Overview & Reviews

Though ostensibly anachronistic in today's world of SUVs, minivans and crossovers, the GMC Savana full-size passenger van still has its place for those who need to transport really large groups or lots of cargo. With maximum capacities that are double that of even the most commodious minivan, vans like the Savana are the vehicles of choice for large families, small-business owners and fleet operators.

Like every GMC product, the Savana is related to another General Motors product; in this case, it's the more well known and popular Chevrolet Express van. Both vans are a rolling testament to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of vehicle design, as they have been soldiering on for decades with only occasional updates.

Originally known as the "Rally wagon," GMC's full-size passenger van was renamed the Savanna in the mid-1990s. Interested shoppers will find that the current model's numerous wheelbase, powertrain and passenger configurations allow an appealing amount of customization.

If you're looking for a new or used van that's rugged, spacious and competent, the GMC Savana is a very good choice. However, those looking at new or late-model vans should also consider the Nissan NV and Mercedes-Benz/Freightliner Sprinter, as they offer several advantages over traditional American full-size vans.

Current GMC Savana

The standard-wheelbase GMC Savana passenger van is available in half-ton (1500) and 1-ton (3500) configurations. The extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) is available only on the 3500. There are two trim levels: LS and LT. LS models are geared toward fleet service, while LT models come with more features and options (such as rear park assist and a rearview camera) to make them a little easier to live with. Passenger capacities range from eight to 15 people, depending on the model.

For motivation, the 1500 series comes with a 5.3-liter V8 (310 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque) matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 2500 and 3500 series come with a 4.8-liter V8 (280 hp and 295 lb-ft) but offer a conventional 6.0-liter V8 (324 hp and 373 lb-ft) and a CNG (compressed natural gas)-powered 6.0-liter V8 (282 hp and 320 lb-ft) as options. The 3500 series further offers a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 (260 hp and 525 lb-ft) as an option. All engines come with a six-speed automatic, and all Savanas are rear-wheel drive except the 1500, which also offers the option of all-wheel drive. Stability control is standard across the board.

The Savana's cabin won't win any beauty contests, but it does offer efficiency. Ergonomics are good, with controls that are intuitive and easy to access. Despite the overall spaciousness of these vans, though, footwells are rather tight. Rear access can be enhanced with a sliding passenger-side door or a 60/40-split driver-side rear door. In reviews, we've found the GMC Savana's big V8 engines provide ample power, and its ride and handling characteristics are superior to its main Blue Oval rival, but inferior to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Nissan NV.

Used GMC Savana Models
The GMC Savana is a single-generation vehicle, but current models have evolved relative to earlier versions. The last major update occurred in 1996, but there have been notable, mostly powertrain-related changes since. The biggest happened in 2003, when an enhanced lineup of powerhouse engines debuted (a 200-hp V6, 295-hp 5.3-liter V8 and 300-horse 6.0-liter V8) and all-wheel drive was offered for the first time. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic. During this time, there was also a 3/4-ton 2500 version offered, as well as a luxury-themed Savana SLT trim.

For 2007, the V6 was dropped, while the V8s were upgraded to 301 hp and 323 hp, respectively. Used van shoppers should know that 2008 brought significant upgrades in the form of a refreshed interior and the standard fitment of stability control and side curtain airbags. For 2010 the 5.3-liter was bumped up to its current output and the 6.0-liter V8 got its current six-speed auto. The following year GMC introduced the 4.8-liter V8 engine for the 2500 series van and the optional 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel for the 3500. For 2013, a couple of new options debuted, namely a navigation system, rear park assist and a rearview camera. Other than lacking the option of the CNG-fueled V8, these latter Savanas are identical to today's version.

User Reviews:

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  Great for vacation - 2008 GMC Savana
  By brandon - November 2 - 9:24 pm

  Very good in snow and provides smooth acceleration. The 4 speed auto is a little whiny. If you drive up a lot of hills, get the 6.0 v8 because it is a tad stronger off the line. My family loves this van. Im planning my vacation in Catskills and all wheel drive will be helpful

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  The kids love it - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Liz - June 27 - 12:49 am

  I seem to have similar experiences to those reviews already written. Brakes need replacing a lot, drivers side window works 75% of the time, scraped up running boards while learning my boundaries and they dont do well in airport parking garages! But, my 6 kids Love this van! So much so that with 158,000 miles, we just purchased a new one! We are excited about spending 10+ more years with this one.

