About Chevrolet Astro
Chevrolet introduced the second generation of the Astro MPV in 1994 in both shapes as a light commercial vehicle or as a family minivan.
GM definitely knew how to make more money from the same platform and made the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Sierra siblings. Not only that both vehicles share most of the parts, but they were built on the same platform as the GMC Sierra's first generation, which was introduced in the '80s. Thanks to that, the automaker managed to offer these MPVs at an attractive price on the market.
Chevrolet tried to create a visual connection between all of its utility vehicles, and thus, the Astro received a similar front fascia as other pickups from its stable. Thus, the chromed horizontal slat that crossed the front fascia separated the headlamps placed on the upper side and the parking and blinkers on the lower side. Depending on the trim level, the Astro featured a chromed or black grille. For safety reasons, the carmaker offered the Astro with two front-hinged doors for the front passengers and a sliding door on the curbside. In addition, at the back, Chevrolet offered side-hinged doors, refrigerator-style.
Inside, the dashboard was inspired by SUVs with a curved design and a center stack tilted towards the driver. Its steering wheel and instrument cluster, though, was more appropriate for an LCV. Depending on the options, it could feature up to eight seats in three rows. The aftermarket options for decorating the interior were huge.
General Motors used Sierra's platform for some light pickup trucks, such as the Chevrolet S10 or the GMC Sonoma. Thanks to that, the Astro was offered with either a rear or all-wheel drive system, depending on the options. The engine was the same 4.3-liter paired to a standard 4-speed automatic gearbox.