GM has manufactured the Chevrolet Express for more than six decades for the very simple reason that there is an active market for it. Given the steady sale numbers for last year, that is unlikely to change. During the course of its long cycle, the Express has gone through several marked changes, the most notable of which was in 2003, when the line was upgraded and fitted with LS engines. The 2013 Chevrolet Express is the latest in GM’s established line and comes with several attractive functions that make it an appealing choice over earlier models. It continues to be a leader in the full-size van segment, but also has lots of competition. The 2013 Chevrolet Express gets the job done, whether moving cargo or people, or going on a road trip. Several different trims and model variations are offered to suit the need of any driver.
New For 2013
Rear park assist, a backup camera, and navigation radio (the backup camera displays on the nav screen in vehicles so equipped, not in the rearview mirror) have been added to the options list for 2013.
Exterior
While the 2013 Chevrolet Express is a relatively modern-looking vehicle, the fact remains that it is still a van. As such, the exterior styling is nothing to write home about. In its cargo trims, the Express has only two windows on the driver and passenger side doors. Other than the windshields, the rest of the vehicle is body paneling with no view to the inside. This is perfect for a work van because it leaves lots of space for decals or company advertisements. With the passenger models, the Express is surrounded with windows across the top half of the van. These models also offer slightly more consumer-oriented style touches, such as body-colored door handles and optional pinstripes. Overall, the Express has a very boxy appearance but rounded corners and edges soften it. The hood is very short and stout, and its slopes down into a standard Chevrolet grille that mimics the style of many other models such as the Tahoe and Suburban. Various wheel options are available- 16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch; alloy or chrome. Some Express models feature running boards, which make getting in and out of the vehicle much easier. All models of the Express can be fitted with a number of exterior accessories, such as roof racks, grille guards, and trailer hitches. All of these options enhance the overall versatility of the 2013 Chevrolet Express. While somewhat bland, the utilitarian appearance of the Express is appealing to some people.
Interior & Cargo
The dashboard features many of the standard indicators that come with modern vehicles. These include its headlight controls, tachometer, controls for the car’s climate control and a tire pressure indicator. Its trip computer gives an overview of the car’s average fuel economy, speed and the approximate range for the remaining fuel. The Express is fitted with cup holders for both front seats. The floor comes with plastic/rubber covering in the load area and passenger compartment.
For a car its size, the Express unsurprisingly offers decent cargo area. It has 239.7 cubic feet of space, which is large enough to hold most cargo items. Its cargo space can be expanded by letting the rear seat down. This adds an extra 30 cubic feet which, though little, may be enough to make a difference depending on the size of the cargo.
Safety
Like all cars made for the US market after 2012, the 2013 Chevrolet Express comes standard with anti-lock brakes and stability control, both of which aid the driver in keeping the van steady and avoiding accidents. Cargo models offer front airbags for the driver and passenger, while passenger models provide curtain and side airbags for all passengers in the vehicle. An optional rear-view camera makes backing up in the Express a breeze- normally a difficult task due to the vehicle’s sheer size. There are currently no crash-test ratings available for the 2013 Chevrolet Express from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, because of its size and long list of safety features, it is a very safe vehicle.
Driving Experience
While the 2013 Chevrolet Express is a van, it offers a surprisingly powerful driving experience. There are five engine options for the van, ranging from a 4.3-liter, 195 horsepower V-6, to a 5.3-liter, 310 horsepower V-8, to a 6.6-liter, turbo-diesel V-8 that offers 260 horsepower and an astonishing 525 lb-ft of torque. There are 1500, 2500, and 3500 versions of the Express available, each of which offers a successive capacity for towing and hauling (the 3500 having the highest ceiling). Depending on the model, the 2013 Express can tow up to 10,000 pounds- perfect for big jobs or family outings to the lake. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an optional upgrade that helps the Express handle better in conditions of rain, snow, or ice. It can be fitted with either a four- or six-speed automatic transmission, both of which shift smoothly and without delay. Overall, the 2013 Chevrolet Express offers a wide range of performance options that enable it to tackle any task with ease.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Chevrolet Express
- Ford E-Series
- GMC Savana
- Nissan NV3500 HD