Enthusiast Group Wants To Bring The Chevrolet Astro Van Back
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There are some vehicle segments where advancement and innovation are key to selling cars – like the premium mid-size or full-size SUV segments, for example. But when it comes to vans, simplicity is paramount. Most van owners, whether they plan on using their vehicle to haul their family or their tools, like the vehicle for its practicality and aren’t overly concerned with having the latest gadgets or features. This is evidenced by the fact that General Motors has left the Chevrolet Express and GMC Safari vans virtually unchanged for years now and it remains a strong seller. It’s even true for family minivans – Fiat Chrysler is still selling the old Dodge Grand Caravan as a cheaper, more straightforward alternative to the fancier Chrysler Pacifica, and the vehicle has no trouble finding buyers.
We recently stumbled across a community of Chevrolet Astro van enthusiasts who love the vehicle for its spaciousness, practicality and reliability and want to see GM revive the model. The community appears to be related to the “overlanding” community, which is essentially off-road car camping and is a hobby that has taken off in popularity in recent years. It’s easy to see why these folks like the Astro van, then. Not only is it practical, reliable and easy to work on, its body-on-frame design and available all-wheel drive make it decent off-road, too. They even put together a retro-inspired video on the Astro and set up Change.org petition to try and convince GM to revive the van. There’s also a website dedicated to the cause, www.bringbacktheastro.com.
“In 1985, you provided a macro-response to the minivan,” the website says, addressing GM directly. “With 182 cubic feet of cabin space, the do-everything Astro van can carry enough groceries to outlast winter. And if your local supermarket happened to be on top of a mountain peak, the all-wheel-drive workhorse could climb that rocky road.”
“Two glorious decades and 3.2 million Astro vans followed before the last one rolled off the line at Baltimore Assembly in 2005,” the site also says. “The van you no longer sell continues to respond to the times. Fifteen years later, a growing community continues to recognize and discover what an Astro can do on the terrain of road and the ride of life.”
If the Astro also occupies a unique place in your heart and you think a new one would be worth buying, be sure to sign the Change.org petition at this link.
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Agree with the need to bring one back with equal quality and capabilities.
Absolutely! I’d buy one in a heartbeat…
…if….all-wheel-dtive option, 5K+ pound towing capacity, dual sliding doors. Nothing on the market like it.
I want the van back too.
I spotted a mistake in your article. You said that the Chevy Express and GMC Safari vans are still strong sellers. The GMC Safari was actually the Astros counterpart. What you actually meant to say was the GMC Savana.
I had one. Purchased in 1997 and I used it for 20 years! Sold it and still see it on the road occasionally.
YES !!! I have had 2 of them and put over 250,000 miles on each. One regular 1986 and then an AWD 1990 model. I am always looking for a decent used one and people just do not get rid of them until they are “worn out.”
I would be one of the first in line if they would bring out a new version. Great for hauling all kinds of things and good towing capability. I even used to take out all the middle seats and take it camping. It actually made a decent camper!!
If anyone at GM reads this – please consider bringing back the Astro / Safari vans……. Thank you.
if it is electric that is the only way it will see production in todays world. what ever happened to cng
I have a 2004 Astro for 11 years with 500,000 miles with 4.3 liters engine..only requires regular maintenance ..never have problems with motor or transmission..
I’m a painter contractor is this is my BABY!..
This is a warrior or a tank! Never let me down! I can carry almost everything.. I will buy one if they make another one just with same engine !
The most purposeful and practical van/suv/truck GM made in the last 25 years, period!
I love !! My gmc safari. It’s the best vehicle. I am 33 and, van life as well as just everyday people enjoying time in my van, they are coming around again. I would love an AWD safari, but a NEW one! Would be even more amazing…. I can see it now.