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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo

Overview

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2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Chevrolet Express Van is really three vans in one. Its massive interior can be configured to hold up to 15 passengers, making it an ideal company shuttle or airport limo. Strip the interior bare and the Express Van becomes a cavernous cargo container or the ideal platform to build a rolling workshop. And for those looking for the ultimate in customization, the Express Van can be outfitted with plush captain's-chair seating, a built-in refrigerator and a convertible sofa bed. No matter what the mission, Chevrolet provides not just the platform, but the hardware to back it up. From its powerful engine lineup to its optional heavy-duty transmission oil cooler, the Express Van is designed to be a hard-working vehicle.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a business and need a substantial amount of room for tools or storage, the 2009 Chevrolet Express Van is hard to top. A choice of four powerful V8 engines, varied towing capabilities and optional all-wheel drive makes the Express Van perfect for business and family use.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are used to a minivan, the Express Van may be more vehicle than you would like to drive. The gasoline V8 models can be thirsty, especially when loaded with passengers. Those needing room to stand and work may be happier with the Dodge Sprinter.

What's New for 2009

Changes for 2009 are minor and include some new 17-inch wheel and tire options, an engine oil cooler added to the 4.3-liter V6, and a transmission oil cooler as standard on applications exceeding a 14,000 pound GCWR.

Driving the Express 1500 Cargo

Driving Impressions The base Cargo Van is powered by a 195-horsepower V6 engine. Although the V6 can handle light loads, if you plan on hauling heavier cargo or towing a trailer, you...

should choose the Vortec 5.3-liter V8, with its 301 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. For the larger 3500 series, a potent Vortec 6.0-liter V8 offers customers the most powerful V8 engine in its class. Also available with 2500 and 3500 models is the Duramax diesel engine, which provides an abundance of torque and is capable of towing and hauling extreme loads.

Favorite Features

Side Access Doors
Side access doors allow you to reach tools and equipment without climbing inside.

Seating for 15
Available seating for 15 makes the Express Van the ultimate commuter vehicle.

2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo Details

Interior

The Express Van's passenger models received a major makeover last year, replacing the aged steering wheel, dash controls, window switches and message center. New fabrics for the seats complete the update. The big glass side panels make it easy to see what's around you, and their deep tint foils prying eyes.

Exterior

The 2009 Chevrolet Express Van is about as contemporary as possible for a rolling box. It features rounded edges, high-mounted side taillights and flush side glass. One long-wheelbase model is available in quarter-, half- or one-ton configurations. Cargo vans can be equipped with external compartments for easy access and offer a number of rear-door options.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Express Van 1500 Cargo Van comes standard with a 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine, while the Passenger Van has a 5.3-liter V8. Other notable features include air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), StabiliTrak stability control (Passenger models), tire-pressure monitor, swing-out side doors, flat and convex dual side mirrors and eight-person seating.

Optional Equipment

Options include all-wheel drive, a 5.3-liter V8 (standard on Passenger Vans and all-wheel-drive models), a 323-horsepower 6.0-liter V8, a 250-horsepower 6.6-liter turbo-diesel (2500 and 3500 models only) and a FlexFuel 5.3-liter V8. Other options include a Cold Climate Package, a Trailering Package, dual heated power mirrors, power windows, six-way power driver's seat, rear air conditioning, auxiliary transmission oil cooler and aluminum wheels.

Under the Hood

The Express Van's V6 may be a fuel-efficient choice but, if you need to haul heavy loads, this engine will probably not be enough. For most uses, one of the three gasoline V8s works best, providing sufficient torque and horsepower for hauling heavy loads or towing. The ultimate towing machine will be had with the Duramax turbo-diesel, which produces a whopping 460 pound-feet of torque, more than enough for tackling the biggest jobs – and then some.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20

4.8-liter V8
279 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
294 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

5.3-liter V8
301 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 9/12 (E85, RWD), 9/12 (E85, AWD), 9/12 (E85 Cargo), 13/16 (gasoline, RWD), 12/15 (gasoline, AWD)

6.0-liter V8
323 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
373 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6-liter Turbodiesel V8
250 horsepower @ 3200 rpm
460 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Chevrolet Express Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 206 Ratings for the 1996 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.3/10

Really disappointed

By Unhappy driver (MN) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I don't own this car

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "None"

Cons: "Unsafe and jerky."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I drive this as a company work truck. As a work truck it's useable, but there is an issue with the accell pedal. You have to push it for over 2" before you get any throttle response. The local dealer tried a new pedal assembly, but it didn't solve anything. Tried to get the district rep involved, but all he said was to drive one that was on the lot and I'd see all of them do the same. I feel this is an accident waiting to happen. At stop signs, you never know when it's going to start to move, and it's usually with a jerk. I would not buy any GM product due to the fact I've been told they use the same system in all the new vehicles. It's unsafe."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Transmission problems - Chevrolet Express 2500

By jul (CA) on Thursday, March 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Roomy"

Cons: "Not reliable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Kept up on oil changes and transmission service, at 140,000 we are having to install the third transmission. Not a quality vehicle and GM isn't standing behind their product. Lemons happen but take care of it responsibly. After stringing us along for over a week GM can't assist us at all. Very disappointed."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Van Ran It Up To 295k Almost Made IT To 300k

By gator (PA) on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 295,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "A lot of Pep Nice Seats"

Cons: "Tough to Maneover in Tight Places stay off sand."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Owned this 2500 Series Van since 2004 bought it new.Breakdown occurred over 200k wheel Bearings wore out.AC Compresser went out around 250K.Alternator lasted over 150 k.At around 265K started having oil and anti freeze leaks.At 290 K Oil Pressure readings started to register below normal.So i have to depart with old reliable and Yes i will buy another Chevy Express.Only negative thing to say is kinda hard to turn around in tight parking lots and wish the cargo area was higher.Mpg could be better.Highly Recommend"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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who could ask for more

By jazzie (NJ) on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 240,040

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "effortless power"

Cons: "rear whines high mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"as a service tech we need our trucks to work for us without compromise this van has delivered all that i could hope for in a vehical...2001 2500 express rules!"

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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great van

By Flex (FL) on Monday, April 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 142,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i have a v8 5.7 runs great ac is real cold and its runs like i was flying on the highway you go 80 mph and you dont feel it and the gas mil on it is like a v6 van i fill it up with $125.00 with gas at $4.00 a gal it has 31gal on it .. it will last me for 4to5 weeks depnes on how much you drive im a mobile car wash so im always out there hople this helps"

29 people out of 38 found this review helpful

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