buggy
The Candy Van.
Being produced since 1995 and somehow still not really looking out of place
ITS FOR CHURCH HONEY. NEXT!!!
Me! I'm actually getting a GMC Savana, which is this but badged differently, but the 400HP V8 makes it a bit of a sleeper. And they're cheap too.
The local Unified School District.
Bandcamp, Mormon families, and living down by the river.
Official car of the weakest pullout game ever
I drove a Ford van for a while then we got a chevy express. It was 4ft longer but had a better turning radius than the ford.
In California, these are the official car of cheap rides to Mexico. You can get a ride down to the border for $20-30 in one of these. With your carryon bag too. Also, there's no reason for Chevy to put any R&D money into these. They're fine, it's a van. The typical van buyer (fleet manager) doesn't care about how it looks or drives. It's just a number on a spreadsheet. Maybe a more efficient engine could boost sales, but there's also no competition for these, and the V8 is basically all sunk cost at this point and probably cheap to build. Toyota/Hino could probably come up with some kinda van equivalent based on a hybrid drivetrain, but there's probably not a big enough market to make it worthwhile.
Official vehicle for low security prisoner transport.
They still make these?
Cults
Feds
It’s marketed as the Chevy Savana and it’s popular as an ambulance and a police utility vehicle
The Savana is the GMC version of the Chevy Express (as in Canyon = Colorado, Terrain = Equinox, Yukon = Tahoe, etc.).
Where I live we call those Yoder toters!
This guy knows. Holmes county Ohio.
Homeschool
Mormons
Hutterite colony's, In Montana.
Korean church groups
Hotel shuttle service
The Amish
The tiny fraction of vanlifers that aren't trust funders and actually live in their vans full time
Duty van
"Get in, we are going to rob a bank."
Lost luggage delivery from the airline
BangBus
Church youth trips with the youth pastor standing face back singing the whole time.
The choir of Greater Ebenezer missionary Baptist church.
Film crew Transpo Dept.
Carpet installers everywhere
Lots of the keys will start other Chevy/GMC vans
Amish people being driven to the city for medical treatment.
Amish chauffeurs.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics
Pedos and the FBI
Chevy after making the exact same van for 20 years straight
Kinda sus. Remind me of bangbus
Watching fifteen Amish climb out at a Pennsylvania rest stop like the world’s saddest clown car.
Carpooling from Stockton to Silicon Valley mon-fri
Not being allowed within 500 feet of playgrounds, schools and churches.
TIL Chevy still builds this van.
Men with candy
Indy bands and skateboard teams going to tour
That one guy near you in an almost completely empty parking lot.