47-655: The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana ) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van , the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis ; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances , buses , motorhomes , and small trucks . In production for
94-473: A refrigerated van, or "reefer", used for cold goods. A railway car used to carry baggage is also called a "van". A vehicle referred to in the US as a " full-size van " is usually a large, boxy vehicle that has a platform and powertrain similar to their light truck counterparts. These vans may be sold with the space behind the front seats empty for transporting goods (cargo van), furnished for passenger use by either
141-507: A " minivan " in American English is called a "people-carrier", "MPV" or multi-purpose vehicle, and larger passenger vehicles are called " minibuses ". The Telegraph newspaper introduced the idea of the " White Van Man ", a typical working class man or small business owner who would have a white Ford Transit , Mercedes-Benz Sprinter , or similar panel van. Today the phrase "man and van" refers to light removal firms normally operated by
188-700: A 3.42 or 3.73 axle ratio, while the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series vans have either a 3.73 axle or 4.10 axle ratio. 2003–2014 (LU3) Final engine derived from original Chevrolet small-block V8 Standard engine on current production; replaced 4.8L V8 Available only on heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 vans; flex-fuel capability added for 2010 2010–2017 (L20) Available only on 1500 and light-duty 2500 vans 2008–2014 (LMF) Flex-fuel capability added for 2008 Available only on 1500 and light-duty 2500 vans 2010–2020 (L96) 2018–2020 (LC8) Flex-fuel capability added in 2010, and CNG/LPG (propane) option added in 2018 Available only on heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 vans, and standard on
235-496: A cargo box trailer or semi-trailer is used rarely, if ever, in Australia. In India, the van is one of the most common modes of transportation and is often used for taking children to and from schools, usually when parents, especially working parents, are too busy to pick their children up from school or when school buses are full and unable to accommodate other children. Vans are also used for commercial purposes and office cabs. Some of
282-539: A composite headlamp assembly. For 1999, a few minor functional changes were made to the model line. In a more noticeable update, Chevrolet retired the Chevrolet Van nameplate entirely, with the cargo van renamed the Express Cargo Van. For 2003, the Express and Savana underwent a mid-cycle revision. Alongside substantial frame and chassis upgrades, the bodywork forward of the windshield was revised. Distinguished by
329-569: A convoy of multiple wagons. The word van has slightly different, but overlapping, meanings in different forms of English . While the word now applies everywhere to boxy cargo vans, other applications are found to a greater or lesser extent in different English-speaking countries; some examples follow: In Australian English , the term van is commonly used to describe a minivan , a passenger minibus , or an Australian panel van as manufactured by companies such as Holden and Ford at various times. A full-size van used for commercial purposes
376-402: A full-size Chevrolet van since 1964) replaced it as the diesel engine offering. For 2018, an "EcoTec3" 4.3 L V6 was introduced as the base gasoline engine; the same year, CNG/LPG capability was added as an option to the 6.0 L V8. For 2021, the 6.0 L V8 was replaced by an all-new 6.6 L V8 (L8T) first introduced in the 2020 Silverado HD. The 1500 and light-duty 2500 series had
423-463: A higher hood line, the newer front fascia (developed as an improved crumple zone) was brought closer in line with the GMT800 full-size pickup trucks introduced for 1999; the model line also introduced a degree of parts commonality between the two model lines. The dashboard underwent a redesign; along with the addition of dual-stage airbags, the interior added multiplex wiring (adding increased functionality to
470-520: A replacement beyond the 2025-2026 model year. The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana use the GM GMT600 chassis , developed exclusively for full-size vans. Derived loosely from the GMT400 chassis of the fourth-generation C/K trucks , the model line uses a full-length ladder frame with boxed forward frame rails. The GMT600 chassis was offered in two wheelbases: standard-length 135-inch and extended 155-inch (though
517-452: A similar layout and could accommodate a V8 engine . Chevrolet also switched to this layout. The Ford, Dodge, and Corvair vans were also produced as pickup trucks. The standard or full size vans appeared with Ford's innovation of moving the engine forward under a short hood and using pickup truck components. The engine cockpit housing is often called a dog house . Over time, they evolved longer noses and sleeker shapes. The Dodge Sportsman
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#1732859562150564-769: A single generation since 1996, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity. Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility ( Wentzville, Missouri ). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant ( Springfield, Ohio ). For
