2011 Chevrolet Express

1500 Cargo Van

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13 available trims | explore trims

MPG: 13 city | 17 hwy

Ownership Cost: Above Average | see details

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2011 Chevrolet Express Review

Cargo/passenger transportation for the utility minded

Reviewed by Automotive on 12/22/2010

In a Nutshell

The 2011 Chevrolet Express is a cargo/passenger van that is a staple for recreational vehicle conversions, utility vehicles, business delivery vans, and airport shuttles. The Express's strength is its variety of configurations including the 8, 12, and 15 passenger-seating variations. It can also be configured as a two-seater cargo van or the bigger box-like commercial cutaway chassis.

The Chevy Express comes with van-surround windows. The commercial version of the Express is fitted with 60/40 swing out left-handed or right-handed doors. Depending on the Express's configuration, the payload capacity ranges from 2359 pounds to 3944 pounds. The standard Express has a wheelbase of 135 inches and measures 244 inches in length. Extended wheelbase configurations have a wheelbase of 155 inches. The 2500-3500 heavy-duty series are equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions, while those offered with a V-8 gas engine are E85 fuel flexible.

New for 2011

For 2011, the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine is new for the Chevy Express, and optional for the first time on 3500 passenger vans. The 4.8-liter engine is standard on the 2500 passenger van. StabiliTrak is standard, while a locking differential is available on all trim levels. OnStar 9.0 is standard on the passenger vans, but optional on the cargo vans. Digital radio is now an optional, with XM and Bluetooth available.

Essentials

Engines: 4.3L V-6, 4.8L V-8, 5.3L V-8, 6.0L V-8, 6.6L diesel V-8
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, four-speed automatic
Body Style: Van
Trims: 1500 Cargo Van, 1500 LS Passenger Van, 2500 LT Passenger Van, 2500 Cargo Van, 2500 Extended Cargo Van, 2500 LS Passenger Van, 2500 LT Passenger Van, 3500 Cargo Van, 3500 Extended Cargo Van, 3500 LS Passenger Van, 3500 LS Extended Passenger Van, 3500 LT Passenger Van, 3500 LT Extended Passenger Van

On the Outside

There are no exterior changes on the Chevy Express for 2011. Cargo vans with sliding rear right-hand doors are distinguishable by windows behind the driver/passenger-door windows, while 60/40 swing-open doors are close paneled.

From the Inside

Chevy Express cargo vans received bare-steel interior panels and rubberized vinyl floors, while passenger vans got two to four rows of bench seats behind two bucket seats up front.

Driving Performance

With the addition of standard StabiliTrak, concerns over cornering stability in large passenger/cargo vans have been addressed. Chevy Express's best-in-class engine has 365 horsepower, 660 pound-feet of torque engine, and the Duramax V-8 turbodiesel is available in the heavy-duty vans. While not the best, the EPA rating of the Express ranges from 13 mpg city / 17 highway.

Safety Equipment

StabiliTrak is standard on the Chevy Express. Driver and front-passenger airbags with a passenger deactivation switch come on the cargo van, while passenger vans get head/curtain airbags for the first three rows only. Twelve- and 15-passenger configurations come with enhanced technology glass.

Gas Mileage

G1500 (4.3L) RWD: 15 city mpg/20 highway mpg
G1500 (5.3L) RWD: 13 city mpg/18 highway mpg
G1500 (5.3L) AWD: 13 city mpg/17 highway mpg
G2500 (6.0L) RWD: 10 city mpg/16 highway mpg
G3500 (6.0L) RWD: 10-11 city mpg/16 highway mpg

Plusses

Practicality
Design simplicity
Cargo-passenger capacity

Minuses

Size
Outdated styling

Rating

Cargo/passenger transportation for the utility minded

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show full summary

2011 Chevrolet Express

2011 Chevrolet Express Review

New for 2011

Essentials

On the Outside

From the Inside

Driving Performance

Safety Equipment

Gas Mileage

Plusses

Minuses

Rating

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