Ah the GM U-Body. It’s good looking trash, but it’s still trash.
Based on the then-problematic W-Body, it didn’t drive well, lacked a fourth door, had front suspension that got misaligned if you went over a speedbump and ate head gaskets for breakfast, which was a challenge because almost every issue with the powertrain or accessory belt stuff, and there were lots, was an engine-out repair job.
It made the Astro look good, which was not easy. Only the Toyota Van (the HiAce and Previa) were more challenging, and at least they were reliable.
The Caravan, exploding transmission and all, was a better car.
Interestingly, this same chassis got a lot less sexy as the years went on. GM butched it up for the SUV craze with the Montana/Uplander, and the shorty version was the basis for the Aztek.
Ah the GM U-Body. It’s good looking trash, but it’s still trash.
Based on the then-problematic W-Body, it didn’t drive well, lacked a fourth door, had front suspension that got misaligned if you went over a speedbump and ate head gaskets for breakfast, which was a challenge because almost every issue with the powertrain or accessory belt stuff, and there were lots, was an engine-out repair job.
It made the Astro look good, which was not easy. Only the Toyota Van (the HiAce and Previa) were more challenging, and at least they were reliable.
The Caravan, exploding transmission and all, was a better car.
Interestingly, this same chassis got a lot less sexy as the years went on. GM butched it up for the SUV craze with the Montana/Uplander, and the shorty version was the basis for the Aztek.
I slid off the road on some ice and ran over a stop sign and a bush and ended up sideways in a driveway in one of these.
Amazingly, no damage at all beyond some twigs in the undercarriage