Chevrolet Astro, 2003 Astro Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

Image credits: Chevrolet

SAFER, MORE AFFORDABLE 2003 CHEVROLET ASTRO PROVIDES UNMATCHED CAPABILITY

New safety features and more affordable entry-level models enhance the appeal of the 2003 Chevrolet Astro - the most capable minivan around. Astro remains unmatched by its segment's competitors in terms of cargo capacity, towing capability and comfortable eight-passenger seating.

Astro's incomparable room and strength make it a natural for carrying kids' soccer teams, taking a camping trip or towing a boat. For 2003, a new world-class brake system adds to Astro's solid reputation as a dependable Chevy Truck.

Astro cabins, redesigned to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 201, provide smoother surfaces and energy-absorbing foam attached behind trim panels, moldings, the headliner and all other vital areas, to protect occupants from potential head injuries.

Safety and security features
Whether on the job or transporting the family, Astro protects its passengers and cargo with extensive safety and security features: standard driver and front passenger air bags, child security sliding door, battery-rundown protection and PASSLock theft-deterrent system. A lockout provision also prevents the driver door from locking if the key is inadvertently left in the ignition.

Increased value
Prices on base model Astros have been reduced by hundreds of dollars - through revisions in their equipment packages - to make them more affordable for retail and fleet customers alike. Buyers also have been given more flexibility in ordering options individually, rather than in equipment groups, to tailor vehicles to their personal requirements.

All models feature larger standard 16-inch wheels and tires. Base models have steel wheels. Aluminum wheels are now standard on all uplevel LS and LT models. Tires are P215/70R16 all-season steel-belted radials.

A standard new world-class four-wheel power disc, four-wheel ABS brake system with a highly responsive HydroBoost hydraulic assist power brake booster and GM's Dynamic Rear Proportioning meets FMVSS 135 in providing quicker, more controlled stops and additional safety alerts. Brakes have been upgraded for better pedal feel, including reduced pedal effort and travel, and quieter operation. And they provide significantly longer pad life. Compared to the previous system, the new brakes provide:

Shorter stopping distances

• More stopping power for high deceleration stops

• A reduction in maximum pedal force and pedal travel during high deceleration stops and also during normal deceleration

ABS software with ability to recognize a half-system failure, such as that caused by a leaking brake line; during half-system operation, the red BRAKE telltale is illuminated and the ABS module is engaged in half-system operation. The ABS also provides sufficient wheel lock control to permit meeting stopping distance requirements of FMVSS 135.

Highly audible warning chimes to alert drivers of a failure or malfunction in the braking system and the need for repair. Chimes are activated whenever the red BRAKE or amber ABS telltale is illuminated.

More reserve power assist for braking under specific conditions; the system will continue to provide sufficient power assist to stop the van if the engine stalls or is turned off.

Astro's optional all-wheel-drive system continues to enhance vehicle safety. The system operates in rear-wheel drive until it senses rear-wheel slippage, then transfers torque to the front axle to help regain traction.

Standard Vortec power
Astro comes standard with a Vortec 4300 4.3L V6 mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The V6 engine provides 190 horsepower with 250 lb-ft of torque for easy passing and towing. Multi-port fuel injection makes engine operation smooth and long-lasting.

Vortec power contributes to Astro's 5,400-pound maximum trailer weight rating (5,800 pounds for the cargo van), which the typical active Astro owner appreciates.

Astro is ideal for active, outdoor-oriented families or for those whose commercial applications demand plenty of power and capacity. With standard seating for eight, or 170 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat removed, Astro has plenty of room for people or cargo - or both.

Source - GM Corporation

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