2013 Chevrolet Express 1500

The 2013 Express is Chevrolet's full-size van, the one you see on job sites and shuttle duty, built to haul people or cargo all day. It's a big van, but the steering is direct and the brakes feel strong, so it's easier to place in traffic than you'd expect. Inside, the cabin is plain and functional, with a high seating position and lots of room up front, though the seats are firm on long hauls. Owners report the Express is dependable and simple to work on, but some have dealt with electrical gremlins and a noisy ride. The 1500 gives up the 2500's V8 power to save money and weight, making it the Express for lighter-duty work or passenger shuttling. Its 4.3L V6 makes 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic and two-wheel drive, so it's adequate for city routes but not for heavy towing. You get 17 mpg combined from the V6, which is better than the V8 models but still thirsty for a daily driver.