611-458: A sole business owner transporting anything from the contents of a whole house to just a few boxes. The word "van" also refers to railway covered goods wagons , called "boxcars" in the United States. In the United States, a van can also refer to a box-shaped trailer or semi-trailer used to carry goods. In this case, there is a differentiation between a "dry van", used to carry most goods, and
658-462: A substantial revision of the existing platform for the 2027 model year (under the model code GMT620); no details of GMT620 were released, though Ultium technology was dropped entirely in favor of retaining a lineup of internal combustion engines. In February 2024, GM abandoned its plans to produce an electric full-size van; the status of the GMT620 redesign is also unknown, leaving the model line without
705-458: A type of vehicle arose as a contraction of the word caravan . The earliest records of a van as a vehicle in English are in the mid-19th century meaning a covered wagon for transporting goods; the earliest reported record of such was in 1829. The words caravan with the same meaning has been used since the 1670s. A caravan, meaning one wagon, had arisen as an extension, or corruption, of a caravan meaning
752-513: Is also known as a "van" in Australia; however, a passenger vehicle with more than seven or eight seats is more likely to be called a "minibus". The term van can also sometimes be used interchangeably with what Australians usually call a "caravan", which in the U.S. is referred to as a " travel trailer ". The British term people mover is also used in Australian English to describe a passenger van. The American usage of "van" which describes
799-474: Is also used to describe full-fledged station wagons (passenger car front sheet metal, flat-folding back seats, windows all around) and even hatchbacks with basic trim packages intended for commercial use. These are referred to as "light vans" ( Japanese : ライトバン ), with "light" referring to the glazing rather than the weight of the vehicle. In British English , the word van refers to vehicles that carry goods only, either on roads or on rails. What would be called
846-560: Is also useful in handling and rollover prevention. A van is taller than a typical passenger car, resulting in a higher center of gravity . The suspension is also higher to accommodate the weight of 15 passengers, who can weigh over one ton alone. In the United States, it is common for only the front seat passengers to use their safety belts . The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that belted passengers are about four times more likely to survive in rollover crashes. Safety can be improved by understanding
893-448: The 2019 model year, higher-trim passenger vans received lane departure warning systems and collision alert warning features. An all-wheel drive option was offered for the model years 2003–2014 on 1500 and light-duty 2500 vans (below 8,500 lbs GVWR). AWD vans came exclusively with a 135" wheelbase and GM's 5.3L V8. For 2022, the Express entered its 26th year of production, overtaking the 1971-1996 Chevrolet Van in production longevity. As
940-467: The sedan deliveries of the 1930s to late-1950s. The first generation of American vans were the 1960s compact vans , which were patterned in size after the Volkswagen Bus . The Corvair -based entry even imitated the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine design. The Ford Falcon -based first-generation Econoline had a flat nose, with the engine mounted between and behind the front seats. The Dodge A100 had
987-642: The 1996 model year, Chevrolet replaced the G-series Chevrolet Van with the Chevrolet Express (retaining Chevrolet Van for cargo vans). The first all-new design for the General Motors full-size van line since 1971, the model line was offered in passenger-van and cargo-van variants (the latter initially retained the Chevrolet Van name), with GMC replacing the Vandura/Rally with the Savana. Alongside
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#17328595621501034-410: The 2014 model year. Since its 2003 model revision, the Express has seen incremental updates to the model line. The light-duty 2500 vans (below 8,500 pounds GVWR) were discontinued for 2006. For 2008, the Express passenger van received side-curtain airbags and standard stability control (introduced for 3500-series vans for 2005); the steering wheel, seats, and gauge cluster were also redesigned. For 2011,
1081-457: The 4500 chassis First V8 direct-injection gasoline engine used by model line Available only on 2500 and 3500 vans, and standard on the 4500 chassis Available only on 3500 vans Highest-displacement V8 ever factory-offered in a full-size van Available only on 3500 vans First inline-4 in full-size van since 1964 2011–2016 (LLM) Replaced by 2.8L I4 turbo-diesel Also offered on the 4500 chassis Far more aerodynamic than its predecessor,
1128-459: The 6.5 L turbo-diesel was offered in a GM full-size van for the first time. All engines were paired with a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission, carried over from the previous van; the 1500 and light-duty 2500 series (below 8,500 pounds GVWR) used a 4L60E transmission while the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series (above 8,500 pounds GVWR) used a heavier-duty 4L80E unit. For 2001, the Vortec 7400
1175-557: The Chevrolet Express derived much of exterior styling from the Chevrolet Astro mid-size van (including its flush-mounted exterior glass), deriving its grille from multiple trims of the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks. Similar to the APV minivans , the Express adopted high-mounted taillamps next to the rear windows, placed above the rear door hinges. In a design advancement for the market segment,
