Spaceious
Durable mechanical components lead to low maintenance costs
Good fuel economy with the diesel-engine
Handles well on the road
Easy to handle in towns

Inadequate cooling system for 90+ deg F environments
Inadequate power (130 HP)for towing
Engine noise at low speed (less noisy at 40 mph+)

We bought the van (GMC Rally STX van, G20 / 2500, 6.2 L diesel / 130 hp) used 5 years ago. It has 2 captain chairs in the front and 3 ea 3-seat benches behind it. We are a family of eight, and are quite comfortable with the size and seating options this van offers us. There is still quite a bit of baggage space left behind the rearmost seat.
The 6.2 L diesel engine is really a bit on the low side for this van. When fully seated it is barely capable of keeping up 50 mph in normal traffic in mountainous terrain. When we connect our 3000 lbs camping trailer things get worse. The very worst thing is that it tends to overheat when towing, even with the automatic transmission locked in "1" or "2".
In falt terrain, however, the van behaves well even with heavy loads.
With good snow-tyres (with spikes) I have no trouble with handling the van.
The van is very easy to drive, also in towns. It makes it into most parking-houses and sub-terrain garages as well. The turning circle is not a high point, but it's still quite easy to handle. Large external rear-view mirrors facilitate parking, which I find easier than with many ordinary sedans.
I find the fuel-mileage to be quite good for this van. Out-of-city driving yields approx. 18 mpg using cruise-control at 50-60 mph. With the trailer on this value changes to approx. 13 mpg.
The van is well built and the parts seem to last for a long time. After 170000 miles and 14 years engine / gearbox and powertrain seem to be in good condition.
Major parts changed so far:
Alternator, vacuum pump, exhaust system, viscous coupling for fan, pitman arm, AC compressor (reconditioned), Hydraboost system (reconditioned).
In short, this van is very suitable for a big family that travels a lot, that don't mind going slower up-hill and that don't need to tow heavy trailers.

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