In 1984, the “Magic Wagon” of Chrysler was introduced in the market. It is a minivan combined with huge cargo space and seating capacity of 7. It showcases driving characteristics similar to the front-wheel drive K-cars, by which it was originally based. The birth of this revolutionary minivan inspired other auto manufacturers to produce competitive models. General Motors was one of the many automakers that introduced counterpart models for the minivan lineups. Its version was the GMC Safari and the Chevrolet Astro. These models were greatly different from the Chryslers.
The Chevrolet Astro was based on the rugged truck platform. This underpinned the S-10 and S-15 compact pickup trucks. As Chrysler minis were vans, the GM’s Astro and Safari were powerful trucks through and through. Its high seating position, agile steering, soft seats, and plush interiors defines the characteristic of a smooth and comfy driving experience. Geared with all the truck hardware set, this van is truly above from the rest. It sports a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive drivetrain that are more straight forward than all its counterparts. It also has trailer towing that complements with the van’s rugged body-on-frame design. Originally, the Chevrolet Astro was only available in one size. It extends at 4491 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2819 mm. An extended-length version of Astro was later introduced. This became available few years after the introduction of the Astro. This shares the same wheelbase as the original but its overall length was improved.
Comparing the Chevrolet Astro with all its competitors, it will surely come out as the best. Standing at 1882 mm tall, it towered over the Chrysler by 238 mm. It is significantly wider than the Chrysler minivans, which are more car-like at 1833 mm. The Astro’s dimensions led many to refer it as a “midi-van”. It is smaller than the full-size van but bigger, sturdier, and wider than other minivans. Its exterior design is remarkable. Its cargo space is intentionally engineered to allow more loads and thus, making it as an ideal rig for outdoor activities. The Astro basically has a cargo volume of 4,299 litres with both rows and rear seats removed. The extended-length version Astro tops it all with 4,825 litres of cargo volume. This offers much cargo space. Updates to the Chevrolet Astro includes the ABS that became standard, all-wheel drive option, power increase, 16” wheels, and two outward opening doors in the rear cargo area. The ride and handling characteristics are not bad at all considering Astro's undeveloped suspension components, even if driving it is certainly more akin to a truck than a car. About the fuel economy, it is almost the same with the trucklike, given the engine's origins in GM's light truck line and the Astro's hefty curb weight.
Opinions about the Chevrolet Astro in terms of reliability were mixed. On one hand, it got a dismal reliability rating in the 2003 Canadian Automobile Association Autopinion Vehicle Ownership Survey while Consumer Reports gave models 2000 and average reliability rating. But even if this was the case, still the Astro remained as among the top notch minivans of its time.
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