Chevrolet Astro

See also Chevrolet Astra of Latin America

{{Infobox Automobile generation |name=First generation |image= |production=1985–1994 |engine=4.3L 165hp (123kW) V6 4.3L 200hp (150kW) V6 2.5L I4 |height=1985-89: 73.7in (1872mm) 1985-89 Cargo Van SWB: 74.5in (1892mm) 1990-91 SWB: 74.9in (1902mm) 1990-91 SWB: 74.1in (1882mm) 1992-94 Astro: 76.2in (1935mm) 1992-94 Safari Cargo Van: 76.1in (1933mm) 1992-94 Safari SLX: 76.4in (1941mm) 1992-94 Safari 2WD LWB: 76.6in (1946mm) 1992-94 Safari Cargo Van AWD SWB: 75.7in (1923mm) 1992-94 Safari Cargo Van AWD LWB: 76.0in (1930mm) |length=SWB: 176.8in (4491mm) LWB: 186.8in (4745mm) 1992-94 Astro Cargo Van SWB: 177.9in (4519mm) 1992-94 Astro Cargo Van LWB: 187.9in (4773mm) |wheelbase=111.0in (2819mm) |assembly=[[Baltimore, Maryland |width=77.0in (1956mm) 1992-94 Safari & Astro Cargo Van: 77.5in (1969mm) }}

The Chevrolet Astro was a rear-wheel drive minivan introduced by Chevrolet in 1985 to rival domestic (American) competitors the Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager twins and the Japanese Toyota Van. Also sharing the Astro's truck-based platform was its sibling, the GMC Safari. In addition to standard passenger uses, the vans were also available as cargo vans, and converters used them as the basis for small conversion vans.

Both Pontiac and GMC have used the Safari nameplate (GMC is part of the Pontiac/GMC division); Pontiac used the nameplate on several of its station wagon models from 1955 through 1989. The two Safaris, both Pontiac and GMC, were on the market together (often sold by the same dealerships) from 1985 through 1989.

While the Astro was referred to as a minivan, it was sized between the Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV unibody minivan and the full-size Chevy Van/Express. Similar to the Ford Aerostar, it was based on a traditional truck frame.

Due to their truck-based platform, the Astro and Safari could pull 5,500lb (2,500kg) with proper equipment. AWD models could tow up to 5,000lb (2,300kg) when properly equipped. This is opposed to car-based, front-wheel drive minivans that cannot pull as much weight.[citation needed]