The Chevrolet Astro is a rear-wheel drive mid-sized van manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1985–2005 and over two build generations. Along with its badge engineered variant, the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in passenger as well as cargo and livery configurations — featuring a V-6 engine; unibody construction with a separate front engine/suspension sub-frame; leaf-spring rear suspension; rear bi-parting doors and a seating capacity of up to eight passengers.Competing against Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager and the Japanese Toyota Van, the Astro was marketed as a minivan, though sized between the Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV unibody minivan and the full-size Chevy Van/Express. Similar to the Ford Aerostar, it had powertrain components in common with GM's other light trucks and up to a 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) towing capacity.
Both Pontiac and GMC have used the Safari nameplate (GMC belonged to the Pontiac/GMC Division); Pontiac used the nameplate on several of its station wagon models from 1955- 1989. The two Safaris, both Pontiac and GMC, were marketed simultaneously, at times by the same dealership, from 1985 through 1989. The Pontiac Safari is not a variant of the GMC Safari, and the Chevrolet Astro by extension.
The Astro model name had been used previously for the unrelated Chevrolet Astro 1 Concept car, first shown at the New York Auto Show of 1967