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  Need better side mirrors - 2001 GMC Savana
  By 3500 savanah van - June 21 - 5:51 pm

  I use my van mostly to pull my fishing boat to the ocean. The van needs side mirrors that extend out, for better visibility when backing up in tight spaces. I’ve seen some nice ones on Ford pickups. Some mirrors extend and retract and fold against the truck when not driving. I love my van. I just stow all my fishing gear in holders. Just lock the van and youre ready for the next trip.

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  Bonnies van - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Bonnie - February 11 - 11:25 pm

  An excellent conversion van-- Trailmaster conversion. After 10 years and 160,000 miles it is still reliable and comfortable. This van has spoiled me for driving distances in anything else.

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  For family and travel with space - 1996 GMC Savana
  By A Redensek - January 20 - 12:46 am

  Have liked the vehicle very much, lots of space for large family to travel, comfortable, nice ride, good performance, reliable, low maintenance, nice Santa Fe conversion package. Only problem in 10 years, fuel pump went out close to 100,000 miles. Had one transmission pandrop and normal oil changes, on first muffler and no exhaust work. Have to replace brakes more often than ought (not heavy duty enough for the large vehicle) lots to power and drain battery, what is expected w/ TV/VCP, radio/CD/cassette players, lots interior lights? Most wear and tear due to large family, years/high miles-oops mom scraped the running boards-cant see low in rear, careful in reverse, so use side mirrors!

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  GMC Savana diesel - 1999 GMC Savana
  By Rob AMOS - December 13 - 4:06 pm

  Great van. We use it to tow the US Bobsled to shows. Gives great power and fuel mileage for such a large van. Im looking foward to buying the new GM Diesel van. We also take it to a lot of Nascar Races. We are very active in racing selling our products to several teams and sponsor several teams. Its not uncommen to see Nascar drivers catching a ride in our van. It can seat 15 people. All in all very satisfied.

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  Midnight blue ,the only color to drive - 2005 GMC Savana
  By pat gerien - November 16 - 2:28 pm

  Ive worked since I was a kid and GMC is the only work truck for me.There is a chance I could have used an extended van then I couldnt park it in the warm garage away from the birds we feed.

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  A great family vehicle - 1996 GMC Savana
  By M Pagel - August 4 - 6:40 pm

  We bought ours in the summer of 1997 with only 40 miles on it. It was customized by Autoform and sometimes it is tricky to get parts. The only major problems we have had in 9 years is the fuel pump and air conditioning hoses needed to be replaced all within the last 2 years. We now have 105K miles on it and it still runs like brand new. It is great for hauling people and things. We have been on some awesome trips to the Rockies and it has worked wonderfully. I particularly like the fact I can get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back so for me it works better than a full size pickup. The reclining seat levers are made out of plastic which tend to strip but are easy to replace.

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  Best on the road - 2005 GMC Savana
  By pat - January 29 - 5:55 pm

  If you want a work truck that looks great and last you have to go to GMC. My last truck was an 1986 with 130,000 and it was time to treat myself. It was her idea. Set the truck up right and love your job. GMC helps me do just that

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  Plenty of space - 2003 GMC Savana
  By blue 250 - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  We have enjoyed this vehicle for the last 14000 miles. It was a conversion by Cobra, nothing fancy, just the best seats available, no TV or mood lights. Fuel economy has ranged from 12.5 mpg in sub-zero city driving to 20.2 mpg on 55 mph rural roads. The only failure to date is the windsheild weather stripping, which came loose while on the interstate. The dealer made the repair, eventually. GM treats the option list like all Savannas will be plumbing trucks. No MP3 cd player, no XM sattelite controller, no trip computer. All of these item are available on the Yukon/Suburban, which this van is based on. 5.3 V8. It was the same price as the Toyota Sienna, but the space won out.