Budlight
Bots, Bureaucrats, Administrators
529
edits
Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Astro"
m
Robot: Automated text replacement (-{{(fact|sia|update|citations\smissing|linkfarm|wiktionarypar|wikiquote|wiktionary|sisterlinks|rewrite|timefact|pov\||primarysources|orphan|contradict|future\sautomobile|otheruse|commons|portal|unreferenced|refimpr
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-{{Refimprove(|.*)}} +)) |
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-{{(fact|sia|update|citations\smissing|linkfarm|wiktionarypar|wikiquote|wiktionary|sisterlinks|rewrite|timefact|pov\||primarysources|orphan|contradict|future\sautomobile|otheruse|commons|portal|unreferenced|refimpr) |
||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
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. | 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. | 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. | ||
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]]. | 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]]. | ||
| Line 64: | Line 64: | ||
|publisher=[[Ward's Auto World]] | |publisher=[[Ward's Auto World]] | ||
|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_n12_v25/ai_8255861 | |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. | }}</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. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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 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 | 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 the poor handling and braking of the vans. | ||
==End of the line== | ==End of the line== | ||