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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2009 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo

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Overview

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2009 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

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 3500 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 3500 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

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

Buying this car?

2009 Chevrolet Express Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.2

Out of 5

Based on 202 Ratings for the 1996 - 2012 Chevrolet Express Van models.

Review this car

Value

4.2/5

Quality

4.1/5
Reliability

4.3/5

Performance

4.3/5
Comfort

4.3/5

Styling

4.1/5

Not happy

By unsatisfied (MI) on Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

5 1.0

overall rating 1 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/5
Value: 1/5
Reliability: 1/5
Quality: 1/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 2/5
Comfort: 3/5

Pros: "AWD is great, drives nice"

Cons: "poor overall quality, cheaply built"

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

"Since purchasing new in Sept. '04 this vehicle has been in for repairs 5 times, with only 59,000 miles. A defective starter, recall for seat belts, a rear air conditioning line leak and two rear heater line leaks. GM has a serious design flaw in the rear heater lines, they run right above the rear spring shackle which causes them to rub and wear through when the van is slightly loaded with weight. And the fact that they use aluminum to save weight to meet CAFE standards doesn't help, thank you Feds. Aluminum corrodes easily, especially when salt comes into contact with it, which is why they air conditioning line leaked. I've been a GM man my whole life (50 years) but I will never buy another new GM vehicle. We love the AWD in this van, it's great in the snow and it drives very nice but the quality control is severely lacking. Our van has cargo side doors on both sides and they require herculean effort to open and close the rear doors on each side also. Very poor craftsmanship there, they weren't real bad when new but they have gotten worse over time where now you have to brace yourself and put your shoulder into it to open and close them."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Many great family vacation memories

By pnhdad (MO) on Tuesday, January 24, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 103,600

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "Comfortable, roomy"

Cons: "Gas mileage of 15 not the best"

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

"Yes it is large but our family of five have gone to over 30 states on vacations with it. The room, pulling power, comfort have made our trips memorable. The room with the seats removed is cavernous. Great for taking kids to college or gear for scout trips."

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