I am the proud and happy owner of a 2005 Chevrolet Astro L S passenger all wheel drive with about 250,000 miles. As far as I know, it is all original. Original engine and transmission and everything. The 03 to 05 was the best😊
The 4.3s are a really good engines,as long as the coolant is changed and the intake is tightened as routine service as well as oil changes with filter and the transmissions seem to hold up well if taken care of.overall a pretty decent little van
@@lawnmowerdude it was a school van before I purchased it. Service record show that was done at around 217,000 miles or so. I am currently at just under 246,000.
I have an ‘04 with 212,k mikes now and counting and I drove it to Philadelphia to visits some friends and I urban camped in it for a few days. It was quite a scene
I used to have an Astro with the Vortec V6. Thing made it to 310,000 miles before I sold it, only ever did basic maintenance. Before I moved I would still see it being driven around by the new owner from time to time. Was an amazing machine.
I've had a Safari passenger model and currently have a Safari cargo version. AWD and anti-lock brakes. The boxy design is what makes them perfect for cargo , boxes or bicycles.
Drove an awd one from the late 90s often for work, to pick up customers and drive people around and the 4WD was awesome in them, they went everywhere in all weather. 18 inches of snow was barely a problem even on some pretty steep grades, and the rear bias made them fun to powerslide when it was slippery out.
I owned an '87 Chevy Astro (2.5 4 cyl.) cargo van and a '90 G.M.C. Safari Waldoch conversion in '09! They were both "okay", but the MoPars were MUCH BETTER in EVERY CATAGORY!
Literally LIVED in a one of these for 2-3yrs. It was a 1980s era class-B+ allegro camper conversion with the V6. Thing ran strong with zero issues. Uncle had a standard van version. Basically, the S-10 of mini-vans. Good times and shame theres nothing on the market like it today.
I had a 2001 Astro hi top conversion that I bought in 2014 with 125k. In 7 years I put 90k on it and the only thing the engine ever needed was a distributor cap but I gave it plugs and wires too. Of course I did an alternator, water pump, power steering but that's any vehicle. I think it was the most dependable vehicle I ever owned, and I'm a Ford van guy! My Astro still ran great when I sold it with 216k I kinda miss it
I saw the thumbnail and had to watch. We had the same color one as in thumbnail. I waked up at 4:30 every morning in high school and delivered newspapers by throwing them out the windows of the ASTRO. Such great memories with this awesome vehicle.
The Astro name was used the 80s production of the GM/Chevy heavy truck cabover division...the GMC Astro and Chevy Titan. They stopped production in 1987 and formed White/GMC
I currently got a 1990 Chevy Astro 4.3L V6 RWD Cargo with 290k and I love it, I lived in it and now I live with it. It's so juiced for just a Van. It's got some quirks but it still starts up and drives every time.
I have an ‘04 Astro for work. I paid $900 for it with 167,k. It was in great shape but had an electrical problem. I fixed that, put some wheels from a ‘22 GMC Sierra on it & it’s still a great van with over 220,k miles on it now.
Even as a kid I always thought they were the coolest vehicles. I was a teen in the early 2000's during the SUV boom, so to fit in I got a Grand Cherokee. I wish I would've gotten an Astro, probably would have had a lot fun with it.
I'd been looking for an Astro cargo van for a while, and almost bought one, if it hadn't been so roughed up on the inside. I still want an Astro though. Great vans.
My''94 has 123K on the cluck, where my '95 has 326K on the clock. both have a rebuilt tranny. Neither have e rebuilt motor. the 95 got a master gasket set installed last trans build. doesn't tick at all. I had a bunch while building a service business. Only one was destroyed because of a drunk driving it after hours into a tree. Parts are almost unobtanium for series one. Love these vans...
I always wanted a Astro Van because when you saw them lowered with actual nice wheels they looked so good I might have to buy one and fulfill that teenage me dream minivan
That's awesome! I've always loved Crager SS mags! I watched a show where some guys took a second gen Safari AWD like we had and turbo'd it as a what if like the Syclone and Typhoon.
