2011 Chevrolet Express

The Chevrolet Express is the contemporary version of the basic, boxy body-on-frame front-engine, rear-wheel drive van that's been a staple for small business delivery and utility, airport shuttles and recreational vehicle conversions since the early 1970s. Recently, it has had some new, more modern competition in the form of the Freightliner Sprinter and the much smaller Ford Transit Connect.

Chevy's aging entry is viable thanks to its versatility. The Express is available as an eight-, 12- or 15-passenger van with windows all around, as a cargo panel van with just two seats and as a commercial cutaway chassis for larger bus-type bodies and RV conversions. The commercial version comes with right-hand sliding or 60/40 swing-out doors, and optional left-hand 60/40 swing-out doors. Payload capacity is 2,359 to 3,944 pounds, depending on configuration.

Standard-length models are 224-inches long on a 135-inch wheelbase, while extended wheelbase models are 244-inches long on a 155-inch wheelbase. All gasoline V-8 models are E85 fuel flexible, and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Bodystyle: VanEngines: 4.3L V-6, 4.8L V-8, 5.3L V-8, 6.0L V-8, 6.6L diesel V-8Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, four-speed automaticModels: G1500, G2500, G3500

GM's 6.6-liter Duramax diesel is new for the Express, and available for the first time on 3500 passenger vans. The 4.8-liter is standard on the 2500 passenger van. StabiliTrak is standard, locking differential available on all models. OnStar 9.0 is standard on passenger, available on cargo and some cutaways. Digital radio is optional, with XM and Bluetooth available. Mobile WiFi is a dealer-installed option.

No exterior changes for 2011. The Chevy and GMC versions are distinguished only by their grilles. Cargo vans with sliding rear right-hand doors have windows behind the driver/passenger-door windows, while 60/40 swing-open doors are paneled.

Cargo vans have bare-steel interior panels and rubberized vinyl floors. Passenger vans get two to four rows of bench seats behind two buckets up front. Cutaway van configurations depend on designs of various conversion companies.

The addition of standard StabiliTrak reflects concerns over cornering stability in large passenger/cargo vans in general. GM claims best-in-class torque, 660 pound-feet, and horsepower, 365, for the new iron block and head Duramax V-8 turbodiesel available in the heavy-duty vans. While not subject to EPA fuel mileage ratings, it's likely the most fuel efficient of engines available in the Express.

StabiliTrak is standard. Cargo vans get driver and front-passenger airbags with a passenger deactivation switch. Passenger vans get head/curtain airbags for the first three rows only. Twelve- and 15-passenger models come with enhanced technology glass.

G1500 (4.3L) RWD: 15 city mpg/20 highway mpgG1500 (5.3L) RWD: 13 city mpg/18 highway mpgG1500 (5.3L) AWD: 13 city mpg/17 highway mpgG2500 (6.0L) RWD: 10 city mpg/16 highway mpgG3500 (6.0L) RWD: 10-11 city mpg/16 highway mpg

• Utility
• Simplicity
• Cargo capacity/passenger capacity
• Diesel power, economy

• Bulkiness
• Dated body configuration

Old school cargo/passenger transport

• Freightliner Sprinter
• Ford E-Series