This is probably the only van I'd ever want to own. It's damn sharp looking.

The sound when he slid that door open just too me back to my entire childhood

Kids love the Chevy Astro van especially when there’s free candy inside 😂

I have to confess that I have always had an "It's Complicated" relationship with the Astro/Safari. I LOVED how roomy & comfortable they were, how smoothly they rode, & how quiet they were.........& that 4.3-liter V6 is a TORQUE MONSTER, but fit & finish left A LOT to be desired. I will NEVER forget that it was an Astro which brought me to see Home Alone for the first time, however. I will NEVER forget cruising to Showcase Cinema in Woburn, MA in a blue 1986 Chevy Astro full of kids, BLASTING C&C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)".........ON THE CASSETTE PLAYER (Man, I'm old!!!!!)!!!!!!!

We had a gmc safari and the thing was so reliable ...lasted so long eventually transmission was dying as some gears were not shifting into smoothly ...so spacious though and felt so comfortable. Great engine too

Had an 89 LT short wheel base, fantastic vehicle, really miss it.

My parents had a ‘94 EXT LT, amazing vehicle, two huge road trips out west, could haul 7 friends, awesome. So good that when it finally died of transmission failure and rust, they got a used ‘04 AWD one

I still have my '91 astro and it's still running strong, drive it when it rains & keep my car in the garage so I rarely have to wash the car. It is reliable as a hammer to this day...still running the original starter. Had to replace the OE radiator a couple years ago because it was too clogged up for good flow and wasn't cooling well enough when the AC was on in 90+ degree weather. The thing is a tank.

Oh yeah give me that retro juice daddy motorweek

Wowzers, this brings back some memories. Our family had two of these when I was growing up. A 1989 Astro CS and a 1995 Astro LT. Lots of family vacation memories in those. Thanks for sharing!

I wanted one of these so bad when I was a kid. But a conversion van with the high roof, TV and all the rope lights and wood inside.

It's funny because it basically looks like a baby version of the Chevy Express Van that came out in the mid-90s which they still make to this day with minimal changes. The current design dates back to the 2003 refresh but still retains the upright boxy shape of the original 80s Astro vans. So basically, it's a new van with a 35 year old design! Good job GM!

Love my 2002 all wheel drive GMC Safari.

I always loved the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari, even though I was only 12 years old when these came out in 1985. Loved the snub nose look for the earlier vans. Eventually I got a 2005 Chevy Astro, the last year they were made and benefitted from years of refinement and upgrades, though admittedly, it was miles behind other vans in the early 2000s. And fuel economy was horrendous. But I'm glad I had a chance to own one.

I love me some minivans!! So much room in those things to toss everything you want in them and still have tons of room to stretch out in:)

one of my favorite cars to use in GTA

These are classics. There’s a whole subculture of m-van enthusiasts in japan who collect them and modify them. Really cool vehicles

I know, it's an old minivan but, It's perfect for the weekend trips with my family. It's old, but it has something I like: "RWD"

They kept these in production for 20 years, I loved the 4WD version and the conversion van models. We had a 1987 LT Touring with all the outboard seats have separate headrests and recliners. Plus deep tinted side glass and all the power accessories

This is the best generation of the Astro/Safari vans. The best grille style.

I love these. I laughed at the MPG’s 18 city 24 highway but we averaged 15. Lol good old 80’s and 90’s mpg’s.

It's not just "a brown van" it's a way of life lol. I have a '91 Safari XLT Sidewinder (not a wheelchair thing) conversion and it's awesome. It's going to live forever. Digital dash, alloys, custom side steps, front sports chin with fog lights (they don't work), purple shag carpet, it's own unique scent. We won't talk about fuel economy but I wouldn't swap it for a thing.

They are the perfect band vehicle when you tint the windows. I still love my 1994 Astro van even though I just lost the transmission 2 weeks ago. I paid $1200 for it in 2012 and I will gladly pay to get the transmission fixed. My only issue with them is the spark-plugs. They are nearly impossible to replace.

Didn't these have an almost 20 year production run with minimal changes?

My Grandfather had 3 of these sequentially, growing up. An 89 Astro with that sweep speedo he loved. A 96/97 Safari EXT with the tri-fold tailgate, probably his favorite. And a 2003 Safari EXT that he ended up Lemon Lawing because of the rear end, and got a 2004 GMC Yukon instead (best decision ever).

I still love my '88. It's the fourth Astro/Safari I've owned.

The newer cargo Astro vans from 2000-2004 still sell like hot cakes.

These vans were excellent right up until the end. People who actually owned them rarely speak poorly of them. The crash test wasn't great for sure, yet somehow these vans statistically enjoyed the lowest fatality rating of any vehicle on the road in spite of their great numbers and miles driven. They were good [RWD] or unstoppable [AWD] in the snow with requisite snow tires like any vehicle should run. Fit and finish aside, they were sturdy and cheap to fix, too. Lower profile tires on wide wheels with stiff shocks really woke up the handling. These vans are a parts bin amalgam of B body, C10 truck and even Cadillac commercial chassis items.

