Background: There is nothing mini about GMC's Savana. This is one huge van both inside and out. If the name sounds unfamiliar, there's a good reason. GMC, the truck division of General Motors, renamed and completely redesigned the full-sized van in 1996. Prior to this time, it went under the Rally Van (passenger version) and Vandura (cargo version) namesakes. Both cargo and passenger carriers now share the same Savana name. The 1996 redesign was a long time coming. It marked the first overhaul since the vehicle's 1971 introduction. General Motors assembles Savana in Wentzville, Mo. Competitors include Ford's Econoline and Club Wagon.
New for '97: Cooling and climate control system improvements, passenger-side air bags in all trim levels, daytime running lamps, new exterior color choices and speed sensitive power steering, which makes it easier to maneuver the steering wheel at lower speeds, top the list of what's new in Savana for 1997.
Trim levels: Savana is available in many mix and match combinations. There are two wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) lengths: 135 inch and 155 inch. Three cargo/towing choices include: 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (one ton). Trim levels include SL and up-level SLE.
Price: Although this vehicle is huge, the price is relatively small when compared with what's on the road. Our Savana 1500 SLE passenger van had a bottom line of $28,590 including popular options and a $615 destination charge. Heck, last week's four-seat Mustang Cobra test drive vehicle had a bottom line of $27,390. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices for Savana passenger vans break down as follows: 1500 regular length (our test-drive van): $22,334; 2500 regular-length: $24,860; 2500 extended length: $25,720; 3500 regular length: $25,020; 3500 extended length: $25,920. No extended wheelbase length is available in 1500 editions.
Safety features: Dual air bags are now standard as are anti-lock brakes, energy-absorbing steering column, daytime running lamps side-door guard beams for both front and side doors and rear-door child-safety locks. Remote keyless entry is available only in SLE trim levels. Traction control is not offered.
Standard equipment: Front air conditioning, intermittent windshield wipers, four-speed automatic transmission, light-tinted windows, AM/FM stereo with digital clock and eight passenger seating all are standard.
Optional equipment: Options in both SL and SLE trim levels include: chrome or aluminum wheels, compact disc player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear heater and air conditioner, six-way power front seats and power radio antenna. Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power window and locks and lighted vanity mirrors are standard in SLE and optional in SL.
Interior: Two captain's chairs occupy the front row in all Savana offerings. Cloth seats are standard in SLE and optional in SE trim levels. Vinyl seats come standard in SL editions. Although eight-passenger seating is standard (two rear bench seats holding three riders), Savana seats up to fifteen (four rear bench seats) when properly equipped. A large isle between the front captain's chairs makes maneuvering into the back area easy. Our rear seats did not sit on tracks so legroom in back could not be tailored to passenger's preference. Since the automatic transmission gear shift is found on the steering column, the center area between the front seats is open. Here you'll find two supersized, permanently-molded cupholders; an area to store loose change; an ash tray; cigarette lighter and a second power outlet for portable phone or other electronic equipment. The large glovebox is also located in the center. Temperature, fan speed and direction monitor from three large, easy to grab dials. Stereo preset buttons are large and easy to find while driving. Headlights switch on from a dial left of the steering wheel. Cruise control monitors from the turn signal stalk. Riders seated in the middle row can take advantage of the optional temperature controls in their neck of the woods. Since drivers sit high up in captain's chairs, the front view is great. However, a relatively small rear view mirror coupled with small rear door windows and headrests blocks a great deal of rear view perception. Views on the driver's side are compromised too. The large side-view mirrors come in handy when switching lanes.
Exterior: The rectangular-shape and tinted windows create a pleasant looking exterior. The front end is very short and angled. In fact, from the front captain's chair, you can barely see the slopped hood. Both the two side doors and two rear doors swing out, creating a huge, wide open space to jump in Savana, or load cargo. The rear doors swing open a full 165 degrees. Most "minivans" have sliding side doors. There are no doors on the driver's side. The optional power antenna was found on the passenger-side fender. New color choices this model year include Silvermist, Medium Suede and Madrid Red. All-season, 15-inch steel belted tires are standard in the 1500 Series. Sixteen-inch tires are standard fare in 2500 and 3500 Series.
Dimensions: (1500 Series) Wheelbase: 135 inches Height: 80.7 inches Width: 79.2 inches Curb weight: 5,075.4 lbs. Towing capacity: 6,000 lbs. Cargo volume (with rear seats removed): 267.3 cubic feet
Engines: Our test-drive Savana featured an optional, Vortec 5000 V-8 engine delivering 230 horsepower. Standard in the 1500 Series is the Vortec 4300 V-6 engine with 200 horsepower. Also available in the 1500 Series is the Vortec 5700 V-8 with 245 horsepower. This is the standard engine in 2500 and 3500 passenger vans. For even more power, 3500-Series passenger van purchesers can opt for the Vortec 7400V-8 with 290 horsepower. A 6.5 liter turo-diesel V-8 is optional in all Savanas.
Fuel economy: Advancements with the automatic transmission resulted in improved fuel economy. Still, fuel gas mileage is nothing to write home about. Savana averages 14 miles per gallon around town, and 18 mpg on the highway with the Vortec 5000 V-8 engine. The diesel engine provides better fuel estimates. The gas tank is as huge as the vehicle itself, holding 31 gallons of unleaded gas. The fuel tank door does not lock.
Final thoughts: Even though this is a behemoth-sized vehicle, speed-sensitive steering and surprisingly smooth handling makes maneuvering this van a breeze. You really don't feel like your driving a truck until you look in the rear view or side-view mirrors, or try to parallel park. Functions like temperature settings and radio controls are car like and very driver friendly. Rear-wheel drive enhances towing capacity. |