What are Chevy conversion vans called?
Chevrolet conversion vans are commonly referred to as Chevrolet Express conversion vans — vans built on the Chevrolet Express platform and outfitted by aftermarket coachbuilders. In everyday speech, people often simply say “Chevy conversion van.”
Historically, the term spans two GM eras: older Vandura-based conversions from the late 20th century and the current Express-based designs that began in the mid-1990s. The Chevrolet/GMC sibling line also includes GMC Safari or Savana variants, which share the same concept with different branding.
Naming and platform landscape
Below are the terms most often used to describe Chevy conversion vans and their underlying platforms.
- Modern Chevy conversion vans: vans built on the Chevrolet Express cargo/passenger platform (Express 1500/2500/3500) with aftermarket conversions for camping, travel, or passenger use.
- Older Chevy conversion vans: Vandura-based conversions from the Chevrolet/GMC Vandura line (the GM “G-Series” vans prior to the Express era).
- Across eras, the vehicles are commonly referred to as “Chevrolet Express conversion vans,” “Chevy conversion vans,” or, when comparing GM brands, as the GMC Safari/Savana family equivalents.
These terms reflect the base vehicle and the conversion package rather than a distinct Chevrolet marketing name. When shopping, verify the build year and the coachbuilder to understand features and specs.
Summary
Chevy conversion vans are typically called Chevrolet Express conversion vans for modern builds, with older Vandura-based vans representing the pre-Express era. The GMC variants—Safari and Savana—share the same concept. The shorthand “Chevy conversion van” remains the common way people refer to these versatile, passenger- and camper-oriented vehicles.