Thank you for another GM video. Those vans had a long run. They sold a lot of them too.

I can't even begin to think of how slow one of these would have been with an Iron Duke in the engine bay

My family had a '94 Astro AWD in a two tone blue with the tailgate barnyard doors. Loved that van a lot! It was super roomy for all of us and I have fond memories of my mom driving us to and from while drunk and we did not die. Memories!

The van of my childhood, my parents owned a few astros back in the day there was 5 of us kids and they seemed to suit our family well!

I always thought these were weird looking vans, but they do look ahead of their time and a lot more sleek and modern than the older styled full size vans

just bought a 2001 - Love it!

They forgot to mention foot room. The driver side had REALLY tight pedal areas so your feet are squeezed (the engine intrudes well into the cabin). It's not a deal breaker - but I found it VERY annoying at times.

The conversion vans were sooooo sweet. I remember being in love with those as a kid. Like a mini limo

oh how i CHERISH these retro reviews ever so much🤗

I expect to see the Ford Aerostar on the next retro review.

These were one of the best vehicles ever made

These little beasts were assembled in Baltimore from the very first to the very last one.

Owned one for 16 years back in the day. Took out the back seats, put in curtains and oh if walls could talk. Got about 400k miles eventually. From the beaches to the mountains and everywhere in between. From concerts to football games. Blonds, brunettes and red heads. Cheeseburgers to LSD. Man what ride we went on.

I've never seen a 4 cylinder Astro/Safari van..... didn't even know they existed. Learn something new everyday :-)

I had a 93 Safari XT with the 4.3L CMFI engine, and digital dash. Great handling van with great speed, but crappy suspension. GM failed the suspension on these vans by using a single fiberglass mono rear leaf spring instead of using multiple leafs like on the trucks. During the last few years of production GM finally got it right with these vans. Despite the crappy suspensions these vans were workhorses which showed the fact that lots of contractors used them. Also another thing GM failed on was with the posi lock rear ends. Not only ones in these vans, but other Gm vehicles as well. Sure some may bash GM, but i would rather deal with GM's problems than some of the other makes problems.

0:42 "Built in Baltimore" Must have had plenty of these sell at Big Bill Hell's Cars!

These actually aged pretty well.. Clean design.

Love mine!!!!!!! Have a 2000 And a 2005 SAFARI. One is a 7 seater and the other is an 8. Very big, Very reliable. Got HID headlights so these vans turn heads😉😁 and leather seats for both!!!!!!!

My dad bought a 86 Astro version, then a 97 which to date still has the original engine. I brought a 2003 Chevy Astro with awd. Best years to buy are 96 and up when they put the balance shaft in the valley to smooth it out. 2003-2005 get 6 lugs, upgraded fuel injection spiders that they retrofitted on the 5.7l v8, rear disc brakes.

One of the toughest vans I ever worked with, but still liked the Aerostar better, much more refined.

An Astro was my first vehicle! I was an electrical apprentice back in the day and this bad boy used to haul me and my crap from job site to job site for over 2 years before I had to sell it. One of the most reliable V6's ever and that body style had a certain aggression to it that always made it look more Van than Mini Van.

Great video! Can you please do a Chevy celebrity? or first generation cavalier?

Love all of these. Keep em coming guys! Miss old school reviews

My family once had a 1992 Astro Van with custom rims. Wasn't long before it was stolen. Thankfully the thief(s) didn't take it too far, just in a long alley in a nearby neighborhood.

This van is still beautiful, it doesnt look out of date at all.

These things were everywhere! Our neighbors had one of these that was a conversion. I thought the plastic fake wood was disgusting, even as a little kid. Manual transmission in a van, nice!

I remember when the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari vans were on the market. I was too young to drive at the time. But I remember finding these minivans way more attractive than the full-sized vans Chevrolet and GMC Truck were offering at the time.

My parents had one of these. It was pretty sweet. I.miss it. My mom hated trading it in for a small car when it's engine blew.

still role in my 86 astro with over 500,000 miles. original transmission 700-R4. I use it in the PNW for woods work. never under powered climbing hills. 17-20 mpg. replaced motor year I bought it in 97. easy to get gear out as compared to PU. have 4x4 PU when need to run in snow. only downside is one can not straighten out left leg after hard day of work due to front fender well.

my family had a 94 awd gmc safari when i was a kid. I liked it alot

I had two of these vans. They were terrible on gas, but you get a 27 gallon tank. I'd get about 20 combined. So if you do the math that's a 540 mile cruising range. I miss that.

I Love The Chevy Astro Van!!! We Had One.

These were way more solid than any "minivan" because they actually had a "truck frame" compared to other minivans in the late 90's early 2000's that were usually built on a car frame.

Is it just me or is it just really hilarious to watch this van on the track doing the slalom. Hella body roll! LOL Also, why the hell am I watching this??

