CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2001 Chevy Astro Van has a solid reputation with very low complaint rates. The only problem now is finding one with low miles.
Not only is the 2001 Astro Van reliable, but since they were built on a truck powertrain, they can tow 5,500/5,000 lbs (RWD/AWD) -- almost double what other minivans can.
The Chevy Astro is mechanically identical to the GMC Safari.
The problem began when GM put a smaller "doghouse" around the motor, necessitating the change in rotor cap design. Previously the plug wires came out of the top of the cap, after the change the wires now come out of the cap sideways. Since this change in cap design it is a spark plug wire "eater", and usually goes through a set annually. The only wires to last this long are the OEM ones from GM at a cost of $200. I have tried 6 other brands, including off road, racing, and just plain replacement types which last only a few months. The 3.8L motor is amazing for power and longevity - the only reason that I put up with the wire issue. I have now got 489,000 on it and religiously change oil every 5,000.
THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT ON A HARDSHIP FROM A BUY/PAY HERE PLACE IN LOWER MICHIGAN. MY VEHICLE WAS ON IT'S LAST LEGS WITH 250,000+ MILES ON IT OR IT WOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT THE LOT. MY STUPIDITY, ANYWAY, I HAVE CHANGES PLUGS, CAP, ROTOR, SENSORS, REPLACED FUEL PUMP IN GAS TANK, GAS TANK, HOSES, MANIFOLD, YOU NAME IT JUST ABOUT AND I HAVE CHECKED IT OR DONE IT. TO NO AVAIL, ONE DAY IT WILL RUN LIKE A TOP , THE NEXT DAY, I SPUTTER AND SPIT ALL THE WAY DOWN THE ROAD AND BACK. WE HAVE TO DRIVE FOR ONE HOUR TO GET TO A WAL-MART , SO YOU SEE THIS JUST IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!! I HAVE A 1500MILE TRIP NEXT MONTH WITH 5 DOGS TRAVELING WITH US AND I NEED THIS THING TO RUN RIGHT. CAN SOMEONE HELP???
ROBIN DAGEN , NEWBERRY MICHIGAN
- rdagenmichigan,
Newberry, MI, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The problem began when GM put a smaller "doghouse" around the motor, necessitating the change in rotor cap design. Previously the plug wires came out of the top of the cap, after the change the wires now come out of the cap sideways. Since this change in cap design it is a spark plug wire "eater", and usually goes through a set annually. The only wires to last this long are the OEM ones from GM at a cost of $200. I have tried 6 other brands, including off road, racing, and just plain replacement types which last only a few months. The 3.8L motor is amazing for power and longevity - the only reason that I put up with the wire issue. I have now got 489,000 on it and religiously change oil every 5,000.
- Guy R., Bancroft, ON, Canada