Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Astro"

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{{Refimprove|date=January 2009}}
{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox Automobile
|image         = [[Image:57 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Hardtop.jpg|250px|thumb|right|1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air 2-Door Hardtop]]
|name=Chevrolet Astro
|name          = 57 Chevrolet
|image=[[Image:Chevrolet-Astro-cargo.jpg|250px|2nd-gen Chevrolet Astro cargo van]]
|manufacturer   = [[Chevrolet]]
|manufacturer=[[General Motors]]
|parent_company = [[General Motors]]
|production=1985–2005
|production     = 1957-19??
|class=[[Mini van]]
|body_style    = 2-door [[coupe]]<br>2-door [[convertible]]<br>2-door [[hardtop]]<br>2-door [[panel van]]<br>2-door [[pickup truck]]<br>2-door [[coupe|racing coupe]]<br>2-door [[station wagon]]<br>4-door [[hardtop]]<br>4-door [[Sedan (car)|saloon]]<br>4-door [[station wagon]]
|layout=[[Front-engine design|Front engine]], [[Rear-wheel drive]] / [[All-wheel drive]]
|engine        = 265[[CID]]
|platform=[[GM M platform|RWD M-body]]
|layout        = [[FF layout]]
|aka=GMC Safari
|body_style=3-door [[van]]
|transmission=4-speed [[Automatic Transmission|Automatic]],4 & 5-speed [[Manual Transmission|Manual]]
|assembly=[[Baltimore Assembly]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], [[USA]]
}}
}}
''''57 Chevy''' is a [[nickname]] of the 1957 [[Chevrolet]] made in [[United States|America]] from late 1956 through much of 1957 by [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]]. It is one of many now-classic cars adored by millions of people. These cars are being restored to their original condition or modified according to personal tastes. As this car gets older it becomes more sought after by [[Collecting|collectors]] than ever before. Its image has been frequently used in [[toy]]s, [[graphics]], [[music]], [[movie]]s and [[television]]. The '57 Chevy is an icon of the era that endures today.
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=First generation
|image=[[Image:1st Chevrolet Astro.jpg|250px|Chevrolet Astro]]
| production = 1985-1994
|engine=2.5L [[GM_Iron_Duke_engine#Tech_IV|Tech IV]] {{convert|98|hp|abbr=on}}[[Straight-4| I4]]<br>[[Chevrolet_90-Degree_V6_engine#LB1_and_LB4|4.3L]] [[GM Vortec engine#4300|4300]] {{convert|165|hp|abbr=on}} [[V6]]<br>[[Chevrolet_90-Degree_V6_engine#L35_CPI|4.3L]] 4300 {{convert|200|hp|abbr=on}} [[V6]]
|height=1985-89: {{auto in|73.7|0}}<br>1985-89 Cargo Van SWB: {{auto in|74.5|0}}<Br>1990-91 SWB: {{auto in|74.9|0}}<br>1990-91 SWB: {{auto in|74.1|0}}<br>1992-94 Astro: {{auto in|76.2|0}}<bR>1992-94 Safari Cargo Van: {{auto in|76.1|0}}<br>1992-94 Safari SLX: {{auto in|76.4|0}}<br>1992-94 Safari 2WD LWB: {{auto in|76.6|0}}<br>1992-94 Safari Cargo Van AWD SWB: {{auto in|75.7|0}}<br>1992-94 Safari Cargo Van AWD LWB: {{auto in|76.0|0}}
|length=SWB: {{auto in|176.8|0}}<br>LWB: {{auto in|186.8|0}}<Br>1992-94 Astro Cargo Van SWB: {{auto in|177.9|0}}<br>1992-94 Astro Cargo Van LWB: {{auto in|187.9|0}}
|wheelbase={{auto in|111.0|0}}
|width={{auto in|77.0|0}}<Br>1992-94 Safari & Astro Cargo Van: {{auto in|77.5|0}}
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Second generation
|image=[[Image:2nd-Chevrolet-Astro.jpg|250px|Second generation Chevrolet Astro]]
| production = 1995-2005
|engine=4.3 L {{convert|190|hp|abbr=on}} [[V6]]
|height=1995-96 Astro: {{auto in|75.9|0}}<br>1997-98 Astro: {{auto in|76.0|0}}<br>1995-96 Safari: {{auto in|76.2|0}}<br>1997-98/2002-03 Safari Cargo Van & 1999-2001 Astro Cargo Van 2WD: {{auto in|75.3|0}}<br>1997-2005 Safari & 2002-05 Astro: {{auto in|75.0|0}}<Br>1999-2001 Astro 2WD: {{auto in|74.9|0}}<br>1999-2001 Astro Cargo Van AWD: {{auto in|75.2|0}}<br>1999-2001 Astro AWD: {{auto in|74.8|0}}
|length={{auto in|189.8|0}}
|wheelbase=1995-96: {{auto in|111.0|0}}<br>1997-2005: {{auto in|111.2|0}}
|width={{auto in|77.5|0}}
}}
[[Image:1st-GMC-Safari.jpg|250px|thumb|right|1st-gen GMC Safari]]
[[Image:GMC Safari.jpg|250px|thumb|right|1997 GMC Safari]]
[[Image:AstroHonker.jpg|thumb|250px|Chevy Astro modified with the addition of an operable [[Train horn]] and bell.]]
 