1222-467: The GMT610 adopted a three-section fully-boxed frame. With slight modifications, the GMT610 also adopted the front suspension of the GMT800 pickup trucks, with short-long arm front suspension (rear-wheel drive) and torsion-bar front springs (all-wheel drive). In another change, four-wheel disc brakes were introduced, standardizing anti-lock brakes (ABS). In a first for the full-size van segment, the GMT610 platform
1269-589: The LS-series engines) were introduced, with the Express and Savana receiving the 5.3 L V8 (on light-duty vans) and the 4.8 L and 6.0 L V8s (on heavy-duty vans). For 2006, the Express and Savana were once again offered with a diesel engine option, adopting a detuned version of the 6.6 L Duramax V8 (LGH) from the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick. For 2008, the 5.3 L V8 gained flex-fuel (E85) capability. For 2010, 2500- and 3500-series vans used
1316-448: The US may also refer to a minivan . Minivans are usually distinguished by their smaller size and front wheel drive powertrain, although some are equipped with four-wheel drive . Minivans typically offer seven- or eight-passenger seating capacity , and better fuel economy than full-sized vans, at the expense of power, cargo space, and towing capacity. Minivans are often equipped with sliding doors. The precursor to American vans would be
1363-1043: The United States, full-size vans have been used as commuter vans since 1971, when Dodge introduced a van that could transport up to 15 passengers. Commuter vans are used as an alternative to carpooling and other ride-sharing arrangements. Many mobile businesses use a van to carry almost their entire business to various places where they work. For example, those who come to homes or places of business to perform various services, installations, or repairs. Vans are also used to shuttle people and their luggage between hotels and airports , to transport commuters between parking lots and their places of work, and along established routes as minibusses. Vans are also used to transport elderly and mobility-impaired worshipers to and from church services or to transport youth groups for outings to amusement parks, picnics, and visiting other churches. Vans are also used by schools to drive sports teams to intramural games. Vans have been used by touring music groups to haul equipment and people to music venues around
1410-573: The country. Full-size van is a marketing term used in North America for a van larger than a minivan, that is characterized by a large, boxy appearance, a short hood, and heavy cargo and passenger-hauling capability. The first full-size van was the 1969 Ford Econoline , which used components from the Ford F-Series pickups . General Motors and the Dodge Ram Van followed with designs with
1457-493: The dashboard received upgrades (including Bluetooth compatibility and a USB port). For 2013, higher-trim passenger vans received an optional navigation system, rearview camera, and parking assist system. For 2015, all radios became digitally tuned and a 120-volt outlet was added to the dash. For 2018, the Express dropped sealed-beam headlights from all models, adopting the four composite headlamps of higher-trim passenger vans. A blind spot monitoring system also became optional. For
Chevrolet Express - Misplaced Pages Continue
1504-507: The door open. Step vans have more boxy shapes, wider bodies, and higher rooftops than other vans, and are rarely employed for carrying passengers. The Minivan is a van which is smaller in size in length and height than a full-size van. Minivans are often used for personal use, as well as commercial passenger operations such as taxis and shuttles, and cargo operations like delivery of mail and packages. They offer more cargo space than traditional sedans and SUVs . Their lower center of gravity
1551-519: The engines placed further forward, and succeeding generations of the Econoline introduced longer hoods. Another type of van specific to North America is the step van , named because of the design to facilitate users to step in and out of the vehicle. Widely used by delivery services, courier companies, and the parcel division of the US Postal Service and Canada Post, they are often seen driven with
1598-413: The first substantial redesign of the model line in 25 years, GM predicted substantial growth in the full-size segment through the end of the 1990s. In a major functional change, the front axle was moved forward 10 inches, effectively moving the front wheels out of the passenger compartment; along with improving front legroom, the design allowed a reduction in step-in height (improving access). While sharing
1645-663: The front seats, where the rest of the van body is cut off (leading to the terminology "cutaway"). From that point aft, only the chassis frame rails and running gear extend to the rear when the unit is shipped as an "incomplete vehicle". A second-stage manufacturer, commonly known as a bodybuilder, will complete the vehicle for uses such as recreational vehicles , small school buses , minibusses, type III ambulances , and delivery trucks. A large proportion of cutaway van chassis are equipped with dual rear wheels. Second-stage manufacturers sometimes add third weight-bearing single wheel "tag axles" for their larger minibus models. The term van in