It's amazing GM hasnt changed the look of those commercial vans in decades, they've made their money on those. The ASTRO was neat, nothing really like it these days.
Recently asked my sister to sell me her '95 with 285k miles. Nope, it still looks new sitting next to their 1986 Camino SS. Have to rewatch your vid, many details to learn.👍🏾
Great video. You forgot that the AstroO was HUGELY popular in japan and inspired a while segment of vehicles that even Kia started emulating like the Soul.
The transfer case / front differential of the AWD models has been known to withstand 800hp launching with drag radials. With only upgrades to the cv axles. Still a sought after setup for street racing
These astros are great damn vans, got a few right now myself, 2 2000s, and a 99. One of the 2000s is a teal awd, with a now blown motor, which thankfully, is easily swapable to a 5.3l v8. I also want rwd and Awd or 4x4, so thats being swapped out. Originally looked into doing similar to another van of mine, and it was going to be a lot of work, however, I was very happy to see that its very easy, and chevy literally makes all the parts. Most I may need is driveline. Engine literally falls out
The Astro and Safari were more so aimed at commercial buyers than at families. The M-Body platform that these vans was actually different from the Chevrolet S-10 platform
The bad news is even the S10 was basically bean counter cost reduced junk. So the M body was doomed to be even worse in most ways. These were mostly the dark years for GM.
'The Astro Van' was the nickname of the vehicles that drove the astronauts up to the launch complex once they were fully suited up. The Mercury thru Apollo astronauts were all given Corvettes as well , pretty sure that is also all part of the "astro ventilation " those cars and possible other GM vehicles had
Great vans and wrenched on them alot as a mechanic through their runs. The 4x were more wotk, but solid platforms. Unfortunately alot of buyers didnt understand what made them great was the truck inspired bones and complaints from soccer mom type buyers....
GM actually had a prototype for a minivan before Chrysler, called the Nomad II. If you look it up, it looked very similar to what Chrysler came out with. Another GM van fact is they had a trim package for their full size Chevy G vans called Caravan well before Dodge used that name.
These vans were tougher than a bucket of nails. Probably one of the best vehicles General Motors ever made.
I am the proud and happy owner of a 2005 Chevrolet Astro L S passenger all wheel drive with about 250,000 miles. As far as I know, it is all original. Original engine and transmission and everything. The 03 to 05 was the best😊
Have you changed the intake manifold gaskets yet?
The 4.3s are a really good engines,as long as the coolant is changed and the intake is tightened as routine service as well as oil changes with filter and the transmissions seem to hold up well if taken care of.overall a pretty decent little van
@@lawnmowerdude it was a school van before I purchased it. Service record show that was done at around 217,000 miles or so. I am currently at just under 246,000.
I have an ‘04 with 212,k mikes now and counting and I drove it to Philadelphia to visits some friends and I urban camped in it for a few days. It was quite a scene
The transfer case is actuallly worse than the earlier model other than that I agree
I had an 87 Safari. Took the seats out and went camping in it every weekend for years. Great vehicle.
They were okay!
I'm driving a 98 with over 200K miles on it. I bought it 10 years ago for $100! Best $100 I ever spent!
I believe this!
omg 100! Amazing! I been trying to get one for less than 3000 with less than 300k miles on it lol.
I worked at the Baltimore assembly plant making these in the early 1990s there was a whole lotta drinking going on to get these beauties manufactured
I used to have an Astro with the Vortec V6. Thing made it to 310,000 miles before I sold it, only ever did basic maintenance. Before I moved I would still see it being driven around by the new owner from time to time. Was an amazing machine.
I remember simple times when suvs were rare and mini vans were exactly how suvs are today. Cars, minivans, and wagons ❤
in those times, SUVs were just trucks with shorter beds that came with rear seats and a removable top
@@MrOiram46 most suvs I remember were 2 door mostly just like the trucks. Only a few super long suvs with the main one obviously being the suburban
Loved the sharp crease in the middle of the front fascia !
