Even in this modern age of outrageous fuel costs, not everyone is looking for an ultra-efficient vehicle. Some people are still searching for muscle and surface area. You'll find those folks driving the 2008 Chevrolet Express. It is a monster of hauling capacity, and it doesn't even claim to save you gasoline! While the other vehicles in its class like the GMC Savana are getting a city average of 16.11 mpg, the Express get a mere 12 mpg. There's a reason or two for that though. For one, it absolutely blows them out of the water in terms of cargo volume. It offers over 204 cubic feet as compared to the average 88.7 cubic feet for the others. Well, it is a real cargo van after all!

There are eight trims that differ in terms of wheel base, engine size and drive chassis. 4 of them offer a powerful 6.0L 323 hp V8 and the other four offer a respectable 5.3L 301hp V8. The more powerful are the LS3500 and LT3500 models with regular or extended wheel bases. The LS1500 and LT1500 trims offer the standard wheelbase and have the option of all-wheel drive. MSRP's range from $26395 to $32,259. The Chevy Express comes in under the average price of its competitors by about $3000.

This new Chevy cargo van has a maximum driving range of 558 miles for a single fill-up whereas the others rank at 513.25. At the pumps today, none of these vehicles are going to be enjoyable to fuel up. But, that's not why you want a cargo van anyway. You need size and strength, and that's just what Chevy delivers! All trims come with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and Chevrolet's 36 month/36,000 mile standard warranty. The powertrain warranty is in effect for 60 months or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Similarly, there is a standard rust warranty good for 72 months or 100,000 miles.

All trims also come stock with driver, passenger and side airbags; ABS braking systems; traction control and stability control systems. CD players are an option and navigational systems are not offered. Air conditioning is also standard in all trims. Power seats are optional and power door locks and windows are standard on all of the LT trims. The LS trims do not offer power seats and power locks and windows are an option. Leather seats are not available in any of the trims, but we must remember that these are cargo vans, not limos.

Overall, the 2008 Chevrolet Express delivers what you want in a cargo van: the capacity to haul cargo and remain dependable. The other vehicles in this class seem to offer more bells and whistles, but less cargo hauling power and capacity.