2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van Review
The 2012 Chevrolet Express full-sized passenger van is available in 2 trims, the base LS and well-outfitted LT, and has 3 different available load ratings, the 1500 as well as the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500; all 3 are provided in the standard 135” wheelbase configuration, accommodating from 8 to 12 passengers. You can accommodate up to 15 passengers with the extended 155” wheelbase which is available only in the 3500. Engine sizes depending on load rating. Properly equipped the Express 3500 can tow up to 9,900lbs. The Chevy Express Van provides an excellent option for transporting large families, the kid’s baseball team or even pulling duty as the company ride-share van.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Chevrolet Express Passenger Van is a vehicle of pure utility. It can carry a lot of people, but the interior isn’t exactly Lexus quality, even after improvements. While it can’t tow as much as a Ford, it has the most powerful engine in its class.
The Buying Advice team Says:
For anyone who regularly needs to haul a lot of passengers, tow a camper or trailer or do both at the same time, the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van is one of the most versatile and functional choices in passenger vehicles on the market.
What’s New For 2012:
There were no new additions for 2012 in the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
Previous models of the Chevrolet Express Van were scored well by J.D. Power and Associates in their initial quality studies and awarded the Express Van an impressive overall quality rating of 5, the highest possible score, and an overall mechanical rating of 4.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Chevy Express Passenger Van is equipped standard with stability control and antilock brakes; side curtain airbags and OnStar emergency communications are available as options.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+Versatile and functional passenger configurations
+Large variety of powertrains
+AWD is available
Cons
-Basic plastics in interior
-Fairly Spartan
-The base model is modestly equipped
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Chevrolet Express Passenger Van LS 1500 has a slightly higher starting price than the Ford E-Series and RAM C/V ; however, you’ll get more power in the Express with its 310hp/334lb-ft of torque; compared to the E-Series with 225hp/286lb-ft of torque and the RAM C/V at 283hp/260lb-ft of torque. The Express 1500 offers max towing capabilities of 6300lbs compared to the RAM at 3600lbs and the E-Series with a rating of max 7500lbs. Both the Express and E-Series have an estimated fuel economy rating of 13MPG city/17MPG highway and the RAM C/V offers 17/25MPG. All 3 offer a basic warranty of 36months/36,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
"The 2012 Chevrolet Express is a great passenger van, and test drivers appreciate that it’s available all-wheel drive and high towing capacity." – US News
"Though its basic architecture dates all the way back to 1996, Chevrolet has made a number of improvements to the interior and powertrain lineup in recent years to keep the Express Passenger (along with the stripped-out, two-seat Express Cargo) competitive." – Left Lane News
Read more about the 2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van at the Chevrolet manufacturer site.
