The GMC Savana is a full-size work vehicle or passenger van manufactured by General Motors. It's spacious cargo hold is ideal for musicians, electricians, plumbers, and others who haul a variety of equipment. It's currently available in cargo, passenger, conversion, and cutaway models. As such, it's useful not only as a work vehicle but also as a shuttle bus, as a motorhome base, and as a wheelchair-accessible van. Along with the more popular Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana represents approximately 45% of the domestic full-size van market. Towing capacities of Savana models are up to 10,000 pounds.
GM assembles the Savana in Wentzville, Missouri. Ever since the vehicle debuted in 1996 as the GMC Vandura's replacement, it's been made available as a three-door or four-door van... View more and can optionally seat seven to 15 passengers. Savanas house a variety of V-6 and V-8 engines, such as the the 4.3-liter Vortec 4300/LU3 V-6 and the 8.1-liter Vortec 8100/L18 V-8, plus two innovative flex-fuel engines and a diesel option. They have 31-gallon tanks and the expected mediocre fuel economy for vehicles their size: the 1500 RWD and AWD models, which are more fuel efficient than the 2500 and 3500 RWD models, get 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway when equipped with a Vortec 5.3-liter V-8. Horsepower is up to 323 on the current passenger models.
The GMC Savana's design remained relatively constant from 1996 until 2003. General Motors then outfitted the vans with updated sheet metal and added a choice of LS engines. Also, as of the 2004 model year, all passenger van GMC Savanas have been outfitted with a special stability control system. Side top airbags were added in 2008.
GMC Savanas, like other work vans, are typically ordered with white exteriors. Still, they're offered in more than GMC's Summit White: Fire Red, Pure Silver Metallic, and Polo Green are some eye-catching options. Special features on the rather basic cargo vans include lock-out prevention, remote keyless entry, and a remote starter system. Passenger models are offered with upscale interior features such as Bluetooth, XM radio, deluxe consoles, and auxiliary heaters.
Some of the many safety features on the GMC Savana include airbags, anti-lock brakes, three-layered glass to reduce the risk of shattering, a StabiliTrak system, OnStar assistance, a panic button, and theft deterrence. In 2010 IntelliChoice named the Savana 1500 LS Passenger Wagon a Best Overall Value". View less