 
The '''Chevrolet Astro''' was a [[rear-wheel drive]] [[minivan]] introduced by [[Chevrolet]] in 1985 to rival domestic ([[United States|American]]) competitors the [[Dodge Caravan]]/[[Plymouth Voyager]] twins and the [[Japan]]ese [[Toyota Van]]. Also sharing the Astro's platform was its sibling, the '''[[GMC (automobile)|GMC]] Safari'''. In addition to standard passenger uses, the vans were also available as cargo vans, and converters used them as the basis for small [[conversion van]]s.
 
Both [[Pontiac]] and GMC have used the Safari nameplate (GMC is part of the Pontiac/GMC division); Pontiac used the nameplate on several of its [[station wagon]] models from 1955 through 1989. The two Safaris, both Pontiac and GMC, were on the market together (often sold by the same dealerships) from 1985 through 1989.
 
The Astro model name had been used previously for the unrelated Chevrolet Astro 1 Concept car, first shown at the [[New York Auto Show]] of 1967.<ref> [http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/2409/Chevrolet-Astro-I-Concept.html Chevrolet Astro I Concept car at www.ultimatecarpage.com] Retrieved on 24/7/08 </ref>
 
While the Astro was referred to as a minivan, it was sized between the [[Chevrolet Venture]]/[[Chevrolet Lumina APV|Lumina APV]] [[unibody]] [[minivan]] and the full-size [[Chevrolet Van|Chevy Van/Express]]. Similar to the [[Ford Aerostar]], it utilized powertrain components common to GM's other light trucks, yet unlike the trucks the chassis was unibody in structure with a front sub-frame to support the engine and front suspension.
 
Due to the truck-based powertrain, the Astro and Safari could pull {{convert|5500|lb|abbr=on}} with proper equipment. AWD models could tow up to {{convert|5000|lb|abbr=on}} when properly equipped. This is opposed to front-wheel drive minivans; most of which are limited to a 3,500 pound towing capacity. {{Fact|date=July 2007}}
 
Initial advertising boasted that it was a vehicle that will "make you realize that life is too big for a [[minivan]]", referring to the [[Chrysler minivans]].
 
Engines options ranged from 145 to 190 hp (108 to 142) [[watt|kW]] [[Chevrolet_90-Degree_V6_engine#4.3L_.28262_CID.29|4.3L]] [[V6]] engine, depending on options and/or model year.