1692-466: The interior electrical system). The Express and Savana offered with 60/40 split panel doors on the passenger-side of the vehicle; in a first (since the Corvair cargo van ), an option was added for the driver-side to receive the same split panel doors; this option was limited to the standard-length body (requiring doors on both sides). The option for the driver-side split 60/40 panel doors was available through
1739-582: The latter was only available on the 2500 and 3500 series). A replacement for the 110-inch short-wheelbase van (discontinued after 1992) was not included as part of the GMT600 design, as the short-body van had functionally been superseded by the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari mid-size vans. For 2003, the GMT600 chassis underwent a substantial revision and was redesignated GMT610. In line with the GMT800 chassis,
1786-399: The manufacturer (wagon), or another company for more personal comforts ( conversion van ). Full-size vans often have short hoods, with the engine placed under the passenger cabin. A cutaway van chassis is a variation of the full-size van that was developed for use by second stage manufacturers . Such a unit has a van front end and driver controls in a cab body that extends to a point behind
1833-542: The music format had been phased out of automobiles (in favor of Bluetooth-based content), the CD player was discontinued as an option. As of current production, the GMT610 platform is anticipated to be produced in its current form through the 2026 model year. Originally intended for replacement by a fully-electric vehicle (using GM Ultium battery technology) derived from the BrightDrop Zevo , plans were later revised in favor of
1880-680: The popular vans include Maruti Suzuki Omni and the Maruti Suzuki Eeco . Early Japanese vans include the Kurogane Baby , Mazda Bongo , and the Toyota LiteAce . The Japanese also produced many vans based on the American flat nose model, but also minivans which for the American market have generally evolved to the long-wheelbase front-wheel drive form. The Nissan Prairie and Mitsubishi Chariot as well as microvans that fulfill kei car regulations, are popular for small businesses. The term
1927-882: The rear doors are hinged to open nearly 180 degrees, allowing the vehicle to back up to a loading dock. Van A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. There is some variation in the scope of the word across the different English-speaking countries. The smallest vans, microvans , are used for transporting either goods or people in tiny quantities. Mini MPVs , compact MPVs , and MPVs are all small vans usually used for transporting people in small quantities. Larger vans with passenger seats are used for institutional purposes, such as transporting students. Larger vans with only front seats are often used for business purposes, to carry goods and equipment. Specially equipped vans are used by television stations as mobile studios. Postal services and courier companies use large step vans to deliver packages. Van meaning
Chevrolet Express - Misplaced Pages Continue
1974-451: The same engine sizes as the previous model line, the size of the engine cover was reduced, further increasing front passenger space. On all vehicles below 8,500 lbs GVWR (1500 and 2500 series), the Express was introduced with standard dual airbags; for 1997, dual airbags were standardized for all versions of the model line. Cargo and base models were equipped with a single sealed beam halogen headlamp on each side. The LS trim changed this to
2021-405: The six-speed 6L90 transmission, and the 4.8 L and 6.0 L V8s gained flex-fuel (E85 capability). Coinciding with the discontinuation of the 1500 series, the Vortec 4300 V6 (the final engine derived from the original Chevrolet small-block V8) was discontinued in 2014. After 2016, the 6.6 L Duramax diesel V8 was discontinued; a 2.8 L inline-4 Duramax (the first four-cylinder in
2068-472: The unique characteristics of 12- and 15-passenger vans and by following guidelines developed for their drivers, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many commercial vans are fitted with cargo barriers behind the front seats (or rear seats, if fitted) to prevent injuries caused by unsecured cargo in the event of sudden deceleration, collision, or a rollover. Cargo barriers in vans are sometimes fitted with doors permitting
2115-424: Was also offered with full-time all-wheel drive as an option. The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana were initially available with five engine options. Shared with C/K pickup trucks, a 4.3 L V6 was standard, while 5.0 L, 5.7 L, 6.5 L turbo-diesel , and 7.4 L V8s were options. All gasoline engines adopted the "Vortec" port-fuel injection upgrades for 1996, increasing power and torque outputs;
2162-413: Was available with an extension to the rear of its long-wheelbase model to create a 15-passenger van. Vehicles have been sold as both cargo and passenger models, as well as in cutaway van chassis versions for second stage manufacturers to make box vans, ambulances, campers, and other vehicles. Second-stage manufacturers also modify the original manufacturer's body to create custom vans. In urban areas of
2209-410: Was replaced by the longer-stroke Vortec 8100 (at 496 cubic inches, this is the largest-displacement engine ever factory-marketed by Chevrolet); the engine was offered for the Express through 2002. For 2003, the engine lineup underwent a series of revisions. The 4.3 L V6 was retained but was only available on the 1500 and light-duty 2500 series. The "Generation III" small-block V8 engines (based on
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