Best Car Reviews - 1987 Chevrolet G10/20 Van 2WD

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Introduction

The 1987 Chevrolet G10/20 Van 2WD is a traditional full-size American rear-wheel-drive van aimed at tradespeople, delivery operators, conversion-van buyers and owners needing simple, expansive cargo space. This diesel version combines Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 with a four-speed manual transmission. Its appeal is straightforward: durable body-on-frame construction, a practical low-floor van layout and a mechanical diesel powertrain from an era before modern electronic driver aids.

Design and Exterior Features

Chevrolet’s G-series van uses a boxy, cab-forward shape that prioritizes interior volume and easy upfitting over aerodynamic styling. The short front hood, upright windshield, broad side panels and squared rear opening make it useful for cargo bodies, work graphics, camper conversions and passenger configurations. The 1987 model continued the established third-generation G-van design rather than introducing a major year-to-year exterior redesign.

Full-size two-wheel-drive van architecture with rear-wheel drive.
Wide side loading access and large rear cargo doors.
Steel body panels suited to commercial use and conversion-van customization.
Choice of cargo-oriented and passenger-oriented G10/G20 configurations.
Simple rectangular lighting and practical bumper design typical of 1980s work vans.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is functional rather than luxurious, with a high, upright driving position and controls designed for workday use. Front-seat comfort, trim quality and passenger accommodation vary substantially by whether the van began life as a basic cargo model, a Sportvan or a conversion vehicle. A well-kept passenger model can feel roomy and relaxed, while a cargo van is more utilitarian, with greater road, wind and diesel-engine noise than a modern van.

Broad, upright windshield gives the driver a commanding forward view.
Large cabin and cargo area allow many shelving, seating and camper layouts.
Passenger versions may have additional trim, rear seating and convenience equipment.
Simple dashboard layout is easy to understand and service.
Comfort depends heavily on seat condition, insulation and aftermarket conversion work.

Performance and Handling

This configuration uses a 6.2-litre, 379-cubic-inch diesel V8 with eight cylinders, rear-wheel drive and a four-speed manual gearbox. Period reference data lists approximately 130 horsepower for the naturally aspirated diesel, so it is best treated as a torque-oriented, steady-working engine rather than a quick one; a verified 0–60 mph figure for this exact G10/20 manual specification is not available. Period EPA fuel-economy data for the 1987 diesel G10/20 Van 2WD lists 18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, equivalent to about 13.1, 10.7 and 12.4 L/100 km respectively. Actual consumption rises sharply with cargo weight, idling, tire condition and roof-mounted conversion equipment.

6.2-litre naturally aspirated diesel V8.
Four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Approximately 130 horsepower in period specification references.
EPA combined estimate of 19 mpg, or about 12.4 L/100 km.
Stable straight-line highway manners, but deliberate acceleration and substantial body roll.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is strictly period appropriate. The G10/20 predates factory navigation, Bluetooth, touchscreen infotainment, rear cameras and electronic stability control. Equipment availability varied by body style and dealer order, but an AM/FM radio, air conditioning, cruise control and power accessories may be present on better-equipped examples. Modern connectivity is most realistically added through a retrofit head unit, portable navigation device or professionally installed camera system.

Conventional analog instruments and mechanical controls.
Period radio equipment rather than modern infotainment.
Available comfort equipment varies by original specification.
No factory Bluetooth, USB media, navigation or smartphone integration.
Modern audio and camera upgrades can improve daily usability.

Safety Features

Safety expectations must be set by its 1987 design. The van uses conventional seat belts, hydraulic brakes with front discs and rear drums, but buyers should not expect modern airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control or crash-avoidance technology. No verified modern-style crash-test rating is available for this exact model. Because condition matters more than brochure equipment on a vehicle of this age, inspect brakes, tires, steering, seat belts, door latches and corrosion before purchase.

Front disc and rear drum brake arrangement.
Seat belts are essential equipment, but inspect webbing and anchors carefully.
No verified crash-test rating for this exact configuration.
No modern driver-assistance or active-safety suite.
Check the VIN for outstanding recall work and confirm the condition of fuel-fill components.

Pricing and Variants

Original pricing depended on wheelbase, payload series, body type and options. A 1987 Chevrolet G20 3/4-ton cargo van had a verified base MSRP of $10,131, while passenger-oriented G20 Sportvan and Beauville versions carried higher starting prices. The G10 was the lighter-duty alternative, while the G20 offered greater work-oriented capacity. Main period competitors included the Ford Econoline and Dodge Ram Van; the Chevrolet stood out for its broad engine and conversion-market support, while rivals offered similarly simple, full-size van layouts.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Huge potential cargo, passenger or camper-conversion space.
6.2-litre diesel offers useful low-speed pulling character.
Simple mechanical layout compared with modern vans.
Rear-wheel drive suits conventional commercial-van duties.
Strong enthusiast, restoration and aftermarket parts interest.

Cons

Slow acceleration by modern standards.
Fuel economy is modest once heavily loaded or operated in town.
No modern airbags, stability control or crash-avoidance systems.
Age-related rust can be expensive and structurally serious.
Ride, noise and maneuverability lag far behind newer vans.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable, model-specific annual maintenance-cost estimate is not available, and spending can vary from routine servicing to major restoration work depending on mileage and corrosion. Common owner and specialist inspection concerns for this generation include glow-plug or glow-plug-controller faults causing hard cold starts; fuel-system restrictions, injector wear or injection-pump wear causing poor performance; cooling-system neglect and overheating; oil leaks or harmonic-balancer deterioration; and body, door, latch, wiring and underbody corrosion issues. A pre-purchase inspection should include a cold start, cooling-system check, diesel fuel-system assessment and thorough rust inspection.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.4/10. Design: 7.5/10 for utility and conversion potential. Comfort: 5.5/10 because equipment and condition vary greatly. Performance: 6/10 for low-speed diesel usefulness but limited pace. Technology: 2/10 by modern standards. Safety: 3/10 because it lacks contemporary passive and active safety equipment.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly values the G10/20 for its space, character and mechanical accessibility, while stressing that condition is more important than the badge or odometer reading. A carefully maintained diesel van can be a distinctive practical classic, but neglected examples can quickly become costly projects.

Owners appreciate the cargo room and conversion flexibility.
The diesel is generally praised for its relaxed work-oriented character, not speed.
Cold-start performance is a frequent point of attention in colder climates.
Rust-free examples are valued far more highly than cosmetically tidy rusty vans.
Drivers note that steering, braking and noise feel distinctly old-fashioned.

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Summary

The 1987 Chevrolet G10/20 Van 2WD diesel is best for a buyer who wants a spacious, characterful classic work van, restoration base or conversion platform and understands the realities of maintaining a nearly four-decade-old commercial vehicle. Its 6.2-litre diesel, manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout deliver honest utility, while its simple technology can make servicing approachable. Buy on structural condition, maintenance records and a successful cold-start inspection rather than on mileage or appearance alone.