I've had a Safari passenger model and currently have a Safari cargo version. AWD and anti-lock brakes. The boxy design is what makes them perfect for cargo , boxes or bicycles.
I have a 1990 gmc safari absolutely love it best car ever my dad had a 1986 gmc safari
This is the most classic bangin' little Chevy van! I swoon when I see a well kept Astro.
Drove an awd one from the late 90s often for work, to pick up customers and drive people around and the 4WD was awesome in them, they went everywhere in all weather. 18 inches of snow was barely a problem even on some pretty steep grades, and the rear bias made them fun to powerslide when it was slippery out.
I owned an '87 Chevy Astro (2.5 4 cyl.) cargo van and a '90 G.M.C. Safari Waldoch conversion in '09! They were both "okay", but the MoPars were MUCH BETTER in EVERY CATAGORY!
Literally LIVED in a one of these for 2-3yrs. It was a 1980s era class-B+ allegro camper conversion with the V6. Thing ran strong with zero issues. Uncle had a standard van version. Basically, the S-10 of mini-vans. Good times and shame theres nothing on the market like it today.
I had a 2001 Astro hi top conversion that I bought in 2014 with 125k. In 7 years I put 90k on it and the only thing the engine ever needed was a distributor cap but I gave it plugs and wires too. Of course I did an alternator, water pump, power steering but that's any vehicle. I think it was the most dependable vehicle I ever owned, and I'm a Ford van guy! My Astro still ran great when I sold it with 216k I kinda miss it
I saw the thumbnail and had to watch. We had the same color one as in thumbnail. I waked up at 4:30 every morning in high school
and delivered newspapers by throwing them out the windows of the ASTRO.
Such great memories with this awesome vehicle.
To this day I'd LOVE an Astro/Safari AWD high top conversion!
The Astro name was used the 80s production of the GM/Chevy heavy truck cabover division...the GMC Astro and Chevy Titan. They stopped production in 1987 and formed White/GMC
Wow the memories....I remember being enthralled by that jingle as a little kid..."Chevy, CHEVY, Astro, ASTRO!"
I currently got a 1990 Chevy Astro 4.3L V6 RWD Cargo with 290k and I love it, I lived in it and now I live with it. It's so juiced for just a Van. It's got some quirks but it still starts up and drives every time.
Best mini van ever produced
Drove the Safari and the Astro, and they were awesome.
I have one of these and still love it
Since GM & Ford both left the minivan market in 2009, that left Chrsyler the only American automaker to offer a minivan
I think it's quite ironic that Chrysler introduced the minivan concept and when the chips fall they're the last(American) standing.
Was the Mazda MPV ever considered a domestic product?
Ford still has a minivan technically (Transit Connect)
And now it’s quite literally the only car in Chryslers line up, they are killing the 300 this year.
@@SayAhhNot when Mazda is a Japanese company.
We had an 89' Astro in Maroon then a 99' Astro in Green. Those were the days.
We still have our 2000 Astro awd that was bought in 2001. 320,000 miles and still going.
I was born in 1980, these were all I saw! Then worked on then drove. Great Video!
I wish they still made it, perfect work van
The Astro name was also used for one of GMCs Cabover Semi trucks.
I have an ‘04 Astro for work. I paid $900 for it with 167,k. It was in great shape but had an electrical problem. I fixed that, put some wheels from a ‘22 GMC Sierra on it & it’s still a great van with over 220,k miles on it now.
Even as a kid I always thought they were the coolest vehicles. I was a teen in the early 2000's during the SUV boom, so to fit in I got a Grand Cherokee. I wish I would've gotten an Astro, probably would have had a lot fun with it.
Man I was getting mad nostalgic for these lately, the epitome of 2000s family transport in Santa Ana
I'd been looking for an Astro cargo van for a while, and almost bought one, if it hadn't been so roughed up on the inside. I still want an Astro though. Great vans.
