Chevrolet Astro

The Chevrolet Astro was a rear-wheel drive mid-sized van introduced by Chevrolet in 1985.

1995
The operative word for the 1995 Chevy Astro was "more", as in more style, more space and more standard features. Astro's appearance had been freshened with a new hood, fenders, grille and fascia, all designed to make the van look more like a member of the Chevy truck family.

The '95 Astro had more room as well. The former "regular body" models had been discontinued in favor of extended body versions only, and this meant bigger interiors and more cargo space for the entire line. The new Astro also benefited from an expanded list of standard equipment, which now included air conditioning and deluxe mirrors.

Positioned in the middle of the midsize van market, the Astro had been designed to appeal to buyers who need a multipurpose van for people-ferrying, cargo-carrying and towing. Major competition came from its sister division's nearly identical GMC Safari, Ford's rear-wheel-drive Aerostar, and the front-wheel-drive Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan.

The Astro had three trim levels: CS (base), CL (midlevel) and LT (top of the line). In addition, the van was available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The Astro also received a new standard engine this year. All models came equipped with the Enhanced 4.3-liter ohv V6, which makes 25 hp more than last year's base V6. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic. 

The Astro's unique optional rear Dutch door (a one-piece liftgate with a split panel door below) remained in the line this year, good news for towing fans who prized the door's versatility.