1999 Chevrolet Van 2500 350 V8

Summary:

A good van, but could be better!

Faults:

Interior plastic trim is of cheap snap in place construction.

Plastic panels on both front doors are cracked.

The pull handles on those front doors are broken and have been repaired. They have two small screws that tear out from the door panel.

Sun visor- passenger's side had a short that takes out the fuse for the power mirrors and dome lights.

Sun visor- driver's side- elastic band ripped out with moderate ease.

Rear door plastic panel coming off.

Plastic covering the jack storage will not stay in place.

The air conditioning has lost its charge after 5 years, could be expected.

Intake manifold gasket replaced by dealer at 79,000 miles. This was not cheap. I had been loosing antifreeze without a visible ground leak and that was where it was going.

At 79,000 miles also had to have coil, distributor and plugs replaced by the dealer. Another large expense.

Side doors, very prone to the hinges rusting up and opening very hard. Have to oil these up so much I get grease drips down the outside.

General Comments:

This is a big van, but that’s why we bought it. Great for long highway drives, but not great in rush hour city traffic.

Would really like it if the bench seat backs folded down. Many times large cargo items could be put in with out having to remove the benches if they folded down.

Front and rear AC / heat controls are a must with the size of the van for the rear passengers.

Tows my camping trailer great. Loves the gas even more, but that’s expected.

Being a ¾ ton, many of the parts are more expensive, but that’s to be expected with the higher load rating.

The large size makes it a great people or stuff hauler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th May, 2005

15th Sep 2007, 17:21

There is no distributor on this van in '99.

23rd Aug 2010, 15:48

There is a rotor and cap. I replaced them myself on my 1999 Express 3500.