==History==
The van seated up to 8 passengers.
The 1957 Chevrolet was available in three official trim levels: the base-model [[Chevrolet 150|"one-fifty"]] series, the mid-range [[Chevrolet 210|"two-ten"]] series, and the upscale [[Chevrolet Bel Air|Bel Air]] series. An upscale trim option called the "[[Chevrolet Delray|Delray]]" was available for two-ten 2-door sedans. A limited production two-door station wagon called the "[[Chevrolet Nomad|Nomad]]" was produced as a Bel Air. A fourth designation was also available in limited quantities, the "[[Chevrolet El Morocco|El Morocco]]", a custom hand-build mimicking the Cadillac of the era.


===1955 V-8 engine===
In addition to being sold in [[North America]], the Chevrolet Astro was exported to [[Japan]], where the van enjoys a cult following. In 2005, to celebrate the last year of Astro production, Chevrolet of Japan offered a limited edition run of the final production models. The Astro's popularity in Japan comes even though it was only offered in left-hand drive.
The 1957 Chevrolet was a carry-over from 1955, when Chevrolet introduced its now-famous small-block V-8 — the first V-8 available in a Chevrolet since 1918. The first Chevy V8 in 1955 was bored in 265 ci (cubic inches). Prior to 1955, Chevrolet only offered an inline 6-cylinder engine. With the new V-8 engine for 1955, Chevrolet wanted to offer a new car design as well. The "shoebox" design, so named because it was the first Chevrolet to feature streamlined rear fenders, was a watershed for Chevrolet. The lightweight car coupled with a powerful V-8 became a showroom draw, but also thrust the company into the arena of competitive motorsports. 1955 Chevrolets went on to dominate drag racing and became a formidable force in circle track racing. In 1956, the design was lengthened somewhat in front and given a more squarish treatment; under the hood, engine power increased and a [[Chevrolet Corvette]] engine was available for the first time in a full-size passenger car.


Originally, General Motors executives wanted an entirely new car for 1957, but production delays necessitated the carry-over of the 1955 design for one more year. Ed Cole, chief designer for Chevrolet at the time, dictated a series of changes that significantly increased the cost of the car. These changes included a new dashboard, reshaped windshield, sealed cowl, and the relocation of air ducts to the headlight pods, which resulted in the distinctive chrome headlight that helped make the '57 Chevy a classic. Fourteen-inch wheels replaced the fifteen-inch wheels from previous years to give the car a lower stance, and a wide grille was used to give the car a wider look from the front. The now famous '57 Chevy [[tailfin]]s were designed to duplicate the wide look in the rear. Bel Air models were given gold trim: the grille, front fender chevrons, hood, and trunk script were all rendered in anodized gold. The V-shaped trim on the tail fins was filled with a ribbed aluminum insert exclusive to the Bel Air. The small block V8 was larger at 283 cubic inches for 1957.
==Chassis features==
Much like the second-generation [[GM F platform|GM F-body]] 1970-1981 and [[GM X platform|X-body]] vehicles, the GM M-van (Astro/Safari) had a bolt-on subframe incorporating the front suspension from a [[GM B platform|GM B-body]] station wagon ([[Chevrolet Caprice]], [[Cadillac Brougham]]) with a leaf-spring rear suspension. The lower ball joints were larger than their [[GM B platform|B-body]] counterparts (similar to 1977-96 Cadillac D platform vehicles e.g. Fleetwood limousines). These ball joints were later used in the final Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 (police package) cars manufactured in 1995 and 1996. They also shared many mechanical similarities to the [[GM GMT platform|GMT 325/330]] midsize S/T Pickup/Utilities.