I have an 02 I'll sell you.
These were TUFF!
Yeah, I always liked the Astro!
For a future Video: Dodge B Series / Ram Van!
Yeah, I've got a 1980 Dodge B300 MaxiVan!
They're still so popular the prices are higher than any other older minivan
I still see Chevy astros driving around as work vans
I just bought one $500 run amazing 140,000
The most manly minivan built!
I wanted an Astro van bad in the mid 90s. Another great video!
We rented an Astro for a mother's day roadtrip. I recall it was a very nice vehicle.
My''94 has 123K on the cluck, where my '95 has 326K on the clock. both have a rebuilt tranny. Neither have e rebuilt motor. the 95 got a master gasket set installed last trans build. doesn't tick at all. I had a bunch while building a service business. Only one was destroyed because of a drunk driving it after hours into a tree. Parts are almost unobtanium for series one. Love these vans...
The chevy Corvair Greenbrier deseves a shoutout as it pre-dated the Astro by 20 years to compete with the vw bus!
I always wanted a Astro Van because when you saw them lowered with actual nice wheels they looked so good I might have to buy one and fulfill that teenage me dream minivan
These vans are among the most reliable vehicles ever made . They still popular on the road after so many years .
I have a 97 Astro.
206k miles. Runs and drives fine. About 21mpg.
Former Astro owner here.
The V8 swap greatly improved this vehicle’s shortcomings.
5.3 or?
@@nicklikesradio
5.7 vortec.
This was three years before LS variants.
I would love to have another one. I had an 87 lowrider on Daytons and a 94 with a 350 conversion and cragar SS
That's awesome! I've always loved Crager SS mags! I watched a show where some guys took a second gen Safari AWD like we had and turbo'd it as a what if like the Syclone and Typhoon.
Definitely a cool van
Here in georgia usa, i fairly frequently see these on the road. I always liked them.
Hey I dig those little vans. I wouldn’t mind have a conversion one today.
I see you are headed for 100,000 subscribers Pat. Keep up the good work.
Hey deserves it and much more!
0:50 🚨Dad Joke Detected 🚨 "Dedicated Van Base"😂😂🤣
I had an Astro and a Safari. They were both great and trouble free.
loved this episode
The Caravan and Transsport always struck me more as the mom car and the Astro was more likely to be a dad.
Using the truck plan is why they were the best.... im currently looking for a 2005 awd
Just for FYI, the 1984 Sheepdog van at the end of this episode was actually based on a Ford Econoline van.
Yes I know that wasn't a GM van, I just loved that scene and figured I could borrow it here
@@MyOldCar CHEVY CHEVY ASTRO ASTRO
What you have you done to me
It's amazing GM hasnt changed the look of those commercial vans in decades, they've made their money on those. The ASTRO was neat, nothing really like it these days.
Best minivan ever!!! 😍
Recently asked my sister to sell me her '95 with 285k miles. Nope, it still looks new sitting next to their 1986 Camino SS. Have to rewatch your vid, many details to learn.👍🏾
Great ending!
Great video. You forgot that the AstroO was HUGELY popular in japan and inspired a while segment of vehicles that even Kia started emulating like the Soul.
Actually I did mentiion its popularity in Japan near the end.
@@MyOldCar oh wow. Gives me an excuse to watch again. 😁 I was waiting on it but was also multitasking at the same time.
Thanks 😊
It's weird seeing that van again, it's because the same shape and size as a normal SUV now
1995 is a special year....1996 front end with 1994 interior
Así es. También es mi año favorito.
They were assembled near where I lived in MD
I drove an Astro van as a Courtesy for Riley Chevrolet for customers, the Astro was a really good choice.
