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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo

Overview

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2011 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Review

By KBB.com Editors

Versatility is what the 2011 Chevrolet Express Van is all about. Available in Cargo and Passenger versions, Chevy's ultimate hauler can transport up to 15 passengers or, when the job requires moving parcels instead of people, whatever you can fit into a mobile storage locker offering nearly 285 cubic feet of usable space. Either way you look at it, the Express will be tasked with moving what could potentially be a substantial amount of weight, which is why Chevrolet offers buyers a variety of engines, including a torquey Duramax diesel. Factor in the options of regular- or extended-length models, a selection of basic to well-equipped trims and the availability of rear- or all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, and you have a vehicle ready for most anything.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you frequently need to accommodate several passengers, require a work vehicle offering space and configurability or want a van that covers the gamut from light-to heavy-duty capability, the 2011 Chevrolet Express is one not to be missed.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your priorities include comfort or efficiency, the Chevy Express will likely leave you disappointed. Despite being offered with its share of creature comforts, this is a work vehicle, one that rides and handles more like a Silverado than a Honda Odyssey and isn't recognized for outstanding fuel economy.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the Chevrolet Express van has been updated with standard StabiliTrak, the newest version of OnStar and desirable options such as Bluetooth connectivity and a WiFi feature. Also, the optional diesel engine now delivers more power and greater efficiency.

Driving the Express 2500 Cargo

Driving Impressions With EPA ratings of up to 20 mpg, the base Express Cargo van's V6 offers the lineup's greatest efficiency, but its 195 horsepower can be overwhelmed by heavy loads. In...

those situations, the available 310-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 is a better choice, or perhaps the optional 324-horsepower 6.0-liter V8. However, none of those engines can compete with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel, updated for 2011 to deliver 260 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. If something needs to be moved, chances are that turbocharged oil-burner will get it done.

Favorite Features

Side Access Doors
The Chevy Express Van's side doors provide easy access to the cargo area without having to climb in from the back.

Capability
Consider the 2011 Express Van to be a Jack-Of-All-Trades, one that can carry up to 15 people, boasts 284.4 cubic feet of cargo space and tows up to 10,000 pounds.

2011 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Details

Interior

Styling for the 2011 Chevrolet Express Van's dash and instrument panel borrows from other Chevy models, including the Silverado pickup truck but, otherwise, the look is unique. In its basic Cargo configuration the Express is essentially a 2-passenger rig comprised of a couple of seats and a big empty box devoid of any type of trim or decoration. A variety of interior storage provisions can be added. Standing in contrast is the Express Passenger Van, where you'll find such luxuries as carpet, rear windows and additional seats.

Exterior

A need for interior space is what leads shoppers to the 2011 Express Van, meaning Chevy designers were challenged with the task of making the vehicle look fresh and modern while not affecting overall capacity. As a result, the silhouette of today's Chevrolet van isn't all that different from models sold over the past few decades, though the taillights are mounted higher, the edges have been softened and the front end looks more like a German Shepherd than a Pug.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Listed among the 2011 Express Cargo Van's standard features are a V6 engine, vinyl flooring and upholstery, air conditioning, a step-up rear bumper and manually-operated exterior mirrors. Frills are not part of the deal, though the Passenger Van does jazz things up some, with a V8 engine and cloth seats. All Chevrolet Express models are equipped with stability control, 4-wheel antilock (ABS) disc brakes and dual front airbags.

Optional Equipment

Creature comforts are not what you'd call plentiful on the Express Cargo Van, so shoppers will need to look to the options list if they want power windows and door locks or, if they're really feeling crazy, a radio. There are also choices of engines, light- or heavy-duty models (1500, 2500, 3500), body lengths and various packages. Some of the more noteworthy items include side-curtain airbags, Bluetooth connectivity and the most recent version of OnStar.

Under the Hood

If fuel economy is a primary concern, a Chevrolet Express 1500 equipped with the base 4.3-liter V6 is a buyer's best choice. That 6-cylinder is expected to average 20 mpg on the highway but, with 195 horsepower, it's not exactly a powerhouse. Though less efficient, the 2011 Express van's four available V8s promise to get most any job done with up to 324 horsepower and, thanks to this year's updates, 525 lb-ft of torque. That latter amount is what you'll get from the available 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, which has been tweaked to deliver additional output complimented by cleaner emissions.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4,600 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20

4.8-liter V8
280 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17

5.3-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
334 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17

6.0-liter V8
324 horsepower @ 4,700 rpm
373 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/16

6.6-liter Turbodiesel V8
260 horsepower @ 3,100 rpm
525 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 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 2500 Cargo vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Chevrolet Express Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 207 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

what great service

By rick (AZ) on Monday, June 03, 2013

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

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "fully loaded and has dvd player"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"bought new. never a mechical problem. just usual recommended maintainance. i did battery whippers tires, etc. a real beauty of a conversion. born in michigan and raised in arizona. some personality. rustless and not sun faded. always starts and has as much pep as it did new."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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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 7 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 3 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"

4 people out of 4 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"

30 people out of 39 found this review helpful

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