==Body styles==
As mentioned above, the Astro and Safari were [[rear-wheel drive]] vehicles, but in 1990 a new [[all-wheel drive]] (AWD) system, designed and developed by [[FF Developments]] (FFD)<ref>{{cite news
Body choices for 1957 included the typical 2- and 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] (identified by the "posts" between door windows), the two-door [[hardtop]] (also known as a [[sports coupé]]; the car has no post between the front and back window when the windows are lowered), the four-door hardtop (also known as a [[sports sedan]]), the [[utility coupé]] (a two-door sedan with a package shelf instead of a rear seat), two styles of two-door [[station wagon]], the top-of-the-line Bel Air Nomad with a sloped pillar behind the hardtop door and sliding windows at the rear seat, and the basic Handyman with an upright sedan [[B-pillar]] and a [[C-pillar]] where the four-door wagons have one, available only in 150 and 210 trims. The four-door, six-passenger station wagon, the four-door, nine-passenger station wagon (both called Townsman in the 150 series and Beauville for the Bel Air version), and the [[convertible]]. Unlike most competitors, the Chevrolet four-door hardtop featured a reinforced rear roof structure that gave the car added rigidity and a unique appearance in [[silhouette]].
|title=No giant here - FF Developments Ltd - company profile
|date=December 1999
|publisher=[[Ward's Auto World]]
|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_n12_v25/ai_8255861
}}</ref>, was made optional. The AWD models had a lower fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon highway versus 20-21 for rear-drive vans. Premature idler arm wear on the AWD front suspension is a common problem.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}


It is quite possible that the 1957 Chevy was influenced by the styling of the 1955 Cadillac El Dorado, for they bear many styling similarities.
Hundreds of instances of front torsion bar failure in the AWD suspension were reported to the [[NHTSA]]. The torsion bars failed without warning, resulting in bottoming of the suspension. Repair required replacement of both torsion bar assemblies with upgraded designs at a cost of about $1000. No fatalities were reported.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}


==Options==
In 1990, a new dash was introduced along with the availability of a long-wheelbase model. In 1995, the model was face lifted with an extended nose that resembled the then-new full-size Express vans. In 1996, a redesigned dash received a passenger side air-bag. The vans remained mostly unchanged until canceled in 2005.
There were many options on the car, most of which were designed to make the car more comfortable and luxurious. Air conditioning, though rarely ordered, was offered, as was a padded dash. Power steering and power brakes were available, as well as a signal-seeking radio and power antenna. Power windows and power seats were also available. A rear speaker could be purchased which required a separate volume knob to be installed in the dash, beside the radio — this rear speaker was touted as providing "surround" sound. An "autotronic eye" was offered; it was a device that bolted onto the dashboard and sensed the light from oncoming traffic, dimming the headlights automatically.  


Another dash-mounted item was the traffic-light viewer, a ribbed plastic visor that was installed just above the speedometer. Because the roof extends so far into the windshield, it is hard to see overhead traffic lights from the driver's seat. The traffic light viewer captured the reflection of overhead traffic lights so that the driver didn't have to lean forward to see past the edge of the windshield.
In 2003, GM upgraded the chassis of both the Astro and Safari with certain suspension components, larger brakes, and six-lug, 16 inch wheels from the full-size Chevrolet and GMC half-ton pickup trucks. The modifications improved{{Fact|date=June 2007}} the poor handling and braking of the vans.


1957 was the first year that Chevrolet ever offered [[fuel injection]] as an option. A 283 in³ engine fitted with solid lifters and fuel injection was rated at {{Convert|283|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Solid lifters were designed to allow the engine to achieve higher RPMs, but proved a tad too temperamental for non-racers. To accommodate more casual drivers, a 250 hp (186 kW), hydraulic lifter version of the fuel injected engine was also offered.
==End of the line==
Faced with falling sales across its vehicle lines, [[General Motors]] began closing plants and discontinuing slow-selling vehicle lines. With new federal standards for side impact and head injury reductions coming, GM determined that there was no use in expending money for a redesign of a vehicle line that was no longer selling well. Thus, the Safari and Astro were taken out of production in [[May 14]], [[2005]], and the long-serving [[Baltimore, Maryland]] assembly plant where both were built was closed. It was the only rear-wheel drive minivan which was produced for 20 model years - a longer run than its nearest rival, the [[Ford Aerostar]], which ceased production in 1997, and the only remaining rear-wheel drive minivan in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] since the original [[Mazda MPV#1989-1998 (Rear wheel drive)|Mazda MPV]] ceased production in 1998.  It was also the only [[rear-wheel drive]] [[minivan]] in the United States and Canada to spawn two generations, and also was the only rear-wheel drive minivan in the United States and Canada since the [[Volkswagen Eurovan]] ceased production in 2003.  In total, the Baltimore plant produced approximately 3,700,000 Astro and Safari vans.