The Astro name came from the class eight diesel truck section of GMC. GMC Astro/Chevrolet Titan starting in 1969
The transfer case / front differential of the AWD models has been known to withstand 800hp launching with drag radials. With only upgrades to the cv axles. Still a sought after setup for street racing
AWD Astro van with a gen4 5.3 and one of them Chinese whistling hair dryers would make a hugely awesome sleeper
I still see the cargo/work versions of the Astro everywhere, must be because of the 4.3 V6 or the Iron Duke
It's the 4.3 Vortec And the towing capacity.😊
It'd be so cool if the Astro made a comeback as a hybrid minivan.
One of the best mini vans out there.
I owned one used it for work beast 👌
I used to own 1990 buick century i had custom dual exhaust on it from same generation grandprix but now rarely seen one for years still. Road worthy
Nice touch on dubbing in the Astro jingle with Dumb and Dumber.
If they made one of those new today I would buy one
had a good laugh at the end. Should have seen that coming.
i have a 2003 with the glass top i love it been working on it for 2 years to bring it back
These astros are great damn vans, got a few right now myself, 2 2000s, and a 99. One of the 2000s is a teal awd, with a now blown motor, which thankfully, is easily swapable to a 5.3l v8. I also want rwd and Awd or 4x4, so thats being swapped out. Originally looked into doing similar to another van of mine, and it was going to be a lot of work, however, I was very happy to see that its very easy, and chevy literally makes all the parts. Most I may need is driveline. Engine literally falls out
Astro-Astro! These cans were so unreliable! Love it!!!
Loved ❤ it. Thanks so much.
CHEVY! CHEVY! ASTRO! ASTRO! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU! 😂
🤣🤣🤣 even at the end of the video
The Astro and Safari were more so aimed at commercial buyers than at families. The M-Body platform that these vans was actually different from the Chevrolet S-10 platform
The bad news is even the S10 was basically bean counter cost reduced junk. So the M body was doomed to be even worse in most ways. These were mostly the dark years for GM.
Thanks for this!
I used to work in the satellite company that produced the Liteflex composite springs for them. We called them M-vans.
'The Astro Van' was the nickname of the vehicles that drove the astronauts up to the launch complex once they were fully suited up. The Mercury thru Apollo astronauts were all given Corvettes as well , pretty sure that is also all part of the "astro ventilation " those cars and possible other GM vehicles had
GM engineers modelled the Astro after the space shuttle.
Painters love them.
Great vans and wrenched on them alot as a mechanic through their runs. The 4x were more wotk, but solid platforms. Unfortunately alot of buyers didnt understand what made them great was the truck inspired bones and complaints from soccer mom type buyers....
Even though they sold these until 2005, I still see more 80s and 90s Caravans and I NEVER see these!
I had a couple of Dustbuster U Bodies, the '02 Astro I rented once had a softer quieter ride but higher from the full frame.
An Astro comeback would definitely work as an EV for GMs portfolio. Possibly out sell the traverse 7:1
Had a ‘91 AWD for about 2 years but had a lot of issues so we went to a Camry and kept it for 8 yrs.
Please do an episode on the Mitsubishi Diamante
What’s that? Never heard of it
@@42luke93it's a full size sedan larger than the Galant
it was the only mini that looked like a real an and was and still is popular with vanners
I drove a shorty GMC Safari one of the first Buick Pontiac dealership parts runner van. The Southside of Indianapolis I worked for
nice awd mini van.
I learned to drive in an '86 manual Astro. By age 14, I was a grizzled stress veteran with a 100,000 mile stare.
GM actually had a prototype for a minivan before Chrysler, called the Nomad II. If you look it up, it looked very similar to what Chrysler came out with. Another GM van fact is they had a trim package for their full size Chevy G vans called Caravan well before Dodge used that name.
The awd system was used on the syclone, Tony Angelo is building a clone and used the awd settup and 4.3 from it
*♫ ♪ ♪ ♪ Chevy, Chevy! Astro, Astro! ♫ ♪ ♪ ♪*
Cool thanks 👍👍
Astro is amazing