Fans petition GM to bring back the Astro van

[MrNoodly]

Even if the petition were successful, the new Astro would probably be nothing like the old one. But ya gotta have dreams, right?

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30577395/fans-petition-gm-chevy-astro-van/

 

[tx2sturgis]

I think the Astro Van was based on the chassis and running gear of the C/K model Chevy pickups of that era, which were 'full size' pickups, but quite a bit smaller that today's full size pickups.

What they would base it on now is anyone's guess...current full size pickups are larger and much more expensive...but maybe the Chevy Colorado chassis and drivetrain might be about the right size. Hmmm.

It's an interesting idea, certainly, but with new vehicles designed by committees and groups of bean counters, and long lead times...by the time we get them, we will be retiring to the nursing home!

 

[MrNoodly]

I think the Astro Van was based on the chassis and running gear of the C/K model Chevy pickups of that era, which were 'full size' pickups, but quite a bit smaller that today's full size pickups.

It's more closely related to the sedans and wagons of the time, with a bolt-on front subframe. Most of the front suspension comes from the Caprice wagon. Meanwhile, the engines and transmissions were shared with the S-series compact trucks/SUVs.

 

[trailer-t]

This is a coincidence. I was just looking at one of these (or possibly the GMC model) along the road locally this weekend.
95 AWD with towing pkg . No Rust, straight clean body and dark blue paint (likely garaged) ---has 115,000 miles they are wanting $4,500 obo. Seemed a little high to me???, but I did not know there was a following for these things. Gray cloth interior was nice and clean (all stock). Avg MPG per KBB is a bit of a concern.

Thanks for the post! t

 

[nature lover]

I part timed in a GMC Safari for 10 years. I liked the vehicle a lot but often thought I should have bought a full size van instead as the gas mileage is nearly the same. The van was still running great but rust underneath killed it.

 

[maki2]

If it is reliable, affordable and roomy with good MPG and AWD and has a tow package I don't care what they call it or who makes it.

 

[highdesertranger]

I wouldn't hold my breath. highdesertranger

 

[Oldwolf]

I believe the Astro shared a lot of components form the S10 line of trucks.

 

[wayne49]

You'll end up with an Aztec van.

 

[MrNoodly]

You'll end up with an Aztec van.

LOL!

 

[gchristi1]

Even if the petition were successful, the new Astro would probably be nothing like the old one. But ya gotta have dreams, right?

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30577395/fans-petition-gm-chevy-astro-van/

One of those weird road trip sightings. On google maps, go to 27990 State Rte 19, Arcadia Indiana. Then go to street view. Maybe used to be a business. Now just looks like someone who has about 50 Astros sitting on his place.

Some people love those Astros.

 

[rokguy]

I wouldn't hold my breath.  highdesertranger

Now if they could just re introduce the Astro truck. It was a long way ahead of its time. Sorry could help myself.

 

[MrNoodly]

Maybe used to be a business. Now just looks like someone who has about 50 Astros sitting on his place. 

Maybe it's where Astros go when they die.

I was pet sitting for some friends in Mill Valley CA, and there was a business at the end of their street with a half dozen Astros, all looking pretty good. It was one of the few times I was tempted to commit grand theft auto. Hey, they wouldn't miss just one, right?

 

[Oldwolf]

If you zoom in on the building there is a faded sign that says something about "American....Vans For Sale...".

 

[highdesertranger]

I am surprised at all this praise for the Astro. to me they never were anything to get excited about. while many praise the 4.3 I always thought of them as underpowered smog engines that didn't get great MPG. about the best thing I can say about them is at least they weren't front wheel drive. highdesertranger

 

[B and C]

We had an '85 we bought new. 22 highway and 14-15 in town. Carried 6 comfortably (4 bucket seats and a bench). We really liked it. Never had any issues. The wife got T-boned in it and wasn't hurt.

 

[txmnjim]

i walk my dog by a very clean Astrovan that has been broke down for sometime.
i've thought of asking the owner what was wrong with it and if they want to sell it
but decided to get a fuel saving Mazda and continue to save up for a nice condition G20
or GMC Safari or Savana...

 

[outermostsoul]

My brother has an 1986 Astrovan. He might have bought a one-off lemon,but his nickname for it was the 17 K storage shed. It was the one and only new vehicle he ever bought. It is still in his yard if anyone is interested.

 

[66788]

Early Astro/Safari vans ate front tires regularly. Later models were better, but as one previous poster mentioned, the full size vans got about the same mileage, so why bother with the Astro?

Express vans prevailed

 

[B and C]

In '85 we picked the astro because of the nice interior from the factory. From what I remember, the full sized passenger vans were pretty spartan from the factory, you had to get an aftermarket upfitter if you wanted a nice interior with 4 bucket seats. Ours never ate front tires but YMMV.