Fuel injection continued as an option throughout the early 1960s. However, most mechanics of the time didn't have the experience to keep the units running. This prompted most buyers to opt for conventional carburation. A single four-barrel carburetor rated at 400 c.f.m. coupled with a dual-exhaust package was known as the "power pack". Two four-barrel carburetors could also be ordered. The "dual quad" engine could be ordered with hydraulic lifters producing {{Convert|245|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, or with solid lifters producing {{Convert|270|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The dual quad configuration required a special breather assembly that has been nicknamed the batwing breather.
In the Chevrolet line, the Astro was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Uplander]] "crossover sport van", which also replaced the [[Chevrolet Venture]]. Like the Astro, the Uplander is available in cargo and passenger versions, although its  front-wheel drive [[unibody]] platform makes it less suitable for heavy-duty work. GMC has replaced the Safari with their [[GMC Acadia|Acadia]] 7-passenger [[crossover SUV]] for 2007.
The prices averaged around 2000 dollars during this time period.
Standard carburetion on V-8 models came from a single two barrel carburetor, coupled with a single tailpipe.


The base engine was an inline 6-cylinder called the Blue Flame Six. This engine was smooth running and more fuel-efficient than the V-8, but not as powerful. Carburetion came from a single one-barrel carburetor.
==Safety and Crash Testing==


==Turboglide==
The [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]] (IIHS), which is known for its testing of vehicles and results that are often shown on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Dateline]]'' television news program, gave the Astro a "poor" rating in 1996 because of what by all appearances was a horrifying display of [[structural failure]] in the Institute's {{convert|40|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} [[crash test]] into a fixed, offset barrier. The underbody of the test van buckled, pitching both front seats forward and shoving the crash dummy into the dashboard and [[steering wheel]], leading the Institute to comment that "[t]he collapse of the occupant compartment left little survival space for the driver." [http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=66 See detailed crash test information, including photos illustrating the Astro's structural collapse]
1957 was also Chevrolet's first offering of a turbine transmission, known as the [[Turboglide]]. It was a design concept that Buick had developed with their [[Dynaflow]] transmission. However, due to a reliability reputation caused by its complexity, most automatic transmission buyers shunned the Turboglide in favor of the two-speed [[Powerglide]] that had been offered since 1950. At the time the Turboglide casing was the largest cast aluminum component ever put into mass production. But it never recovered from the reputation in 1957 and the option was discontinued in 1961. Manual transmissions were limited to three-speed, column shifted units, though there are rumors that a handful of 1957 Chevrolets left the factory with Corvette 4-speed, floor-shifting transmissions. No concrete documentation exists to back this claim up.


Chevys in this time period cost about 1,800 - 2,200.
In testing performed by the [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA), however, the Astro and Safari fared better, improving from a single-star rating in 1990 to a three-star (driver) and four-star (passenger) rating by 1999. In side impacts, the Astro and Safari both received the highest, five-star rating in every year that the test was administered.


==Post-Production Popularity==
==Popularity with modifiers==
From a numbers standpoint, the '57 Chevy wasn't as popular as General Motors had hoped.  Despite its popularity, rival Ford outsold Chevrolet for the 1957 model year for the first time since 1935.  However, the 1957 Ford - with the exception of the rare retractible hardtop model - is not nearly as prized by collectors today as the 1957 Chevrolet.


Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the 57 Chevy was a popular [[used car]]. It was the final year of the "shoebox" Chevrolet, as 1958 saw the introduction of a much larger and heavier Chevrolet. The ideal size of the '57, combined with its relatively light weight compared to newer full-sized cars, made it a favorite among drag racers. The engine bay was big enough to fit GM's big-block engines, first introduced in 1958 and popularized in the 1960s by the [[Beach Boys]] in the song "409". The relatively simple mechanical attributes of the car made it easy to maintain, customize, and upgrade with components such as [[disc brakes]] and air conditioning. By the 1980s, the '57 Chevy became a collector car. Companies such as Danchuk Manufacturing, Inc. and Classic Chevy International began selling reproduction and restoration parts. In the early 1990s, the value of meticulously restored '57 Chevy convertibles was as high as $100,000. Though those peaks gave way significantly after 1992, the '57 Chevy has held its value and now is poised to exceed the previous peak. Restored, original examples are increasingly rare, and modern customizers and restorers are creating fast, powerful, ultra-modern hot rods that are winning the '57 Chevy a whole new generation of fans. Fiberglass and all-steel reproductions are making it possible for future generations to adore the '57 Chevy as original cars become harder to find.


== References ==
In addition to their popularity as conversion vans, the Astro and Safari both have popular followings with "back yard" modifiers. Modifications are both street and off-road. Some vans have the original 4.3L Vortec [[V6 engine]] replaced with a [[small-block]] [[V8 engine]], such as the [[Chevrolet_Small-Block_engine#350|Chevrolet 350 engine]]. This switch is simplified because the 4.3L V6 is based on the GM small-block V8, and most of the factory drivetrain components can be reused.
 
Because of its truck based design, the Astro also is popular with some off road and camping enthusiasts. The combination of a powerful drivetrain, large cargo and passenger space, all-wheel drive, and optional [[locking differential]] for the rear axle facilitate off road modifications. The suspension can be lifted, allowing larger tires and clearance with relatively small changes in exterior appearance.
 
== Parodies ==
 
The Chevrolet Astro has been parodied as the "[[Moonbeam]]" in various [[Grand Theft Auto]] games.
 
==See also==
 
*[[Chevrolet 90-Degree V6 engine]]
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
* [http://www.faroutinc.com/57%20CHEVY.html Check out this build-up of a 1957 Chevy ]
*[http://www.astrosafari.com AstroSafari.com "The original Astro/Safari site"]
*[http://www.iasc.jp "Internet Astro Safari Club http://m.iasc.jp"]
*[http://www.astro-van.de Astro-Van.de]
 
{{Chevrolet Truck}}
 
[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Astro]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Minivans]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
[[Category:2000s automobiles]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]]


[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles]]
[[de:Chevrolet Astro]]
[[es:Chevrolet Astrovan]]
[[lt:Chevrolet Astro]]
[[ja:シボレー アストロ]]
[[pt:Chevrolet Astro]]
[[sv:Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari]]

Revision as of 15:07, 3 February 2009

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Chevrolet Astro
2nd-gen Chevrolet Astro cargo van
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Also calledGMC Safari
Production1985–2005
AssemblyBaltimore Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
ClassMini van
Body style(s)3-door van
LayoutFront engine, Rear-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
PlatformRWD M-body
Transmission(s)4-speed Automatic,4 & 5-speed Manual
ManualsService Manual
First generation
Chevrolet Astro
Production1985-1994
Engine(s)2.5L Tech IV 98 hp (73 kW) I4
4.3L 4300 165 hp (123 kW) V6
4.3L 4300 200 hp (150 kW) V6
Wheelbase111.0 in (2819 mm)
LengthSWB: 176.8 in (4491 mm)
LWB: 186.8 in (4745 mm)
1992-94 Astro Cargo Van SWB: 177.9 in (4519 mm)
1992-94 Astro Cargo Van LWB: 187.9 in (4773 mm)
Width77.0 in (1956 mm)
1992-94 Safari & Astro Cargo Van: 77.5 in (1969 mm)
Height1985-89: 73.7 in (1872 mm)
1985-89 Cargo Van SWB: 74.5 in (1892 mm)
1990-91 SWB: 74.9 in (1902 mm)
1990-91 SWB: 74.1 in (1882 mm)
1992-94 Astro: 76.2 in (1935 mm)
1992-94 Safari Cargo Van: 76.1 in (1933 mm)
1992-94 Safari SLX: 76.4 in (1941 mm)
1992-94 Safari 2WD LWB: 76.6 in (1946 mm)
1992-94 Safari Cargo Van AWD SWB: 75.7 in (1923 mm)
1992-94 Safari Cargo Van AWD LWB: 76.0 in (1930 mm)
Second generation
Second generation Chevrolet Astro
Production1995-2005
Engine(s)4.3 L 190 hp (140 kW) V6
Wheelbase1995-96: 111.0 in (2819 mm)
1997-2005: 111.2 in (2824 mm)
Length189.8 in (4821 mm)
Width77.5 in (1969 mm)
Height1995-96 Astro: 75.9 in (1928 mm)
1997-98 Astro: 76.0 in (1930 mm)
1995-96 Safari: 76.2 in (1935 mm)
1997-98/2002-03 Safari Cargo Van & 1999-2001 Astro Cargo Van 2WD: 75.3 in (1913 mm)
1997-2005 Safari & 2002-05 Astro: 75.0 in (1905 mm)
1999-2001 Astro 2WD: 74.9 in (1902 mm)
1999-2001 Astro Cargo Van AWD: 75.2 in (1910 mm)
1999-2001 Astro AWD: 74.8 in (1900 mm)
1st-gen GMC Safari
1997 GMC Safari
Chevy Astro modified with the addition of an operable Train horn and bell.