First vehicle I ever drove with my learner's permit - 1990 Astro in 2002. AKA the box on wheels. That thing needed 3 motor jobs while my parents owned it and the "Van that tows like a truck" didn't even have a trailer hitch lol.

It is amazing that the M-Vans were built for 20 model years!

I don't think I'd ever want to own one but I think those are pretty nice looking vans. Pretty much nails the small van shape.

The best V6 engine ever made!! The 4.3 is the 350 SBC V8 minus 2 Cylinders. Yeah baby!! Plenty of mods available for it now. Love that engine

I drove the Astro and the Ford Aerostar at work back when they were new. The Astro was better by far. It was obvious that the Aerostar was based on the Ranger/Bronco II.

There has always been a minivan around, no one seems to think of the vw bus as a minivan for some reason but it is and they've been around since before world war 2.

I love this GMC Safari and Chevy Astro 1985, is my year favorite and 86, 87, 88 and 92. The best M van is 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1992

These are great vechicles.i grew up in these damn vans. Im currently looking for a awd utility model

Actually there are quite a few in fleet service for small businesses still running around in the Midwest, at least the ones that haven't rusted to shit. The AWD models are starting to get a cult following too.

Man, we had a 90s Chevy Astro in Ocean Blue... Some fun times.

Ahh, the van with empty promises of free beers and rock CDs

best van chevy ever made...bring it back

I know a guy who has an 85 with the iron duke and a manual transmission. He daily drives it with over 350K miles.

our family had a 1989 Chevy Astro . Before that we had a Ford Crown Victoria station wagon with wood panelling!

I miss the astro/safari twins I wish gm would bring it back from the dead

I always wanted a custom Astro Van

I'd rather be seen in one of these then the later Lumina vans. Those looked like futuristic props from an 80's scifi movie

Wowww does that take me back. Did you hear that?! “Built in Baltimore”

I miss seeing this van on the road and also the Ford Aerostar. Especially when they came out with the Extended wheel base for both vans. My parents had a 1994 XLT Ford Aerostar ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE and it did better in the snow and had more cargo room than most SUV's. Maybe one day Chevy and Ford will bring back these 2 vans. I guess once everyone gets away from the whole crossover craze and actually wants a car with leg room and real cargo space.

I remember my neighbors had a Chevy Astro when I was a kid. Can't forget that red color with the alloy wheels.

First car was a 1989 Astro. Don't remember the trim, just that it was a v6 and the stock cup holders folded out of the dash and were pretty much useless. Awesome memories with it though. I remember I was parked next to my buddy one night at a stoplight. He was in a firebird showing off and did a burnout. Being RWD, I did one right after. He may have had the cooler car, but I won on style points, since nobody had seen a mini van do a burnout before

My dad bought an Astro van brand new in 85 on Memorial weekend he was on a two lane Highway in northern Michigan and was T-boned by someone who ran a stop sign flipped a car on its side slid for a few hundred feet mom and dad walked away without a scratch so he said if an astro can take that kind of hit at that speed he went bought another one

As the years rolled by, the Astro's 4.3 V6 gained fuel injection (it originally came with a 4bbl carb), and more power. There is a lot of torque down low too. A late 1990's Astro would more than likely accelerate 0-60 a second or two quicker than the old one featured in this video. The weak link in these vehicles are the transmissions.

Thanks for putting this up.

I would love to see an RCR clip about this van. The references and personification would make me rofl 😁. The NYC department of corrections used these vans in the 90's to cart drug offenders to jail. So that's the vibe I get out of these vehicles.

We had an 86 Astro in this dark brown color, it was identical except it was a full window van and had a single bench and full camel interior in vinyl... I have never seen one in the same color ever

Wish that you could get these with double opening side doors like a full size van. That sliding door was heavy and a real PITA to use, you had to slam it to get it to fully latch. Especially if you were transporting kids in the back, little ones didn't have the strength to fully slam the door shut.

best van GM ever made...should have kept them.

When my ex and I were still married, we had an 89 Astro. Loved that thing!

I never have seen a manual trans astro?? Thatd be badass to have one

I love the astro

I remember our family renting one of these vans when I was a little kid. We rented it for a trip up to Monterey (from SoCal)

The boxiness is almost charming nowadays.

The crash test ratings of Astro vans are terrifying!

I used to dislike the looks of this generation of the Astro van(i preferred the 1996 and newer Astro looks) but now im starting to like the older design of the astro like on this video which i think they had the same look until 1994

Proof positive that GM just didn’t get the huge mini van craze that was starting. The Caravan was successful because it was basically a car with a box on it. GM just downsized their full sized van. Soccer moms wanted comfort, familiarity, and a car like ride and handling. Not a 7/8ths cargo van

That tire-pat at 3:23

I really wish GM would reintroduce something along the lines of the Astro. Truck durability, not insanely large, for the most part bullet proof components, and AWD available. Especially now that the 1500 Express/AWD has been discontinued. Hopefully we'll see something interesting once the Express moves to the newest truck platform.