1997 GMC Savana Cargo Review
1997 GMC Savana Cargo Review
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Pros
- Fresh design, wide rear cargo doors, dual airbags, powerful optional engines
Cons
- Intrusive engine cover, odd taillight design, still not as slick as Ford Econoline
What’s new
G3500 models get dual airbags, while daytime running lights are a new standard feature. Speed-sensitive steering reduces effort at low speeds. Remote keyless entry key fobs are redesigned, and automatic transmissions provide better fuel economy and smoother shifts.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 GMC Savana Cargo G3500 3dr Van and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Savana Cargo G3500
Savana Cargo G3500
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Believe it or not, it had been 25 years since GM redesigned its full-size van lineup when the Savana arrived in small numbers for 1996. The GMC Rally Van and Vandura were introduced in 1971, and sold steadily until recently. Competition and safety regulations forced GM to redo the big vans -- heck, since 1971 Ford had re-engineered the Club Wagon and Econoline twice! To distinguish the new design, GMC rebadged the van Savana.
The Savana Cargo features flush glass and door handles, hidden door hinges, standard antilock brakes and dual airbags. Front foot and legroom are adequate, and front seats offer a wide range of fore and aft travel. The center console contains two cupholders, an auxiliary power outlet, and storage for items like CDs and cassettes.
New for 1997 is speed-sensitive power steering that lowers parking effort at low speeds. G3500 models receive dual front airbags, and daytime running lights make this huge hauler even more conspicuous to other motorists. Automatic transmission refinements result in better fuel economy and smoother shifts.
Buyers may select either a 135-inch or a 155-inch wheelbase. Inside the short-wheelbase Savana you'll find 267 cubic feet of cargo area, while the longer-wheelbase model provides a whopping 317 cubic feet of volume. Hinged rear doors open 180 degrees for easy loading, and do not conceal high-mounted taillights when opened up. Gross vehicle weight ratings of up 9,500 pounds are available on either wheelbase.
The base engine is a Vortec 4300 V6 making 200 horsepower. Optional motors include the new GM family of V8's, ranging from the popular Vortec 5000 to the monster Vortec 7400. Also available is a turbodiesel V8 good for 190 horsepower and 385 stump-pulling pound-feet of torque.
Like most new product in showrooms these days, the Savana's styling is rounded and bulbous, with a front end that mimics the corporate look carried by most of GM's truck family. This design should wear well into the next century.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 GMC Savana Cargo.
5 star(0%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(100%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
1 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
2.88 out of 5 stars
GMC Savana
Unsatisfied, 01/14/2003
1996 GMC Savana Cargo G1500 3dr Van
I was very excited to purchase this
vehicle but my excitement didn't last
long. After 5000 miles I began to have
doubts about fit and finish quality
(many rattles,wind noise,bad knobs).
The fuel pump failed after 30000
miles. Rotors were poor quality and
had to be replaced after 50000 miles.
I've never had problems like these
with any vehicle before. Transmission …
went after 80000 miles. Most of all I
didn't get the impression that anyone
at GMC was concerned as long as they
had their money. I was fooled into
buying from this company once but it
won't happen again.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 GMC Savana Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana Cargo since its last redesign.
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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