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When did they stop making Chevy Express?

The Chevrolet Express ended production after the 2023 model year. In other words, GM did not continue the Express lineup for the 2024 model year, marking the end of a long-running full-size van in Chevrolet’s catalog.


The decision fits a wider industry shift away from aging body-on-frame cargo and passenger vans toward newer platforms and electrified commercial solutions. This article examines when the Express ceased production, why GM moved away from this design, and what it means for buyers, fleets, and the competitive van market.


The Express: a workhorse with a long run


The Chevrolet Express, produced alongside its GMC Savana counterpart, debuted in the mid-1990s and built a reputation as a durable, no-frills full-size van suitable for cargo, passenger transport, ambulances, shuttles, and upfits. For decades, fleets and contractors relied on its straightforward maintenance and versatile configuration options.


Configurations and appeal


Available in multiple wheelbase lengths, the Express offered cargo-only, passenger-use, and diverse upfit possibilities, making it a common sight in fleets, schools, trades, and service industries. The van’s chassis and mechanicals were shared with the GMC Savana, reinforcing its practicality for operators who prioritized reliability and serviceability.


Why GM ended production


The decision to discontinue the Express reflects GM’s broader plan to streamline its commercial van lineup and pivot toward newer platforms and electrified solutions. The Express generation lagged behind rivals that had introduced modern safety, efficiency, and connectivity features, prompting GM to shift focus to next-generation vans and electric commercial offerings.


Below are the main factors industry observers and GM communications cited as drivers behind the end of production.



  • Age of the platform relative to newer van designs and tech

  • Competition from refreshed or new-generation full-size vans from rivals

  • Strategic emphasis on modern, electrified commercial solutions

  • Demand shifts in fleet procurement toward more adaptable, upfit-ready platforms


Concluding paragraph: The discontinuation signals a strategic move by GM to prioritize future van generations and electrified options over continuing with an aging, legacy design.


Timeline: key dates in the Express’ end of production


The following timeline outlines the sequence of formal announcements and practical effects for buyers and fleets.



  1. Mid-2020s: Ongoing questions about the Express’s future as GM refined its commercial-van strategy.

  2. Late 2023: GM publicly announced the Express would not continue into the 2024 model year.

  3. Early 2024: remaining 2023-model-year Express units were delivered as inventories cleared, with dealers winding down stock.

  4. Present: GM has redirected attention to new-generation vans and electric commercial offerings, with no immediate ICE full-size Express replacement announced.


Concluding paragraph: The timeline shows a formal confirmation in 2023 and a gradual wind-down through 2024, aligning with GM’s broader product strategy for commercial vehicles.


What this means for buyers and fleets


With the Express no longer in production, buyers and fleets face decisions about inventory, upfit compatibility, and alternatives from other manufacturers. The market now centers on remaining new/older stock, the used-vehicle market, and competing full-size vans from rivals, as well as potential future GM offerings in the space.


Practical guidance for navigating the transition


For those still seeking a full-size van, options include inventory of 2023 models while it lasts, ongoing availability from rivals (Ford, Ram, Nissan, and others), and consideration of upfit readiness and total-cost-of-ownership in the decision process. Parts and service for the Express will remain available through the aftermarket and legacy GM channels for some time, but the long-term supply will clearly shift toward newer platforms.


Summary


Chevrolet ended production of the Express after the 2023 model year, marking the conclusion of a decades-long model line. The move reflects GM’s broader push toward modern, electrified commercial vans and newer platforms, with fleets and buyers adapting to remaining stock and alternative options in the market. The Express’ legacy as a durable, versatile work van endures in used markets and in the memory of those who relied on it for decades of service.

Will there be a 2026 Chevy Express van?


The 2026 Chevrolet Express Van is a proven workhorse-simple to upfit, easy to service, and built to haul people or payloads all week long. Choose Cargo for trades and deliveries or Passenger for shuttles and group transport.



What are the common problems with the Chevy Express?


The top 5 issues are rear light failures, faulty fuel sensors, intake manifold gasket leaks, coolant leaks from the water pump, and front electrical damage. This article helps readers diagnose common problems, troubleshoot repairs, and understand typical costs.



What is the 2025 Chevy Express van?


The 2025 Chevy Express is a large van available in cargo and passenger configurations, offered with a standard 4.3L V6 engine or an available 6.6L V8. It features a choice of standard or extended wheelbases, a rear-vision camera, and some driver-assistance technologies like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning that can be added as options. It is expected that the 2025 model year will be the last for the current generation, with an all-electric successor potentially following.
 
Engine and performance

  • Standard: 4.3L V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 298 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 
  • Available: 6.6L V8 engine with 401 horsepower and 464 lb.-ft. of torque. 
  • Towing: Can tow up to 9,600 pounds with the available V8 engine and trailer hitch. 

Features and options
  • Cargo Van: Available with a split swing-out rear cargo door. 
  • Passenger Van: Features multiple seating configurations, including options for nine passengers, with a rear bench seat that can fold down. 
  • Driver Assistance:
    • Standard: Rear-vision camera and tire pressure monitoring system. 
    • Optional: Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist, and Side Blind Zone Alert. 
  • Other features: Available remote starter, cruise control, power windows, and locks. 

Expected future
  • The 2025 model is anticipated to be the final model year for the current generation of the Express van.
  • An all-electric replacement may be introduced in the future, potentially utilizing the same Ultium EV platform as other electric Chevy models. 

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Is Chevrolet discontinuing the Express Van?


No, the Chevy Express is not being discontinued and will return for the 2026 model year, with production for the 2026 model scheduled to start in November 2025. While initial reports suggested it would be replaced by an electric vehicle in 2026, those plans have been canceled, and the existing model will continue with internal combustion engines.
 

  • 2026 model year: The Chevy Express will be produced for the 2026 model year, and production is scheduled to begin in November 2025, says GM Authority. 
  • Electric replacement canceled: Previously, it was rumored that GM would replace the Express with an electric van based on the Ultium platform starting with the 2026 model year. However, Wikipedia reports that GM has since abandoned these plans. 
  • Continued production: The Express is expected to continue in its current internal combustion engine form. 
  • Future uncertain: While the 2026 model is confirmed, the long-term future of the Express is still unclear beyond that year. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.