2005 Chevrolet Express | Review | Buying Guide
Last year, extended length Express vans were treated to the highly responsive StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system as an interim change during the model year. This year, Chevy spreads the wealth around, letting regular length models in on the party.
There are three different-sized Express models: half-ton 1500s, three-quarter-ton 2500s and one-ton 3500s. All models have two swing-open rear cargo doors and, on the passenger side, either 60/40 doors or a sliding door.
The regular length Chevrolet Express can seat between eight and twelve people. It has a ridiculous interior cargo volume of 267.3 cubic feet. Needless to say, there is plenty of space inside to transport items.
Under the Hood
There are plenty of different engines spread out across the formidable Express lineup. Base G1500 models have a 4.3-literVortec V6 engine with ratings of 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. H1500 models have all-wheel drive (others have rear-wheel drive) and a 5.3-literVortec V8 engine with 295 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Larger G2500s have a 4.8-liter Vortec V8 pumping out 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the massive G3500 comes equipped with a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. This engine is optional with G2500 models. All models use 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
StabiliTrak uses an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake master cylinder pressure sensor and a steering wheel angle sensor as inputs to interpret the driver’s desired path and whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle. StabiliTrak also uses these sensors plus a lateral accelerometer and yaw rate sensor to determine the vehicle’s actual path.
If the difference between the driver’s desired path and the vehicle’s actual path becomes great enough, StabiliTrak takes appropriate action to assist the driver with maintaining the desired path.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
While the entry-level Express is rather bare in terms of standard equipment, an optional preferred equipment group easily takes care of the problem. It provides rear air conditioning, a rear heater, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a deluxe console, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, auxiliary lighting, carpeting, floormats, chrome grille and bumpers, chrome wheel caps and more.
The 2005 Express offers an antilock four-wheel power disc brake system as standard equipment. The system features the responsive Hydroboost hydraulic assist power brake booster, which requires less pedal force to achieve quick and responsive stops.
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