In the age of #vanlife and minimalist travel, it seems that Americans have forgotten just how awesome conversion vans are. These full-size vans offer loads of space, great amenities and good reliability and parts availability — they were designed for van life before #vanlife was even a thing. While they were popular in the 1980s and ’90s, conversion vans have largely gone away in recent years in favor of SUVs and larger Class B RVs, and with so many available on the used market, we have to wonder why more van-lifers haven’t picked one up. Here are five of our favorites currently listed for sale on Autotrader.
2018 Chevrolet Express – $48,705
Despite falling out of fashion somewhat in recent years, conversion vans can still command a pretty penny. Take this Chevrolet Express, for example. A 2018 model with a little over 12,000 miles on the odometer, it’s virtually brand-new and carries an asking price of close to $50,000. It’s loaded with amenities, though, and offers a custom exterior with 20-in wheels, ground effects and more, plus an integrated TV, a navigation system, Bluetooth with a satellite radio, a reasonably modern interior with light and dark gray leather upholstery, power folding seats and even a handheld vacuum in the trunk. There’s also a strong 6.0-liter V8 under the hood and a tow hitch around back with integrated four- and seven-pin connectors, making this van a great tow rig. It’s located in Lewisville, TX. Find a Chevrolet Express for sale
1994 Ford E-150 Conversion – $6,957
Unlike a lot of conversion vans, this 1994 Ford E-150 retains its factory roof height, which means you sacrifice some space inside, but you’ll still be able to fit into any parking garage and underneath most low-hanging objects. The interior is certainly period-correct, with blue carpet and crushed velvet seats, a blue headliner and mustard brown wood accents throughout. The color choice and interior contents won’t be for everyone, but a functional, reliable van with loads of practicality should be appealing regardless. Located in Sioux Falls, SD with 97,000 miles on the clock. Find a Ford E-150 for sale
2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van – $5,977
Certainly the most radical van on our list, this emerald green 2001 Dodge Ram Van has all the classic conversion van traits. It’s got a high fiberglass bubble roof (that admittedly is looking pretty faded), a plush brown leather interior and shag carpeting. It even has an angular black graphic around back that’s giving off serious "A-Team" vibes. Dodge discontinued the Ram Van in 2003, making these particularly rare. This one is located in Pompano Beach, FL, with 123,000 miles on the odometer for just under $6,000. Find a Dodge Ram Van for sale
2013 GMC Savana 1500 Southern Comfort – $24,950
Here’s one of the sharper-looking conversion vans out there. This 2013 GMC Savana 1500 has traveled just under 44,000 miles in the seven years since it was new and boasts loads of space, not to mention a blinged-out exterior. Southern Comfort, which was a popular upfitter of Hummer H2s and Chevrolet Silverados during the late 2000s and early 2010s, added to this Savana chrome wheels, a chrome mesh grille and fender vents, among other aesthetic touches. While it isn’t a high roof, you’ll still find plenty of room inside, too, with seating for seven passengers and a fold-out bed. This 2013 GMC Savana is located in Louisville, KY, and carries a price tag of $24,950. Find a GMC Savana for sale
This 1995 Chevy Astro is basically a mini conversion van. Sharing components with the midsize S-10 pickup, the Astro is smaller than the full-size vans on this list and comes with a V6 engine. Still, it’s beloved for its swing-out rear barn doors, boxy shape and iconic 1990s styling. This one comes with a high roof and a gray fabric interior, which has aged much better than the overstuffed leather seats found in the other vans on this list. Additional features include an aftermarket sound system, mood lighting, a TV, two radios and more. Fuel economy should be decent, too, as the Astro is rated to return up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway. Find this one in Richmond, VA with 189,000 miles on the odometer. Find a Chevrolet Astro for sale
I am trying to find a conversion van that seats 7. 2006 to 2010. Captain chairs. big windows. There is no place to put that I want a conversion van on this make and model list.
The Chevy express had been wearing the same face since 2003. Whoa!