1999 Chevrolet Astro Cobra 4.6 V6
Summary:
Luxurious, Roomy and Reliable
Faults:
The driver's side automatic window gave out. It would just stop with the window half way open. Very inconvenient when it was raining. The dealer replaced it as it was covered by the warranty.
The rubber molding is loose and falls down on the dutch doors in the back of the van. It lets water in the back if there is a heavy rain. I haven't taken it into the dealer yet to have that fixed so I don't know if it's covered by the warranty.
The front brakes squeak and sound like they're grinding under hard stops. The previous owner took it to the dealer several times with the same report. I had the brakes replaced, but it still makes the sound. I had a trusted mechanic look at it and he said that some road dust had gotten into the rotors. He cleaned them, but said it would probably happen again and that it shouldn't affect the performance. The van stops OK, but the sound is annoying.
General Comments:
Overall I love this van and wouldn't trade it for anything else. The dealer gets 5 stars. They are always courteous and never give me any trouble when I take it in.
It's great for trips and super comfortable. The Cobra package makes the van feel like a limo. It has almost every possible convenience and people always compliment us on the plush interior.
The V6 engine provides the perfect combination of power and fuel economy. In town driving, it has no trouble keeping up with other cars. In the mountains of Tennessee, with the van fully loaded I had a little trouble holding the 70mph speed limit, but so did most of the other vehicles around me.
Overall it's a great vehicle for families or couples that like to travel.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th June, 2003