The Chevrolet Astro was a rear-wheel drive minivan introduced by Chevrolet in 1985 to rival domestic (American) competitors the Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager twins and the Japanese Toyota Van. Also sharing the Astro's platform was its sibling, the GMC Safari. In addition to standard passenger uses, the vans were also available as cargo vans, and converters used them as the basis for small conversion vans.

Both Pontiac and GMC have used the Safari nameplate (GMC is part of the Pontiac/GMC division); Pontiac used the nameplate on several of its station wagon models from 1955 through 1989. The two Safaris, both Pontiac and GMC, were on the market together (often sold by the same dealerships) from 1985 through 1989.

The Astro model name had been used previously for the unrelated Chevrolet Astro 1 Concept car, first shown at the New York Auto Show of 1967.[1]

While the Astro was referred to as a minivan, it was sized between the Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV unibody minivan and the full-size Chevy Van/Express. Similar to the Ford Aerostar, it utilized powertrain components common to GM's other light trucks, yet unlike the trucks the chassis was unibody in structure with a front sub-frame to support the engine and front suspension.

Due to the truck-based powertrain, the Astro and Safari could pull 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) with proper equipment. AWD models could tow up to 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) when properly equipped. This is opposed to front-wheel drive minivans; most of which are limited to a 3,500 pound towing capacity.[citation needed]

Initial advertising boasted that it was a vehicle that will "make you realize that life is too big for a minivan", referring to the Chrysler minivans.

Engines options ranged from 145 to 190 hp (108 to 142) kW 4.3L V6 engine, depending on options and/or model year.

The van seated up to 8 passengers.

In addition to being sold in North America, the Chevrolet Astro was exported to Japan, where the van enjoys a cult following. In 2005, to celebrate the last year of Astro production, Chevrolet of Japan offered a limited edition run of the final production models. The Astro's popularity in Japan comes even though it was only offered in left-hand drive.

Chassis features

Much like the second-generation GM F-body 1970-1981 and X-body vehicles, the GM M-van (Astro/Safari) had a bolt-on subframe incorporating the front suspension from a GM B-body station wagon (Chevrolet Caprice, Cadillac Brougham) with a leaf-spring rear suspension. The lower ball joints were larger than their B-body counterparts (similar to 1977-96 Cadillac D platform vehicles e.g. Fleetwood limousines). These ball joints were later used in the final Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 (police package) cars manufactured in 1995 and 1996. They also shared many mechanical similarities to the GMT 325/330 midsize S/T Pickup/Utilities.

