So my dilemma is this:

I need a work van but I can’t park a panel van on my residential street because it would need B truck plates, and that’s a no-no in Chicago. I also need a winter vehicle as I don’t want to drive my baby (1994 Caprice LS 5.7 with ubermods) in the snow.

I also need a family vehicle (2 kids and lots of support equipment) that’s safe, big and if possible, 4X4 or All Wheel Drive. What to get…..what to get…….

Ford Excursion? Big, pricey and sucks dino juice like it’s free.
Tahoe or Suburban? Same as Excursion and harder to insure.
Minivan? Just shoot me now.

Then the Chicago Auto show in Feb 2004.
The Explorer conversion van based on the Chevy Express AWD Full Size Van.

I’m in love.

But, I don’t want to drop $50k on a vehicle I’ll put ladders and tool boxes in.

So I start reading and searching. After a few months I narrow my choice down to the standard version of the Savana or Express AWD. But gosh darn, new they’re expensive and used is impossible to find in the flavor I want…until one day…..

2004 Chevy Express AWD with options package. 6500lb Towing, Heavy Duty brakes
Pewter exterior, gray interior. Options include CD, Rear defrost, Double side doors (Can’t be beat) power drivers seat, a few other misc odds and ends and seating for 8 in the way of 2 bench seats. Dual AC/Heat.

List $36K ouch
Now the one I find has 10k miles on it, built in April of 04. This is now August of 04. Turns out it was a GM Program car and never titled.
Dealer wants $25k Nice….I chisel them down to 24K. Test Drive….SOLD.

Ride: You sit up high, steering is responsive and tight. You get a nice smooth floating feeling at highway speeds but not that “Am I in the right lane” feeling. Solid and secure. City traffic is painless as you have a clear view of your surroundings with ample window area and no obstructions for view. Turning radius is impressive. Noise levels are average.

Engine: 285hp 5.3L V8. Floor it and it beats most ricers (you know the tricked out Hondas and Toyotas that are all flash and no ‘nads) Gas mileage in Chicago is a respectable 14’ish with mostly city driving and hauling tools and stuff around. Not bad for a 7200lb vehicle with AWD.

AWD: I can’t say anything better about the operation of All Wheel Drive on this vehicle. During our Chicago winter, we were not pounded with snow, but we did get a good amount. I “TRIED” to get stuck. This van was not having it. The AWD made short work of any drift, snow bank or snowed in parking spot I threw at it. Cold starts were quick and never a hic-up. The only thing in winter is the cabin takes a while to heat up due to the size. Never a better winter vehicle have I had. Solid in the rain too.

Double side Doors: Great idea on a minivan, fantastic idea on a full size van. Makes loading the kids, groceries, anything a breeze when parking on one-way streets, crowded parking lots, ect. Only draw back is the doors are not sprung tight and tend to close easy with a stiff wind or at an angle.

Cargo: This vehicle has a silly amount of room. Even with seating for 5 (one bench in) I can haul a Honda Accord in the back. Well, not really but close. This van swallows 2 ladders, 3 tool boxes, 2 boxes of wire, stroller, clothes for the Salvation Army and has room to spare. No chance of fitting all this in a Full Size SUV.

Reliability and quality: Shhhhhh…don’t jinx me. So far so good. Dash is starting to squeak under the steering wheel a bit. Stereo sound is nice. Dash is easy to read, controls all easy to find and operate.

Looks: Actually, it’s kind of cool. See for yourself: http://www.cctvcentral.com/images/van1.JPG

Conclusion:

I love this vehicle, and if it needs replacement, I’ll get another one. It has many roles it can fill with ease, and draw backs are few. Power, room, safety, ease of use all make this the ideal multi-role vehicle. In my mind it beats any full size SUV or Minivan hands down. Now only thing is I can’t look at the pump price with gas going up here in Chicago when I fill that 31 gallon tank……

Amount Paid (US$): 24000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: 2004 Chevy Express AWD 8 seat passenger