The Express is a line of full-size vans from General Motors’ Chevrolet brand. The Express replaced the Chevrolet Van in 1996.
The vehicle spans a single generation, though it did receive a facelift for the 2003 model year and various changes and improvements thereafter.
Typically, the Express outsells its GMC-branded twin – the GMC Savana – by a ratio of 3 to 1.
First Generation
The Express was introduced for the 1996 model year and was manufactured until 2002 with fairly little changes.
2003 Model Year Update
The 2003 update to the Express delivered a revised front fascia. The rest of the body was left untouched.
In 2004 Stability Control (Stabilitrak) was added to all passenger vans and in 2008 the interior was updated and side impact roof airbags were made standard on all passenger van models. In 2006, the 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 LGH was added as an option.
The Express 1500 (1/2 ton, <8500 pounds GVWR) model was discontinued in June 2014 for the 2015 model year, making the 2015 Chevy Express only available as 2500 and 3500 models. According to sources, the Express 1500 was discontinued due to low purchase figures and more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements. With the end of the Express 1500, certain features such as all wheel drive and driver’s side passengers doors were also discontinued.
In addition, the Chevrolet City Express compact cargo van – a rebadged Nissan NV200 – could be considered a replacement for the Express 1500. However, the City Express was discontinued in 2018.