As mentioned above, the Astro and Safari were rear-wheel drive vehicles, but in 1990 a new all-wheel drive (AWD) system, designed and developed by FF Developments (FFD)[2], was made optional. The AWD models had a lower fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon highway versus 20-21 for rear-drive vans. Premature idler arm wear on the AWD front suspension is a common problem.[citation needed]

Hundreds of instances of front torsion bar failure in the AWD suspension were reported to the NHTSA. The torsion bars failed without warning, resulting in bottoming of the suspension. Repair required replacement of both torsion bar assemblies with upgraded designs at a cost of about $1000. No fatalities were reported.[citation needed]

In 1990, a new dash was introduced along with the availability of a long-wheelbase model. In 1995, the model was face lifted with an extended nose that resembled the then-new full-size Express vans. In 1996, a redesigned dash received a passenger side air-bag. The vans remained mostly unchanged until canceled in 2005.

In 2003, GM upgraded the chassis of both the Astro and Safari with certain suspension components, larger brakes, and six-lug, 16 inch wheels from the full-size Chevrolet and GMC half-ton pickup trucks. The modifications improved[citation needed] the poor handling and braking of the vans.

End of the line

Faced with falling sales across its vehicle lines, General Motors began closing plants and discontinuing slow-selling vehicle lines. With new federal standards for side impact and head injury reductions coming, GM determined that there was no use in expending money for a redesign of a vehicle line that was no longer selling well. Thus, the Safari and Astro were taken out of production in May 14, 2005, and the long-serving Baltimore, Maryland assembly plant where both were built was closed. It was the only rear-wheel drive minivan which was produced for 20 model years - a longer run than its nearest rival, the Ford Aerostar, which ceased production in 1997, and the only remaining rear-wheel drive minivan in the United States and Canada since the original Mazda MPV ceased production in 1998. It was also the only rear-wheel drive minivan in the United States and Canada to spawn two generations, and also was the only rear-wheel drive minivan in the United States and Canada since the Volkswagen Eurovan ceased production in 2003. In total, the Baltimore plant produced approximately 3,700,000 Astro and Safari vans.

In the Chevrolet line, the Astro was replaced by the Chevrolet Uplander "crossover sport van", which also replaced the Chevrolet Venture. Like the Astro, the Uplander is available in cargo and passenger versions, although its front-wheel drive unibody platform makes it less suitable for heavy-duty work. GMC has replaced the Safari with their Acadia 7-passenger crossover SUV for 2007.

Safety and Crash Testing

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is known for its testing of vehicles and results that are often shown on NBC's Dateline television news program, gave the Astro a "poor" rating in 1996 because of what by all appearances was a horrifying display of structural failure in the Institute's 40 mph (64 km/h) crash test into a fixed, offset barrier. The underbody of the test van buckled, pitching both front seats forward and shoving the crash dummy into the dashboard and steering wheel, leading the Institute to comment that "[t]he collapse of the occupant compartment left little survival space for the driver." See detailed crash test information, including photos illustrating the Astro's structural collapse

In testing performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), however, the Astro and Safari fared better, improving from a single-star rating in 1990 to a three-star (driver) and four-star (passenger) rating by 1999. In side impacts, the Astro and Safari both received the highest, five-star rating in every year that the test was administered.

Popularity with modifiers

In addition to their popularity as conversion vans, the Astro and Safari both have popular followings with "back yard" modifiers. Modifications are both street and off-road. Some vans have the original 4.3L Vortec V6 engine replaced with a small-block V8 engine, such as the Chevrolet 350 engine. This switch is simplified because the 4.3L V6 is based on the GM small-block V8, and most of the factory drivetrain components can be reused.

Because of its truck based design, the Astro also is popular with some off road and camping enthusiasts. The combination of a powerful drivetrain, large cargo and passenger space, all-wheel drive, and optional locking differential for the rear axle facilitate off road modifications. The suspension can be lifted, allowing larger tires and clearance with relatively small changes in exterior appearance.

Parodies

The Chevrolet Astro has been parodied as the "Moonbeam" in various Grand Theft Auto games.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Chevrolet Astro I Concept car at www.ultimatecarpage.com Retrieved on 24/7/08
  2. ↑ "No giant here - FF Developments Ltd - company profile". Ward's Auto World. December 1999. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_n12_v25/ai_8255861. 

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